Category Archives: What’s New!

Circus Lessons in Nanaimo!

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Vesta Entertainment is SO excited to be able to offer ongoing circus lessons in Nanaimo for both children AND adults!! Circus makes you smarter, more creative and innovative by fostering right/left brain integration and promoting coordination. Not to mention its an amazing workout!

Who: Kids 8-12 years old, 10 – 11 AM. SUNDAYS

Teen/Adults- 11-12:30 pm SUNDAYS 15$ registered, 20$ drop in.

Where: Nanaimo Gymnastics School, 1975 Bollinger Road, Nanaimo BC.

What: Prop manipulation and Circus skills! Don’t be a one trick pony- come learn how to spin ALL the things- poi, staff, hoop dance, rope dart, juggle, contact juggle, stilting, unicycling, and more! Stage presence, character work, movement and choreography will also be explored. Circus is a non-competitive, creative sport that provides the basics of rhythmic gymnastics prop work.

Our children’s class is an ongoing registered program, and we are currently accepting drop ins for our adult/teen lessons from 11-12:30 every Sunday. Come brush up on your technique, or try out a new prop! If you are interested in performing, we often recruit new troupe members from our students. Come Play With Us!

Register Now!

Halloween Fire Show in Lantzville- Oct 17th!

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Pirate Doublestaff skull

Dare you defy the fiery kiss of DEATH?

Secrets of the BONE-fire!

Join VestaFire in a fiery celebration of eerie myth and magic. The veil between worlds is thin, and Death is drawing near.. who will win in the epic battle between Darkness and Light?


Bundle up the kids and come get into the spooky spirit. As this is at a private residence, please bring chairs, and, if you wish, a carved pumpkin to contribute to our stage ambiance. Baked goods and hot chocolate will be available from the concession.

Date: Friday Oct 17th, start at 7:00.
Cost: $10 per person or $25 for a family. Tickets at the door.
Where: 7026 Arbutus Cres, Lantzville BC
For further information: 250-816-5545

This is the annual Halloween fundraising show for Vesta, Nanaimo’s contemporary circus and fire performance troupe. Funds raised assist with the rental of our winter practice studio.

Vesta is internationally acclaimed, performing internationally with tours of both Asia and the USA. Their spectacular fire shows have been the highlight of many local events such as the VIEX and Winterfest. Vesta also runs summer camps, and teaches ongoing circus lessons for kids and adults at Nanaimo Gymnastics School. They are funded via ArtStarts in Schools as ‘artist in residence’ to teach and perform in schools- this year teaching grade 2’s and 4’s at Coal Tyee Elementary.

Please share this event with your friends, family and networks! Thank you for your support of Arts and Culture in your community!

VestaFire: Fireworks and Flame Effects Team

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Pyrotechnics and Flame Effects are the perfect way to augment and enhance our fire performance shows. They provide a spectacular backdrop for our larger corporate shows, or a well placed ‘punch’ to our smaller events.  Headed by Cam Bremner, the VestaFire pyrotechnic team is a solid crew of experienced technicians, who can design and implement a spectacular fireworks display to WOW your clients. Prices range depending on number of charges, type of effect, and size of show. Contact us now to discuss incorporating pyrotechnics into your festival or corporate event!

CAM

A graduate of BCIT’s Electronics Technologist program, Cam is a certified Display Fireworks Supervisor and Pyrotechnician with more than 5 years experience in pyrotechnics and fireworks, both large and small. He has 10 years experience with Burningman Emergency Services Department, and has been fireworks supervisor, lead and co-lead on many pyro projects for the Victoria KindleArts projects. Cam is also a member of Disaster Area, a Vancouver fire and arts collective. (BCIT 1997)

Terry on the ATV mobile Propane Cannon

Terry on the ATV mobile Propane Cannon

Terry is the visionary responsible for many of Vesta’s large scale flame effects. From propane cannons to CO2 blasters, Terry is always creating unique and fabulous crowd pleasers that add that special punch to any show.  He is also a  Pyrotechnician.

Pyro enhanced LED Hoop routine
Pyro Enhanced Fire routine
Fire Finale with Pyro enhancement
Large Pyro effects- Burn In The Forest, 2012
Planned Explosion, Burn In The Forest 2012
Logo Pilot Light for Propane Cannon
Propane Cannon with VF pilot light

Victoria Juggling and Flow Festival 2013

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VestaFire is so excited to be involved with the 2013 Victoria Juggling and Flow Festival: Good to the Last Drop! Jan 18-20 2013!

Workshops for all levels of flow artists! Renegade show! Gala Show! Local and international superstar talent!

We’re organizing the workshops- is there something you’re wanting to learn? Let us know! Is there something you want to teach? Let us know that too!

We’re also performing at the Gala show on Saturday evening- and you never know what’s going to happen at the 19+ Renegade show!

Check out the trailer video:

COME PLAY WITH US!

Circus Summer Camps in Nanaimo!

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VestaFire Entertainment is once again pleased to offer a number of Circus and Circus/Arts themed camps in Nanaimo this summer!

All Camps are for ages 8-13 yrs.

Summer Camps!

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Aug 7-Aug 10 2012, 1:00- 4:00 pm

Half Day Circus Fun Summer Camp – Reg number 108649 in the Nanaimo Parks and Recreation guide!

Description:  Run away and join the circus and still be home for dinner! This camp is perfect for the performer in your family. Children will learn to juggle, spin poi and staff, and hoop it up. We’ll also create costumes and learn some basic acrobatics. All supplies included.

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July  12th 2012 One Day Circus Fun “Taster”

Registration through Arts Alive!

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July 16-July 20th 2012 9:00 to 3:00 pm

Full day Circus Fun Summer Camp- Registration through Arts Alive!

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July 23-27 2012 10:00 am -3:00 pm

BRAVE GIRLS Summer Circus and Arts Camp
@ The VestaFire Glitter Cave

Drop in day rate available!

Register HERE: http://bravegirlsnanaimo.eventbrite.com

Miss Plume Bloom and Honey Bee (aka Sharmaine and Missy) present…

FUN and Magic for 5 full days!!!
Includes:
• Full nutritious Snacks prepared together each day
• Circus play including Stilts, Clowning and Acrobatics
• Crafting play exploring Art Journals, altered clothing, and more!
• Circle sharing encouraging bonding and celebrating each other’s uniqueness
• Daily Themes intended to support confidence, leadership and team building skills.
All materials and equipment are provided. Girls must bring their own bicycle helmets and knee pads.

The BRAVE GIRLS Program is a holistic experience designed to create a safe environment for girls to explore, nurture and celebrate their AWESOMENESS.

Full Tuition: a choice of $175, $200, or $225. Please choose the fee that is most in harmony with your family.

Register HERE: http://bravegirlsnanaimo.eventbrite.com

Upcoming VestaFire Circus Workshops!

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Spring has FINALLY arrived and it’s time to get out there and PLAY! Register now to avoid disappointment!

Come Play With Us!

Sat, May 14th, Aerial Excursion!

Adult $150.00

This all day excursion starts at 9 am. We’ll load up the van and head over to Saltspring Island to experience the world famous Saturday Market. We’ll enjoy an amazing catered vegetarian lunch, and then join Flying Dreams for a full 3 hour SEMI PRIVATE workshop. Silks, hoop, trapeze, and other amazing aerial apparatus will be your playground. Challenge yourself to do something completely different! We’ll have an amazing time- Come Play With Us!  We’ll be home before dinner.

http://vestafireadultaerialexcursion.eventbrite.com/

Register now to reserve your seat! COME PLAY WITH US!

Hoop Dance! Make your own COLLAPSIBLE Hoop!

May 15, 3:00 to 5:00,

Unitarian Hall, 595 Townsite road, Nanaimo

Eager to hoop at festivals this summer, but daunted at the logisitics of packing your full sized hoop around? Join Hoop dancer Amie to create and decorate your own collapsible hoop! This hoop twists into a half sized loop, making it ideal to take on the go. After we’ve created our new props, we’ll fine tune some moves and learn some new tricks. You’ll be ready to SPIN the summer away!

2 hour workshop, $45.00

http://vestafirecollapsiblehoop.eventbrite.com/

Multi level Stilting workshop- Intro to stilting, plus AcroStilt and StiltDance!

Sunday June 5th, 2:00- 4:00, Swy A Lana Lagoon. $50.00

Join Missy and Karina to explore or expand your stilting skills. Karina will assist you getting up and comfortable on stilts.  Those of you who are already able to walk without a spotter or wall, Missy will guide you through beginning acrobatic and stilt dance. Explore your space, levels, and learn different techniques for getting up and down, alone and with partners. You’ll also learn the basics of stilt costuming and props.
For this workshop, Beginners will share stilts and spotting, and intermediates will have their own set of stilts.
Bring your own stilts. There are a *limited* number of practice stilts available- register early to reserve a set. Both New and a limited number of refurbished used Stilts will be available for PRE-ORDER purchase.
You also must bring your own set of hard shelled knee pads, and comfortable lace up shoes. Dress for movement, and bring a water bottle!
If under 19, you must bring a helmet as well.

COME PLAY WITH US!
http://stiltwithvestafire.eventbrite.com/

Upcoming Stilting Workshop!

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Multi level Stilting workshop- Intro to stilting, plus AcroStilt and StiltDance!

Sunday June 5th, 2:00- 4:00, Swy-A-Lana Lagoon. $50.00

Join Missy and Karina to explore or expand your stilting skills. Karina will assist you getting up and comfortable on stilts.  Those of you who are already able to walk without a spotter or wall, Missy will guide you through beginning acrobatic and stilt dance. Explore your space, levels, and learn different techniques for getting up and down, alone and with partners. You’ll also learn the basics of stilt costuming and props.
For this workshop, Beginners will share stilts and spotting, and intermediates will have their own set of stilts.
Bring your own stilts. There are a *limited* number of practice stilts available- register early to reserve a set. Both New and a limited number of refurbished used Stilts will be available for PRE-ORDER purchase.
You also must bring your own set of hard shelled knee pads, and comfortable lace up shoes. Dress for movement, and bring a water bottle!
If under 19, you must bring a helmet as well.

COME PLAY WITH US!

To register, click here: http://stiltwithvestafire.eventbrite.com/

Upcoming Aerial Workshop!

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Sat, May 14th, Aerial Excursion!

Adult $150.00

This ALL DAY excursion starts at 9 am. We’ll load up the van and head over to Saltspring Island to experience the world famous Saturday Market. We’ll enjoy an amazing catered vegetarian lunch, and then join Flying Dreams for a full 3 hour SEMI PRIVATE workshop. Silks, hoop, trapeze, and other amazing aerial apparatus will be your playground. Challenge yourself to do something completely different! Perfect for people who practice Yoga, Pole Dancing, or Gymnastics- a fun way to build on the strength and skills you already have. We’ll have an amazing time- Come Play With Us!  We’ll be home before dinner.

Register now to reserve your seat!

Aerial Excursion

MyReadingTree.com profile

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I’m profiled on the school district’s literacy website:

http://myreadingtree.com/stories/overview.aspx?id=38

Karina Strong is the creative mind behind VestaFire Entertainment, a circus performance troupe out of Nanaimo BC.  Not only does she run Vestafire, but she performs too! She has a degree in Social Work and is trained in workshop facilitation and community development. She teaches Circus in the Nanaimo and surrounding area and she loves working with people of all ages, abilities, health challenges – really anyone who dreams of running away to the circus. Karina is a mother of two, she plays with poi, staff, and flow wand.  She began VestaFire Entertainment as a way to share her knowledge with others in order to create joyful community.

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