Today we’d like to introduce you to Katya Guimaraes
Hi Katya, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Katya Guimaraes. I am a former Cirque du Soleil performer, a Pilates Instructor, Kinesiologist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Flexibility Coach and Personal trainer. I was born in Belem, a city in Brazil that is part of the Amazon region. I grew up in Rio de Janeiro. At the age of 14 years old I joined the National Circus School in Brazil, in which I graduated as a professional Circus artist. Prior to join Cirque du Soleil, I had worked in many Circus and Theaters in Brazil, and also in Entertainment parks in Germany such as Phatasialand and Europa Park. In 1998, I joined Cirque du Soleil as a Silk aerialist at the show called “La Nouba” which was staged for about 20 years in Disney Springs in Orlando. FL. My passion for Arts started when I moved to Rio. As a little girl, I was exposed to all kinds of arts, circus, dance, music, and theater. When I joined Circus school I knew I want to be a circus artist. I had to fight for at home because my father did not believe that circus was a real job. My father wanted me to keep studying. I kept myself very focus on achieving my dream. I was sure that by doing what I loved I would be able to make a living. The confirmation of my theory came when I joined Cirque du Soleil. During my years at Cirque as a performer, I kept studying for when the performing days coming to an end. At Cirque, I was introduced to the Pilates Method of body conditioning. I learned Pilates with all my soul and applied the method to every show. I got certified as Pilates Instructor, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science- Kinesiology by UCF. Currently, I teach Pilates at Cirque du Soleil for the artists of the new show in Disney Springs “Drawn to Life” and I also teach private class at a private studio “Lavender, the Spa” in Celebration, Fl. I am also a founder of AEROPILAFIT- Aerial Arts, Pilates and Fitness my brand and business, in which I combine all my passions.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I graduated as a circus performer when I was 18 years old. It was very hard to make a living when I started. My daddy was not all wrong. at the time circus was no trendy like today. When I moved to American and joined Cirque du Soleil, things became a lot easier financially. For the first time after 15 years on the road, I was able to really focus and dedicated myself to perform without worrying about paying my bills. Here I realize that my father had being my hero for keeping me focus. I had the pleasure to keep studying, learning more about performing onstage, improve myself as a performer, as a person and plan for the future. I feel very fortunate that I was able to make it and work in a big, structured company like Cirque du Soleil and pave the way to the modern circus.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Nowadays, I only perform as an aerialist occasionally. I am still training to keep myself in a great shape, to keep things fresh and be able to coach circus and be involved in any form of creative work. I am really proud that I can use all my experience as a performer to keep teaching circus and Pilates to the new generation. I am famous for my discipline, my longevity as a performer thanks to Pilates and my love to care for others. I think my dedication to understand movement and people by having science based knowledge and the performing arts experience really sets me apart from other professional in the same field. Currently, I teach Pilates at Cirque du Soleil, “Drawn to Life” and in a private studio. I am capable of teaching all kind of levels and age. On a daily basis, I deal with athletes, young adults, adults and seniors. It is very rewarding to be able to help people to easy up their pain, showing them the benefits of exercise and guide them how to keep taking care of themselves.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future is keeping expanding my knowledge on movement, learning more about people and myself. I would love to keep teaching Pilates in general. I am also planning on staying connected to the Circus arts with AEROPILAFIT and keep exploiting new creative possibilities within aerial arts. The creative side of arts keep me sharp and motivated in life. It feeds my soul to keep learning, sharing and help other people to stay focus and curious!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katyaguimaraes.com
- Instagram: katya_guimaraes
