Thanks for coming to see us last year- what a great show!
We have the theater reserved for Sep 9-10 2011. Hope to see you then! Find us on FaceBook to get our latest updates!
Our MC: Armitage Shanks
David Crellin is co-founder of Circus Contraption and as his circus alter-ego/nom de guerre, Armitage Shanks, performs in the roles of ringmaster, vocalist and writer.
Sky Sirens
Jenn Wrenn and Jenn Hill are a duo whose playful personalities are reflected in their playful, high energy acts. Most recently seen receiving three Yesses from the judges on America's Got Talent, Sharon Osborne says "It is great to watch, it's very exciting!" We hope you will agree!
A title wave of dance, juggling, and crazy kung-fu acrobatics, NANDA fills the house with unrelenting skill and comedy woven into a sonic soundscape. The performance by these four friends has been evolving over the last 20 years when they met as toddlers in their hometown of Port Townsend, WA. Those four feral little hippy kids have grown into four enlightened ninja jugglers with the skills to win a revolution. NANDA is Chen Pollina, Kiyota Sage, Misha Fradin, and Tomoki Sage.
Dana Sterling and Angela Langmann were introduced to the Seattle aerial arts in 2006 and first performed fabric together in 2009. They enjoy the challenge of doubles fabric and draw from their dance and music backgrounds to inspire new, unique choreography. They are founding members of Aerial Bandits which offers a wide variety of performances on mixed apparatus from various talented aerialists.
Jason Williams (Dr. Calamari) and Evelyn Bittner (Acrophelia) are veterans of the legendary Seattle troupe Circus Contraption. They continue to perform their acrobalancing routines at festivals, public and private events around the Northwest and beyond. They relish telling a variety of surreal stories by combining partner acrobatic skills with characters that range from the hilarious to the macabre.
Bob and Pam
Bob Bozarth and Pamella Inveen, both personal trainers and aerialist in the greater Seattle area,never fail to amaze and entertain the audience with their powerful corde lisse skills and playful sense of comedy. In last years Circus of Dreams they introduced the crowd to Darlene and Cooter in the Red Neck Tango. Who knows what we are in store for this year!
Tanya comes from a wide artistic background. She has sang on TV, trained in the nation's best ballet schools, earned a design degree from UW, and played guitar and bass in a local band as well as records her own music. In her aerial work, she blends long graceful ballet lines, abnormal flexibility, and unique musicality with a fierce attack. She is a member of the Aerialistas under Lara Paxton.
Libby Schindler started training in rhythmic and artistic gymnastics at age 2. She was State Champion in rhythmic gymnastics many times in a row, and Regional Champion as well. she was named "Gymnast of the Year" and Regional Gold Medalist, placed in the top 20 3 years in a row at Junior Olympic Nationals. In January of 2008, she joined a local dance studio, NW Dance and Acro. Libby fell in love with dance and teaching. In 2010 she was on NBC's America's Got Talent with her acro team as the team leader.
Brittany Walsh
Connor Doran
Connor’s skill and love of flying landed him in the top 12 of The America’s Got Talent Show Season 5 and brought indoor kite flying to the world. His “Soul” flying performances have touched millions of people of all ages. Connor has been touring all over North America to promote the benefits of Kite flying and to inspire others to *Dare to Dream*.
Rene is a five time jump rope world champion, ESPN commentator and former artist and coach of Cirque de Soliel. She is an educator, motivational speaker and entertainer with a special focus on youth fitness and specialty performances.
David Crellin is co-founder of Circus Contraption and as his circus alter-ego/nom de guerre, Armitage Shanks, performs in the roles of ringmaster, vocalist and writer.
Those Darned Monkeys
Russell Hay is one half of the dynamic duo trapeze act, Dick Grayson and Mrs Peel. Breaking into the scene two years ago as an eager student at SANCA, he took to aerial like a moth to the flame and has since dived head long into the trapeze.
Hot on the heels of Ariadne the Spider and Avianne Blackbird comes flying out of the murky depths of the imagination of Heather Van Steenburgh. Heather and Russell have performed in AerLift, SASS, Circus of Dreams and the Columbia City Cabaret.
SANCA Magnificent 7
NW Dance and Acro
The Northwest Dance and Acro advanced acrobatic team recently performed for millions on America's Got Talent Season 5, auditioning in Portland and then performing in Vegas! Howie enjoyed the fact that the girls could "sit on their heads"! Directly following their audition in Vegas, the team competed at Spotlight Nationals, wow'd those judges and earned a national title--1st place in their division! Team members range in age from seven to nineteen, all with a common love and passion for acro and dance. The team is thrilled to perform at Circus of Dreams and contribute to such a worthwhile endeavor! They look forward to making a difference in the lives of kids just like themselves. For more information on NW Dance and Acro, please visit www.nwdanceandacro.com.
Quynbi
Aerial Silks artist and model, dancer, multimedia visual artist, fashionista, muse, and licensed freestyle skydiver Quynbi has been dancing, acting and modeling since age 3. Professionally performing her unique and edgy aerial silks acts since 2006, Quynbi has most recently graced the stage at Teatro ZinZanni Seattle. Her stage experience also includes the Moisture Festival, the Moore Theater Centennial, Seattle Art Museum, and the Seattle Opera House.
Connor’s skill and love of flying landed him in the top 12 of The America’s Got Talent Show Season 5 and brought indoor kite flying to the world. His “Soul” flying performances have touched millions of people of all ages. Connor has been touring all over North America to promote the benefits of Kite flying and to inspire others to *Dare to Dream*.
Jenn has dedicated her life to empowering and sharing her passions with those around her. This is evident in her strong, animated performance style.
Professionally she is the co-owner of Vertical Girl; a sustainable, mission-oriented, rock climbing clothing company. Vertical Girl exists to enhance the climbing community and support women who aspire to climb; through events, information, sponsorships, and the ongoing mission to refine their unique, climbing-specific line of clothing. Learn more at: VerticalGirl.com
Rene Bibaud
Rene is a five time jump rope world champion, ESPN commentator and former artist and coach of Cirque de Soliel. She is an educator, motivational speaker and entertainer with a special focus on youth fitness and specialty performances.
A title wave of dance, juggling, and crazy kung-fu acrobatics, NANDA fills the house with unrelenting skill and comedy woven into a sonic soundscape. The performance by these four friends has been evolving over the last 20 years when they met as toddlers in their hometown of Port Townsend, WA. Those four feral little hippy kids have grown into four enlightened ninja jugglers with the skills to win a revolution. NANDA is Chen Pollina, Kiyota Sage, Misha Fradin, and Tomoki Sage.
Tamara the Trapeze Lady started her aerial experience as a dancer with famed Seattle choreographer / dancer / inventor Robert Davidson. She began teaching aerial dance in 1995 at her own studio in Pioneer Square and has performed around the U.S. and Canada as well as Spain, Portugal, and Thailand. Tamara is based in Seattle and has been teaching circus style aerial at Versatile Arts for the last year, while continuing her own neverending journey of skill building with the amazing array of talented instructors that Beverly has sponsored at V.A.
Jonathan's interest in circus arts began in Mexico, where he became a roustabout in a small, family-owned circus. For several months Jonathan served as caretaker of the many exotic animals in the circus, including Maurice, the elephant, and Pepe, the hippopotimus. When he tired of pounding stakes and shoveling animal dung, Jonathan returned to Seattle and enrolled in SANCA's Aerial Intensive Program. He dreams of running away with the circus again, only this time as an artist.
Geri Lou
Geri began her love of circus arts with the flying trapeze five years ago in Baltimore at Trapeze School New York - Baltimore and various other rigs throughout the world. She became a more recent convert to the aerial arts about a year and a half ago when she began studying at Versatile Arts under the instruction of Beverly Sobelman. She has also studied with Eric Newton and Duo Madrona. When she isn't in the air she makes her living as a personal trainer in Issaquah. She has three boys who make sure her life is always busy and never dull.
Photo by: Malixe Photo
Vivian Yeung
Vivian has been training at Versatile Arts with Beverly Sobelman for a year and a half. When she's not training on aerials, Vivian is planning her next traveling adventure or eating good food or both, for all three are her true passions. She attends Evergreen State College and resides in Olympia when the summer is over.
Photo by: Malixe Photo
Esther Edelman
Esther has over 20 years of choreographing, directing and performance experience that spans international stages and events. She is an Artistic Director and Co-founder of the groundbreaking UMO Ensemble. Esther strives to create a "fluid mix of circus and aerial arts" that is "elegant and expressive" Seattle PI. Committed to transcending the limitations of individual forms, Esther has made her mark in combining disciplines such as aerial circus and theatrical narrative to produce truly innovative work.
Is a unique performing artist with a diverse movement background in physical disciplines including modern dance, Bharatnatayam, Filipino martial arts, Commedia dell'Arte, yoga, gymnastics and stunt training. She is currently producing new works in Seattle, WA, where she is a company member of the Aerialistas, Seattle's original all-girl aerial gang. She also collaborates locally with members of Manifold Motion and Circus Contraption, and outside of Seattle with Kansas City-based Quixotic Performance Ensemble.
The Cabiri are a Seattle-based performance troupe that specializes in performative mythology, the retelling of stories from folklore and ancient mythology using dance, aerial arts, stilts, puppetry, and more. They have been performing these arts in the Pacific Northwest and throughout North America since 1999.
Dyno's specialty is vertical apparatus, including rope, fabric, and chain. His performances mix strength and grace to create rich and expressive characters.
Thanhdat comes from a small family in Vietnam and began his artist career singing, dancing, and theater after school. He found circus silk art interesting and began to learn aerial silk about 3 years ago and was taught by his jazz dance instructor at the Kirkland Dance Center. He has been in love with it ever since and probably loves it more than dancing! He loves performance on stage and whenever given the opportunity to perform, he is prepared to dance, sing or swing above on the audience on aerial silk.
Photo by: Unknown
Breakdancing Ninja
Daniel's priorities in life are food, shelter, and Breakdancing. He is self-taught (learned in a barn) and enjoys spinning on his head. Daniel has been Breakdancing for 10 years and teaching for 5. "I.ve learned one thing from teaching and performing; the people who have the most fun are usually the best!
Courtnee Papastathis began her aerial experience in 2002 with Lara Paxton, taking on her moniker of Zita the Aerialist after playing her in a film. She has taught at SANCA, and performed in Seattle, New York, and Vancouver as well as directing aerial for the Seattle Erotic Art Festival in 2008. Courtnee serves as board President and Executive Director of Vita Arts, a non-profit arts organization dedicated to sharing the transformative power of art with the disadvantaged. Zita currently performs at venues such as The Pink Door, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center with the Cabiri, Columbia City Cabaret, and Circus of Dreams.
Alyssa Hellrung and Laura Lee-Sabbe began working together as a trapeze duo at a prestigious performing arts camp in upstate New York where Alyssa was an instructor and the Director of Circus Arts for eight years and Laura was a camper in the intensive circus program for three years. Alyssa is now the Program Coordinator of the Sanca School of Flight, Seattle's first flying trapeze school. Laura is a freshman at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, CA and flies weekly at Richie Gaona's trapeze school. Laura and Alyssa are inspired by frozen yogurt.
Bruce and Simmone
Simonne and Bruce have been performing throughout the Seattle area for the last four years. They have performed yearly for the Aerlift benefit for the children who live in the Guatemalan garbage dumps and they are members of the Aerial Army of Love. They perform regularly at the Little Red Studio and have their own studio and aerial arts school in West Seattle. Bruce and Simonne were semi finalists in the America's Got talent competition this year and have been invited to perform for the Emmy events in Los Angeles. Their sensual style and aerial talents are portrayed in a duo hoop routine.
Lara Lee Paxton Rasberry teaches and performs locally, nationally and internationally on a variety of aerial apparatus, including her signature anchor. She is the founder and director of the Original Aerial Girl Gang, the Aerialistas, an 8-member troupe which has been performing since 2004. She is also the founder and artistic director of Circus Contraption, Seattle's beloved, world-traveling, one-ring troupe. She and her students formed an outreach group "The Aerial Army of Love" in 2006 with the mission of using circus arts to benefit those in extreme poverty.
Jeremy January, the actor behind the silent vaudeville clown Chance Marmalade got his start on the Seattle stages back in 1992 with Seattle Children's Theatre. A graduate of the NW Actors Studio two year conservatory Jeremy has performed all over the city and has taken his one man clown show to Spring Fair in Roseburg Oregon and onto the streets of Seattle, Eugene and San Francisco. Chance Marmalade made his Seattle stage debut at the Jewel Box Theatre earlier this year. Mr. Marmalade's dream is to play the title role in Waiting For Godot.
Vivian has been twisting and turning happily in Seattle for the past 4 years. When she isn't flying, you might be able to spot Vivian on the ground looking for beetles or Sasquatch footprints. Vivian currently lives in Seattle with her husband, David, and her ferocious chihuahua.
Unitardo and Leotardo have been performing since the 1850s. The piece being performed at Circus of Dreams was originally performed at the 1861 "Festivale Du Champions de L'Universe," where it was met with high acclaim. They believe that the trapeze is a universal languages that even 'Les Americans' can understand. To 'Les Americans' they are also known as Jess Silver and KT Treadwell. They have been studying with Beverly Sobelman at Versatile Arts for the past year and a half.
Photo by: Jon McClintock
Heather Whinnen and Jill Schaffner
Viva and Violet, a real aerial riot, landed in the amazing Emerald City about a year and a half ago. Where they came from no one knows. Where they are going is yet to be know. And why they are here is still not understood. Sitings of V and V have been reported in Bellingham. They were most recently seen flying in Freemont with the Aerialistas. The inseparable duo are fascinated with Seattlites and are thrilled to be invited to the Circus of Dreams.
Terry Crane
Russian Bar Hoppers
Erica, Marta, and Nick met while coaching at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts. In their hours between coaching classes they combine their acrobatic and creative talents to put together a Russian Bar act. This fun and exciting act blends high flying thrills with the engaging personalities of all three performers.
Levity
Ezra Benette
Ezra Weill just got back from a summer of touring New England with Circus Smirkus. He performed on rope, Chinese pole and tight wire. Although he spends much of his day in high school or doing homework, he'd rather be training at Versatile Arts or SANCA. Ezra is hoping to make circus arts his future career.
Our MC: Warren Etheredge
As founder of The Warren Report (www.thewarrenreport.com), Warren Etheredge curates and hosts over 250 events every year, a podcast and television series. The Warren Report promotes "slow culture" through commentary, outreach, events and education. Our principle: Smarter audiences make a better world! Additionally, Warren is one of the founding faculty of TheFilmSchool. For six years, Warren served as the Curator for the 1 Reel Film Festival (at Bumbershoot), before that, he worked with the Seattle International Film Festival. Warren has staged over 40 plays in New York, published five books, written countless magazine articles and recently completed a feature-length documentary, HUMOR ME. He is in pre-production for a new documentary, TAPPED OUT: SOLVING AMERICA'S WATER CRISIS. He is the host of Words & Wine and The Good Life, conversation series with A-list authors, and is a regular contributor to Seattle's NPR affiliate, KUOW.
Experience the symbiosis of spectacular acrobatics and powerful emotions: authentic and breathtaking, unique and beautiful, sensual and strong. Be captivated as gravity is seemingly turned upside down.
Una Weill
Una Bennett is a determined, energetic, fourteen year-old fireball with a crazy mop of hair. When she isn’t training at Versatile Arts, Una also enjoys horseback riding, snowboarding and slack lining.
Live African Drumming
Dounia Djembe, featuring Manimou Camara, playing traditional West African music
Alyssa Hellrung
Alyssa tried the flying trapeze for the first time when she was 16 years old and has been addicted to circus arts ever since. She has worked as a circus instructor at Club Med Sandpiper and was the Director of Circus for five years at Long Lake Camp for the Arts. She is now the program director of the School of Flight at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) as well as an aerial instructor and the co-director of two of SANCA's youth performance groups. Alyssa has performed solo and duo static trapeze for several years in Seattle as part of AerLift, SANCA's Annual Spring Showcase, KCRQ Alternative Frequency, and this will be her third appearance in Circus of Dreams.
Photo by: John C.
Steve the Pretty Good Magician
Steve Hamilton has performed his comedy magic literally around the world nearly 20 years and he is really close to getting it right.
Russian Bar Hoppers
Erica, Marta, and Nick met while coaching at the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts. In their hours between coaching classes they combine their acrobatic and creative talents to put together a Russian Bar act. This fun and exciting act blends high flying thrills with the engaging personalities of all three performers.
SANCA's Amazing Circus 1-ders
The Amazing Circus 1-ders really live up to their name.The troupe was formed in March of 2008.All of the performers, age5-8, are students at The School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) located in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood.They train and perform in all circus disciplines, including tumbling, acrobatics and tight wire as well as the aerial arts such as trapeze, vertical rope and silks.Favorite performances include The Moisture Festival, all SANCA shows, and The Wallingford Kiddie’s Parade.Future goals include more shows, learning new feats of daring that make their parents nervous, and new sparkly costumes.
The School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts (SANCA) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of children of all ages by engaging them in the joyous creativity of acrobatics and circus arts.
Beginning with an impromptu performance during a festival at the Des Moines Marina in 1987, Fish has shared his BMX stunt riding abilities to crowds at various schools, fairs, and events around the United States. Whether it's a blocked off side street in Eastern Oregon for a safety fair or the Key Arena in downtown Seattle for an NBA halftime show, children and adults alike have expressed amazement while watching him roll, spin, and balance backwards, forwards, and upside down, usually on one wheel.
Classically trained in ballet since the age of three, Rachel is a ballerina turned aerialist, showgirl, and variety performer. Modern, belly dance, and lyrical jazz make up some of her versatile background, as well as two years of aerial acrobatic training at the Circus Center of San Francisco. Rachel’s cross training gives her the ability to deliver a wide range of movements from lithe and ethereal to earthy and visceral. Rich, extravagant movements and strong, multifaceted technique are her trademarks. Captivating audiences with an eloquent musculature and a capacity to deliver roles from comedy to mystery, she is based out of Seattle, Washington.
Dounia Djembe, featuring Manimou Camara, playing traditional West African music
Carey
A dancer and gymnast from the age of 3, Carey is relatively new to the world of circus. She discovered aerial rope in 2009 at her college in Ohio with an intensive workshop. The next year she followed some friends to the School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) in Seattle multiple times before deciding to move her life across the country to further pursue circus while finishing her undergraduate degree. She has one year left of said degree and then plans to audition for a professional circus school. This is her second aerial rope performance. Student of SANCA.
Rick May - Violin
Rick May began classical violin training in Tacoma, Washington at age 11--but then he discovered rock music, quit his school orchestra, and never looked back. For the past several years, Rick has worked full-time on Irish traditional tunes, studying with noted fiddler Randal Bays. In addition to supporting local Irish sessions and teaching fiddle, Rick performs regularly with guitarist Gil Yslas and with singer/guitarist Martin Nyberg.
Pamella Inveen
Student of Versatile Arts.
Pamella began aerial two years ago at age 48 and set a goal to perform by the time she turned 50. Last year she performed a crowd pleaser at Aerlift 2010 and hopes to do it again and again over the years. She wishes to inspire everyone to follow their dreams no matter what their age. Pamella also stays busy in Gig Harbor raising two teenagers and running herbusiness, Gig Harbor Yoga Fusion.
Tanner Keal is a sixteen year-old aspiring aerialist, artist, and musician. Only a year ago, when visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia, Tanner met the "Aerial Angels" and was immediately awestruck. He returned home with the ambition of learning the aerial arts. After research of local studios, he was fortunate enough to encounter Versatile Arts, and trains with the fabulous Beverly Sobelman. He hopes to reach greater heights with his new-found passion. Student of Versatile Arts.
Thomas Heasley
Student of Versatile Arts.
Jessie
Student of SANCA. December 2009, winter break with nothing to do. That is how Jessie, age 16 and a junior in high school, discovered contortion. Fast forward 6 months and she was choreographing her first routine to perform for a school project. This summer she discovered the aerial arts and trained at SANCA under the watchful eyes of Carey Cramer, Kari Podgorski, and Terry Crane. With two performances for Circus Open Mic under her belt (one contortion and one aerial hoop) she is ready to try out a larger audience and, hopefully, jumpstart her career in the circus arts. She plans to audition for the National Circus School after graduating from high school with dreams of joining Cirque Du Soleil.
Christine
Student of Versatile Arts.
Little did Christine know when she signed up for an intro to aerial class on a whim in early 2008 she’d be hooked! She has since trained with Versatile Arts, the Cabiri, Esther Elderman, and Levity. She also is a dollmaker, a number cruncher, and a terrible accordion player.
Judy
Student of Emerald City Trapeze.
April McMorris
April is a member of The Cabiri performance troupe, where she dances on silks, hoop, trapeze, and atop stilts, depicting tales from ancient myth and folklore. The piece she is presenting at Circus of Dreams was developed in Charly McCreary's aerial hammock class. April began her aerial training in January 2010, and was a competitive gymnast in her youth. Happy to be flipping and spinning in the air again, she is looking forward to performing as an aerialist with The Cabiri for many years to come.
Tiffany
Since childhood, Tiffany has been interested in Performing Arts. She was a gymnast in her youth, then discovered dance in high school. Two years ago, she took her first aerial class, and quickly aerial became her performing passion. Tiffany is a student of The Cabiri and Versatile Arts.
Simonne
Simonne Garrigues is a belly dancer and aerial artist with a sensual and graceful style. Simonne has a depth of knowledge of the body from her many years of experience as a fitness trainer and as a massage therapist and incorporates this knowledge into her classes and performances. She is also playful and childlike, her classes at both Seattle Aerial Arts and Emerald City Trapeze have been called an "aerial playground." Simonne understands that expressions of sweetness and love can help balance the hostility and conflict in our world.
Our MC: David Silverman
For thirty-one years David Silverman has specialized in one thing: connecting with people. Be it on a stand-up comedy stage, (he won the first Seattle Laugh-off in 1980), or in a theater, (he’s worked in every major Seattle venue, from the Seattle Rep to the Fifth Avenue Theater to the Seattle Opera). He has entertained people as a tap dancer, singer, actor and performed for countless corporate groups as a mock expert.
He has been to the top of Kilimanjaro, driven across the Sahara Desert, hunted with Pygmies in the rain forest of the Congo, hiked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu and visited the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. David was also lucky enough to be in Berlin in 1989 to witness the falling of the wall.
David is one of the most sought after auctioneers in the Seattle area, and an experienced and unique corporate emcee.
