De Leon Cirque Fest™ 2025 Workshops
More workshops may be added – check back soon. Sign up at the link below – competitors, please check your email for a code to make these workshops only $50 each.
Cirque du Soleil Casting Representative Informational Session + Q&A with Jamie Pannucci – FREE for all DLCF competitors
12:35 – 2:15pm on Friday, February 14
During this information session Jamie Pannucci, Casting Advisor for Resident Shows, will talk about what opportunities there are at Cirque du Soleil for circus performers.
She will explain how the casting process works, talk about life at Cirque du Soleil, as well as give advice and information on how to apply for and prepare for a career on stage.
There will be time for attendees to ask questions directly to Jamie.
Jamie Pannucci is a casting advisor for Cirque du Soleil’s resident shows. She is a former swinging trapeze, duo straps, and house troupe artist for CDS, performing in O and then KÀ from 2008 -2020. A graduate of the University of Florida, Jamie’s background is in gymnastics as a child and then circus, having trained at Circus Center in San Francisco and with world-renowned coach, Victor Fomine, in Montreal. With over 20 years of experience spanning performance, coaching, coordinating, and advising in the circus world, Jamie embraces the beauty of circus as a universal language that connects and inspires us all.
Aurelia Cats is an internationally renowned trapeze contortion performer, artistic director, and creator of shows and professional circus acts. She 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.
Workshop Descriptions:
From Talent to Career: A Workshop for Performers
Learn essential strategies for succeeding in the entertainment industry, from self-promotion to securing performance opportunities. I’ll guide you through the basics of branding, contracts, and financial management to help you navigate your career as a professional performer.
Trapeze Technicality and Connections of Movements
12:05 – 1:35 on Saturday, February 15
Improve your technical skills on the trapeze, learning how to execute transitions smoothly, and connecting movements to create a more fluid performance.
Fluidity, Movement Development, and Character Work on all Apparatuses
12:00 – 1:30pm on Thursday, February 13
8:00 – 9:30am on Sunday, February 16
Develop smooth, flowing movements and explore your personal charisma and expression in performance. Through improvisation and movements, you will discover ways to connect your actions, create dynamic fluidity, and enhance your character on stage.
Stuart McKenzie was a former GB Sports Acrobat, his team ranked No.1 in the world from 2001-2005. He has performed for several Cirque Du Soleil shows like Kooza on teeterboard, and aerial straps act for Kurios & Mystere. Stuart has recently been in the position as Head Coach for Cirque Du Soleil touring show Songblazers. Stuart is the founder of the online aerial fitness business ‘Aerial Fitness Bodies’ where he has developed a home & travel friendly hand loop fitness strap for the cirque community & fitness demographics. Stuart’s vision is to share his sporting, artist & coaching experiences & knowledge by giving back to the cirque & fitness world; providing an opportunity to achieve personal fitness, performance & life goals through trust, belief, & confidence in oneself.
Workshop Descriptions:
Aerial Straps Progressions – Beginner level
8:15am – 9:45am on Friday, February 14
Focusing on the fundamentals of aerial straps including exercise drills to build aerial straps skills.
Aerial Straps: Intermediate/Advanced
12:30 – 2:00pm on Sunday, February 16
Designed for those looking to advance their aerial straps skills, this workshop emphasizes progressions for intermediate to advanced aerial straps skills, corrective exercises and injury prevention, and hanging recovery techniques
For the past 18 years Brenda has choreographed, performed, andcoached the aerial arts both nationally and internationally for stage, film and television. Within the past year alone Brenda has choreographed the aerial elements of Carrie Underwood’s Residency Show “Reflection” in Las Vegas, the official music video “Ghost Story”, a special live performance for the CMT awards show which featured Carrie performing aerial for the very first time and has also trained Carrie and choreographed her aerial numbers for her current “Denim & Rhinestones Tour”.
She has also choreographed and performed for The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, The Country Music Awards, The Kids Choice Awards, hundreds of corporate events, and most notably, with Cirque Du Soleil for the opening ceremony of the Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada and a special one-time performance for 45 degrees in Mumbai, India.
Workshop Descriptions:
Elevate your Spanset and Loop Strap Choreography
8:00am – 9:30am on Saturday, February 15
Discover the art of fluid movement guided by Brenda. She takes participants through a unique curriculum, unraveling the intricacies of spansets or loop straps in a captivating workshop. Discover the beauty of aerial dance within the loops and unlock a new dimension of artistic expression.
Fall in Love with the Heart Lyra
4:30pm – 6:00pm on Saturday, February 15
Come discover the unique heart lyra and learn some fun sequences!