Meet Dallys Newton | Circus Performer, Coach, and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dallys Newton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dallys, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I decided to pursue a creative career because I love to be creative. As a kid I loved dance, sports, and cheer. In high school I decided I wanted to be a pharmacist for some reason. But when I was in college I noticed a lot of adults who had the things I was aiming for, were not happy. I decided if I was going to spend my life doing something for work, it should be something I actually enjoy. At this time my best friend Natale Szabo introduced me to hula-hooping, which I call my circus gateway drug. I had this ah-ha moment watching another hula-hooper and I remember thinking, “Wait a minute. That’s her JOB?!” After that I left school and started to pursue circus performance as a career. Best choice I ever made.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a circus performer isn’t like being a doctor or lawyer where there’s a set path you have to follow to be successful. I constantly feel like I’m making it up as I go, which is exciting and also disorienting at times. I’d say that was (and still is) one of the biggest challenges.

I basically kept putting myself around people who were doing what I wanted to be doing at a professional level. I kind of took them on as mentors. I would take classes from people I considered to be the best at what they do. When I worked gigs with other people I’d observe how things were managed, and ask questions about the booking process. I went back to school to take business classes.

I think what sets me a part from other circus folks is that I have a huge range of different skills, rather than one specialty. I do hula-hoops, stilts, clown, aerial, acro, unicycle, and MC. That gives me way more options as far as booking is concerned, and it also keeps it interesting for me. I also have a unique stage presence that I think really resonates with people, especially my clown character Dally.

I want the world to know that it’s important to play even (and especially!) as an adult. At the end of the day for me it’s all about having fun, making special moments, and encouraging people to play.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always make a point to take visitors to Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and the Observatory. Those spots are obligatory for first time LA visits. I like walking around Sante Alley to find toys, treasures, and costume pieces. Urth Cafe for a nice outdoor brunch. 2 Bit Circus is a fun bar to play games and have drinks. I love a circus theme. I also enjoy a good clown show. The Elysian has some great ones. Honestly, I still feel like I’m getting to know the city. I moved here just a couple months before lockdown so I know there’s lots more to explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First I want to shoutout Natale Szabo, the person who introduced me to hula-hooping. She’s the first person to put a hoop in my hands, has been my creative partner in crime for years, and continuously encourages me in my circus endeavors.

I also want to shoutout Marawa the Amazing. The first professional hooper I saw who is a Black woman. Seeing her hoop is a big part of what inspired me to peruse circus as a career. Shout out to my Portland circus mentors Shireen Press and Morgan Goldberg for teaching me so much.

Lastly, I’d like to shoutout anyone who has supported me by recommending me for opportunities, coming to my shows, and sending support along the way.

Website: https://dallyscircus.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/dallys.circus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dallysperformance

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HappyHulaHooper

Other: https://circusmaximus.pro/

Image Credits
Kimberlee Peterson Brandon Norwood Garth Mertenson Cody Augustine