OUR MISSION
Joli Vyann are a performance company that present an innovative fusion of circus, dance and theatre - blurring the boundaries of dance and circus skills.
Through the use of acrobatic tricks, fluid choreography and inventive characters, Joli Vyann endeavour to create storylines that draw in their audiences, firing their imaginations. This combination of surprise and enchanting physical journeys seeks to make Joli Vyann’s work accessible to new and diverse audiences.
ABOUT US
Joli Vyann are a South West England dance circus company directed by Olivia Quayle and Jan Patzke, their work challenges audiences with new innovative ways of integrating dance and circus, blending the two genres and enveloping it in theatrical scenarios, character and intention. Joli Vyann’s work is athletic, technical, exciting, emotive, sensitive and relevant.
Since the company’s inception in 2012, they’ve created 4 outdoor shows and 2 indoor shows, all touring extensively. Joli Vyann’s 1st indoor show, Stateless, premiered to sell-out audiences at London International Mime Festival in 2015 and has since toured internationally. In 2015, Joli Vyann were awarded the Pavilion Dance South West’s ‘Shift & Share’ commission to make Imbalance, a collaboration with renowned choreographer Jonathan Lunn. Imbalance had a successful full month run at Underbelly’s Circus Hub Edinburgh Fringe 2016 and went on to sell out 4 nights at Sadler’s Wells as part of The London International Festival 2017.
Joli Vyann’s outdoor shows have also been extremely successful. Lance Moi En L’Air was commissioned by Without Walls in 2016 and toured all over the world including 2 trips to South Korea.
With Joli Vyann’s inclusive ethos they teach masterclasses and workshops internationally. They have taught professionals, beginners, specialist arts schools, integrated companies, refugees, community groups for challenging teenagers and recovering drug addicts and alcoholics.
OLIVIA QUAYLE
Olivia trained and competed in artistic gymnastics for 15 years and then made a natural transition into dance. She graduated with a BA Hons degree in Sports Science, Dance and English Literature from Loughbough University. Olivia went on to complete her professional dance training at Bodywork Company Dance studios, followed by professional development training at Iwanson, Munich and ODT, San Francisco. Olivia has worked with contemporary dance choreographers and companies all over the world including Slanjayvah Danza, Strado Compagne Danza, Maresa von Stockert, Fleur Darkin, Gobbledegook and Motionhouse. She was with Motionhouse for over 4 years and toured internationally with them. Olivia has also worked with large international circus companies Dragone and Legs on the Wall, as a dancer, acrobat and aerialist as well as for the Wexford Opera Festival and the Opera Tosca at The Royal Albert Hall.
JAN PATZKE
Jan started with martial arts at the age of 10 and continued his training in different styles for 15 years. After some experiences in the stuntman business (Status Yo, 66-67) he made his way into circus and sports acrobatics. He participated in several national and international competitions. He furthered his training in circus schools in Berlin, Chambery (France) and Lille/ Lomme (France), as a base in hand to hand, cyr wheel, juggling, acrobatics and other circus skills. After circus school he worked with the duo Jan und Felix in different cabarets in Germany and Europe like: Traumtheater Salome, Balagan, GOP, Krystallpalast and others. He also participated in several operas: Aida and Elisir d’amore ( Staatsoper Berlin) and Armida ( Komische Oper/ Berlin), Wexford Opera Festival, and in the Theatre production of Macbeth in "Die Schaubühne“. From February 2010 he toured Europe with the Belgian company Cirq’ulation locale in the trampoline show Trampoline mission 3 and the indoor show, Second Life.
SPECIAL THANKS
Joli Vyann could not do all the work they do without the loyalty and support of their audiences and fellow industry colleagues.
They are currently @HOME company at The Point and Associate Artists at DEDA and Dream Artists at Pavilion Dance South West. The company are regualarly supported by Arts Council England, Seachange Arts, Circomedia, National Centre for Circus Arts, Lighthouse Poole, Shoreditch Town Hall, Bristol Old Vic Ferment, The Albany and Counterpoint Arts.
“PUSHES ASIDE THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN ACROBATICS AND DANCE WITH INTELLIGENCE AND IMPRESSIVE SKILL.”
The Guardian
“THEIR MIX OF DANCE, ACROBATICS AND THEATRE IS BREATHTAKING.”
Parliament of Dreams
“FUSES DANCE, ACROBATICS AND CIRCUS”
The Reviews Hub
“LYRICAL AND COMPELLINGLY LACED WITH GENTLE IRONY AND A DARKER SIDE”
The Stage
“THE RISK FACTOR IS HIGH AND THE STORY IS TOLD TO EMOTIONALLY CHARGED EFFECT.”
Exeunt Magazine
“THE EXPANSIVE THROWING AND CATCHING OF BODIES WAS SEAMLESSLY INTERSPERSED WITHIN THE DANCING.”
Total Theatre