Pirates Europe 2025, 20 to 24 of October
(Sicily island, Italy).
PIRATES RETREAT EUROPE will be held at the magnificent Femminamorta, in south of Italy, in the lush Sicilian country side, surrounded by the famous mount Etna, pristine nature, and few minutes from the sea.
Our venue has all the facilities for us to practice and enjoy: Plenty of space for workshops, indoor training hall, swimming pool, deluxe bedrooms with private bathroom, camping area totally cut from the outside world.
And of course …the yummy Italian food!
Program
"Thomas Hoeltzel"
Self-taught in his early years, Thomas Hoeltzel graduated in 2009 from the Center of Circus Arts in Lomme, France and performed is act more than 800 times in many countries across Europe and Asia Between 2009 to 2015.
From 2016 to 2020, he performed “AKO” with the GOP Variete Theatre in cities across Germany. Since 2010, he has participated in various unique projects and collaborations with companies, theaters, museums and cultural events. Alongside performance, Thomas Hoeltzel has developed his own pedagogical approach to juggling and movement and has years of experience teaching juggling and research in professional circus schools and arts centers.
From 2016 to 2020, he performed “AKO” with the GOP Variete Theatre in cities across Germany. Since 2010, he has participated in various unique projects and collaborations with companies, theaters, museums and cultural events. Alongside performance, Thomas Hoeltzel has developed his own pedagogical approach to juggling and movement and has years of experience teaching juggling and research in professional circus schools and arts centers.
"MEAST"
Romain "Meast" Marguaritte has been a part of the flow arts scene for over 15 years, and his influence continues to grow. His dedication to perfecting the art of triple staff juggling has made him a standout in the community, known for his graceful, fluid style that feels almost effortless.
What makes Meast's work so inspiring is how he has consistently refined his craft over the years, always pushing himself to explore new flows, techniques, and creative possibilities. It's been amazing to watch how he's shaped his unique approach and how he continues to motivate others to find their own flow. If you’re diving into flow arts or already in it, his journey is a powerful reminder to keep evolving and exploring your art.
"PAOLA BERTON"
Paola Berton began hula hooping professionally in 2008 during her time in the UK. Initially self-taught, she then followed courses all over the world, collaborating and learning from internationally renowned choreographers, dancers, acrobats, actors and jugglers.
In several years of teaching Paola developed an effective method, based on the detailed simplification of every single movement and on the creative stimulation of the participants. In her workshops, a lot of importance is given to the creative part and all the exercises are aimed at increasing body awareness.
"JAY FIRECAT"
After extensive travels around the world, Jay discovered over 20 years ago in Thailand the power of fire and meditated deep within the art of spinning, using it as a way to bring magic and rhythm into his own life as well as the lives of those he performs for. For the past 15 years he has expanded into Buugeng, Japanese s-shaped double staff that highlights the grace and flow of the curved line.
This discovery has opened many doors for Jay to perform in large festivals and collaborate with a diverse panel of artists inside the International Juggling industry. Using an array of equipment, including contact fire staff, poi, contact balls, and Buugeng, Jay Firecat has become recognized as an international performer and teacher and has performed and provided training around the world in more than 35 countries.