Across the entire Zip Zap family, you will find a range of incredible women who work hard, defy the odds and showcase what is possible with hard work. This Women’s Day, we are shining a spotlight on the bold performers and passionate support crew who make Zip Zap Circus the unstoppable community it is. These women remind us that courage and determination come in many forms, and that is something worth celebrating.
Join us as we honour their stories, their strength, and the magic they bring to the circus from behind the scenes and onto the main stage.
Meet Tamryn Escalante
Meet Thabisile Nqweniso
Meet Morgan Moult
Meet Abongile Mbekeni
Meet Leah Pelander
As we celebrate Women’s Day and honour the passion and creativity of the women who make Zip Zap what it is, we call on you, our community, to show your support by donating to Zip Zap. Every contribution helps us to dream bigger, work harder and keep building a circus where everyone belongs.
Tamryn Escalante, head of Zip Zap’s Social Circus, shares that circus is often underestimated, yet most artists train as hard as top-performing athletes. “What makes it even more special is that, unlike many other fields, there is no competition between men and women; we are seen as equals. It has been incredible to be part of an industry where gender has never felt like a barrier.”
For Tamryn, women like Laurence Esteve, Zip Zap’s co-founder and CEO, and Adele Blank, a renowned South African dancer and choreographer, serve as a real inspiration to her and so many others.
“Not only for their work ethic and perseverance, but also for their unwavering positivity. When others say something is not possible, these women find a way forward. That mindset has shaped my own approach to life.”
Abongile Mbekeni, a department secretary, whose work with Zip Zap has taught her about the importance of balance. For Abongile, it is about figuring out when to have fun and when to knuckle down, be serious and get the job done. In her work at Zip Zap, she has seen so many young women find this balance by not being afraid to dream, while also realising that chasing those dreams takes hard work.
Thabisile Nqweniso is Zip Zap’s Resource Officer, known for her quiet demeanour, grace, and kind spirit. “Being a woman in the circus means embracing all of that and trusting each other” she says.
Thabisile has grown into a confident team member shaped by a space that values inclusivity and self-expression. “Zip Zap has helped me embrace my voice and stand tall in who I am” she adds.
Her biggest inspirations are the women who lead with strength, kindness, and resilience both in and outside the circus. “My mom and the women in my community never gave up on their dreams. They remind me that being a strong woman means standing tall and lifting others as you rise.” And that’s exactly what she does. Thabisile shows up for her teammates and is a valuable contributor to Zip Zap’s success.
Leah Pelander is also one of Zip Zap’s stars. The 19-year-old specialises in aerial acrobatic and has performed in over 50 shows. “Being a woman at Zip Zap means that I am capable of doing things that society assumes only men can do, like using my strength to perform feats that most people think are impossible” says Leah.
It is through these experiences that she has learnt the importance of always believing in yourself. “Never give up on what you try to accomplish. A fall is never a failure, but a call to do better. And it is also a call to always to be bold, be brave, be courageous and always be who you are.”
Zip Zap performer, Morgan Moult, is a diligent and youthful student performer. “Being a woman in the circus means showing that we can be strong, graceful, fearless, and soft all at the same time. It’s about breaking stereotypes and doing things people don’t always expect. It’s a space where I feel free to be fully myself.”
And it is thanks to her experiences at Zip Zap that she feels she has grown as a performer and as a person. “The women I train with every day inspire me the most. They show up, work hard, and support each other through everything. Being surrounded by people who believe in you and want to see you grow has been really powerful for me, especially as a young woman figuring herself out.“
