Who we are
Who We AreMatica is the creative collaboration of Joel Melendez and Heidi Kirchofer, a duo whose diverse backgrounds fuel their dynamic performances and teaching. Joel, born in Venezuela, dedicated his youth to soccer, basketball, and martial arts before discovering his passion for circus and Capoeira. Heidi, a lifelong mover, grew up as a competitive equestrian before immersing herself in yoga, dance, and circus.
Their journey together began in 1999, traveling through Central and South America—street performing, fire dancing, making music, and jewelry. Over the years, they honed their skills, blending circus, aerial performance, acrobatics, and world music into unforgettable shows. Today, Matica Arts specializes in high-energy entertainment for family, corporate events, galas, festivals, and more, featuring stunning aerial acts, fire artistry, stilt walking, unicycling, and vibrant juggling-all brought to life with handcrafted costumes.
Beyond performing, Joel and Heidi are passionate educators. Through workshops, school programs, and their studio, Thrive Movement Studio, they inspire creativity, confidence, and physical expression in students of all ages. Whether on stage or in the classroom, Matica Arts is about movement, storytelling, and the transformative power of circus.
If there's a natural rhythm in everything, Heidi Kirchofer and Joel Melendez just may have tapped into it. Whether it's the pulsating beat of the D'jembe, the spectacular manipulation of fire, the delicate balance of a unicycle or the fluidity of capoeira, Kirchofer and Melendez convey uncanny timing and gracefulness in their performances.
John Fitts, Tri-town Post