our story

WELCOME COMMUNITY

WELCOME COMMUNITY

Don’t ask what the world needs ask what makes you come alive and go do it because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”

-Robert Thurman

“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.”

-Frederick Buechner

Don’t ask what the world needs ask what makes you come alive and go do it because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”

-Robert Thurman

The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.

-Frederick Buechner

WELCOME COMMUNITY

Don’t ask what the world needs ask what makes you come alive and go do it because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”

-Robert Thurman

“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.”

-Frederick Buechner

Couple Selfie Bike Touring

Our journey started back in 2021 when Soy, accompanied by her camels, arrived in Geraldton and expressed her interest in finding work as a circus artist and yoga instructor through a Facebook group. Among the numerous responses from the community, one message stood out—the one from Dan. He was seeking a partner to perform at a wedding, and little did they know that this encounter would mark the beginning of an extraordinary story.

Dan and Soy had dedicated most of their lives to training and performing circus arts, and fate brought them together to form a powerful duo. They became inseparable, both in their work and in their personal lives, eventually establishing a strong partnership. Over time, they discovered a shared desire to make circus accessible to everyone and to share the transformative impact it had on their own lives.

Together, Dan and Soy embarked on a mission to break barriers and ignite their passion for play with circus and sound in the hearts of others. Their dedication and mutual love for their craft continue to inspire them as they strive to create an inclusive circus experience for all, spreading the positive changes it has brought to their own lives.

Soy’s dedication to teaching circus arts and yoga in the Geraldton community opened doors for her to expand her reach. She seized the opportunity to teach yoga for the Deadly Sistas program, while also instructing circus arts for the Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation and the Western Australia Centre for Rural Health. At the same time, Dan was working alongside Western Australian Police and Community Youth Centres and the City of Greater Geraldton, focusing on remote Aboriginal communities.

During our collective experiences, we witnessed the remarkable inclusivity that our teachings fostered. This realization sparked conversations about the multitude of benefits we were witnessing, inspiring us to explore further possibilities. Recognizing the potential impact, we approached the City of Greater Geraldton, seeking funding to offer free circus arts and sound workshops to the wider community.

In our proposal, we conveyed the essence of Soda Sessions and the principles it stood for. This secured us two grants through the City’s hot spot programs, specifically targeting at-risk youth in and around Geraldton. This pivotal moment marked the birth of Soda Sessions. 

Through our work, we became acutely aware of how play can serve as a powerful tool in alleviating life’s pressures. Fueled by this understanding, we established our organization with the primary goal of supporting youth through the transformative power of play.

Our journey started back in 2021 when Soy, accompanied by her camels, arrived in Geraldton and expressed her interest in finding work as a circus artist and yoga instructor through a Facebook group. Among the numerous responses from the community, one message stood out—the one from Dan. He was seeking a partner to perform at a wedding, and little did they know that this encounter would mark the beginning of an extraordinary story.

Dan and Soy had dedicated most of their lives to training and performing circus arts, and fate brought them together to form a powerful duo. They became inseparable, both in their work and in their personal lives, eventually establishing a strong partnership. Over time, they discovered a shared desire to make circus accessible to everyone and to share the transformative impact it had on their own lives.

Together, Dan and Soy embarked on a mission to break barriers and ignite their passion for play with circus and sound in the hearts of others. Their dedication and mutual love for their craft continue to inspire them as they strive to create an inclusive circus experience for all, spreading the positive changes it has brought to their own lives.

Soy’s dedication to teaching circus arts and yoga in the Geraldton community opened doors for her to expand her reach. She seized the opportunity to teach yoga for the Deadly Sistas program, while also instructing circus arts for the Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation and the Western Australia Centre for Rural Health. At the same time, Dan was working alongside Western Australian Police and Community Youth Centres and the City of Greater Geraldton, focusing on remote Aboriginal communities.

During our collective experiences, we witnessed the remarkable inclusivity that our teachings fostered. This realization sparked conversations about the multitude of benefits we were witnessing, inspiring us to explore further possibilities. Recognizing the potential impact, we approached the City of Greater Geraldton, seeking funding to offer free circus arts and sound workshops to the wider community.

In our proposal, we conveyed the essence of Soda Sessions and the principles it stood for. This secured us two grants through the City’s hot spot programs, specifically targeting at-risk youth in and around Geraldton. This pivotal moment marked the birth of Soda Sessions. 

Through our work, we became acutely aware of how play can serve as a powerful tool in alleviating life’s pressures. Fueled by this understanding, we established our organization with the primary goal of supporting youth through the transformative power of play.

About soda

What does it mean?

What does it mean?

Soda represents several things, including the first letters of our names, Soy and Dan. However, it goes beyond that and serves as an acronym that encapsulates our program’s aim to facilitate the release of happy chemicals in our bodies. Serotonin Oxytocin Dopamine Awareness Sessions, SODA. The term soda serves as an incredibly effective visualization tool to convey this concept. Imagine shaking a bottle of soda vigorously and then popping the lid, the contents explode everywhere and get on anyone in its pathway. In contrast, slowly releasing the cap allows the bubbles to fizz up without exploding, releasing the pressure. This mirrors our daily lives, where failing to manage stress can result in negative consequences for ourselves and others.
 

We deliberately chose the term “sessions” because our intention is to foster a positive association with the process of personal growth and self-improvement. By avoiding potentially negative connotations that could be associated with drugs or other adverse contexts, we aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. Through our play program, we provide individuals with valuable tools to effectively manage stress, incorporating elements such as circus arts movement, breath work, and sound therapy.

woman bike touring campsite
Man bike touring in Australia

Meet the founders

Hey Community I Am Soy

Hey Community I Am Soy

Woman Bike touring at Bunda Cliffs

I am a Mexican American woman born and raised in California. At the age of fourteen, I made a courageous decision to leave behind everything holding me back in search of a better life. Even at such a young age, I realized I didn’t have to remain in a toxic environment. Surviving as a young person proved challenging, and I made numerous mistakes. Unfortunately, the system wasn’t equipped to assist me in escaping my toxic situation, so I took matters into my own hands. It was far from easy. 

This ignited a transformative healing journey, where I bravely confronted the societal stigma surrounding mental health. I embarked on a profound process of self-discovery, learning to face my innermost self and gradually cultivating self-love. At the young age of 19, I pursued a path as a yoga instructor and embraced a selfless service lifestyle in an ashram. I traversed the vast expanse of America by hitchhiking, attuned to the profound messages conveyed in my dreams.

Although I initially felt a sense of “craziness” for relentlessly following my dreams, I later discovered that my Mexican heritage carried a lineage of dream shamans who skillfully interpreted the wisdom within their dreams. Whenever a message revealed itself, I fearlessly embarked on new adventures, so I lived a nomadic life, carrying only a backpack as my constant companion. Along my journey, I also delved into the world of surfing, which eventually led me to depart from America at the age of 22 permanently. Embracing the waves, I became a paddleboard and paddleboard yoga instructor, a surf instructor, a professional circus artist, and an instructor. I have nurtured my passion for music, teaching myself to play various instruments, and now I curate sound immersions for others.

Alongside my aquatic pursuits, I embarked on seafaring adventures, working on boats that sailed the open seas. Furthermore, I embarked on a solo bicycle journey across the vast expanse of Australia, testing my limits and discovering the profound beauty of the land. I even undertook the arduous task of rehabilitating, breaking in, and training two camels, among many other remarkable experiences.

As I now stand at 35 years old, my life finds its heart  in Australia, where I wholeheartedly dedicate myself to assisting individuals in discovering healing through the transformative power of play.

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Man Bike touring Campsite
Woman packing Bike for touring

Hi, I'm Dan

Man cooking at campsite

I spent my childhood in Perth, growing up in a stable household. However, it wasn’t until I discovered fire spinning at the age of 17 during a community event in the hills of Perth that my world truly expanded. The experience ignited a deep passion within me, and from that point on, I dedicated myself to daily training. This newfound interest led me to encounter a fascinating group of friends who eventually led me to settle in Tasmania. For seven years, I called Tasmania home, where I embraced a life in the bush and became a father to a son. It wasn’t always easy, but the challenges I faced shaped my character and allowed me to learn invaluable lessons about the land.

During my time in Tasmania, I delved into the study of permaculture—an ideology that draws inspiration from diverse cultures and the patterns found in nature. By observing the natural world, I gained insight into how different societies lived and integrated these principles into innovative designs for sustainable living. This journey deepened my understanding and appreciation for living in harmony with our surroundings.

Returning to the West coast of Australia, I made my way to Geraldton. It was here that my passion for circus arts truly flourished. I immersed myself in performing and teaching, particularly focusing on encouraging young individuals to embrace circus skills. Transitioning from the forest to a coastal arid landscape, I turned my attention to water for recreation. Sailing became a newfound passion, but not just any sailing—it was aboard a 17th-century replica of a Dutch vessel called the Batavia’s longboat. Guiding the public on this historic boat allowed me to share the fascinating stories it held and showcase the timeless art of sailing. Additionally, I explored the mesmerizing coral reefs of the Abrolhos Islands through activities like snorkeling and spearfishing.

My life has been an incredible adventure, spanning across Australia, largely shaped by the skills I developed during my formative years. Now, I am driven to give back to the community, especially those who are facing adversity. My goal is to inspire individuals, just as I was inspired, to pursue their dreams. I am incredibly grateful to have met an amazing and inspiring woman who shares my passions. Together, we are bringing our dreams to life and making a positive impact on the world around us.

Follow Dan's Feed

Hi, I'm Dan

Man cooking at campsite

I spent my childhood in Perth, growing up in a stable household. However, it wasn’t until I discovered fire spinning at the age of 17 during a community event in the hills of Perth that my world truly expanded. The experience ignited a deep passion within me, and from that point on, I dedicated myself to daily training. This newfound interest led me to encounter a fascinating group of friends who eventually led me to settle in Tasmania. For seven years, I called Tasmania home, where I embraced a life in the bush and became a father to a son. It wasn’t always easy, but the challenges I faced shaped my character and allowed me to learn invaluable lessons about the land.

During my time in Tasmania, I delved into the study of permaculture—an ideology that draws inspiration from diverse cultures and the patterns found in nature. By observing the natural world, I gained insight into how different societies lived and integrated these principles into innovative designs for sustainable living. This journey deepened my understanding and appreciation for living in harmony with our surroundings.

Returning to the West coast of Australia, I made my way to Geraldton. It was here that my passion for circus arts truly flourished. I immersed myself in performing and teaching, particularly focusing on encouraging young individuals to embrace circus skills. Transitioning from the forest to a coastal arid landscape, I turned my attention to water for recreation. Sailing became a newfound passion, but not just any sailing—it was aboard a 17th-century replica of a Dutch vessel called the Batavia’s longboat. Guiding the public on this historic boat allowed me to share the fascinating stories it held and showcase the timeless art of sailing. Additionally, I explored the mesmerizing coral reefs of the Abrolhos Islands through activities like snorkeling and spearfishing.

My life has been an incredible adventure, spanning across Australia, largely shaped by the skills I developed during my formative years. Now, I am driven to give back to the community, especially those who are facing adversity. My goal is to inspire individuals, just as I was inspired, to pursue their dreams. I am incredibly grateful to have met an amazing and inspiring woman who shares my passions. Together, we are bringing our dreams to life and making a positive impact on the world around us.

Follow Dan's Feed

Man Bike touring
woman Bike touring

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Alleviate Life Pressure Through Play

Book our workshops, performances or donate, and all proceeds go into teaching circus workshops and training circus facilitators in remote aboriginal communities.

Alleviate Life Pressure Through Play

Book our workshops, performances or donate, and all proceeds go into teaching circus workshops and training circus facilitators in remote aboriginal communities.