Show Reel Of The Week: Porter & Gymnast – Ryan Bartlett

Give us your elevator pitch of who you are, what you do and what your skill set is.

My name is Ryan Bartlett and I’m 21 years old. I was introduced to gymnastics at a young age and as a teenager I competed in both Sports acrobatics and Diving. I eventually decided to focus on sports acrobatics and won medals at the European and World championships competing for Great Britain.

I also performed at the London Olympics closing ceremony and was part of the acrobatic group Spellbound that won Britain’s Got Talent. When I was 18, I decided not to continue with my gymnastics career and worked for a short time as a scaffolder before being asked if I would like to join The House of Dancing Water. I joined the cast in 2016 as a porter and I perform in the Human Chandelier act and also as a Russian Swing Pusher. Due to my background in diving, I also participate in the boat and high dive acts where I dive from up to 17M and also in the cage dive act which is up to 20M. At 18 years old, I was the youngest performer to join the show and I am the youngest porter in the show’s history.

What is your ideal role?

For now I am enjoying expanding my skill set. I would love to try Korean cradle or be a trapeze catcher. I also love clowning and I would really like to learn the craft at some point in the future.

Name your top 5 credits.

– 3 x European Olympic gold medalist (sports acrobatics).
– 2 x European champion (sports acrobatics).
– Performer in Spellbound winners of Britain’s Got Talent.
– Performer at the London Olympics Closing Ceremony.
– Porter in The House of Dancing Water.

What should TheatreArtLife readers know about you?

When I am not performing, I love to do CrossFit. If I wasn’t doing shows, I would probably be training full time to try and be a professional CrossFit athlete. My twin brother is also a performer, he is a porter in Le Reve in Las Vegas.

Where do you find inspiration?

My work environment gives me inspiration every day. We have a large cast of around 90 artists from all over the world. Due to the nature of the show, there are artists from many different backgrounds. I find inspiration watching others train whether it be hand to hand, banquine, juggling, tumbling, dance or something else. When I get the opportunity, I go to watch other shows or watch videos on YouTube/Instagram to find inspiration.

What motivates you to continue performing/creating?

I am a very active person who needs a physical job. I feel very lucky that I am able to do a job that feels like fun every day. I am also lucky that my job allows me to travel the world and gives me a unique lifestyle while doing something I love. I want to learn as much as possible while I have the chance and this motivates me to continue performing.

How do we follow you on Social Media?

Other Show Reels Of The Week:

Show Reel Of The Week: Charlotte Sumian

Show Reel Of The Week: Saulo Sarmiento