2024 Judges:
Roman Tomanov, an acclaimed aerial straps performer, boasts a remarkable career highlighted by numerous prestigious awards and extensive global experience.
Roman has been an integral part of renowned productions, including Cirque Du Soleil’s “Kurios” touring from 2014 to 2023, “KA” in Las Vegas in 2012, and “Zaia” in Macau, China, from 2007 to 2012. His talent has graced stages worldwide, from the Apero Baobab Stage in Las Vegas in 2021 to performances in Tokyo, Japan, and Zurich, Switzerland, demonstrating his exceptional skill and dedication to the art of circus. Roman Tomanov is a highly decorated circus artist, earning prestigious awards including the Silver Clown Award at the 1998 Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, the Bronze Trophy at the Wuhan 4th International Circus Festival in 2000, a Silver Medalist title at the 2003 Festival Mondial De Demain in Paris, the Bronze Trophy at the 2001 International Circus Festival of Latina in Italy, the Bronze Trophy at the 2004 Circus Festival of Budapest in Hungary, and a Gold Medal at the 2004 European Youth Circus Festival in Germany.
Brennan Figari, originally from San Francisco, has dedicated over 15 years of his life to traveling the world as a choreographer, coach, and artist. Currently residing in Berlin, Germany, Brennan serves as the acrobatic coach and choreographer for Friedrichstadt-Palast, one of Europe’s largest shows. His teaching experience spans from first-time recreational students to full-time professional artists, with a focus on both the artistic and athletic aspects to help students reach their full aerial potential. Brennan’s work as a choreographer and performer includes collaborations with high-profile clients such as America’s Got Talent, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Helene Fischer, Wintergarten Varieté, Cavalia, The Tonight Show,, Google, Emirates Airlines, P&O Cruises, Sea World San Diego, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and many more. With a wealth of experience, Brennan has taught thousands of students globally and looks forward to judging and teaching workshops at De Leon Cirque Fest™ 2024.
Brenda Hamilton, a seasoned veteran in the entertainment and dance community with over 25 years of experience, has been crafting stunning and versatile aerial choreography for more than 15 years. Her impressive portfolio includes choreographing, performing, and coaching on national and international stages, as well as for film and television. Noteworthy recent achievements nclude choreographing the aerial elements of Carrie Underwood’s residency show in Las Vegas, creating the official music video for “Ghost Story,” and designing a special live performance for the CMT awards show featuring Carrie’s debut in aerial performance. Brenda’s diverse choreographic work spans prestigious events such as The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, The Country Music Awards, and The Kids Choice Awards, as well as collaborations with Cirque Du Soleil for the Pan Am Games in Toronto and a special performance in Mumbai, India. With her wealth of experience, Brenda is adept at tailoring her choreography to meet the specific needs of any production, from corporate events and rock concerts to commercials and film, consistently captivating audiences with breathtaking artistry.
Amy Gale‘s entertainment background comes from years of performing as a professional dancer in LA and around the world, show directing and choreographing for television, videos and live stage shows. Amy grew up in Palos Verdes and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from UCLA and is thrilled to now be the co-owner of Imagination Entertainment with her husband Steve.
Amy has been with Imagination Entertainment for almost 20 years. She started as the Co-Creator, Show Manager and Choreographer for Cirque de la Mer, which premiered at SeaWorld in 2001. She then moved into producing the company’s theatrical show productions, special event entertainment and international tours.
Jason Myhre is a graduate of the Chicago Academy for the Arts High School. His dance training also includes scholarships from Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Chicago City Ballet, and LADA/EDGE Performing Arts Center.
Jason has performed in numerous industrials for Disney, Kraft, Six Flags, and showcase around the Los Angeles area. He is a noted choreographer as well. Highlights include; Rihanna, Paula Abdul, Willow Smith, Melody Thornton, Robin Thicke, Paulina Rubio, Ciara, Amerie, Shakira, Mariah Carey, The Pussycat Dolls, Babyface, Ricky Martin, Janet Jackson, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Bleona, Neko Case, Debi Nova, Stacie Orrico, SmittenBLU, Lil’ Kim, Shoshana Bean, Anastacia, Clipper Girls, Rock The Rink, Kristi Yamaguchi, Rory Flack- Burghart, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Old Navy Commercials, and the Wayans Brothers hit movie “White Chicks.”
Jason has worked with such artists on World Tours, Music Videos, the MTV Superbowl half-time show, and music award television specials. Jason has also choreographed the Emmy and Oscar Governors Balls, NBCC benefits and created shows for Imagination Entertainment.
He also has judged and choreographed for such competitions/conventions as; AMP, Encore Performing Arts, Spotlight Dance Cup, Broadway Bound, Dance Masters, LADF Nationals, HDE, and LADM’s Final Cut.
As a teacher Jason has taught master classes across the nation, at EDGE & Millennium LA professional studios. He was also the Director of Jazz Dance at Loyola Marymount University for almost 20 years.