Minu HSP: Meet Alvin Nilsen Nygaard
Words: Alvin (@alvin_nilsen_nygaard)
Video:Alvin
Originally from Trondheim, central Norway, Alvin Nilsen-Nygaard moved to Stockholm to pursue a career in contemporary circus at the age of 16, spezialising in handstands. At 20, he quit his studies there to follow his idea of handstands inspired by experimental dance, contemporary dance and breaking. The journey took him to Berlin, Istanbul, Yerevan and Paris, where he is currently studying at L'Académie Fratellini, the school for circus arts in Paris.
HSP: How would you describe your own practice?
Alvin: Sweaty hands and sweaty feet that leave traces in the floor. Scrolling through my gallery searching for old screen recordings. Eureka moments. Loneliness. Aestheticising my loneliness. Thera-band wrist exercises. Happiness.
HSP: How do you approach the creative process for developing new acts or routines?
Alvin: This is defenitely in process. I try to imagine the handstand primarily as a tool for choreographic writing. But once I sat next to this guy on the train, and he had his phone charger covered in three layers of plastic bags and he had an alarm ringing every theee minutes or so, to snap a photo out of the window. I dream of writing something brilliant like this.
HSP: What challenges have you faced when integrating handstands into your practice?
Alvin: I think the question if identifying myself has been quite challenging. Am I doing hand balancing? Do I want to identify with this practice and play with the expectations, or do I want to call it something else and be free from expectations?
The Mini Handstand Press is our way to share stories, photography, and other art forms related to handstands.
Support the HSP magazine by sharing lur content and through our link in Bio!
Mini Hsp: Meet Yuval Oz
Words: Yuval Oz (@yuvaloz)
Video: Yuval Oz
42 years old and originally from Israel, Yuvsl grew up experiencing many health problems with his feet, which could be easily interpreted as a sign that he should be on his hands.
At the age of seven, Yuval already performed in theaters, adding music to his artistic expression as he grew up. Always physically active, he practiced dance and kung fu among other disciplines. In the middle of his twenties, Yuval left everything behind to learn hand balancing in France from master Claude Victoria. Since then, he has been performing and teaching hand balancing around the world.
How have handstands shaped your life?
YO: They still do. It is the daily 'me-time'. It makes me stay in the moment. Handstands give me a lot...the energy needed to perform a task (we tend to put too much effort), breathing, or changing the focus from one thing to another.
How has your style changed over time?
YO: I started working only on technique. The more I controlled my handstand, the more I got to research movements and fill them with more nuances. It is a never ending journey, and I love it.
What do you like to do when you are not ok your hands?
YO: I like spending time with people I love. I love freediving. I see a lot of similarities between handstands and freediving, and I even run a retreat that combines both! I love creating videos, I love performing. And I love to learn new things...even better if I feel goody in the beginning!
The Mini Handstand Press is our way to share stories, photography, and other Art Forms related to handstands.
Support the Handstand Press Magazine by sharing our content and through the link in our nio!
Mini HSP: Meet Chala Deshner
Words and video: Chala (@___chala)
Chala is an avid traveler originally from Montana, US. Growing up as a competitive gymnast, she quit the performative aspect of the sport due to injuries but continued coaching in it for the last 10 years, from beginner to optional level team, as well as hosting gymnastic clinics at CrossFit gyms.
Chala now focuses her energy on her in-person and online clients through her brand Mindful Somatics (@mindful_somatics / www.mindful-somatics.com), coaching mobility & handstands along with hosting clinics at gyms around the globe.
HSP: What does it mean for you to do handstands?
CD: Handstands challenge my full-body strength, mobility, and mental focus. They provide me with an opportunity to clear my head, bringing awareness and connection to my entire body.
Each new goal highlights weaknesses or imbalances in my body that I might not have otherwise been aware of. This practice develops body awareness and inspires me to address those weaknesses in order to progress.
HSP: How important is the coaching and teaching aspect of your life?
CD: Assisting my clients in overcoming obstacles, whether related to strength, mobility, or mental blocks that might otherwise limit their practices, is deeply rewarding to me. I’ve made it my full-time job to help others in this way.
HSP: How would you describe your own practice?
CD: My handstand practice started out as purely wanting the cool skills, but the concentration it demands to be able to balance in a handstand over time turned it into a meditative practice for me.
My personal workouts start with handstand balancing, then weight training and end with mobility.
Training, whether it’s handstands, gymnastics, CrossFit, or another sport, is not just a physical activity to me. It’s a way to connect from the ground up to your body and mind in a whole body approach, learning to listen to its needs and when I can take it to new levels.
The Mini Handstand Pres
Mini HSP: Hisashi Watanabe
Words and video: Hisashi (@hisashi_moves)
36 years old and originally from Japan, Hisashi is a self-developed circus artist and stretching/handstand instructor. He started juggling at 20, stretching and dancing at 22, and focusing seriously on his handbalance for the past 2 years.
HSP: What does it mean for you to do handstands?
HW: It’s the most effective way to dig into the body. I have done juggling, dancing, and other things, but there is something about handstands that none of them have. Human society is pretty much set in its ways of using the body, but handstands are not, it’s almost a parallel world.
HSP: Where do you find inspiration for your practice?
HW: I always want to be quieter and more released. I want to be more in an inverted state and to feel it’s normal. That would take me to the parallel world I mentioned earlier.
HSP: How is handbalancing different from other disciplines you’ve done?
HW: It’s about being on the arms. Most of our life is on our feet but handstands can make them free. Just as we got our hands free after started walking, a different evolution might occur in the body when we set the feet free with a handstand.
HSP: Where would you like to take your handbalancing skills?
HW: Now I just want to get better at it. I have a lot of handstand techniques in my mind that no one else in the world has done. I want to bring them down to reality one by one.
There are so many handbalancers on Instagram, but I haven’t met most of them in person. I would love to meet them and do handstands together.
HSP: How do you practice handstands?
HW: When I started practicing handstands, there was no one in Japan who could teach me one-arm handstands, so I had to practice them on my own.
I don’t like hard work so I never do muscle training. No trouble without it. I think handstands are something that drifts in the air, so I want to make my body more relaxed and hollow.
The Mini Ha
Mini HSP: Meet Deepak Khemia
Words and video: Deepak (@shiva.handbalance)
Originally from Delhi, India, Deepak is a high-level handbalancer with a strong passion towards teaching.
HSP: How did you discover your handstand practice?
DK: I feel it was meant for me. There was a time I was looking for something that’s meant for me, something that would change my life and there I discovered handstands.
Few years ago I saw handstand videos on Youtube and I was amazed by the skill. I decided to learn it and in the process I developed a strong passion for it.
HSP: How are handstands part of your practice?
DK: In my handstand practice I like to work with details, the alignment, the technique and clean form. It helps me sharpen my focus and depths of awareness. It instills in me the values of patience, resilience, and humility. It’s my opportunity to learn, expand my boundaries and become better.
There’s something about handstands that keeps me inspired, the joy it brings me is unmatched. I’m grateful to be able to do something I’m passionate about.
HSP: Why did you decide to become a teacher and coach?
DK: I like to share my knowledge and help people realize their potential. I want to inspire people to follow their dreams and impact their lives in a positive way. When I help my students in achieving their dream of doing a handstand, it brings me great joy.
It feels amazing to see their transformation and growth, not just in practice but also in their life as they develop qualities such as discipline, hard work, and dedication through practice. Being able to share my knowledge and practice with others is a blessing.
The Mini Handstand Press is our way to share with you small nuggets of stories, photography, or other art forms related to Handstands.
Be sure to visit @shiva.handbalance profile to thank him for sharing his story.
Support us by sharing our content and through the link in our bio! 🔗
What a beautiful review that @tashas_handstands made of our Issue 03 - Inside Balance.
As an experienced handstand, yoga and movement practitioner, as well as a friend and supporter of the magazine, we have been looking forward to sharing with you her thoughts and opinions on Issue 03.
We appreciate a lot her words and we hope you do too 🙌🏼
Thank you Tasha!
Our freshly released Issue 04 of the Handstand Press Magazine will be ready to ship in a matter of days and we couldn't be more excited about it! 🎉
Go to the link in our bio to read about our project, get subscribed to the magazine, or get your own copy of any of our previous issues! 🔗
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Quite some months ago, @natalie_reckert_handbalancing did an amazing review of the Handstand Press Magazine, based on the Issue 01.
We appreciated so much her words and opinion that wanted to share it again with all of you.
Thank you Natalie!
Original post:
Here we go, I've said it all in the video, the @handstandpress.magazine is great!
Do check it out!
GIVEAWAY RESULTS 🎁
Thank you so much to all the people that participated in this giveaway! We are beyond happy after reading the great things that you have stated about the magazine in your comments and stories.
After 48h since the original post of the giveaway, the winner has been chosen via an automated raffle and pick generator:
@lynaplusrosie
CONGRATULATIONS! 🥳
Get in contact with us via DM so we can arrange the delivery of both issues of the magazine.
Once more, thank you very much to everyone that participated!
Feel free to check our website in the link in our bio to find out how to purchase the issues 01 & 02, as well as how to subscribe so you receive the ones to come.
Also, we're always open for submissions!
#handstandpress #handstands #handstand #handstanding #movement #selfexpression #magazine #editorial #inversions #gymnastics #yoga #photography #cirque #circus #calisthenics #presstohandstand #streetworkout #balance #strength #yogaeverydamnday #handbalance #circusphotography
#interview #print #media #press #artsy #artoftheday
HSP Mini: Musings⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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No Matter What, Keep your Butt Up by @shana_ta_da⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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HSP: What inspires you for your lovely creations?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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@shana_ta_da : My background is dance, yoga, clown & improv. My present, in the foreground is contortion and handstands, and teaching movement. My art work and movement inspire each other, and they are both inspired by something a little absurd that tickles my mind a bit and makes me smile or blush.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Check out @shana_ta_da for more smiles!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#handstandpress #handstands #handstand #handstanding #movement #selfexpression #magazine #editorial #inversions #gymnastics #yoga #photography #cirque #circus #calisthenics #presstohandstand#streetworkout #balance #strength #yogaeverydamnday #handbalance #circusphotographystudio
We love seeing you all upside down with your copy of The Handstand Press! Make sure to tag us to be featured!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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@fdrc_upsidedown - This is how @handstandpress.magazine reads 🤣🤣 I received this wonderful magazine that talks about everything that has to do with the world of verticalism. 🤩🤩🤩 If you are interested in the stories of those who live upside down, this is the magazine for you 🤩⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#handstandpress #handstands #handstand #handstanding #movement #selfexpression #magazine #editorial #inversions #gymnastics #yoga #photography #cirque #circus #calisthenics #presstohandstand#streetworkout #balance #strength #yogaeverydamnday #handbalance #circusphotographystudio
Thank you for showing us how best to enjoy the Handstand Press Magazine @elisebalance !!
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Just reading the first edition of Handstand Press from @handstandpress.magazine 👏😁🙃
This is more like a beautiful book than a magazine and I can’t wait to pore through the entire thing. 😊️
If you’re into handstands, definitely check it out 🙌
#handstand #handbalance #magazine #handstandmagazine #handstandpress #upsidedown #readersofinstagram #circusarts #readupsidedown #elisebalance
Thank you for showing us how best to enjoy the Handstand Press Magazine @elisebalance !!
Elise's post:
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Just reading the first edition of Handstand Press from @handstandpress.magazine 👏😁🙃
This is more like a beautiful book than a magazine and I can’t wait to pore through the entire thing. 😊️
If you’re into handstands, definitely check it out 🙌
#handstand #handbalance #magazine #handstandmagazine #handstandpress #upsidedown #readersofinstagram #circusarts #readupsidedown #elisebalance
We are so honoured to have been able to interview @ts_serchmaa about Mongolian Contortion for our feature segment Common Ground in issue 01. Thank you for your interesting insights Serchmaa, and sharing the magazine!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Serchmaa's post:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I always thought there should be a magazine or something dedicated to Circus genres. This magazine is a dream come true. Filled with tons of useful information and thank you to Sonja for her interview. Her interview skill was so smooth and it was my pleasure talking to her. Didn't even feel like I was being interviewed. I enjoyed our conversation very much.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thank you for interpreting my thoughts precise and on point. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I was glad that she included my affection towards my teacher. It is the 80th Anniversary of Mongolian National Circus this year and I wanted to dedicate this interview to my teacher. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Thank you Sonja @handstanddiary for including me in the first edition of the magazine.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#handstandjourney #learntohandstand #enjoythejourney #badlydrawnhandstands #handstand #handstandpractice #handstanddrills #handstands365 #handstandeveryday #handstands #handbalance #handstandnation #handstanding #handstandeverywhere #handstandeveryday #handstandcoach
Mini HSP: Musings⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Our Editor Sonja has a hidden talent, and we're so proud to feature her in our mini mag series under the segment musings. Have a read and a listen!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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HSP: How do you come up with your handstand inspired songs?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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@handstanddiary: They're basically brainfarts that just come up. Oftentimes when I'm trying to fall asleep my brain decides to have a party on its own and come up with tunes. Making the tunes about handstands has been a natural evolution, since they are such a big part of my life. But mainly I just think music makes things go under your skin, so it's the perfect vehicle for facilitating learning and making cues and information stick!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Check out @handstanddiary for more handstand jingles and songs to come!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#handstandjourney #learntohandstand #enjoythejourney #badlydrawnhandstands #handstand #handstandpractice #handstanddrills #handstands365 #handstandeveryday #handstands #handbalance #handstandnation #handstanding #handstandeverywhere #handstandeveryday #handstandcoach
Mini HSP: Quizzes and Games⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In the print magazine, this section has handstand related crossword puzzles, spot the difference pictures and all kinds of other fun we come up with. But the nature of a print mag means we can't use video - so yay for IG mini features! Today's HSP riddle is brought to you by @tobias.bolliger !⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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"A little handstand experiment.🐬 One half is reversed. Can you guess which one? ;)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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song: Julien Marchal - Insight ###"⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you like to ponder your favourite pastime, head on to thehandstandpress.com and get your hands on issue 01's crossword!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#handstand #handstanding #handstandpractice #handstands #handstandnation #handstandeverydamnday #handstand365 #handstandjourney #handstandtraining #handstandeverywhere #handstandlove #handstandlife #handstandvariation #handbalance #handstandchallenge #armbalancing #bboy #breakdance #bboying #acrobatics #acro #acroyoga #acrobalance #gymnastics #capoeira #gymnasticbodies #circus #circusarts #circusaroundtheworld
Max is a handbalancer from the Netherlands. Listen to what Max has to say about The Handstand Press!
We are really grateful to have support from all around the world. We are thrilled we are able to foster a sense of community within the vast handbalance world.
There is still 12 days left to support our Kickstarter Campaign! If you are interested in supporting us, click the link in our bio.
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#handstandpress #handstands #handstand #handstanding #movement #selfexpression #magazine #editorial #inversions #gymnastics #yoga #photography #cirque #circus #calisthenics #presstohandstand#streetworkout #balance #strength #yogaeverydamnday #handbalance #circusphotography
Madeleine is an Equestrian Vaulter. One of the many disciplines we explore in issue 01.
Hear what Madeleine has to say.
We are still accepting submissions for issue 01. We want to see your art, illustrations, photography, and poetry.
Our Kickstarter is also still running. You can support us through our link in bio.
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#handstandpress #handstands #handstand #handstanding #movement #selfexpression #magazine #editorial #inversions #gymnastics #yoga #photography #cirque #circus #calisthenics #presstohandstand#streetworkout #balance #strength #yogaeverydamnday #handbalance #circusphotography
Collaborating with practitioners, coaches and artists, both the well-known and the emerging, is a crucial part of what we envision.
We want to thank all our collaborators, artists, and contributors for helping to generate content for Issue 01!
You can help bring Issue 01 to life on Kickstarter!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/handstandpressmag/the-handstand-press-a-print-magazine-for-handbalancers?ref=xa5mto
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#handstandpress #handstands #handstand #handstanding #movement #selfexpression #magazine #editorial #inversions #gymnastics #yoga #photography #cirque #circus #calisthenics #presstohandstand #streetworkout #balance #strength #yogaeverydamnday #handbalance #circusphotography
Our Kickstarter is live!
We have had an amazing response to the launch of the Handstand Press online presence. We are working our way towards Issue 01 - but you won’t have to wait until spring to get involved.
We are excited to announce that we are launching a Kickstarter campaign. In order to launch issue 01 - we need help from the handbalance community.
We are doing a crowdfunding campaign because we want to be 100% funded by the handbalance community. Your support is an integral part of our success.
We hope that the handbalance community is just as excited as we are about the world’s first handbalance magazine!
You can find the Kickstarter here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/handstandpressmag/the-handstand-press-a-print-magazine-for-handbalancers?ref=xa5mto