Meet Clare Brincat | Hula Hoop and Roller Skating performer and Architect

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

Hi Clare, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always felt energetic through creative pursuits from a young age. I love to produce and absorb creativity at every moment of my day. I have formally trained as an architect as well as a rollerskating, hula hooping performer. These seem like polar opposite careers, but in fact they inform each other regularly. Skills I learn from each discipline can be surprisingly applied to the other – and I feel that one can never surpass importance of the other or I will lack fulfilment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

It’s quite unusual when I tell people that I hula hoop for a living. Most people naturally think it’s my hobby, and even then they find it strange – but there is so much that goes into it as a career. It takes a lot of organising and admin just to get through what makes sense as your next business move, as well as an understanding of what you want to project as your brand.

Regular training is most definitely the key to it. It is important to keep on top of your skill and continue to develop it as you grow as a performer. There are always things you can continue working on, so I am always finding ways to improve and challenge myself.

My day job is that of an Architect. It is hard to find the perfect work-life balance (or should I say work-work) as I spend all the hours I am not doing architecture, doing hoop-related work. I’m at my limit most of the time but I also have this fear that if I ever had to stop for a second I would flat line, so I’d rather keep moving.

I think in general with whatever you choose to do, you rarely ever start being great at it, but as long as you have an ignited energy for it then you should persist. If you are willing to work hard enough at it then you can achieve experiences you would have otherwise thought impossible. If I could make hula hooping work – anyone can make anything work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I have lived in London for the last 11 years, and every day it shows me new things. If you were to visit me I would definitely pray it was a sunny clear day and then take you to one of the many beautiful parks. I LOVE being outdoors. Apart from it being completely relaxing it is such an inexpensive way of having a lovely, fulfilling, full day. I would make sure I’d give you a set of wheels of your choice – mine being roller skates – and we’d spend the day zipping around, playing and drinking iced coffees – maybe we’d hit the skate park.

Then I’d have to take you to Kaffa Coffee in Dalston, run by the Majorettes’ Family Friend, Markos. Kaffa is home! We can turn up at any time of day (or night!) and we will be welcomed with good food, music and people. Whether you want to chill, dance, let off some steam – it is the perfect place.

I’d definitely suggest that we go to one of the many amazing cabarets happening on any given night. The city is home to the best creative acts that will blow your mind.

And lastly, I’d take you partying into the night. We are spoilt for choice with amazing parties in this city that leave you beaming for weeks after you’ve attended them. You have to know where to go! But once you do – you’ve won the lottery of life!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There is no way I can tell my story without shouting out Marawa and the Majorettes. The Majorettes are a troupe of extremely interesting performers, who not only inspire me in my hula hooping skills and adventures, but also in how I approach my every day life to get the best out of it. They are led by Marawa, a world renowned performer who created the group and has led it for the last 10 years. We have grown up with each other and have supported each other through many life changing events and experiences.

I would also like to shout out the creative people I consistently surround myself with both in London and Malta, for example my best friend Saz Mifsud, a silk print designer and entrepreneur who recommended me for this interview and Amazi, my other best friend and performance and business partner who does incredible things with every hour of her life.

Website: archihooper.com , majorettes.online

Instagram: @archihooper, @themajorettes

Youtube: archihooper

Image Credits
All white background photos: Julia Frendo Photo with Older men in Malta: Maria X Galea Photo with Purple and blue background with Majorettes: Michaela Mallia Photo with Light up hoops and blue costumes: Aaron Hargreaves