Lydia Lara
Lydia Lara is an aerialist, performer, director, producer, choreographer, and instructor originally from Mexico City. After years of gymnastics, dance, and music training, Lydia watched a musical theatre company rehearsing on an outdoor public stage. At only 14 years old, she marched up to the director and asked him to let her join the production. Of course she was initially turned down, but when she kept continuously showing up, he eventually gave her a chance. She was able to learn and grow as a dancer and performer with this amazing troupe as they toured around the country with adaptations of hit musicals such as The Lion King, Aladdin, Hercules; as well as original productions written and developed by the troupe. By 16 Lydia had written and performed in several original works.
Lydia joined and continued to learn from other dance and theatre companies around the country, eventually making her way to the US, and later Canada. After years of performing, she switched gears to pursue a formal education and obtained a B.A./M.A Honors Degree in Theatre & Critical Theory with an emphasis on Performance and Lighting Design as well as two minors in Dance and Technical Production.
Years later, in the streets of Toronto Lydia found herself again marching up to another director, this time a circus artist who gave her a chance right away. She followed this new-found passion and began training first on silks and quickly adding almost all aerial apparatus she encountered. Since learning aerial can be a very expensive endeavor, she became a certified aerial arts instructor in multiple disciplines through Vault Houston with Amy Ell so she could teach and have a space to train.
Later, she began traveling to Europe to continue growing as a performer and instructor, performing in small venues such as bars and clubs as well as large outdoor events and even the opera, and teaching at international festivals. Lydia has worked as a performer and instructor with renowned companies around the world such as La Fura dels Baus, Sumas y Restas, Houston Grand Opera, Mercury Baroque Orchestra, Fidget Feet Aerial Dance at the IADF, Aerial Cirque Dublin, Drapes-Aeriens at Les Rencontres De Danse Aerienne, Gravity & Levity at the EADF, Project in Motion, Aerial Experience Productions, and Womack & Bowman The Loft. Some of her favorite works include Wagner’s Ring Cycle, Armide, Culture Night in Dublin, Rope Battles at Festival Les Escales, and the Emma Insley Cabaret at the IADF in Ireland.
In 2023 Lydia officially launched Aerial Conexions, a production support company that provides professional aerialists, dancers, musicians and specialty circus arts to live performances. Though her company she has provided production support for amazing productions around the US and co-directed several shows including the very first Hollywood Aerial Showcase
Kerry Wee
Kerry Wee is an aerial artist, coach, and movement educator with over a decade of experience in the aerial arts. She teaches at The Aerium in San Antonio, Texas, and is the host of the Aerial Perspective Podcast, where she explores topics related to aerial training, coaching, performance, and community. Throughout her career, Kerry has taught workshops and classes at studios, festivals, and events across the United States, sharing her expertise with aerialists of all levels. Known for her thoughtful, student-centered approach, she is passionate about helping others develop strong technique, creative expression, and confidence in the air. Kerry is excited to share her knowledge and connect with the aerial community at the Texas Aerial Gathering.
Brett Copes
BRETT COPES from FIGHT OR FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT: is an Acrobatic Rigger, Stunt Rigger, Rigging Consultant, Ropes Course Administrator and Theater Technician. Holding several Certifications, he attended the North American Association of Flying Directors, is a recognized Competent Person/Competent Inspector, SPRAT Technician, CM Hoist Certified and completed Training courses from many of the Industries top Rigging professionals. He has been the Head Rigger for several Circus and Aerial Festivals in the US, and Rigged Acrobatics and Flying FX for Cirkus Smirkus, Verdigo Flying, Dream World Cirque, Aerial Experience, CAVALIA International Tours, Mille +UNA (Italy), and Mar Del Zvr aerial dance (Panama). Working on large scale productions he served as Head Acrobatic/Stunt Performance Rigger of the touring show MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE, Head Rigger of Peter Pan 360, Acrobatic Rigging Project Manager for Helene Fischer: Live Tour as well as been a member of the Rigging Teams at Cirque Du Soliel shows: “O” and “IRIS”, the CDS venue THE LIGHT, and at the BEATLES:LOVE Show. Brett specializes in problem solving, rescue systems, crew training and has developed a successful Rigging for Aerialists Seminar, having taught across the USA, Central America, and the UK. More info and portfolio can be found at www.fightorflightent.com
Xochitl Sosa
Xochitl Sosa is a versatile performer. Specializing in Dance Trapeze, her original work has won such praise as an Isadora Duncan Award, and most recently won 2nd place at Vivafest for her aerial duo. She has worked as an ensemble and solo artist, most notably with Cirque du Soleil, and Acrobatic Conundrum.
Born in Oakland, CA, Xochitl Sosa grew up sandwiched between the bay area’s urban culture and the redwoods’ fertile soils. Exposure to circus arts at a young age gave Xochitl a purpose. She was hooked after her first flight at age 8. After years of recreational practice she attended NECCA (New England Center for Circus Arts) and completed their pro-track program 2012-2013. She then continued her circus education in Montreal with renowned coaches from Ecole Nacional de Cirque and Cirque du Soleil.
She is a passionate instructor with over 20 years opf teaching experience. She pute emphasis on proper technique, and artistic expression. She is also the director and founder of Cirque Vida , a contemporary circus company based in Austin, TX. She resides on a farm outside Austin, now a mother of two. She is proud to expose circus to the next generation.
Ginger Snaps
Ginger Snaps, The Tastiest Tease in Texas, is an award-winning international burlesque performer, aerialist, and producer from Austin, TX. Voted Austin’s “Best Burlesque Performer” for a DECADE by the Austin Chronicle Reader’s Poll and winner of the 2026 “Stunt Master” Silver Tusk Burlesque Award, she is renowned for her unique burlesque and aerial performance creations as well as her embracing of all things weird! Ginger has been seen on stages and screens across the globe including on America’s Got Talent, Das Supertalent in Germany, performing at the illustrious Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender in Las Vegas multiple times, headlining the Brasilia Burlesque Festival, and numerous viral social media videos and articles.
She is the Performance Manager for Sky Candy aerial arts, the founder of Legislate THIS – a series of burlesque and variety fundraiser shows for Planned Parenthood, as well as the founder of the Aerials for Plus-Sized Bodies program and accompanying series of professional development workshops. Ginger has been teaching her workshops to instructors, studio owners, and students across the globe for years, and is passionate about aerial and movement education for ALL….and making as many spin-freaks as possible! When not instigating for glitter and social justice Ginger can be found teaching her pets how to use a Ouija board. Find her on the socials @gingersnapsburlesque!
Dara Minkin
Dara Minkin is an aerial acrobat specializing in aerial silks. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Contemporary Dance from the University of New Mexico, she has extensive training in many dance disciplines, including Stott Method Pilates, Martha Graham Technique, Gaga Technique, Ballet, and many others. She is known all-over-the-world through Instagram as @aerial.design. She launched her publishing company and performer name Aerial Design in 2014. She co-founded her school The Aerium in 2020. Having performed for nineteen years and taught for fifteen, Dara has designed a teaching method for vertical aerial arts published in book form as Proximal: An Introduction to Aerial Theory. She has taught for Aerial Horizon, Womack and Bowman, Vertical Fix, Radical Movement Factory, Project in Motion, Agora Arts, Frequent Flyers and more. Dara resides in San Antonio, TX where she spends her time writing her next book and directing an aerial company known as Cirque Volaer – founded in July 2025.
Liza Rose
Jessica Rousseau is the founder of South Texas Aerial Arts and has over 20 years of experience teaching movement, aerial arts, and women’s empowerment. Originally from Canada, she followed her vision of creating a life rooted in nature, community, and creativity, and now lives in South Texas where she has built a thriving studio focused on connection, confidence, and joy.
Jessica is known for her ability to make students feel safe, seen, and capable—whether they are stepping into their very first class or expanding into more advanced movement. Her teaching blends technical skill, fluid transitions, and expressive movement, helping students not only improve their abilities but truly enjoy the experience.
She brings a unique perspective that combines aerial arts, feminine embodiment, and real-life connection, creating classes that are both transformative and fun. Her mission is to help women reconnect to their bodies, build confidence, and experience movement as a source of freedom and happiness.
Leah Grandstaff
Leah Grandstaff began her aerial journey in 2013, discovering in circus arts a powerful blend of strength, grace, creativity, and self-exploration. Since completing her first instructor training in 2016, she has dedicated herself to helping students develop not only technical skills but also a deeper understanding of movement, body awareness, and personal growth.
Specializing in aerial silks while also training and performing on sling, lyra, dance trapeze, and duo apparatuses, Leah is known for her playful creativity, innovative pathways, and thoughtful approach to aerial education. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes conceptual understanding, encouraging students to build confidence by recognizing their strengths, embracing challenges, and cultivating authentic movement.
Leah has performed with numerous aerial productions and companies throughout Colorado and is a proud member of In the Wings aerial dance company, where she continues to explore collaboration, artistry, and the joy of movement. Whether coaching, creating, or performing, Leah is passionate about fostering connection, curiosity, and a little bit of aerial adventure along the way.
Magnolia Duet
The Magnolia Duet is the collaboration of Christine Adhar and Stephen Izrael, two Houston-based movement artists who met while teaching at an aerial studio in Sugar Land, Texas.
Drawing from backgrounds in dance, yoga, gymnastics, and flying trapeze, The Magnolia Duet blends strength, artistry, and storytelling to create aerial experiences centered on connection and creative expression.
As experienced instructors and multidisciplinary performers, Christine and Stephen are passionate about helping aerialists deepen both technical skills and artistic exploration. Through their workshops, participants will explore the foundations of duo Lyra, build trust and communication with a partner, and discover how movement, tension, and shared presence can transform shapes into meaningful stories.
The Magnolia Duet is excited to join the Texas Aerial Gathering and share the lessons, skills, and creative practices that continue to shape their journey. Together, they invite aerialists to explore the space where trust becomes movement, movement becomes story, and two bodies become something greater than either could create alone.
Jessica Rousseau
Jessica Rousseau is the founder of South Texas Aerial Arts and has over 20 years of experience teaching movement, aerial arts, and women’s empowerment. Originally from Canada, she followed her vision of creating a life rooted in nature, community, and creativity, and now lives in South Texas where she has built a thriving studio focused on connection, confidence, and joy.
Jessica is known for her ability to make students feel safe, seen, and capable—whether they are stepping into their very first class or expanding into more advanced movement. Her teaching blends technical skill, fluid transitions, and expressive movement, helping students not only improve their abilities but truly enjoy the experience.
She brings a unique perspective that combines aerial arts, feminine embodiment, and real-life connection, creating classes that are both transformative and fun. Her mission is to help women reconnect to their bodies, build confidence, and experience movement as a source of freedom and happiness.
Monica Ferrari
Monica Ferrari also known as International Tattooed Model & Speciality performer under alias Luna Flor. Luna
loves to fire eater, fire breath & specializes in fire aerial instruction under her own business
@BurningEmbers_FireAerials, she is also Co-Founder of Fire & Aerial Troop @TheHellDolls established in late
2020 as seen at Screams HalloweenTheme Park in WaxahachieTX Main Stage performance from 2021 – 2024
& returned for Scarborough Hollow: A Fall Fantasy Festival October 2025.
Monica has 15years experience in circus arts training & 10years performing her arts.
She is a certified aerial instructor for Lyra, Trapeze, Hammock & Founding member of Aerial Spiral Pole
created by Lacy Kelly.
She has competed at the South West Aerial Art Championships to earn 2 nd Place in Junior Masters Level Two
Lyra Division in Dallas Texas 2015 and 6 year aerial veteran of The Dragons Halloween Ball hosted in Dallas
Texas.
“Moe” as known in aerial community, has trained under multiple well known aerialist from around the globe and
has worked private events for local celebrity Marie Reyes of Dallas House Wives, performed ambient aerials
during NERVO show at Stereo Live Dallas 2017, R.L. Grime in Houston Texas for NYE 2018, Lights All Night
2018 through 2021 Dallas for artist such as Illenium, Slander and DeadMua5. New Years Eve events such as
Everything Glitters in Houston TX. NYE Casa Blanca Lounge DTX 2022 and so many more!
For your entertainment inquires you can email find my work @LunaFlor.Entertainment on Instagram.
Grace Park
Hi~ I’m Grace!
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs with two older brothers and Korean immigrant parents. After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Chemistry, I followed my intuition and moved to Seoul, South Korea, where I taught English at a Korean public elementary school. That leap changed my life. It was in Korea that I discovered two of the greatest gifts in my life: my husband and aerial yoga.
Today, I serve the Greater Austin area through private sessions, workshops, and teacher trainings, while also supporting the global online aerial yoga community with clear, detailed, and intentional teaching rooted in love and grace.
Whether you are seeking mindful movement and gentle, nourishing stretches, or you are a dedicated practitioner training at a high level to become a confident and skilled aerialist or aerial teacher, I am here to support you. And if aerial yoga isn’t your thing, no worries at all~ we can always take it to the mat. Whatever you need, I’ve got you covered, and the kiddos too!
Ben Bradvig
Dr. Ben Brandvig earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University of San Antonio.
Upon completing his doctorate, Ben is currently a Sports Physical Therapy Resident through Texas Physical Therapy Specialists.
Ben enjoys helping patients understand their impairments as well as improve their quality of life through physical therapy. He has a passion for circus and performing artists and rehabilitating athletes to return to sport.
In his free time, Ben enjoys partner acrobatics and circus arts, weight lifting, and spending time with his significant other.
Jamiza Dar
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