FLORIDA'S SOUTH EASTERN REGIONALS JUDGES
Meet our awe inspiring judging panel filled with world renown performers and coaches!
MICHAEL LIPARI
Michael has mastered and excelled in his craft and has created an exceptional career in the entertainment industry for over 25 years.
Michael is an internationally recognized artist, having lived in 9 Countries and travelled to over 100. Some of his highlights include; being the first aerialist to perform and compete as a finalist on America’s Got Talent, obtaining the title of aerial capitan for Kylie Minouge’s Aphrodite World Tour, participating as a guest on
The Ellen show, and performing on the Grammys, the Billboard Music Awards and at Coachella. Michael has worked for Cirque Du Soleil in various events and in the shows
Light and One Night For One Drop. Lipari has worked with countless celebrity artists including Taylor Swift, Leona Lewis, Nelly Furtado, Mandy Moore and many others. Michael has worked on the world’s largest stages including
Michael’s passion for the stage also includes the high seas where he worked with multiple international cruise line companies as the Aerial director and featured aerial specialist. Lipari has created and directed multiple shows and looks forward to continuing to share his magic with the world.
A fun fact about Michael is that he also was a part of setting a world record as he hung off of a hot air balloon 4,000 feet in the air.
KATIE SKIBA
Katie Skiba is an Aerialist, Director, and Founder of Cirque Athletics.
She is a seasoned aerial artist, creative director, and the founder of Cirque Athletics, a premier circus and movement training facility in Florida. Her journey into the world of aerial arts began in 2012, when she discovered a profound passion for movement, storytelling, and defying gravity.
Since stepping into the air, Katie has trained extensively across the United States in both aerial disciplines and contortion, studying under elite coaches and immersing herself in diverse performance styles. Her dedication to both athletic excellence and creative expression has fueled a dynamic career as both performer and producer.
In January 2018, Katie opened the doors to Cirque Athletics, a training ground that has since grown into a thriving hub for aspiring aerialists and recreational athletes alike. Under her leadership, the studio has become known for its high-level technique, character-driven performance, and strong community ethos.
Whether on stage or in the studio, she remains committed to building a space where movement becomes magic and everyone is invited to fly.
THOMAS MARTIN
With over 15 years suspended between gravity and glam, Thomas Martin has honed their craft as a professional aerialist specializing in dance trapeze, aerial chains, and fabrics. For the past decade, they've served as head coach at In The Dark Circus Arts, coaching youth, recreational, and pre-professional aerialists .
Throughout their career, they've graced stages across proud queer celebrations—Mid‑South Pride in Tennessee, DC Pride, and the global electric energy of World Pride. A longtime favorite at Purple Party in Dallas (raising funds for local LGBTQ+ organizations with flair), they’ve also appeared in productions like Flip Circus, Sweet Spot Productions, and Aerial Ignition. Their aerial artistry has even soared into historic spaces: performing at The Smithsonian Folklife Festival at the Kennedy Center and turning heads at SIR Male Burlesque at SAX DC.
And yes—fans of reality television may recognize them: they made an aerial appearance during the Real Housewives of Potomac finale.
Energetic, precise, and with just the right sass, they bring aerial performances that are as thought‑provoking as they are visually stunning. Whether coaching, choreographing, or ascending into the rig, Thomas elevates every project with equal parts passion and levity.
LYNN SPINS
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Miranda (Lynn Spins) began her aerial journey in 2014 with her first aerial silks class in California—and she’s been captivated ever since. With a background in both sports and the arts, Miranda found that aerial training was the perfect fusion of fitness and creative expression.
For the past four years, she has taught as an aerial instructor at Aerial Arts of Rochester and performed/choreographed with their professional troupe at a variety of events, including corporate functions, weddings, private parties, and festivals like the Rochester Fringe Festival. Her specialties include Aerial Hammock, Lyra, stilt walking, and hula hooping.
Now based in South Florida, Miranda teaches at several studios, including AirDance Fitness, Libre Aerial Fitness, and kids classes at Dance Theatre. She is especially passionate about teaching Aerial Hammock and is dedicated to inspiring students of all ages to explore and grow in their aerial practice.
COURTNEY MARIE
Courtney has been performing aerial shows since 2017. While her background comes from cheerleading starting at a young age and all throughout college, she first started her aerial journey in pole dancing.
She grew up in a small town south of Saint Louis, Missouri but didn’t discover her passion for pole until she moved to South Florida. After a few pole competitions, she was introduced to a Lyra by a group of girls.She fell in love with it and started performing wherever she could almost instantly.
Her specialty was Lyra duo’s and was nicknamed “the beast” due to her natural ability as a very strong base. During a long time residency, she discovered her love for silks and flying pole (obviously), which she now teaches at Acro Gravity Academy in North Miami.
She has performed all throughout south Florida from corporate events, private parties etc. Most recently, she performed a Lyra act in the Nalu Cirque Show at Jungle Island in Miami for two months straight. She loves performing and teaching and would have never known that if she didn’t have the courage to leave her hometown, move to a brand new state where she knew no one and tried new things.
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