With her impressive act, Melody Nolan managed to leave the other nominees behind and convince the jury. Melody received a cheque of 5000 Euros and will be given the opportunity to further develop her act into a full performance. In addition, she gets to show her act during the first Circusstad festival gala in May 2022 in het Nieuwe Luxor theater in Rotterdam.

Since 2012, the award goes to the most talented graduating act of the past year. The nominated acts stand out for their original, innovative approach to their discipline and excellent technical skills. Raff Pringuet, who also got his Bachelor’s Degree in Circus Arts a few months ago, was one of the other nominees.

The final winner was chosen by a professional jury that this year consisted of Hanneke Meijers (director/board member Tent Circustheater productions), Jonas van Soom (artistic staff Festival Cirkl / Cirklabo Leuven Belgium), Arlette Hanson (Director Arlette Hanson Wintercircus / board member Circuspunt) and Marc Eysink Smeets (director/board member Festival Circolo – board member Circuspunt).

From the jury report: “Melody has developed a wonderful movement language of her own that is highly original within her discipline. The exploration of the human body makes every movement necessary and meaningful. In addition, the chosen soundbed contributes to the intensity of the performance. Where the discipline can sometimes be static, Melody knows how to make this dynamic in her act through her use of space and the very fluent choreography”.