Cowaramup performer set to join Cirque du Soleil tour

Elke Uhd was once a kid from Cowaramup with boundless spark and energy.

When Elke was eight, her Mum introduced her to Fatt Matt and Karnidale’s new circus school.

Training with Fatt Matt turned out to be the perfect way for Elke to harness her energy.

It wasn’t long before she realised that she had found her calling: Elke was to become a circus performer.

With discipline and practice, Elke grew from a wild girl performing at Karnidale to a graceful young woman on the international stage.

Now Elke has signed a contract which will take her travelling with Cirque du Soleil’s Echo tour.

Over her career Elke has specialised in dance trapeze, cabaret and, as seen in the 2025 Karnidale Circus posters, Elke also suspends from her ponytail, in a curious act called the ‘hair hang’.

The ‘hair hang’ is an old sideshow act which was revived during the pandemic, and involves tying up one’s hair with a metal ring, then dangling while performing a short scene.

Thought to have originated in China in the 1900s, this act would involve a group of cross-legged women, swinging peacefully while drinking tea in mid-air.

It’s a performance which makes the audience squirm, capturing their wonder and inviting the question: how does she do that?

Much of the technique of the ‘hair hang’ is a closely guarded secret.

For instance, each performer will braid and tie their hair differently, never giving away their formula.

During our interview, however, Elke did divulge a few details.

“It’s a real personal journey,” she explained.

There were times during training when Elke noticed that she was losing hair – her body’s way of warning her to ease back.

Elke shared that learning this act needs to be a slow process; one where discipline and respecting the limits of your body is integral.

When first trying the ‘hair hang’, Elke found that suspending for even ten seconds at a time was all the strain she could take, whereas now, she dangles with grace for nearly ten minutes.

Elke describes herself as highly strung, anxious and clumsy.

“I’m an aerialist who’s afraid of heights,” she admits.

While performing, however, her fear and anxiety fall away.

She becomes courageous, her movements beautifully fluid.

On stage is where Elke feels brave and able to share with her audience her most vulnerable self.

Suspended, Elke is herself at her very core.

There is wisdom in circus and the value it places on individual strengths. Elke says that, in circus, your act is informed by what you, as a unique person, can bring to the stage.

The audience is most moved by those performers who lean deeply into their authenticity.

For dreamy children (and adults) out there, Elke has words of encouragement.

“Stay true to yourself, to your desires and passions. Follow what you love… whatever that may be.”

The Karnidale Circus Festival will once again land in the purpose-built festival location in Karridale on January 17 and 18, where audiences of all ages will enjoy two days of international and Australian circus shows, cabaret, live music, DJs and workshops. Bars, food and market stalls will also be available.

Day and weekend passes are available now, for more information visit lunarcircus.com/the-festival-karnidale