Judges

Scott McDonald

Scott McDonald is an acrobatic coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer known for both his creative approach and for teaching a wide variety of disciplines in a progressive, step-by-step way that makes learning safe, fun and approachable! In addition to coaching, Scott creates free resources to help acrobats to learn new skills and gain insights into the industry, consults with gyms around the world, conducts and presents circus-related research, and hosts an annual national medical conference entitled Circus Meets Medicine.

Dasha Sobelman

Dasha Sobelman is a Moscow Circus School graduate whose performance career has included companies such as Nikulin Moscow Circus with her solo tissue act and 14 years with Cirque du Soleil at the Beatles: LOVE show. Her tenure at LOVE included performing aerial straps and body loop as two of the main characters in the show, aerial rope, bungee, and serving as both an artist captain and artist coach. She also performed, choreographed, and directed pieces for multiple years of A Choreographer’s Showcase and performed at the One Night for One Drop Charity Gala by Cirque du Soleil.

Dasha believes that everyone has something special about them and loves helping each artist find their unique spark. In her eyes, authenticity and generosity in the performance are the twin pillars of live entertainment and is passionate about working with aspiring performers to tell compelling stories onstage. Dasha has a very artistic, theatrical approach to circus and loves seeing characters come to life onstage.

Blaze Birge

Blaze Birge is an award-winning trapeze artist, producer, and creative director whose work has helped shape contemporary circus on the West Coast and beyond. As co-creator of the celebrated Daring Jones Duo, she received multiple honors for innovative aerial performance, technical excellence, and captivating presence on the International stage. Blaze is also the founder and artistic director of Flynn Creek Circus, an acclaimed all-human circus company recognized for original productions that blend storytelling, acrobatics, and theatrical artistry. In addition to her performance career, she has served as a juror and evaluator for circus and performing arts festivals, bringing a sharp eye for technique, creativity, and audience connection. Her broad experience as both artist and producer in both traditional and nontraditional circus makes her a distinguished voice.