What is it about circus that's so mysterious, exciting, euphoria-inducing, scary and somehow poetic at the same time? Is it the after dark performances, is it the characters portrayed, the costumes or the routines? The element of danger, the feeling of naughtiness and pushing boundaries? It might as well be all of these things, collectively casting a spell that's always fascinated my photographic senses.

After previously performing their 'Twilight Circus' show for the same festival in 2014, AirCraft Circus returned to Canary Wharf for 2015's Spiegeltent with their brand-new 'Boudoir Circus', and I was delighted with the opportunity to professionally photograph these guys.

Just in case you're wondering, AirCraft Circus is not your traditional circus with clowns or animal acts. Instead they incorporate elements that place them in the 'new circus' movement, restoring the circus's image as a performing art. With highly creative shows, modern staging, lighting and musical accompaniment and a new generation of highly trained performers, their live shows abound in strong visuals and photo-worthy moments.

The ‘Mirror Tent’ with its sparkling interior and super festive vibe, seemed like the ideal setting for a jaw-dropping, eye-popping, heart-racing programme of real amazingness, from contortion to juggling to aerial hoops, chains and silks acts, fire breathers and acrobatic balance performances. By adding some essential elements of theatre and cabaret as well, they offered a sexy twist to a regular circus show.

Have I stirred your curiosity? Then have a look at my work below.