An award-winning, paraplegic acrobat, Silke Pan is set to perform for Ascot audiences in a series of breathtaking shows next month.

The Gravity Circus Company will have onlookers captivated during their two hour show featuring daredevil acrobats conquering the Wheel of Death; flying freestyle motorbikes defying gravity through cascading waterfalls; a spectacular magic performance; and the mesmerizing bounce ball juggling by Darix de Bianchi.

The event will take place at Ascot Racecourse between Wednesday, October 9 and Sunday, October 13.

Armed with resilience and courage, Silke now stars in Gravity Circus' sensational new show, and will take centre stage to dazzle audiences in Ascot during their UK tour.

From performing in theatres all over Europe, cruise ships, amusement parks to gala events from 1992 to 2007, she encountered a sharp halt when she fell from a trapeze in September 2007.

The fall broke her back at the 10th and 11th dorsal vertebrae, leaving her paraplegic and confining her to a wheelchair.

Remembering her hospitalisation, Silke said: "During rehab in Nottwil, I had to learn to accept this completely 'new body'."

While her disability posed many challenges, her determination remained unwavering.

"Sports helped me to better accept my disability," Silke declared.

Embracing her new reality, Silke began training on a handbike right after leaving the hospital.

By 2012 she was competing professionally and became immensely successful, garnishing acclaim in hand biking and alpine ultra-paracycling.

In 2018, she crossed the Pyrenees using merely the strength of her arms.

The next chapter in her electrifying journey saw her becoming a Swiss citizen in 2019 and subsequently competing with the Swiss team.

She also uses her platform to make a positive impact on society by tirelessly supporting organizations that protect the rights of disabled people, children, and animals.

Delving into cutting-edge technology, Silke started collaborating with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, which is pioneering a new generation exoskeleton.

After being paralyzed for nine years, Silke was able to stand up and walk in 2016, thanks to this groundbreaking technology.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Silke like others worldwide faced significant setbacks with races being postponed and training sessions canceled.

Nonetheless, she quickly adapted by setting up a home studio to keep fit and practice.

Silke detailed the emotional moment she accomplished a handstand again.

She added: "We were both crying for joy because we knew that this would open completely new opportunities for us."

Returning to the stage after 14 years with an innovative hand-balancing technique, Silke has redefined what it means to be an acrobat.

She shared her apprehensions saying that she was “scared that my performance would not be a success but that I would only be pitied instead."

A standing ovation during her shows however put her fears to rest.

Anthony Andreson, director of Circus Extreme, which organized the UK portion of the Gravity Circus tour, applauds her tenacity, saying: "Silke defies gravity and expectations, showcasing the sheer power of the human spirit."

Of course, the show has more to offer. Alongside Silke, other phenomenal performers will take to the stage in breathtaking performances. This includes the enchanting performances of Davide Demasi, known as Mister David—the modern-day Houdini of the circus and a Guinness World Record holder.

The show also captivates with the aerial silks of Miss Elena, breath-taking dance choreographed by Claudio Grimaldi's dance troupe, and the vibrant melodies of Francesca Crotti’s electric violin.