Danelle Chavez’s primary apparatus is lyra, though she also trains and performs on invented apparatus, silks, and sling. She has been part of the Monarca in Flight family since nearly the beginning and is excited to continue growing alongside as it continues to evolve and expand.

Irena Dmitrenok’s movement journey began at only six years old with gymnastics. For the next four years, gymnastics shaped her discipline, strength, and resilience but deep down, Irena knew her heart was somewhere else. She simply wanted to dance. Irena has explored hip hop, go-go, vogue, and stage performance. Eventually, that exploration led her to pole dance and then, very unexpectedly to aerial arts. Her first aerial class was on lyra, right after a pole class, wearing short shorts and a sports bra. It was painful, awkward, and unforgettable. But instead of walking away, she fell in love. Eleven years later, Irena is still discovering new ways to fly. Lyra and silks have been her main loves, but her curiosity has always kept her open to new apparatuses, new shapes, and new stories in the air. Tonight, she introduces her newest love: aerial sling. After eight months of falling deeper into this apparatus, this choreography is a reflection of her journey — from discipline to freedom, from power to softness, from being pushed into movement to finally choosing it for herself.

Kyla Dotson took her first flying trapeze class in 2021 to celebrate a milestone birthday. She quickly fell in love with circus and the community found through it. Exploring creativity and physicality in a style she calls elegant chaos, Kyla gravitates toward all forms of trapeze. A bar (of some shape) suspended in the air by ropes (of some sort). Her current obsession is a straps double loops trapeze, or “strapeze.”

Stephanie Ferrone balances her government day job with a panoply of hobbies that include competitive crossword puzzles, coaching Ethics Bowl at UMBC, and - of course - circus. In a shock to her past self, her primary apparatuses these days are metal circle on the ground (German Wheel) and metal circle in the air (lyra). Particular thanks to Sarah for coaching her through all of her crazy ideas, Hilary for the impromptu sewing and moral support, and her family for the patience.

Mara Globosky found her athletic niche in non-traditional sports that don’t require catching or throwing sportsballs, running, or other ludicrous tasks. With a strong passion for learning and trying new things, she’s moved from fencing to axe throwing to aerials. She started taking silks classes in October 2023 and recently started learning static trapeze. This is her first performance for silks! It’s actually her first performance in any dance or movement art!

Amy Gottlieb grew up taking many different types of dance--tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, pointe, and poms. During graduate school, she took her first Intro to Aerial class in 2019 in Gainesville, Florida and quickly fell in love with the aerial arts. She came to Virginia and Monarca in Flight in 2023 after completing her PhD in Astronomy. Lyra is her favorite apparatus, but she also takes classes in sling, static & duo trapeze and a wide array of invented apparatusí (thanks to Samantha for introducing these!). Amy would like to thank her amazing Monarca coaches and community for their fun classes, support, and feedback.

Lydia Griffin has been practicing aerial arts for five years and is constantly drawn to movement that feels both powerful and expressive. While sling and Lyra remain her favorite apparatuses, this past year has sparked a deep love for trapeze, rope, invented apparatus, and spin-focused movement. Her aerial journey blends creativity, exploration, and a passion for trying new things in the air. When she’s not upside down in the studio, she’s usually off traveling the world in search of her next adventure.

Barra Kahn danced professionally in New York in what feels like another lifetime, and has been teaching yoga for decades. She is grateful to her long-time trapeze partner Ingrid for her creativity, her inspiration and for hanging in there with her (pun intended!).

Rachel Lentz loves to dance in the air in Sling. She has been part of this community for three years and it is her first showcase. 

Tricia Melka has been training in the aerial arts since early 2014. Her primary apparatuses are silks, straps, and sling. With its combination of artistry and athleticism, the circus world inspires her passion, and she loves sharing this joy with others through her teaching. In June 2023, Tricia became the owner of Monarca in Flight, and she is incredibly proud of all of the amazing aerialists performing in this showcase!! Tricia is an avid performer and aerial coach and is very excited to lead the wonderful and supportive community that is Monarca in Flight. She hopes that her contributions would make Acoatzin proud.

Megan Morford Since starting at Monarca in 2022, Megan has continued to fall in love with aerials, the perfect combination of movement, dance, and athletics. She is thrilled to be performing in her second showcase and gives a big thank you to all the artists and instructors of Monarca.

Lily Pitha spends her time split between the Lyra and a never-ending stack of books. A veteran of the circus community who still considers herself a work-in-progress, she is better known for her collection of obscure fun facts and Heated Rivalry memes than actual grace. She's thrilled to be returning to the stage tonight and promises to stay in the air for at least most of the song.

Ingrid Sanden started her aerial journey 15 years ago on flying trapeze and transitioned quickly to static trapeze and various other apparatuses. After trying a duo static trapeze class with Barra Kahn, they were both hooked and have been creating tricks, shapes, and acts together for 12 years. Many thanks to friends and family who have supported and encouraged this circus passion, especially Barra, and the many coaches who have challenged and pushed us through the years, most recently Lindsay at Monarca.

Stephanie Shimoda started her aerial journey on a whim in Cincinnati 4 years ago and hasn't slowed down since! She primarily works on lyra, rope, and silks, but enjoys dabbling in all disciplines. She enjoys storytelling in all forms and is excited to be performing for you all today.

Kayla Springer’s circus journey has had its twists and turns, but through it all, lyra has always been her favorite apparatus. Kayla has taken lyra from many instructors at Monarca in Flight over the years (shout out to Acoatzin, Susan, Airin, Samantha, Cyndi, Kelly, Teddy, Sophia, Sarah, Danielle, and Lindsay!) and has valued the opportunity to learn from such a talented group in this studio. Outside of aerial, Kayla likes to spend time with her best boi golden retriever Leo, dive into a good book, or settle into a weekend Netflix binge.

Tran Tran could be called a freshly out-of-the-coocon Monarca aerialist, having flown with us for just shy of two years and performing at her first Monarca showcase. She started her aerial journey 3 years ago after discovering her love for dancing mid-air, and spends most her time on sling and more recently lyra. Outside of aerial, Tran also enjoys dancing, travel, being outdoors, and yoga. She is working towards combining her two big loves and becoming an aerial yoga instructor.