They say Fatu Hiva’s Hanave Bay is the world’s most beautiful anchorage.  

Our first view of this wild island paradise was striking. Spectacular volcanic columns towered above lush tropical vegetation, growing exponentially taller as we approached the protected little bay at their base. Wild goats teetered from the cliff edges, welcoming us to this incredible, fruit-filled land that would become our home for the next month.

After a sunset aerial silks session on the sailboat, we received an invite from a fellow boater to a slackfline session on shore. I joyfully accepted, arriving with hula hoops, yoga mats, juggling balls and flow toys for all. Circus and yoga playtime and conversations ensued, and it was soon decided we should make a circus performance together in the local village!

We brainstormed a storyline, and one of our new, brilliantly creative French friends put pen to paper and eloquently organized our ideas into a wonderfully written children’s story, in French. We presented the concept to the local school, and the head teacher enthusiastically accepted our proposal.

We held 2 workshops with the kids, leading up to the show. We played games, did yoga and acroyoga, connected, and planned out our performance. It was challenging not speaking a word of French, but the children were eager to understand, and our French speaking team-mates skillfully commentated as we went.

The performance was scheduled for late afternoon, but island time arrivals saw us starting after sunset. The experience was more wonderful than I could have possibly imagined. Our interactive story about a fisherman learning about the magic of the ocean came to life, with a fisherman clown, aerial silks mermaid, hooping dolphins, an acrobatic shark, a juggling turtle, fire twirlers, laser lights, and plenty of squeals of excitement from our adorable audience. The highlight by far though was the song and poem the children shared during the show with us.  

We invited all the sail boats in the anchorage to come along and watch the show, and to bring along anything they might want to trade with local community. 

After the joyous collaborative creation, we had an exchange between the islanders and the sailing community. School items, clothing, fishing gear, ropes, a water filter and all sorts of goodies were exchange for plump pomplamouse, bunches of bananas, coconuts, papaya, citrus, custard apple and other delicious tropical fruits.

It was a huge, heart-filling circus success and we can't wait to do it again!  I dream of inviting you all to a far off island someday to experience the magic yourself.  Who's in?!