We catch up with Klittin “Waii” Kiatmatha, one of the dancers from Circus Eclecticus, the circus-themed performance at Bed Supperclub.

When and where did you start to dance?
I was born into a family of ballroom dancers. My parents forced me to be my sister’s dance partner since I was four. We practiced two hours every day. I didn’t like dancing at all; I’d much rather go play soccer with my friends than have to go back home and practice with my family. It put so much pressure on me as a teenager and I became a bit of a recluse. It wasn’t until I got to participate in the International DanceSport Federation, where I met a lot of great friends, that I started to enjoy it. After high school, I decided to study dance in the Western Dance Department, Faculty of Fine Arts, Srinakharinwirot University.

How do you like the new vertical scaffolding/stage?
When we took 18 Monkeys to Bed Supperclub (after performing it at Patravadi Theater), it was pretty easy to carry over. This time, however, we have to perform in a limited space. It’s pretty challenging for us as we need a lot of upper body strength to be able to climb and swing on the scaffolding.

How do you feel about performing while people are eating?
There is a clear space between the performers and the audience-slash-diners. We completely ignore them and, at the same time, let them secretly witness us.

How do you feel about the performing arts scene in Bangkok?
I believe Bangkok’s performing arts scene is growing. We now have a lot more venues where we can perform and more artists creating shows. However, there is still very little support from the audience compared to hip hop or even pole dancing. So, right now passion is the only thing that drives good contemporary dance. Hopefully that’ll change.

What are some clues we need to be able to read the whole performance?
The show was inspired by Jean Genet’s poem Le Funambule. We mix the dance with a minimal arrhythmic soundtrack, so we have to use body gestures like stomping on the ground or making animal sounds in order to communicate. We don’t expect the audience to get the entire message but rather to feel the visuals and overall performance.

Do you have a day job?
I’m an independent dance instructor. Teaching dance allows me to practice every day. It’s tricky finding time to practice for this show as I also have classes to teach.

Catch Circus Eclecticus every night during dinner (Tue-Sun, show starts around 8:45pm, 26 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3537).