Aloft

Review of El Circo Cheapo Cabaret

Last night proved that something more honest and hard working than a Chicago politician, more athletic than a deep dish pizza, and more entertaining than the Chicago Cubs and that seems to get less recognition than it truly deserves can come out of the much maligned city of Chicago.

El Circo Cheapo bills itself as the poor man's Cirque du Soleil, but it is in fact something more than that. Seven female acrobats and their Ringmaster Cameron Esposito put on a show that answered at least one question about Cirque du Soleil - that being, where do they find the next generation of brave young souls prepared to put their limbs on the line, around a rope and tied up in silk at 70 feet above ground for our entertainment?

They find them at Shayna Swanson's El Circo Cheapo!

http://www.examiner.com/x-7239-Seattle-Fine-Arts-Examiner~y2009m10d3-El-Circo-Cheapo--a-great-and-unique-night-out

– Seattle Fine Arts Examiner

Review

Chicago-based performance group El Circo Cheapo have distilled the concept of circus down to its essence: “Powerful, dangerous, painful, hilarious and passionate” acts designed to saturate audiences with awe.

http://taosnews.com/articles/2009/09/15/entertainment/doc4aaa45b69580b831483738.txt

– The Taos News

thank you letter from a client

"Absolutely THRILLED with the performances during our NYE Imagination Celebration…fantastic Talent and true professionals…we look forward to many more...Please share our appreciation with the entire cast…"

– Doug May, French Lick Resort

thank you letter from a client

"I can never thank you & your performers enough for making my party such a smashing success. The organization and technical side to the performances, the great space, encouragement from the other performers and especially your time, help & encouragement with my performance. I have a reputation for hosting creative parties among my friends & family and with the Aloft experience this one succeeded in surprising and entertaining everyone. My guests were enthralled & amazed with each performance and several have expressed an interest in having a similar party at Aloft."

– Jolene Wise-Silverman

“Shayna is a very talented aerialist / performer / teacher. I have seen a number of her company's performances - Aloft Aerial, and they are rivoting, innovative and breath-taking. I have taken classes with her and members of her company and they are excellent. I would highly recommend Shayna / Aloft Aerial as entertainment for events, fundraisers and would also recommend her as a teacher. Shayna definately thinks "outside the box" in many aspects of her career.”

– Tina Zagone, Synchronicity, Inc

“Hired Shayna sight unseen, took a risk, and she delivered a world class performance - Hiring her again this summer. Top high end performer!” December 27, 2008

– Nathalie Yves Gaulthier, Owner, LE STUDIO - TRAPEZE

“...and the gold medal goes to..... Shayna, Artistic Director at Aloft Aerial Performance. The most impressive and professional Aerial Group in the World. The spectrum of Aerial Performance from Aloft embraces the history of burlesque and finds the boundaries of aerial art in cutting edge dramatic execution. Take these artistic ideals and mix in our contemporary chaotic world and you'll start to unfold Aloft. Yes, Aloft can be playful at times but always visually exciting. I'm happy to work with Shayna's company and the unbelievable talent, each and every individual brings to the performance. They're world travelers with their work but they're based in Chicago. I endorse Shayna and her company Aloft Arerial Performance with all my heart. A great American company.”

– Lolly Extract--Jabberwocky Marrionettes

“I have worked with Shayna on numerous events and we are always fabulous together! She is a wonderful entertainer, great to work with, creative, ethical and more. I look forward to doing many more shows with her.”

– Mary Rothe--Artists, Events and Entertainment, INC

Powerhouse Shayna Swanson has the biggest pecs and the smallest ass of any chick you'll ever meet. Her rock n'roll approach to the graceful circus arts is refreshing, and she's happy to school you in trapeze, rope, silks, lyra (the big hoop), stilt dancing and more in her new space. )

– Asamina Chermos--Time Out Chicago

Baltimore, MD

Thank you so much for coming to Baltimore for our shows. We could not have done it without your aerial work. Your expertise and grace were a real plus and I look forward to another gig with you soon!

– Brian Mc Nelis, Cirque Voila