11/13/2015
FEATURE FRIDAY!!
Every Friday we will feature one of our cast members here on our page. This is a great way for our clients and fans to get to know more about the talented and creative cast brings the magic of ECLIPSE to the stage.
This week we are featuring Ben "Windu" Sayles. Windu is an amazing talent and an incredible human-being. We are blessed to have been working with him for over 8 years and wouldn't be where we are today as a performance group without his creativity, dedication and talent.
Wind graduated with honors from CSU Northridge in 2008 with a special major in Dance & Creative Arts Management. He began performing in 2006 with AirAligned in Nor Cal. In 2007, he formed a break dance crew (RHYTUM -n- AIR) & put on his own aerial & acro show at the Nor Cal Ren Faire. Only a week after graduating from CSUN, Windu joined DIAVOLO's world-touring dance company (choreographer/director: Jacques Heim, the choreographer for Cirque du Soleil's KA). Since 2009, Windu has worked freelance with smaller & local companies such as LUX AETERNA (ballet/break/contemporary dance), TROUPE VERTIGO (circus & shadow art) ECLIPSE (Shadow and motion graphics performing arts) & MOTION/TRIBE (contemporary ballet). Windu currently has an ongoing gig performing as the aerial (green) pirate at PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE in Buena Park, CA.
Q/A
1. Where are you from originally? Born in Vicenza, Italy.
2. When did you start performing and how long have you been performing professionally? First time on stage was in Spring of 2006, first paid performance in August 2006.
3. What was your most memorable moment on stage, good or bad? First job off stage, as entertainment for a party, I became tangled in the aerial silks I was performing in because I was wearing clothes for break dancing (I was also with a b-boy group as part of an earlier set and didn't think to change clothes). Another performer had to get me down. Probably the worst, but definitely the most memorable.
4. What's your favorite type of food? Gluten-free, chemical-free.
What's your favorite movie? There are way too many good ones, but The Usual Suspects in forefront in my mind right now.
5. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Freedom of movement and using the human body in awe-inspiring ways.
6. What would you sing at Karaoke night? Something by Bloodhound Gang, or maybe a rap artist - no singing for me.
7. If you had a warning label, what would yours say? Truth hurts; beware the bluntness.
8. Who is your hero in life? My dad.
9. What is your advice to others who are wanting to get into the entertainment business as a dancer/acrobat/performer? Do because you love it, and stay true to that which you love. Keep finding that which inspires you - this isn't a career choice for money or fame.