ABOUT ME


Hello and thank you for choosing to learn more about my story!
My name is Keely and I’m an Australian performing artist based in Brisbane, Queensland.

As the daughter of two Adelaide gymnastics coaches, I was born to somersault and raised upside down.
My fusion of skills as a decorated gymnast with a decade of dance experience ignited my desire for a career as a Performing Artist.

I graduated at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in 2015 and continued showcasing my specialties from circus school as a professional, touring New Zealand with Circus Aotearoa as a soloist on aerial slings, tight wire and group comedy acrobatics.

Upon returning to Australia, I began a new avenue of training to develop my stage presence skills through the art of tease and created my burlesque alter ego - Ariel Onyx. 
In 2021 I won burlesque competition titles for Burlesque Idol Australia, Nudie Nubie's Down Under, became an multi-international award winning nude model with Clear Image Photography and a 2020 Australian Photo of the Year award winner.

I also developed skills in fire breathing, eating, fleshing and fire dancing with fans, wands and palms, which led to touring seasons including Adelaide Fringe, Perth Fringe World and NAFA with Sideshow Femmes as resident aerialist, fire breather/dancer and burlesque artist.
I headlined the 2023 GLOW Fest and continue performing with Sophie DeLightful Presents through their projects - Curbside Carnies and DeLightfully Debauched.

I have always been described as introverted or quiet achiever, until they notice my playful personality and hunger for hilarious mischief making!
Off stage I run popular Brisbane face painting business Keely's Face Painting and enjoy recharging in the great outdoors.