De Leon Cirque Fest

01/14/2026

Scott McDonald is an acrobatic coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer known for his creative, unorthodox approach to a wide variety of disciplines. He loves teaching students of all ages and levels using a safe, fun, and progressive method that emphasizes communication and celebrating progress. In addition to coaching, Scott creates curricula and programs for circus studios, works as an acrobatic designer for productions of all shapes and sizes, publishes and presents circus-related research internationally, runs an annual national medical conference entitled Circus Meets Medicine, and enjoys sharing his detailed tutorials, Circus Source Podcast, and Circus Artists React series on his Youtube channel. Check out his instagram at or his website at www.scottmcdonaldcoaching.com to learn more!

01/13/2026

Dasha Sobelman is a Moscow Circus School graduate whose performance career has included companies such as Nikulin Moscow Circus with her solo tissue act and 14 years with Cirque du Soleil at the Beatles: LOVE show. Her tenure at LOVE included performing aerial straps and body loop as two of the main characters in the show, aerial rope, bungee, and serving as both an artist captain and artist coach. She also performed, choreographed, and directed pieces for multiple years of A Choreographer’s Showcase and performed at the One Night for One Drop Charity Gala by Cirque du Soleil.

Dasha believes that everyone has something special about them and loves helping each artist find their unique spark. In her eyes, authenticity and generosity in the performance are the twin pillars of live entertainment and is passionate about working with aspiring performers to tell compelling stories onstage. Dasha has a very artistic, theatrical approach to circus and loves seeing characters come to life onstage.

So excited to have you join us!

01/12/2026

Greg Pennes joins De Leon Cirque Fest™ as a Casting Advisor and Scout, bringing a rare combination of Olympic-level athletic experience and world-class cirque pedigree. A former Cirque du Soleil artist, Greg performed in Mystère and as a featured character in Michael Jackson ONE before transitioning into global casting and acrobatic scouting.

Greg now works across Cirque du Soleil’s worldwide productions as an Acrobatic Scout and Casting Advisor, identifying and nurturing talent for the stage. In addition to his casting work, he has extensive experience as a coach, artistic coordinator, and acrobatic designer for shows, events, and training programs, regularly supporting kids, athletes, and professional artists in both their technical and artistic development.

01/11/2026

De Leon Cirque Fest 2026 Judge Aurelia Cats

Aurelia Cats is an internationally renowned trapeze contortion performer, artistic director, and creator of shows and professional Circus acts.

Aurelia has performed and worked with top circus companies and festivals worldwide and won multiple awards along the way. Aurelia has judged at prestigious festivals such as Monte Carlo and Festival mondial du cirque de demain in Paris. As a mentor and judge, she helps Artists refine their skills and grow professionally. Known for her expertise in Circus and her commitment to artistic excellence, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her workshops, offering participants an opportunity to grow technically, creatively, and professionally.

12/04/2025

02/15/2024

Sign up at DeLeonCirqueFest.com