Shelli Epstein is a professional acrobat and performer with a background in gymnastics. She currently leads the cast in Cirque du Soleil’s incredible production of LUZIA (The show, dubbed as ‘A Waking Dream of Mexico’). In addition to her performance career, Shelli is a dedicated, ISSA-certified fitness trainer and a nutrition specialist.

Hi Shelli, can you tell us briefly about yourself?
Hi, My is Shelli Epstein. I am 26 years old. Both my parents are South African. I was born in Israel, but I grew up in the UK. I started out as a gymnast from the age of 4-12 at a high level and then went back to recreational gymnastics from 12-18. At 18 I left home and ran away with the circus as an acrobat and haven’t looked back. I have lived in 7 countries and across 26 different cities.

What gets you out of bed every morning?
Joining Cirque Du Soleil was merely a dream for me. I never really thought it was possible. The fact that I get to be able to wake up and do my dream job gets me out of bed every morning. Knowing I can give back and inspire others. I truly believe anything is possible and hard work pays off.

Tell us what a normal workday is like for you. What do you love most about what you do?
I wake up. I do my own personal training. Usually an hour to my self in the morning. Either running combined with weights or if I have access to a local group fitness class I like to get involved with the community I am in. I then have breakfast some downtime before headlining to work. At work, I will have show related training sessions for the disciplines I perform in the show. 1-3 hours. Then ill have something to eat. Get my make up on, warm-up, and then depending on the day 1-2 shows. If its a 2 show day, I’ll have some food between the shows and maybe to a small conditioning session in between. After shows shower. Go home, unwind, and bed.

Can you tell us how you got started?
I was going to adult gymnastics sessions in order to use the sprung floor. I saw an advert on a piece of paper for an audition. I took a photo. Then I went to attend the audition the following week. I knew Franco Dragone as he had directed 10 of the Cirque Du Soleil shows but I didn’t realize he had made his own company. So in my head, it was the same level. I went to the audition thinking okay…let’s get used to being rejected seeing what the standard is, how I can come back next year, and get the job…they offered me the job. I said yes. When I was leaving ‘the house of dancing water’ which is in Macau. I had applied to Cirque Du Soleil online following their online audition instructions. I heard back from them 9 months later offering me a job.

Do you have any rituals or routines to recover from training?
Making sure I drink enough water and to listen to my body. I have more rituals though before I go on stage
and how I mentally prepare for some of the acrobatic tricks I do.

In what ways do you empower yourself in order to empower others?
What a great question. I try to stay positive and to see the best in people and situations. To always try my hardest. To not let my failures get me down and know they are steps of learning to be better. Knowing that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. You have to be your biggest cheerleader. Clap for your self if no one else is.

What's on your bucket list?
To perform in the West End (UK’s version of Broadway ) the dream show would be the ‘greatest showman’ if it ever comes to theatre.
You have got to dream big.

Where is your favorite place?
I’m a big nature and animal lover. I think seeing the Gorillas in the wild in Rwanda was just magical.

What gets you into bed at night?
Knowing tomorrow is a new day that I can do better than yesterday. Keep on growing and improving.

What's your favorite Noilence piece?
I love the Round Necklace with the Round earrings as a matching set and then the double triangle bracelet.

Women Taking The Stage: Shelli Epstein