About me
Hi, I’m Michelle, Shell, Shelly Savage (whichever one you can remember, I don’t mind).
I grew up in the suburbs of America, studying art and photography, before quite literally running away with the circus. I spent the next 20+ years travelling the world and learning from the “school of life,” performing a wide variety of skills. As I developed my craft, I went from doing street shows to cabaret stages, festivals, and large-scale touring productions. I later expanded my creative practice by becoming an AcroYoga teacher and, more recently, a personal trainer.
I am someone who is always learning, playing, and seeking joy; this has shaped my approach to fitness and life.
I believe that movement is medicine, creativity fuels growth, and connection strengthens us. I’m striving to keep personal human connection alive in a modern world that can so often feel isolating. I’m passionate about helping people feel strong, confident, seen, supported, and empowered.
I live in a circus wagon and love cats, colours, and crockery.
Based in Backwell / Bristol, North Somerset UK
Qualifications
YMCA Level 2 Instruction Kettlebell Training
YMCA Level 3 Personal Training
YMCA Level 2 Gym Instructing
Paper Doll Militia Level 1 Aerial Rope Teacher Training
Circus Works, Inclusion & Diversity in Circus
Partner Acrobatics 175hr Teacher Training
First Aid at Work Qualification
Circus
As a self-taught, interdisciplinary circus artist, I’ve built a wide-ranging skill set including aerial on various apparatuses, lollipop hoop, partner acro balance, and character walkabouts such as stilt-walking, rollerskating, fire dancing, and physical theatre.
I was a founding performer and core creative member of The Invisible Circus and Artspace Lifespace. Meeting the Invisible Circus was the start of everything, beginning as a living statue street performer, learning to stilt walk and fire dance, then discovering partner acro balance and aerial. From taking over unused buildings to create huge immersive, site-specific shows like the iconic Carny Ville at The Island in Bristol, to performing in high-end circus theatre productions at the Bristol Old Vic, the journey has been wild and ever-evolving. My path has taken me from busking in tourist beach bars in Costa Rica and Thailand, to road-tripping across America to perform at Burning Man, to the dazzling lights of the Glastonbury Big Top.
Circus life has brought an incredible range of experiences, from crafting my own costumes and acts, both solo and as a duo with Cirque Da Purr, to collaborating on large-scale productions, to performing at events of every kind: Christmas parties, shopping malls, town centres, private events, festivals, and cabaret tents. I also created The Invisible Photo Booth, an interactive pop-up combining photography, costume, and set design. I was part of devising and creating the epic Arcadia Spider shows, which later grew into a world tour. I’ve performed everywhere from tiny cabaret tents in Boomtown’s early days to leaping across the main stage towers during the opening ceremony in front of 70,000 people.
I’ve always been driven by curiosity and a desire to learn, picking up new skills for new gigs, endlessly attending workshops, and constantly exploring new movement, performance, and creative skills.
Acro yoga
AcroYoga is a movement practice that blends the balance and connection of yoga with the energy and playfulness of acrobatics. For me, it’s the culmination of trust, communication, strength, power, and patience.
I enjoy practicing and teaching a variety of L-basing, standing acro, and handstands.
This practice is inclusive and designed for everyone, no matter your age, size, skill, or fitness level. I value creating a space where people feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed, and I aim to make my teaching accessible to all.
Keep an eye out on socials for upcoming workshops and/or classes. Also available for private 1-1 sessions.





