A SOUTHAMPTON performer is among the talents who will today take part in a high profile launch for the National Centre for Circus Arts in London.

Charlie Wheeller, 21, is studying at Circus Space, one of the best circus schools in the world, which is now being handed national centre status in recognition of its 25 years at the top.

He is set to show off his skills on the cyr wheel to an audience including Ed Vaizey MP.

Charlie will be among the first to graduate from the national centre with a BA (Hons) degree in circus arts this summer.

He told Your Entertainment: “It’s such an exciting time. I didn’t really know what to expect when I first came to Circus Space, but it’s been the most amazing experience.

“I’ve loved every minute of learning everything – the pilates, the acrobatics, the trampolining and the opportunities here are fantastic.

“I decided I wanted to take up something different, a skill that didn’t involve carrying around a big piece of equipment. But I’ve ended up with a 20kg piece of metal to lug around!

“Cyr wheel is really new and exciting – it’s been around under ten years and in the world of circus that’s ridiculously new. There are only a few people doing it and it works well for me with my breakdancing background.”

Charlie started breakdancing in his teens as a pupil at Bitterne Park School and then Barton Peveril College, while also taking an Oasis Academy show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

After a successful stint on BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance, he took up circus and has created an experimental acrobatic company Barely Methodical Troupe with two recent graduates of Circus Space.