“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! We’ve covered Las Vegas, Montréal, Berlin, and Dubai, with this sixth episode spotlighting Santiago, Chile for a part 2 episode. What other cities do you want to see on the list?

This episode: Santiago! Meet the guests from part two of this Santiago, Chile feature…

Lucas Vergara

Lucas is an artist, educator and researcher in the circus arts. Practicing circus since 2014, he specializes in hula hoop and handbalancing. He has blended a career both working as an artist in various shows and companies, and as an independent researcher, complementing somatic education with circus. He is also a cultural manager in various circus spaces helping with creating and expanding circus in Santiago and its networks. @circonautaa @elevartecircoyoga

Laura Medina

Laura is a circus performer and instructor. She went to circus school in Buenos Aires (UNSAM, 2021) where she specialized in aerial hoop and dance trapeze. She is currently based in Santiago de Chile where she perform as an aerialist mostly in private gigs. She also teachs aerial hoop, static trapeze and silks in the city and trains every day in Elevarte Circo Yoga. @lauralaguna9 @elevartecircoyoga

Cristobal Griño

Cristobal is a teacher, aerial straps artist at La Pirueta y el Circo del Mundo, and instructor inspired by Fighting Monkey practices. He is the founder of La Pirueta Cultural Center, which has been active for more than 8 years, dedicating all this time to the training and diffusion of circus artists and general movement enthusiasts. @cris.movmnt @fightingmonkey_practice @lapirueta_centro_cultural @circo_del_mundo_chile

Ámbar Ortega

Ámbar is a yoga and movement instructor, hosting classes at La Pirueta Cultural Center. She focuses on body mind practices and is also a language, speech and voice therapist. @ambarorteg @lapirueta_centro_cultural

Oscar Valenzuela

Oscar is a tightrope walker, porter and straps artists, currently performing with Aida Cruises. He is also producer for Cirkoactivo and hand balancing instructor. @oscar_rulos @aida_cruises @cirkoativo

Javiera Reyes

Javiera is a multidisciplinary artist based in Chile, specializing in rings, contortion and suspension. @javierareyesjimenez

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