The Circus Arts Conservatory returned to the Big Top with its annual gala on Jan. 28.
By
Harry Sayer
| 9:17 a.m. January 29, 2022
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After nearly two years away, the Circus Arts Conservatory returned to its Big Top space for its Circus Arts Gala on Jan. 28.
Sarasota's social scene made the most of the occasion by dressing up in their most performative, colorful circus costumes for a night of fun. The annual fundraiser, which was canceled in 2021, benefits the Circus Arts Conservatory's many student programs. Guests mingled in the Big Top space, took photos with clowns and acrobats, and eventually sat down in the performance space for the show to start.
The program started off with words from Circus Arts Conservatory Founder and CEO Pedro Reis and Founder and Vice President Dolly Jacobs. They also paid tribute to longtime CAC figure Jennifer Gemmeke, who recently died.
The night's circus performance started with an aerial act from gala co-chairwomen Donna Koffman and Elisabeth Waters along with Chaz Glunk. Circus Arts Conservatory students dazzled the audience with aerial lyra acts, Elayne Kramer twisted her body in complex hand balancing routines and the night even had a surprise performance from Sarasota favorite Bello Nock.
The show ended with an atmospheric performance by former Sarasota Ballet dancer Sareen Tchekmedyian and Cirque Du Soleil strap artist Darren Trull. The duo twisted and spun through the air to the cheers of the crowd below.
Sareen Tchekmedyian and Darren Trull spin through the arena.
Gala chairwomen Donna Koffman and Elisabeth Waters
Founder and CEO Pedro Reis and Founder and Vice President Dolly Jacobs
David Gunn, Natasha Einwaechter, Dana Gliniecki, Greg Gliniecki and Christine Greaney
Callie Hulsman and Caleb Overholt
Channing Gross dazzles with a Chine Pole act.
Channing Gross dazzles with a Chine Pole act.
Kent Thompson with Ken and Joe Prokop
More than 250 people attended the event.
Taylor Karp, Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed and Tammy Karp
Madison Barrett, Rylee Grover and Destiny Overholt work together in a contortion showcase.
Suzanne and Vinje Dahl
Madison Barrett, Rylee Grover and Destiny Overholt work together in a contortion showcase.
Madison Barrett, Rylee Grover and Destiny Overholt work together in a contortion showcase.
CAC students spin in an aerial lyra act.
Chaz Glunk and Donna Koffman spin into the air.
Chaz Glunk and Donna Koffman spin into the air.
Gala co-chairwomen Donna Koffman and Elisabeth Waters
Barb Tye and Cherie Gorenstein
Roberto Villanueva, Clara Reynardus De Villanueva, Marko Radisic and Ashley Kozel
Emcee Jared Walker directs the event.
CAC students spin in an aerial lyra act.
CAC students spin in an aerial lyra act.
Elayne Kramer prepares for her hand balancing act.
Elayne Kramer shoots an arrow with her hand balancing act.
Bello Nock brings in the crowd for his act.
Bello Nock brings in the crowd for his act.
Bello Nock brings in the crowd for his act.
More than 250 people attended the event.
Dara Massif and Vasoula Grason
Dylan Mason and Emma Wilson Weber
Executive Vice President and COO Jennifer Mitchell
Sareen Tchekmedyian and Darren Trull spin through the arena.
Sareen Tchekmedyian and Darren Trull spin through the arena.
Sareen Tchekmedyian and Darren Trull spin through the arena.
Sareen Tchekmedyian and Darren Trull spin through the arena.
Karen Abell, Elijah Clemons, Sarah Catalano, Lisa and Mike Modrick
Board chair Bart Lowther
Darren Trull and Rachael Zucker
Linda and Tom McDonald
Brad Gavin, Emma Clarke, Tracie Giuffre, Jennifer Mitchell
CAC student Alex Hume
Christina Chartrand, Melissa Morsli and Courtney Bonacuse
Founder and CEO Pedro Reis and Founder and Vice President Dolly Jacobs started the show.
