William Lewis (Willie) Edelston

Willie Edelston – From early beginnings as the 1941 National YMCA Ring Champion, Willie Edelston had a love for performing. He served his country from 1942-1945 and then signed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as a flyer on the trapeze for the 1948-1949 season. Willie continued to perform for many years in […]
Yerkes, Brayton-Walter (Circus Arts Coach Of The Year 2024)

Circus artist and stuntman Brayton “Bob” Yerkes, born in 1932, started tumbling down Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach at age 11 and ran away to join an acrobatic troupe with Clyde Beatty Circus at age 15. Yerkes formed several trapeze acts for the circus including the Flying Alexanders and Flying Artons. He began his movie stunt career […]
Tchalabaeva, Veranica (2026 Generation NeXt Honoree)

Amazing Veranica Tchalabaeva Veranica Tchalabaeva, professionally known as The Amazing Veranica and Her Pets, is a dynamic young circus artist whose work seamlessly blends classical circus tradition with contemporary entertainment. Veranica gained international recognition as a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent, where her unique presentation and technical mastery introduced her artistry to millions of viewers worldwide. Her career […]
Videla, Sebastian (2026 Generation NeXt Honoree)

Sebastian (Pacusito) Videla Sebastian Videla—known in the ring by his artistic clown name Pacusito Videla—is a sixth-generation circus performer from Argentina and a 2026 Circus Ring of Fame Foundation Generation NeXt Honoree, an award recognizing the world’s most outstanding emerging circus artists. Born January 24, 2005, Videla grew up immersed in the traditions of a touring circus family […]
Coronas Sisters (2026 Generation NeXt Honoree)

The Fabulous Coronas Sisters Fabianna 17 and Arianna 19 Landkas, The Coronas Sisters, are a dynamic contortion and aerial duo whose artistry, strength, and precision place them among the most compelling young performers in contemporary circus. Currently appearing with Circus Hollywood, the sisters have quickly distinguished themselves through a rare combination of extreme flexibility, elegant choreography, and […]
Master Lu Yi (Circus Arts Coach Of The Year 2026)

Master Lu Yi Willie Edelston 2026 Circus Coach of the Year Master Lu Yi stands among the most influential and revered teachers in the history of circus arts—a visionary whose unmatched mastery of traditional Chinese acrobatics reshaped the trajectory of modern circus worldwide. Born and trained in China, Lu Yi rose to prominence with the Nanjing […]
Clarke, Emma Grace (2024 Generation NeXt honoree)

Emma Grace Clarke: A Star in the Circus Firmament In the captivating world of circus arts, Emma Grace Clarke shines as a luminary aerialist, embodying versatility, flexibility, and unwavering motivation. Hailing from Sarasota, FL, Emma’s journey into the mesmerizing realm of circus began at the esteemed Sailor Circus Academy, where she dedicated over a decade […]
Anastasini, Brando (2024 Generation NeXt Honoree)

A Scion of Circus Royalty: Brando Anastasini Carries Forward a Storied Legacy In the enthralling world of the circus, where talent and tradition intertwine, Brando Anastasini stands as a testament to a lineage steeped in nine generations of remarkable showmanship. Born into this illustrious dynasty, he embodies the epitome of circus artistry, marking the […]
Arata, Daniella (Quiroga) 2023 Generation NeXt Honoree

Daniella Arata Quiroga Years of training in hand-balancing and contortion has cultivated the lovely Daniella Quiroga into the elegant artist she is today. With a circus pedigree that reads like a who’s who of European circus royalty, this 8th generation circus performer’s talent runs deep in the veins. Descended from the famed Les Arata, Osmani […]
Nock, Annaliese (2023 Generation NeXt Honoree)

Annaliese Nock, is the youngest daughter of circus superstar Bello Nock. Thus, her moniker “DareDaughter”. She proudly represents the eighth generation of performing Nocks! Annaliese started practicing gymnastics and dance as soon as she could walk, and learned to ride a unicycle when she was just three years old. She’s never lost that determination. She […]