Jon Burtt

Jon Burtt is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language, and Literature at Macquarie University. A former performer and director, his work bridges academic research and artistic practice in circus, theatre, and dance. He holds a Doctorate from the National Circus School in Montreal, where he pioneered studies on cognitive approaches to circus training. His research focuses on social circus, decolonization in the arts, and circus pedagogy, with notable contributions including co-authoring the 2019 book *Contemporary Circus* and an upcoming book on circus for social change in Nunavik, Canada.

**Education**:
- PhD: In-depth study of cognitive training methods at the National Circus School, Montreal.
- Master's: Fieldwork on Indian rope and pole Mallakhamb practices.
- Extensive performing and directing career in Australia and Asia.

**Research Interests**:
- Social circus programs and their impact on marginalized communities.
- Decolonization of circus arts in Arctic regions.
- Cognitive and physical training methodologies in elite circus education.
- Interdisciplinary performance practices and global circus trends.

**Awards and Recognition**:
- 2020 Advance Higher Education Academy Fellowship for excellence in teaching.
- 2016 Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning.

**Grants and Projects**:
- Co-led 'Observational Documentary Fieldwork Kit' project (2019–present), focusing on documenting creative practices.
- Active in international collaborations, including Cirque du Monde in Canada and research partnerships in Quebec and Asia.

**Public Engagement**:
- Panelist at global events like Circomedia Centre (UK), Concordia University (Canada), and National Centre for Circus Arts (UK).
- Regularly contributes to academic journals such as *Theatre, Dance and Performance Training* and *New Theatre Quarterly*.