As she flips, flies and twirls high above the audience, Shayna Swanson's aerial acts may be the best you'll ever see. Eleven years of intensive study and practice in the US and Europe have culminated in thrilling release moves and passionate, intricate choreography. Shayna is a focused and engaging performer with a level of strength and daring that puts her at the top of her field.

Currently, Shayna is performing her acclaimed rope act at the Pegasus Variete, in Bensheim, Germany. This daring new act, "Inbetweentime", intertwines the ancient Indian art of Malakhamb, which relies on the artist's toes for primary support, with contemporary corde lisse technique to create an entirely new and thrilling way of moving in the air. Shayna's intense stage presence and powerful grace intertwine to make "Inbetweentime" an act like none other. Check out the video here.

Shayna has been called "A charmer, indeed" (Denver Post), a "Mover and Shaker" of the Chicago dance scene (Chicago Reader) and "ultra-hip" (Moxie.com). Time Out says "She brings a refreshing, rock and roll style to the traditional circus arts" and the Chicago Sun-Times says Shayna Swanson is an aerialist who "straddles the line between danger and comfort". Receiving critical acclaim and lavish applause, Shayna's aerial artistry steps far outside the ordinary. Lush, original choreography, passionate performances and a never-ending professionalism make Shayna a standout artist.

Her work has been seen with The Chicago Lyric Opera, Pegasus Variete-Germany, Cirque Voila, Olympic Greek Festival-Hong Kong, The Shanghai Kim-Tom Clown Festival. Starfish Resport Jamaica, The Zoppe Family Circus, Circus Maniacs, Circus Smirkus, The Midnight Circus, Sea World/Cirque de la Mer and her own, critically acclaimed company, Aloft. She is the Artistic Director of "El Circo Cheapo Cabaret" and directed the aerial performance in the first ever Imagine Christmas at Willow Creek Church. Gala clients have included Seneca Niagara Casino, Harrah's, Absolut Vodka, Maxim Magazine, Mori Seiki Crobar, Crunch Fitness, Ford Motors, Air France, The City of Chicago and many more.

Download Shayna's CV here.