Tiffany (aka Fanny) has been flying since 2008, when she learned a variety of aerial arts as a student under Victoria Mihalyi of Flying Dreams on Saltspring Island. This introduction led Fanny to her next 7 years of training under Victoria, before founding Tsunami Circus at Saltspring Island Middle School (SIMS).

 

Tiffany has trained with a variety of aerialists since Victoria passed, including instructors from Circus West (Vancouver, BC) and Island Circus Space (Victoria, BC). Fanny has learned ground-based acro coaching skills training from performers of Gravity and Other Myths (Australia), and production skills from Cirkus Surreal of Kelso High (Australia). Indeed, it was Cirkus Surreal who opened the doors to the creation of Tsunami Circus.

 

She also has taken workshops and teacher development opportunities with Paper Doll Militia and Aerial Physique.  Fanny coached hundreds of youths annually between 2015-2024, through the aerial and ground circus exploratory program and the extracurricular performance troupe “Tsunami Circus” she founded at Saltspring Island Middle School. Although her program was conceived in 2013, it wasn’t until 2015 that her circus program really took off, as Fanny was required to design official plans, seek fundraising sources, and comply with engineering and rigging requirements for this unique aerial and ground circus program at SIMS.

 

Ever since its conception, she pulled together annual sold out shows over Mother’s Day weekend that were community treasures. Through Tsunami Circus, Fanny coached young aerialists from novice students to confident performers, producing, directing, and collaboratively choreographing 10 annual shows, until the school was repurposed as a community centre and her program was adopted under the auspices of Salt Spring Circus and Gymnastics in 2023. Tiffany has also produced, choreographed, directed, and performed in several adult shows to raise money for a variety of causes. Tiffany loves inviting and hosting circus performers from all over the world.

 

Most notably, Tiffany learned from and brought the world class performers Gravity and Other Myths (GOM)  from Australia to perform “A Simple Space” and teach Tiffany (and her PE classes) over a week of intensive learning opportunities. Ever since she first witnessed this acrobatic performance troupe in Vancouver, she knew they embodied the kind of culture that matched her vision for schools, and she needed to learn from them. GOM's skills and safety depend on hard work, safe relationships, and having fun.  Learning how GOM builds community and problem solve was the ultimate dream, and it was the final piece she needed to establish Tsunami Circus. They continue to be her inspiration for not just talent, but for their approach to life.

 

Tiffany has since run family circus areas in and roved at a variety of BC music festivals. Relocating to Halifax, NS in the Spring of 2025, she brought a truckload of circus supplies and experience to Halifax Circus while establishing her own creative enterprise as a registered NS and BC therapist, Sexual Health Educator, Professional Development Presenter, and consultant for schools.  Elephant in the Room Counselling and Consulting is set to open doors in the Spring of 2026. Reach out for more info.