Alpharetta Students Win Big in Las Vegas Circus Arts Competition

ALPHARETTA, GA – Four young local performers took home distinguished awards at last week’s VivaFest International Circus Competition.

Students from Akrosphere, Alpharetta’s new aerial and circus arts school, traveled to Las Vegas to compete in various circus acts against students from circus arts programs around the U.S. and Canada.

In the Aerial Silks and Rope category, 16-year-olds Natalie Shih and Harper Doherty took first and second place, respectively, with Celia Dizon, 13, claiming runner-up in the Aerial Hoop category, and 13-year-old Yasha Jeltuhin scoring fourth in Trapeze.

To say the students and coaches alike were surprised at the extreme success from the less than five-year-old school would be an understatement.

"I felt completely taken aback when I found out I had won,” says Suwanee resident Shih of her victory. “I wasn't thinking about the competition, just about performing the best I could!”

Akrosphere’s Aerial Silks and Aerial Hoop Coach Tawni Edwards says she had a similar approach, emphasizing that education and exposure for students were the main goals of the trip.

“We went to Vegas to have fun and perform. We were surprised when they all placed very high in their categories.” Edwards adds, “The Viva Fest was an amazing and unique opportunity for our students to perform under a big top. They were able to be fully immersed in circus culture and learn new skills that they can incorporate into new acts.”

Not only were students judged on their skills, but their participation in VivaFest gave them an opportunity to receive invaluable input from circus professionals from around the world. Edwards says, “The professional judges and instruction gave excellent feedback and the kids are motivated to work harder and improve on what they already know.”

Even in the excitement of their success, the Akrosphere team is now turning their attention to the next big thing. "We have a full performance company at Akrosphere, and we are currently building a full length show to take to festivals this fall," says Jen MacQueen, Artistic Director and owner of Akrosphere.

With a well-rounded set of circus arts offerings, Akrosphere instructors are always encouraging their students to learn as many circus disciplines as possible by bringing in guest artists, and VivaFest served as a major step in that expansion.

"Our students saw a Diabolo artist this past weekend and went nuts over him," MacQueen said. "Looks like we will be bringing in a Diabolo coach soon."

Now the the award-winning students have returned to their gym to hone their skills and are already making plans for next year’s competition.

"I would love to go back next year and perform in more acts and take workshops outside of my comfort zone," says Shih.

Dizon simply chimes in, "Same!" Amid the excitement, Edwards optimistically looks towards the future. “It's about having fun and sharing your joy of what you do. I'm so proud of their hard work ethic and excellent artistry. I can't wait to see what they create next!”

For more information, visit Akrosphere's website.