The Handstand Press

Mini-HSP: Meet Chia-Hung Chung

Words: Chia-Hung ()

Picture:

Chia-Hung Chung is a circus artist from Taiwan. Starting acrobatics training at the age of 10, he graduated from the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts after 8 years of dedicated practice. In 2020, Chia-Hung traveled to Europe to pursue further studies at the circus school of Brussels (ESAC). After graduating in 2023, he is now working with the Not-Standing company.

HSP: How would you introduce yourself as a handstand practitioner?

C: I like to explore the notion of 'danger' in circus. I believe that danger is one of the most essential elements of this art form, and I use these inherent risks to showcase my skills and maintain my balance in perilous situations. I merge sculptural handstands with dynamic acrobatic flow, creating a dialogue between balance and movement.

HSP: What challenges have you faced when integrating handstands into your practice?⁠
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For me, handstands are a form of physical meditation. I am deeply fascinated by balance, but this fascination extends beyond balancing on my hands. In terms of training, handstands seem to have no end, but I am no longer focused on pushing my technical limits, I’m more concerned with the creative meaning behind them.⁠
I often find myself trapped in a certain "framework" during my creative process. I start to question the meaning behind each pose, whether every movement carries an interpretation that can be understood by the audience. I find this reflection intriguing because it embraces handstand artistry beyond a technical perspective.⁠
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HSP: What fuels your motivation at this point in your career?⁠
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This is a challenging question! I am still searching for it, perhaps because what I am currently doing doesn't evolve around handstand artistry, and I am gradually distancing myself from my own handstand training. However, I know this is only temporary.⁠
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The Mini Handstand Press is our way to share with you small nuggets of stories, photography, or other art forms related to Handstands.

Mini HSP: Meet Luis Mantilla (.ml)

Credits: private collection

34 years old, originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador but now based in Mendoza, Argentina, Luis is a Handstand practitioner, coach, and performer.

HSP: What does it mean for you to do handstands?

LM: It is a beautiful discipline, and it has allowed me to explore, experiment, connect and appreciate so many things. I feel very lucky to have found this practice on my path, I am very passionate about it.

HSP: Do you feel that handstands shape your life in a meaningful way?

LM: Definitely! They allowed me to find a way to connect with the community, meet people, and travel. It also made me more aware of maintaining healthy habits like eating well, getting enough rest, and being truly present in the moment. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to be persistent in the practice. I feel so focused and calm when I train, and I think that is something I have been able to transfer to my daily life. Being present, having goals, developing patience, feeling strong and flexible are very positive things, which add value and well-being to life.

HSP: How would you like to evolve your practice in the future?

LM: As a practitioner, I would like to continue exploring technique and investigating movement concepts, rhythms, entries, exits, and coordination exercises during handstands. As a performer, I would like to be on stage more often, and give more continuity to our handstand work with Proyecto Recóndito (handstand duo with .iulis). As a coach, I dream of being able to teach at a circus school. I am very passionate about teaching, I love to guide technical and creative processes.

The Mini Handstand Press is our way to share with you small nuggets of stories, photography, or other art forms related to Handstands.⁠

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Introducing: Stelios ()

Stelios is the artist behind the page on Instagram, which he started back in 2020 to share two of his creative outlets, hand balance and digital art.

Most of his work has been motivated by various talented artists and performers that many people in the handstand community might know. Some of them are friends, some are coaches. Stelios also invents fictional characters with shapes inspired by hand balancers, giving them a twist of his-own.

Stay tuned as there will be more pieces coming...

Lets keep this community growing!

Stelios & The Handstand Press