At NICA, we believe in the extraordinary.
On the 23^rd of January 2026, we saw that belief brought to life when alumna Sophie Bohlsen broke the world record for the longest duration waltz spin on a Cyr wheel, right here at our campus in Melbourne, Australia.
 
The record, previously held by acclaimed Cyr artist Daniel Craig was 40 minutes and 8 seconds. Sophie knocked it out of the park it by completing 3,399 rotations in waltzing for 1 hour and 3 seconds!

                                    

Her idea to break the record was sparked by a conversation with a friend about existing world records held for circus disciplines, and then mentored by fellow alumna Marawa, who is a multi-world record holder herself.
Sophie first stepped into a Cyr Wheel in 2019 as part of her studies at NICA under trainer Ludwig Schukin. Having a background in gymnastics, she was drawn to the daring acrobatic nature of the apparatus, and the challenge of applying her skills in a new way.
 
She studied at NICA for 5 years, graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor of Circus Arts. As well as Cyr Wheel, her other majors were Corde Lisse and Group Acrobatics.
 
 Since graduating, Sophie has been continually refining her Cyr skills through performing and consistent training. When the possibility of breaking the world record became feasible, she reached out to NICA for support. We were delighted to provide use of the space, as well as videography equipment and screen required by Guinness as official adjudicating methods for the record.
 
 In an interview about breaking her record, Sophie gives Guiness some insight into her attempt:
 
 ‘ “I was a bit apprehensive about the final 15 minutes,” Sophie told us, “but by then, you’ve got a rhythm, and you kind of just exist in the discomfort of the dizziness and spinning.”

“I wouldn’t have done it without them encouraging me.” she shared, “Now I’m excited to try some of the other Cyr wheel records, so hopefully you’ll be seeing my name again!” ’

Read the full article: Australian circus artist smashes record by spinning in a Cyr wheel 3,399 times | Guinness World Records

We are immensely proud to have been part of Sophie’s foundation as an artist. Her achievement is an outstanding personal milestone, and also stands as an inspiration to current and future NICA students, as proof that with dedication and support, you can push the limits to new heights.

Fun facts about Cyr Wheel:

• Daniel Cyr is credited for its invention in 1996, derived from German Wheel
• The apparatus is often referred to as Roue Cyr (due to its invention in Quebec, Canada), but translates to Cyr Wheel in English.
• Not to be confused with notable Cyr artist and NICA alumni Daniel Price, or Daniel craig previous Cyr world record holder (Who is not to be confused with Daniel Craig the movie star).

Sophie was supported by a team of NICA alumni and community members who took on official industry witness and timekeeping roles, including: Jessie McKibbin (Cyr wheel industry expert, alumni 2017), Juliana Neves (Industry expert, NICA Head of Circus), Rindi Harradine (Time keeper, alumni 2022), Linda Corazza (Timekeeper, alumni 2022), Laiken Jackson (Timekeeper, current student), Alex Burris (Videographer, alumni 2025), Millie Shanks (Rotation counter, Collarts alumni 2025), Dan O’Loughlin (Photographer) and Natalie Frijia (Event Organiser, NICA Connects).
 

Published 27 March 2026