Today we’d like to introduce you to Melaina Coomes
Hi Melaina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started with a competitive gymnastics background but when I was 8 I found aerial arts and instantly fell in love with it. I started training with silks and then wanted to learn everything I could so I would take multiple classes several times a week. In 2017, I found my coach, Csaba Szilagyi, at his circus school, Circus Arts, and he has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. Wether it be silks, trapeze, tumbling, or chair stack, he can teach it all. Then in 2018 I found my other coach Ana Cuellar who has taught me how to be a graceful performer, improve my lines, connect with my pieces, and create my own acts. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I’ve been performing since I started in 2013 but started working professionally when I turned 18 in 2023 in shows at Sea World with WeFlip. Then started working at Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney as a Stunt Performer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Circus performers definitely face many obstacles wether it be dealing with injuries, mental blocks, weather conditions during shows, or equipment malfunctions. We constantly have to find ways to overcome these on a daily bases. But its part of the job I love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My specialties are Dance Trapeze, Silks, and Straps. I also train Lyra, Tumbling, Chair Stack, and Stunts. I’m incredibly proud of the years of training I’ve dedicated to my craft – mastering complex skills, working on flexibility and strength, entertaining audiences, and overcoming fears.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As a circus performer I take risks every day wether it be hanging on a sillk 40 feet in the air or jumping off a 30 foot building. The training I put in everyday prepares me for whatever risks come my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melainacoomes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaina_coomes/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melainacoomes
Image Credits
Elle Est Photography, Marshall Ellis, Lindsay Taylor
