Training: He had a traditional artistic gymnastics background until the age of 14, competing until level 7. He was also a competitive cheerleader throughout high school competing in 4 State Series, competed at the Worlds competition in Orlando Florida in 2017, placing Top 10 in the level 5 Large Coed Division. Nick has been training circus arts since the age of 10. Starting his circus training at the age of 10 through the Gamma Phi Circus summer camps at Illinois State University. He has been a student of Ivan Stoinev and Maritza Atayde throughout his circus training.
Education: Nick Balk received his B. A in Special Education from Illinois State University in the spring of 2021. He has worked as a learning and behavioral specialist for 2 school years in the Urbana school district. As a Special Education teacher Nick has a unique ability to teach any type of content to any type of learner. While receiving his degree in Special Education, Nick was a member of the Gamma Phi Circus at ISU. Where he served as an act captain of Russian Swing. He also served as the stage crew head, responsible for managing the movement of 100+ troupe members and over 75 pieces of equipment and props to efficiently put on an arena show for over 15,000 audience members across 2 days. In the Gamma Phi Circus Nick performed in several acts including Russian Swing, Teeter Board, Trampwall and Tumbling, Acro, Jump Roping, Jumping Stilts, Rolla Bolla, and Korean Plank. He was also the recipient of the Max Honn Service Award at the Gamma Phi Circus.
Work: Assistant Director of the Junior Gamma Phi Circus (2018, 2019): Nick was responsible for running effective and efficient practices with an emphasis on inclusion to a group of 150+ 3rd-8th grade students. He was able to adapt a variety of circus acts to children with physical and mental disabilities, including students who were blind. Nick has also been the assistant Cheerleading Coach at Urbana High School for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years.
He started his first professional contracts in the summer of 2018 through RWS Entertainment Group, working at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus Indiana. He completed two summers (2018 and 2019) at Holiday World performing Jumping Stilts, a stunt show which featured Trampwall and Stunt fighting/acting, Juggling, and Korean Plank. He performed 4-6 shows a day, 6 days a week for 3 months. He had his first post Covid contract in the summer of 2022 performing Jumping Stilts at Kennywood theme park in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, through RWS Entertainment Group.
Always accepting inquiries regarding employment and performance/coaching availability.
Loading ...