The glitter masqued Natasha 'Pout' Shaw, a Jungle Experience fire performer and dancer, can be found surrounded by an excited crowd wherever she goes, usually twirling with her fire poi towards the back of Jungle Experience's thriving dance floor.
An accomplished underground performer in the UK, the voluptuous Natasha reminds us of a Moulin Rouge-Esque Creature of the Underworld, bright red pout, smouldering eyes, alive & free: Setting us afire with her contagious energy!
She shimmers her booty wherever she goes, whether spinning her fire wands or taking up her role as a professional dancer behind the Jungle Experience DJ decks.
She is a fire performer, podium dancer, stilt walker and angle grinder (yes she grinds metal!)
Her first creative performance was at 20yrs old when she was given a trial at a club night in Manchester, Federation.
'It's all a blur', she says. 'I had 20mins to practise walking up and down on stilts, then they shoved me out into the club:
There you go!'
She was soon shaking her booty across the dancefloor and took to performing like a duck to water.
She used to perform in Leeds on Bank Holidays, 'Under the Arches, when it used to be banging', and remembers one early stilt and beach performance: '2000 people were going crazy in front of the stage…
We did a freeze-frame where I was rubbing oil into a girlfriend's back. The crowd went crazy and I felt amazing… I knew I was hooked'.
As well as performing in Koh Phangan over the last two seasons, Natasha has performed at Oceana clubs in the UK, at corporate events, and has been seen on tour in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool & London.
'All over the country! And now I'm going global!! Next stop Australia… And a round-the-world tour!'
We've got to ask... Natasha tell us about your gay club experiences!
Manchester Pride: I won the best costume in the parade! I was dressed up as a toy soldier for 5hrs, but it was my most painful costume to date. I was dressed up as an actual army officer in the mask, with green latex paint over my hands and face.
I had to get in character and be a toy soldier with green face paint. But my outfit had shrunk! It was the best costume for Mardi Gras… but the worst costume for me!
What was your favourite gig?
All my experiences have been amazing but performing at Jungle Experience on Koh Phangan has to be a highlight.
My best Jungle to date was when I brought Minnie out to play! She played well in that Jungle!!
My best fire performance at the Jungle was when DJs Miguel Matoz and Marcus Meinhardt were playing…Because they each made me dance through 3 tracks while performing fire - which I never normally do!!
When did you first come to Koh Phangan?
I first came to Koh Phangan last year, and it left an impression on me: I wanted to come back, and I wanted to see the world even more!
I've met some amazing people and had some amazing experiences here that will stay in my heart forever. Koh Phangan has a little piece of my heart, I love this place.
Apart from the Jungle what's your favourite party?
For me it would have to be Eden - to have the sunrise and see that view and hear the music is euphoric for me, it takes me to places I can't explain…. well, I could, but I don't think you'd want to hear it !!
What's your favourite Koh Phangan beach?
Haad Yuan, because it is so beautiful, and Haad Rin because it's full of life.
When are you coming back?
Hopefully next season I shall be here again!!
Anything else you'd like to add?
The world needs to be filled with more glitter and love! And pouting of course!!
When life gets too much, just shake it off! Put your ass up, put that music on and dance until you can dance no more.
Wise words indeed.
Wishing Natasha lots of love on her journey back to the UK and beyond!
And we all hope to see you shaking your touché at the Jungle again next year x
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