Brianna Mae Clements takes the act of Hula Hooping to a whole new level. Known professionally as “Miss 360,” Brianna is both a performer and a teacher who offers private lessons and workshops throughout NYC, Westchester, and Hudson Valley. She is well-known for her circus-like performances that combine dance, acrobatic elements, and sometimes even fire!
To date, Brianna has performed for Mac Cosmetics, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales, and more. She is currently anticipating showcasing her talents at Brooklyn’s House of Yes.
Brianna recently discussed this show, her career as a performer, and more via an exclusive interview.
Dancing with hula hoops
Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you discover your talent for performing, especially with hula hoops?
Brianna Clements (BC): As a kid, I always wanted to perform. Attending my older sister’s school plays, I would run up on stage in the middle of the show just to interrupt the play by twirling around in my dress. Unfortunately, I didn’t really get the chance to perform till I was an adult. My family was too poor to put me into dance lessons, and my lack of vocal abilities prevented me from getting roles in the school musicals.
Fast forward to age twenty; I discovered hula hoops at (where else) a music festival. I was completely enamored. I obsessively watched videos and taught myself in the living room of my Hudson, NY apartment.
Shortly after finding my new hobby, I attended my first circus show. I saw Bindlestiff Family Cirkus at their Spiegeltent show at Bard College, and I freaking loved it. I knew I wanted to do THAT. Having no training, experience, or money - I started watching circus hoop acts on YouTube and signing up for open mics around the Hudson Valley.
MM: So far, where have you performed and how did you get your start in the industry?
BC: After many sweaty-palmed performances between singer-songwriters, I got the chops to pursue some (not so glamorous) local gigs. I loved them all. Eventually, my network grew, and I started to connect with real honest to goodness circus performers, agents, and producers.
I realized that I should probably get my butt to NYC if I wanted to my goals to come to fruition. I somehow managed to squeeze the contents of my life (including 75 hula hoops) into a tiny bedroom in Bed Stuy and began my journey as an NYC performer. In the years since, I have appeared in Vanity Fair Magazine, performed for names like Mac Cosmetics, Bloomingdales, Saks 5th Avenue, and Tommy Hilfiger. I have performed at venues such as The Bowery Hotel, Dream Downtown, Terminal 5, TAO, Duane Park, and (my personal favorite) House Of Yes!
Fun Fact: A couple of years into my career I learned that my mom was a performer in her 20’s. Although she won’t divulge all the info, I do know she performed magic, charmed snakes, and danced with fire!
MM: Of all the routines you perform, do you have any favorites and were any especially challenging to learn?
BC: My favorite yet most challenging routine is definitely my double fire hoop act. Although I gravitate towards harrowing activities - I’m a real scaredy cat by nature. It has taken a lot of training, time, and mental hurdles to get to where I am!
Fire, mermaids, performing, and the future
MM: Although you are known for your work with hula hoops and fire, what other skills do you possess?
BC: I am a real-life mermaid (seriously, hire me!). I’ve been training in aerial silks and lyra for the past year. I’m also crazy good at the game “Taboo” and can make mean dairy-free ice cream.
MM: How did you meet producer Patrick Terry and how did you land a spot in the WONDERSHOW?
BC: Patrick Terry and Eric Walton saw me performing at the open stage with Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. Later that week, they asked me to join the cast and haven’t kicked me out yet. This will be my third “Wondershow.”
MM: What is the best thing about being part of WONDERSHOW?
BC: The audience is the best, and I get to share the stage with absolutely incredible talent. Also, Queen of Falafel.
MM: What are your biggest aspirations for the future?
BC: I plan to continue my aerial training and train with new skills/props. Eventually, I want to develop enough unique acts to perform a thirty-minute solo show.
