History of Samui Circus Studio

History of Samui Circus Studio:

“I feel strongly that we need a place where we can work with friends and a group of people who are doing what they love, from any art form. We need a place that is comfortable, where you can try out any idea you want with the support and advice of other people” – Poppy

Contributors :

Dr. Tiffany Pollock, a Canadian researcher, studies how dance, music, and the arts shape identity, activism, and community. She has worked with fire artists, salsa dancers, Inuit drummers, hip-hop performers, and more.

The Beginning

The idea for Samui Circus Studio was born from years of fire art, friendships, and shared knowledge. Poppy, co-founder of the studio, discovered his passion for fire juggling in the early 2000s under Master Pi Oud, one of Thailand’s first fire artists. As a teenager, Poppy encountered a vibrant flow art community at Santichaiprakran Park in Bangkok, where fire artists from around the world gathered to share skills. He trained there daily for four years before moving to the islands to pursue a career in fire performance.

Poppy’s Journey:

Fire art was not widely accepted as a profession, and Poppy’s family struggled to understand his passion. Moving to Koh Phangan, he faced new challenges—learning English, marketing his art, and building client relationships. His persistence paid off, and after 11 years of performing, he longed to create a community-driven space for artists. Inspired by his early training, he envisioned a studio where performers could grow and collaborate.

Building the Dream

In 2014, Poppy met Marion, a tourism and event planning student from France. With her marketing skills, she helped turn his dream into reality. They started with an abandoned building, transforming it with the help of friends. They built props, decorated the space, and reconnected with former students and performers to create a thriving artistic hub. Soon, they began performing on beaches and in resorts, attracting artists from Thailand and beyond. The studio became a gathering place for fire dancers, tourists, and performers from all backgrounds. It also played a key role in mentoring a new generation of fire artists.

Samui Circus Studio Community

Samui Circus Studio proudly welcomes artists from all over the world, including DJs, b-boys, filmmakers, and dancers. More than just a rehearsal space, it fosters creativity, collaboration, and valuable opportunities for artists to earn a living. As a result, many performers trained at the studio have gone on to form their own teams and perform internationally. In addition, Poppy and his team have traveled to Korea, France, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, and beyond to share their passion. Furthermore, the studio offers workshops for beginners, children, and tourists, ensuring that the spirit of flow art remains alive. Ultimately, Samui Circus Studio continues to be a home for artists, just as Santichaiprakran Park once was. It’s a place where art, culture, and community come together.

Thank you for reading about the History of Samui Circus Studio—we hope you enjoyed it!