‘Europe’s new steamy, semi-nude wellness trend’
As saunas gain global popularity, a hypnotic offshoot involving theatre, music and towel-twirling known as "Aufguss" is attracting wellness-seekers across...
Sharing insights into my life as aufguss master, aroma methods and the participation in- and planning of aufguss events.
Writing about my experiences with Sauna & Aufguss Creations.
Why did it take me until now to write this post? Honestly, it still feels weird to say (or writ) out loud. Like, when I don’t say it, it’s almost as if it didn’t happen, just a dream in my Aufguss WM bubble. But…it did happen. It’s real.
I am World Champion Aufguss WM Solo!!!
There, I said it!
After winning last year with Whitney, I already felt super inspired. That season gave us so much. But never did I think I’d win again the next year, and this time in the solo category.
And wow… I never expected the support around my show False Fortune to be even stronger than last year. But it was. Even though it is a solo and I had to do it alone in the cabin, I never felt alone. Not before, not during, not after.
I had the best support and helpers team. The whole Dutch team was amazing, helping, supporting and lifting each other up. And then there’s Job, my partner. He had maybe the scariest task: setting up and installing the flying towel trick machines. We trained for it back in the Netherlands, measured everything in the details. But the 15 minute pressure is quite different and he nailed it! I wouldn’t have trusted anyone else with this task.
One special moment is stuck in my head. Thursday. Very first time performing my show. Everything went good and I’m getting close to the flying towel trick and thinking,
“Please towels, come to me…”
The machines go off. Towels fly. Perfect landing , right in my hands. NEVER had I caught these towel better than then.
And then…..almost 300 people stood up. Clapping, cheering. Like someone scored a goal in a football stadium. I wanted to smile so big, but I had to stay possessed in character. Still, that energy gave me goosebumps. They stood and clapped for two full minutes.
This really was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. I’ll never forget it.
This was the first time the WM was in Italy, at Aquardens. Beautiful setting. No rain like last year in the Netherlands. Just sun, good vibes, and a brand-new sauna theatre. Over 300 people could fit in there. I know they were racing to finish it just in time, the stove was lit only a week or two before, but they made it happen!
It turned out to be a great place to perform. Lots of space to move, act, and tell your story. The organization was solid too, I think both participants and guests had a great time.
Final day. Awards moment. Was I nervous? Of course. But not really about the ranking, I was already happy with my performance. Catching those flying towels twice was already a win for me.
But to then hear that I am the world champion solo
And the crowd stood up again. Shouting my name. “Sigrid! Sigrid!”
Part of that moment is crystal clear, part of it is a blur. I think I was crying and smiling at the same time. I felt seen, heard and appreciated for my show, my performance and being me.
It still gets me emotional, in a good way.
7 years ago I was studying theatre, I had health issues, got bullied, big roles weren’t assigned to me… I doubted myself a lot especially in my performing and acting skills. But now I’ve found my own way of performing. A style that fits me. A community where I feel at home.
To be the third-ever woman to win Solo… wild!
Special thanks to:
Some other victory moments I won’t forget:
“Doesn’t matter where I end up, just happy to be here. But imagine winning the Golden Banana!”
And… he did it. 🏆🍌
Golden Banana is the Funniest aufguss of the season, his show :The Mystery of the missing Towel. First time at the WM, not even that long an aufguss master, and already walking away with an award. Super proud.
No solo show from me next year. No False Fortune Part 2.
But… something new.
A duo show with someone very special….you know him as the behind-the-scenes guy, the invisible hand during courses, the chef at retreats…. my partner: Job!!!
And now, finally, we’re going to perform together. We’re making a retro 50s style aufguss show, music we both love. Can’t wait to bring that to life.
Also looking forward to more coaching. I love being part of someone’s process, helping shape their story and their performance.
So yeah. A lot ahead. Let’s go!
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