For an older generation, the circus holds many fond memories…not only because it was one of the most exciting sources of entertainment but also an opportunity to spend quality family time.

Talking of circus as an art and craft, this genre of ‘infotainment’ is being revived and relived in many countries across the world. One such example is YADtoMANO, a circus artist’s duo from Chile-Israel.

Yael Berkman is from Israel and has studied gymnastics, since the age of 6, at Ha Gymnasia acrobatic centre. At the age of 10, she was already studying modern dance, classical ballet and theatre at the dance and contemporary theatre school HaBustan, Israel, after which she graduated from the Sandciel Circus School, Israel and the Crampa circus school in Madrid, Spain. Her specialisations: hand-to-hand (duo acrobatics), Banquin (group acrobatics) and handstands.

Daniel Latorre, on the other hand, is from Chile. From an early age, he has been practising many different sports ~ tennis, ping pong, running, volleyball, football. He began to practise circus arts from the age of 15 ~ juggling, acrobatics, hand to hand (duo acrobatics), banquin (group acrobatics) and handstands. He graduated from Crampa circus school in Madrid, Spain. That’s where their paths crossed!

The duo has been working together since 2010 as a pair known as YADtoMANO. They have performed in many different projects and festivals around the world as partners.

Says Berkman, “We make sure to regularly attend workshops so that we constantly develop our skills and grow. We love to enrich our knowledge and technique. And every few months, we return to an intensive workshop of the hand-to-hand technique with the teacher Mano Butner in Toulouse, France.”

It’s not all hard work. Latorre clarifies: “Having a special connection is very unique and very important for our work, feeling the energy of each other, listening and talking without words ~ that’s the unique part of our communication.”

The duo, who performed recently in India, feel that every performance is unique, bringing them closer to a new audience and new artists. They hope to travel across the world, learning, sharing and experiencing their art from different perspectives each time.