CAST & CREATIVE

KSENIA ARCHER

HIGH WIRE, PERCH POLE & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Ksenia started her wire walking journey at 7 years old, when she first fell in love with a wire walking troupe and from that moment she decided that the circus would be her career. She went on to train with some of the world's leading wire walkers before starting to perform internationally herself. Outside the circus ring, her hobbies include: reading, writing and modelling.

KRISTAPS PAVLOVS

JUGGLING, CLOWN & TENT MASTER Born into the circus life, he took his first steps onstage at just 3 years old—and never looked back. By 16, he was performing professionally, dazzling audiences with everything from juggling and cigar boxes to whip cracking, fire magic, and lightning-fast quick changes. Restless and fearless, he's always chasing the next skill to master. Off the stage, he fuels his adrenaline with long-distance running and cycling—because slowing down just isn't in his nature.

HENOK ABEBE ENDALAMAW

ROLA BOLA | ROLLERSKATING Straight from Ethiopia, he began circus training in 2017, driven by a childhood passion. Three years later, he earned his circus diploma and debuted in India in 2023. He joined us last year with a daring Rola Bola act—now he’s back, teamed up with his colleague to bring high-speed thrills on rollerskates. Offstage, he loves exploring new places, snapping photos, and editing videos.

SARVARKHON SARBOZOV

PERCH POLE & HAND BALANCE With a love of circus from early childhood he dreamed of becoming an artist. He worked extremely hard and was accepted into the State Circus College of Uzbekistan where he completed his training in 2021. He then started his professional circus career working across the regions of Uzbekistan in the highly renown Uzbekistan State Circus. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar. He is thrilled to be back for his second season at Circus Cortex.

KALKIDAN BEKALU

ROLLERSKATING She discovered her love for the circus at just 11, diving into training with passion and drive. Five years later, she earned her circus diploma and took to the professional stage in India in 2023. Now, she's living her dream under the spotlight. When she's not performing, she enjoys movies and dancing.

SERHIY VALKIV

CLOWN & TECHNICAL CREW Originally from Ukraine he learnt his circus trade and graduated from the Moscow Circus School. He is a well seasoned traveller and has worked in the UK as an artist and also as a tent master over the last 10 years. As a former circus artist and clown his knowledge of the circus industry is vast, and this has helped him as he has transitioned to an equally important role behind the scenes.

ANTONIO RUIZ MAGAÑA

AERIALIST Antonio joins us from Mexico with 9 years of aerial experience and a global performance history. Trained in both dance and circus, he blends strength with artistry. Driven by passion, he's here to bring the magic of the circus to every stage he steps on.

VALERI TKACH

STICK-BALANCE AND JUGGLING He was raised in a circus family, touring through many countries across the world, which is when he first started performing at the age of 9. Later on together with his father Eduard Tkach he created his stick-balance act, this type of performance is quite rare in the circus world. In 2000 he created his juggling act under the direction of Aleksey Bitkine, which he has been performing since all over the world, including many prestigious circus festivals.

RAFAEL DA SILVA LOPES

GLOBE OF DEATH RIDER Rafael roars into the ring from Brazil with 18 years of high-octane experience in the Globe of Death. He’s wowed crowds at top circuses and festivals worldwide—and shattered two world records along the way. Brace yourself—this is circus at full throttle.

SHOKHRUKH KHUSANOV

PERCH POLE & CHAIR BALANCE He first started his circus career in 1996 as a wire walker but since then he has moved on and has gained high level expertise in many other circus disciplines. Now he performs the famous but unusual discipline of the Perch Pole with his co-worker Sarvarkhon. He has performed worldwide and has also won awards at the Chinese International Circus Festival in Wuhan. Although this is not his first time performing in the UK, he's very happy to be back.

OLEKSANDR AVDIEIEV

HEAD DANCER A seasoned performer and choreographer from Ukraine, he’s a laureate of major competitions and a proud member of the National Choreographers' Union. Now adjusting to UK life and his first travelling circus, he’s living in a caravan and loving the adventure. Every day feels new, and he calls his team here a second family—offering both professional support and heartfelt connection.

ALFIE DELEVAL

DRUMMER At just 17, Alfie is the youngest in our cast—and a powerhouse on drums. He started at 7, hit grade 8 by 14, and now juggles circus shows with rocking out in local bands. When he's not behind a drum kit, you'll find him climbing, bouldering, or tearing up trails on his mountain and motorbike.

VIKTORIIA SYMONENKO

DANCER Viktoriia joins us from Ukraine, bringing her passion for dance and a mission to spread joy with every performance. It’s her first time in the UK, but she’s no stranger to the circus stage, having performed in China. When she's not dancing, she loves to travel, read, and spend time with her family.

TATIANA BUTLER

DANCER After 8 years dancing aboard cruise ships, she’s making her thrilling debut under the big top—trading the sea for the stage. Excited to be performing on land for the first time, she brings grace, energy, and a love for adventure. Offstage, she enjoys traveling, long walks, and spending time with animals.

JESSICA DEWIRE

DANCER Jessica is a passionate performer, choreographer, and teacher with a vibrant career in dance and musical theatre—spanning shows, films, and live events. This season, she's thrilled to bring her energy to Circus Cortex. Offstage, she enjoys time with her twin sister, family, friends, and two beloved cats.

KATERYNA DUBOVA

DANCER Aside from dancing in her free time Kateryna loves exercising and flexibility. She also loves cooking and creating make-up looks. One of the main reasons she loves her work is because of all the travelling she is able to do!

TATIANA OZHIGANOVA

COSTUME DESIGNER An exceptionally skilled designer, who is responsible for the designs of most of the costumes you see here at Circus Cortex. She has been designing costumes for 7 years now, and has worked with many UK shows such as the London Cabaret Club and Giffords Circus. She is an official designer for LambertZ fashion show and she has also had her work published as a new and upcoming designer in Fashzilla magazine.

SIMONE SHENTON

KRISTINA BAUTINA

COSTUME MASTER She is a Lady with very high expertise in her field, she has over 15 years of experience making costumes and evening dresses. She finished the Moscow university of design and then went on to study at the Ecole Lesage Atelier De Broderie, the oldest and finest school of couture in Paris. She is also an official designer for the LambertZ fashion show in Germany.

SVITLANA DVOYASHKINA

CHOREOGRAPHER She started her career as a ballroom dancer and together with her ballroom partner they travelled the world performing in many shows of all types. She then moved on to become a very established choreographer and the head of MIPARTI dance group, which has performed at many events and shows across the globe.

PAUL / OWNER

DIRECTOR & GENERAL MANAGER He started as a professional juggler, and progressed into directing and managing large Circuses in the UK for 15 years. Besides his work life he is a big fan of Derby County FC.

IRINA / OWNER

DIRECTOR & PRODUCER She started as a professional gymnast, competing around the world. She then performed with world famous shows and companies such as:"Releve", "Tihany" - S-America and "Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey" - USA. After, she came to the UK and co-worked as a producer and later agent for large Circuses in the UK as well as "Circus Extreme" and now her very own Cirque show "Circus Cortex"! She is a very hardworking person who quite literally never stops working.