On the ball

The Basketball Jones show, performed by Sean Kaata Dwen, at the Havelock North Village Carnival last November. Photo / Warren Buckland

A dribbling, spinning and juggling of up to five regulation-sized basketballs and riding a unicycle is what Sean Kaata Dwen is all about.

The Basketball Jones Show has audiences all around the globe in awe, as they are impressed by his basketball mayhem.

Mr Dwen, known as Basketball Jones, began his obsession with circus, juggling and basketball while attending Massey University, Palmerston North. After completing his degree he went to the Circus School, CircaArts in Christchurch. There they had to create their own act and, because he loved both basketball and juggling, he merged them together. "I realised it was a point of difference" said Mr Dwen.

He worked for the last traditional New Zealand circus, Whirling Brothers, alongside lions and elephants including the famous Jumbo. He performed two acts, slackrope unicycle and basketball juggling.

After his time there he travelled the world performing in Asia, Europe and the United Arab Emirates with his personal favourites being Iceland and Canada. He returns to Canada yearly to perform with his best friend who runs a circus there. Mr Dwen said once he started travelling and performing, he never looked back, as its something he loves doing.

Mr Dwen, originally from Wellington, has returned to New Zealand after 10 years of travel and this year moved to Hawke's Bay. He moved to the region as his partner has lots of family up here. "Hawke's Bay is a great place to settle down and bring up a family of our own," said Mr Dwen.

Recently he performed his Basketball Jones Show at the Havelock North Carnival and Hastings City Growers Market. "Its great to get the opportunity to do shows in our new community" he said.

He was impressed with the carnival and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Mr Dwen is now getting ready to go on tour with Fuse Circus and will be performing at World Busker in Christchurch, Southland Busker in Invercargill and Mt Maunganui over New Year's.

Looking to the future, Mr Dwen says he may diversify, doing different gigs such as corporate events while also engaging in teaching.

-The Basketball Jones show is able to be booked for any festival or event depending on his availability. For more information go on to his website: basketballjonesshow.com.