The Handstand Press

Mini HSP: Meet Nicole

Words: Nicole Martres ()
Pictures: Nicole Martres by Pau Miralles Fernandez ()

Nicole Martres is a circus performer and teacher, specialised in handstands, contortion and hair hanging. Originally from Argentinia, she started her practice in Buenos Aires, and later moved to France to pursue a deeper specialization in handstands and contortion.

HSP: How did handstands become such an important part of your practice?

Nicole: It was a gradual process, from the initial discovery of handstands to practicing them as a hobby, until I realized that I wanted handstands to be a lifelong pursuit. Therefore, there was no better option for me than to make it my profession and fully dedicate myself to it.
Now, handstands are an integral part of my life. I train regularly, perform as an artist, and whenever time and travel permit, I share my knowledge by teaching others. Sharing this discipline inspires me a lot.

HSP: How have handstands shaped your life?
Nicole: if you want to see progress in handstands, you can't abandon them. They require commitment, perseverance and discipline. Sometimes you have to shape your life around it. But if you enjoy the practice, there's nothing better than having time to immerse yourself in it. Also, you need nothing more than your hands…

HSP: What’s the best handstand advice or tip you’ve been given?

Nicole: Summing up a single advice or tip in handstands sounds ironic. It's funny, when you start, you have to think about literally everything. However, once you teach your body the awareness it needs, it knows so much that it can dissociate all the knowledge incredibly well. The best tip in this process was "Don't overthink."
Handstands are also a mental discipline; small changes in your mind can change more than you think. The body is very intelligent. Overthinking sometimes doesn't let it function as it should, and leads to more confusion and frustration in your training.

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Coming back from our first residency in Cnac, the teams of Yana, Dynamo and The Handstand Press are full of inspiration for an upcoming collaboration!
Something is in the making...We are happy about those days of exchanging and reflecting on potentials & limits of indendent press in contemporary circus!