Performers

Viviana Armstrong is a staple at Monarca — you’ll find her planning community events, doing duo work outdoors, and greeting you warmly as you enter the studio. This is her first time performing and she’s so excited to share her love of silks on the stage today! Outside of circus, she loves snakes, rainbows, walking in nature, and defying stereotypes (fun fact - she’s a tradeswoman!).

Emma Barnett has been devoted to ballet since she could walk, spending most of her childhood in the dance studio. In September 2022, after a 4-year break, Emma rediscovered her passion for movement in a different form—she ventured into aerial silks at Monarca, reuniting with her childhood dance friend, Megan. Previously nicknamed "Gumby Girl" and "Wet Spaghetti Noodle" for her flexibility and lack of strength (the ballet world is harsh), she is now excited to showcase her newfound strength and excitement for movement.

Julia Brodsky dreamed of doing circus since she tried her first lyra class in 2017 in Brooklyn, NY. Grad school, transit, and lack of lower abs kept her from going back. Days after she moved to Virginia in July of 2021, she was taking her first Intro to Hard Apparatus class at Monarca. She’s grateful to be a part of this welcoming community and spend so much time upside down! Julia would like to thank her incredible Monarca coaches for their guidance, feedback, and support.

Ari Darmon began his acro journey in 2013, when he was introduced to acro yoga and partner acrobatics. He quickly fell in love with the practice and dedicated the following years to refining his technique and deepening his connection to the art. As his skills progressed, Ari naturally stepped into a teaching role, leading classes and workshops at local gyms, businesses, and community events. Since then, he has taught at numerous festivals and special events, and continues to lead a weekly class. Though Ari is a well-rounded practitioner, his primary passions lie in hand balancing (as a porter) and Icarian acrobatics. Known for his strong, reliable base and a playful presence, Ari brings both strength and lightness to his practice. He’s equally respected for his commitment to safety and for fostering a welcoming, supportive learning environment. His teaching style is calm and intentional, offering clear, accessible guidance that helps students stay grounded while expanding their physical potential.

Kyla Dotson took her first flying trapeze class in 2021 and quickly fell in love with being in the air. Kyla now feels most at home on her dance trapeze. She relishes the challenge of adapting each new skill to fit her physical and artistic style, which she best describes as “elegant chaos.”

Elly Herman began aerial arts in 2023, after seven years of competitive gymnastics. She loves the freedom to spin, twirl, balance, and invert to her heart’s desire. When she isn’t swinging in fabric, Elly can be found crocheting, reading, or costuming her school’s theater productions. This performance invites everyone who has ever felt they didn’t belong to come join the circus.

Hazelnut Spread began her aerial journey in 2016 with a focus on aerial silks and joined the Monarca community in 2019 as a student. At the gentle prodding of instructor Sarah, he began learning lyra a year ago and has since found as much passion for it as they do silks and handbalancing. In addition to their foray into circus, they have always been a keen performer, having started dancing during college and continuing to this day. They are incredibly appreciative to studio owner Tricia for helping them merge their passions by encouraging them to teach floor-based movement classes here at Monarca and has been awed by the enthusiasm of the students thus far.

Lauren Linton has been doing acro since 2018. She has both practiced in community and taught classes of acro yoga, but this showcase will be her first performance. For Lauren, acro is a constant reminder to be humble and have fun, playing like a child, instead of being put down by the struggles of life. She is so excited to perform and let this practice bring to life the theme of Peace, Love and Circus.

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 came to her first intro class at monarca in September 2022 at the encouragement of her childhood friend Emma. Combining her love of dance, artistry, and movement, she has been hooked on aerials ever since. She is grateful to the wonderful instructors and staff at Monarca, and her friends, family, and whole community of Monarca artists for their support. She is excited to be performing in her first showcase!

Twon Rodriguez Lopez is a first generation Mexican American and she started her circus adventure when she was 6 years old twirling around a baton for her school. She stopped at 13, and started learning hard apparatus at 17 years old. She arrived at Monarca in September of 2022. Her main apparatus now is a trapeze. Being a first generation Mexican American taught her strength and 'Mamas power' as her father calls it. “Mamas power” is the strongest thing in the universe and that saying is the mantra she uses for everything she's learned. At Monarca she learned discipline, strength, beauty, and mobility throughout her journey. Most importantly, Twon found connection within others and herself at Monarca.

Lizzy Schwartz is a circus coach and performer who works with multiple aerial apparatuses as well as aerial acrobatics and flying trapeze. She has worked at many circus schools and shows across the US, as well as internationally, but has recently adopted the DC area as home base. She has over 18 years of experience in the circus industry, and is also a personal trainer and nutrition coach, with a concentration in strength and conditioning and group fitness. Lizzy has a deep love for movement and live entertainment. She endeavors to support her students though helping them find growth in their physical capacity, technical skill, and artistic expression.

Lindsay Shukosky discovered circus at the age of 40 and has never looked back! She fell in love with the community, and loves the combination of strength and grace that is needed in this circus world. When not at home taking care of and homeschooling her son, you can find her “up” having a blast on a circus apparatus.