“Circus Cities” is a CircusTalk Original Video Series by “Think Like an Acrobat” host Shenea Stiletto. In each episode, Shenea will explore a city with a vibrant circus community by sitting down with artists and service providers who reside there. The conversations will range from basics to specifics, from job opportunities and training space to living opportunities and conditions, including visas and work permits. This series is designed to equip you with everything you need to know about these cities, so you can see what’s out there and feel confident in your decision to permanently or temporarily relocate…or not! The first four episodes will cover Las Vegas, Montréal, Berlin, and Dubai. What other cities do you want to see on the list?

This episode: Berlin! Meet the guests of this episode…

Brennan Figari, originally from California, has been involved in the aerial industry for more than 20 years. After working in California and Las Vegas, he spent 10 years traveling the world as a freelance performing artist for special events, TV shows, cruise ships, and a five-year run as an aerial hoop soloist on Cavalia’s Odysseo. Eventually settling down in Berlin, Germany, he was an owner and managing director for an aerial studio for three years. Now, he delivers custom and creative aerial and acrobatic solutions for events, artists, and productions, including for FriedrichstadtPalast, one of the largest shows in Europe. As a coach, he teaches beginners through professionals, from the studio to the stage, in harness work, aerial acrobatics, and more. Still based in Berlin, he travels around the world teaching workshops and creating art.

Liz Williams received her BFA in Dance Performance from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, NY, USA. After dancing for various choreographers in NYC, Liz made Berlin her home base, from where she travels, working as an aerial acrobat, actress, and performer, as well as performance coach, choreographer, and pedagog. She is part of the performance duo Liz & Howard, whose work focuses on a seamless integration of circus techniques, dance, theater & live music. The duo is tireless in their quest for honest and poetic work that reflects the human soul, while maintaining a high level of technical excellence. Liz is the managing director of Q Space, a contemporary circus Space in Berlin, dedicated to continual artistic development.

Bertan Canbeldek, born and raised in Berlin, took the step and realized his childhood dream of becoming a professional circus artist. After graduating from the State School of Performing Arts in Berlin in 2010 with top marks, he traveled the world with his circus acts as an acrobat, dancer, and bounce-juggler.

Ivan Luzan is an act creator and creative director based in Berlin, Germany. After retiring from his own performance career, he now enjoys bringing talent to his productions and bringing his show concepts to life.

Shenea Stiletto

Acrobat, Podcaster, Circus Artist, Handstand Instructor -United States

Shenea Stiletto (Shenea Booth) is a two-time World Champion Gold Medalist in Acrobatic gymnastics, a USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Member, and World Acrobatic Society Inductee. Her career includes a decade of collaborations with Cirque Du Soleil including the coveted hand balancing role as "The Promise" in Varekai, becoming the first-ever African American female soloist to play a lead character in a Cirque Du Soleil production.
Shenea was also a finalist on America’s Got Talent and has continued to be a featured artist with prominent circus entertainment companies worldwide.

Shenea's profile