Cast
Natalie Brown
Director, Delirium Tribal and Columbia Alternacirque
Natalie Brown grew up studying classical music and ballet as
she traveled the world with her military family. She met her
spiritual match, however, when she stumbled upon a Tribal
Bellydance Style class in New Orleans, LA in 2004. Natalie
soon became a N.o.madic Tribal company member. After
fleeing hurricane Katrina, Natalie found herself starting over
in Columbia, SC. With no tribal troupes or classes established
in the state of South Carolina, she founded Delirium Tribal
Bellydance Company in April of 2006 and Alternacirque
in August of 2007. She is a highly skilled and respected
instructor and performer with a reputation for
excellence.
Jessie Padgett
Jessie is a chicken farmer in Leesville by day, circus
performer in Columbia by night. She had ten years
of Cabaret bellydance experience under her belt
before she took on Tribal and became a founding
member of Delirium Tribal Bellydance Company.
She still explores her passion for Cabaret bellydance
with Columbia-area company Saidi Belles. Jessie also
crosstrains with yoga, aerobics and weight training,
and enjoys reading and traveling.
Catherine Blackwell Grey
It began in 1997 when Catherine saw a flyer on a
telephone pole for classes at a local studio. Upon
relocating to South Carolina from the west coast,
she continued her studies with local teachers learning
Egyptian cabaret and Turkish Rom. In 2006 she jumped
onto the tribal ship with Natalie and became a founding
member of Delirium. She is greatly inspired by the
camaraderie of Alternacirque and her family, friends, and fans.
Catherine loves to hang out with her husband and their two
dogs, and in her free time she travels the world. Her
adventures have led her to dancing with the Romani
in Rajasthan, India, and climbing the stairs of the Potala
Palace on the rooftop of the world in Lhasa, Tibet.
Maria Bargas Palacio
Maria is a mix of Spanish, Mexican and American
heritage. Born in Spain and trained in Flamenco,
Salsa, Merengue, Folkloric and Cabaret bellydancing,
and already a member of local cabaret fusion
troupe Saidi Belles, Maria became a permanent
company member of Delirium Tribal in February of
2007. She’s quickly become indispensable as a
dancer, costumer and choreographer for
Alternacirque.
Nate Addy
Nate Addy is a mischievous young soul who is unmatched
in his speed in picking up new techniques, or his unrestrained
zeal in achieving impossible feats the rest of us are too afraid
to even attempt (spinning poi between his legs and doing a
front somersault over it, for example). Nate specializes in
torch eating, poi and fire juggling, and until recently was
blowing things up in front of children with the Mad Scientist
tour. Nate has returned from his trek down the Appalachian
Trail, and is currently working as a soloist with Alternacirque.
Nick Dunn
Nick Dunn is a guy who loves being in front of an audience
and who will do pretty much anything to make them laugh.
At him, with him, it doesn’t matter as long as they’re entertained.
When he’s not making people laugh while acting onstage (or
offstage) he’s learning new fire eating tricks, or maybe he’s setting
his hands on fire to see how cool it looks; he’s found that setting
your body parts on fire is a good way to compensate for working a
desk job all day. Nick also writes, lifts weights, loves Rock Band
and has a one-eyed cat. He also has a very serious side that’s
just as intense as his silly side; watch long enough and you’ll
probably see it.
Kendal Turner
When Kendal Turner was little she wanted to grow up to be
either a unicorn or an actress. In her adult life that has translated
into a slam poet and cirque performer who daylights at an art
gallery. She is satisfied with the compromise. You can catch her
every Tuesday at VerseWorks Poetry Series and every 4th Friday
with Columbia Alternacirque both featuring at Art Bar. A life without
art is a lonely existence. Kendal is attempting to make hers as lively
as possible. We’ve believe she’s off to a good start.