Helen without her Cirque du Soleil costumery.

Liverpool lady Helen Ball, 32, has been a trapeze artist for the last ten years and has travelled the world with Cirque du Soleil. To mark their 25^thanniversary, Cirque du Soleil will be bringing their show Varekai to London’s Royal Albert Hall in January.

Have you always wanted to be a trapeze artist?

Not when I was younger – I went to dance school and when I finished I saw a job as a trapeze artist advertised and went for it. This wasn’t until I was 21.

How did you get into it?

My first job was doing trapeze for the Millenium Dome aerial project. To begin with it was very scary – but you get used to it once you’re performing every day.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

I’ve had a pretty good run – career wise, one thing’s always led to another. However, I’d probably have changed my attitude when I was younger. I wasn’t really confident enough – I wish I believed in myself more.

What difficulties have you had to overcome to get to where you are now?

I’ve never had any physical difficulties, but my lack of self-belief certainly didn’t help. I’ve always enjoyed the performing aspect, but growing up no-one ever instilled any confidence in me.

What are your favourite/least favourite things about your job?

My favourite parts of the job are performing, the travelling and meeting lots of new people – it’s a very exciting job. I also enjoy the knowledge that I’m doing something I love every day. I don’t like how much it gets you down when you’re tired – the pace can be really exhausting. Also, it’s not so bad when we’re in Europe, but I miss my family when we’re on the other side of the world performing.

Who helped you along the way?

My friends have always helped me – it’s quite an intense lifestyle, so I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their support.

Helen warms up pre-performance

Who inspires you?

The people I work with inspire me every day. Sometimes I watch everyone else’s performances and I’m still blown away –some of the things the acrobats can do are amazing!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’m really into a band called Holly Golightly and the Borekoffs – it’s sort of bluesy rock and roll – I think they’re quite big in America. I like coming back to London so I can catch up on what’s in at the moment!

What couldn’t you live without?

My laptop –  It broke recently and I realised how reliant I am on it for keeping in touch with people when I’m away.

Dream purchase?

Either a fifties style vintage car or a vintage air stream trailer – not sure where I’d keep it though!

Favourite movie?

It’s a bit cheesy but West Side Story. I loved it when I was little and I think I’ll still love it when I’m old, it’s a classic.

Favourite European city and why?

I love Lisbon –  it’s got everything, it’s cheap, has nice food, it’s really chilled out plus it’s on a beach.

Desert island book?

I’m dyslexic so although I do read, I really struggle with it, so not sure I’d take a book with me…

Favourite bar?

Anywhere in New York’s East Village

Wow! Helen hits the heights on the trapeze

What’s the best item of clothing for trapeze artistry?

I’ve never been a fan of the catsuit, so I’m loathed to say that, but it’s definitely the best thing to trapeze in. When I was younger I really hated all the sequins, but I’m getting into them as I get older.

Do you have to follow a particular diet for your job?

I try not to eat lots of crap, but the most important thing is to eat well, rather than cutting foods out, because we all need so much energy.

Do you do any other exercise apart from your routines and shows?

When I’m not training I definitely try and do other exercise. However I like to vary what I do, so I’ll do something like yoga or pilates – nothing too strenuous. If I’m between shows I’ll introduce a bit of cardio as well.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’d like to be living in either New York or London, rather than moving around. Not sure what I’ll be doing though – 32 is quite old in trapeze artist terms, I won’t be able to do it forever.

Can you run in heels?

I can certainly dance in heels. Yes, I can run in heels, just not very fast.

Buy tickets for performances of Varekai online here.

Photographs of Helen by Marco Cisaria.