Aloft Circus Arts

One last congratulations to our graduates of the Professional Training Program - Milenka, Shelley, Maya, Scarlett, Maria C, Maria T, Kat, Zach, Allison and Margaret and to our graduating seniors of the Aloft Youth Ensemble Claire, Satya and Eleanor. We are proud of all you have accomplished in our programs at Aloft and wish you all the best in your next journey!

Last but certainly not least in the graduating class of 24-26 - Milenka! Milenka Arce . People often say about Milenka…everything she tries, she is good at!! Milenka is a prime example of coming into the program and graduating with a diverse range of new skills. An amazing Lyra major, Milenka also picked up some incredible acro, tumbling, hand balancing, diabolo, foot juggling skills and more. Milenka has been a dedicated, focused and wonderful student to work with. She is coached by the Director, Kristi - who is so incredibly proud of her. Congratulations Milenka on your graduation tonight! Don’t miss the final graduation show presentation “No Waste No Fun” by Laura Stokes, tonight at 830pm.

Milenka Arce is a Bolivian circus artist who began her circus training in the United States. She specializes in aerial acrobatics, hand balancing, tumbling, and diabolo, combining technical skill with expressive performance. She also enjoys partner acrobatics, foot juggling, and stilt walking. Her work focuses on creativity, movement, and connecting with audiences through circus arts. Milenka is passionate about continuous growth as both an artist and performer.

“The experience I gained from working with different coaches and collaborating with my cohorts was invaluable. Throughout the program, I discovered new passions and interests I never expected to love, and they’ve become an important part of my growth.” -Milenka

Tonight and tomorrow!!! Don’t miss Scarlett’s Scarlett Abrams incredible acro, silks and hula hoop skills in “No Waste No Fun”, her capstone graduation performance of the Professional Training Program. Scarlett has been a fantastic member of the class of 24-26. Always full of energy, her performances are exciting, playful and confident. Her diverse skill range is apparent in her graduation show. We are so proud of Scarlett.

Scarlett is the people’s favorite redhead primarily seen flying around in aerial silks. In addition to aerial work, she is pursuing ground skills such as hula hoops, juggling, and acro. Born and raised in New Orleans, she began her aerial career at Louisiana State University while studying theatre performance and even got the opportunity to take an ensemble piece to Scotland to perform in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival while she was with the university. Scarlett hopes to continue performing in Chicago as well as across the globe post the Aloft Program. She is very grateful to create her final program piece with the renowned Laura Stokes.

“The best part of this program were my coaches so I’d like to name them specifically: Hayley, Zoe, Chantal, Camille, Megan, Dahlia F, and Rachel. Before coming to Aloft I never dreamed I’d be able to accomplish the things I have, and I did it all because of yall. Thank you

Introducing the other half of the incredible duo acro majors we have this year…Zach Anthony Zach Anthony . From duo acro, to cyr wheel, to rope, to juggling - Zach has skills in so many areas of circus. We loved his consistency in classes, his dedication to training and his creative voice. Zach’s major presentation (with Kat) was nothing short of electric, high-energy and exciting. It has been awesome having Zach in our program! Don’t miss his incredible acro in the finale show…tomorrow and Saturday! Get your tickets now.

Zach found circus through his partner Kat bringing him to an aerial dance class and rigging as an Arborist in Austin when he was hired to set aerial points for an outdoor show. Seeing what people were doing in the air and how expressive it could be made him want to jump in! He thought his experience as an arborist would lend itself well and his first aerial discipline was rope. After heading out on a “3 month summer trip” to Vermont for circus…2 years have gone by, he got a different job so he could train full time, moved to Chicago, and now he is graduating from the Aloft full time program.

“What I absolutely loved about this program was the focus on artistry along side skill progression. There are so many amazing coaches who want to help you become what you want and will push you to make it happen. With a great blending of directed time and open this program helps you to create habits of your own so learning and continuing to grow won’t stop when we leave after graduation.“ -Zach

Another graduate to see this weekend in their show…Kat! Kat is a multi-talented artist - whether she is throwing big acro skills or graceful aerial pole shapes, Kat is a very high-skilled and well-rounded performer. Lighting up any room she is in, it has been a joy to work with Kat in our program.

Kat Fowler (they/she) is a multi-disciplinary movement professional based in Chicago, IL. They are currently involved in partner acrobatics (with Zach Anthony), prop manipulation (poi, clubs), aerial pole, handstands, and dance in addition to practicing as a licensed massage therapist. After graduation, they are excited to guest teach at Leviathan Poi Camp (playpoi.com) in Canada before returning to train and work in Chicago.

“I have loved being in this program. Zach and I have both felt so lucky to have worked with our amazing coaching team: Sierra Kevin and Britt . Our growth was absolutely faster and way more fun because they are awesome people who are excellent at their crafts. Everyone we’ve met at Aloft has been supportive, kind, and talented, especially all the coaches, Kristi and our cohort. I love being integrated with this community and can’t wait to continue creating with the people I’ve met here, though I am also super excited take some opportunities to travel for work! I appreciate this program for giving me the space, structure, and support to push me creatively, technically, and professionally. This is a magical space and has been a great fit for me. I highly recommend the community here to everyone, and highly recommend the pro program for people who are ready to pursue their circus and creative goals with agency.” -Kat

It’s time for the very last Communion of the season! Join us as we congratulate our Professional Training Program class of 24-26 as they produce their last Communion together before graduation. And they have a stacked line up to go out with a bang for you. A mix of Aloft pros and students alike will take the stage this May 16 and you should be there to witness it! Tickets on sale in ticketleap now! All ticket proceeds go directly to our tuition fund for our Pro Program students (see a good show and support a good cause). And don’t despair, Communion will return in the fall of 2026 with our new incoming class taking up the torch. Photo of one of our fav clowns by