Karina Jones is an actor and aerial artist. At age 13 Karina became disabled through a degenerative sight condition, but she didn’t let that discourage her. Karina studied Acting at university, followed by an MA in Voice Studies from Central. In 2012, she answered a call out for disabled artists to perform at the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies. She took part in an intensive training course for circus and aerial work, at Circus Centre London, where her passion for circus was realised. From here Karina continued her training at the Green Top Circus in Sheffield, and joined the Extraordinary Bodies team for our premiere of Weighting in 2013, she described the elation and freedom of swinging on an aerial hoop high in the air as one of her biggest achievements.
Karina has since worked with Extraordinary Bodies on UK and International projects, including our recent residency in Australia with Circus Oz. She is currently working with us on our Creative Exploration residencies across the UK, questioning What am I worth?.
“I love working with Extraordinary Bodies for lots of reasons, but the main reason being the company’s policy on social justice. 20% of people in the UK are disabled and this is always fully represented in the work that Extraordinary Bodies does. I can teach an aerial class or be in a show and it isn’t unusual at all. I love the opportunities Extraordinary Bodies has given me to further my aerial ability, and most of all it’s a lot of fun!’