Lauren Cookk

At the age of 8 I started my circus journey on the unicycle and 12 years later I found myself spending almost 20 hours a week in the air on any aerial discipline I could get my hands around. Anything from aerial rope to bungee trapeze, even a one of a kind act created by my youth circus: double cloud swing. Although I knew I had to give up my love of the flying trapeze, and aerial rope when I decided to continue my circus career, I was ready for the challenge of something new!

I attended traditional university, and I knew something was missing. So I went head first and decided to continue my circus education and attended Codarts University of the Arts located in the Netherlands. Upon acceptance, I chose to specialize in dance trapeze and bounce juggling. Although both were new to me I was ready for the challenge and the adventure. While attended Codarts we had solo and group performance opportunities through the bachelor student program, where we were directed by world renowned directors Francesco Sgrò and Roberto Magro and former Cirque aerial coach Jill Crook who helped me with my graduation piece. Since graduation I have had local performance opportunities. My most accomplished thus far is attending Viva Fest Emerging Professional Competition in 2019 and 2022, San Diego Circus Festival 2019 and Berlin Aerial Arts Festival 2019. Since the pandemic I have only had virtual work but have recently made the move to Las Vegas. 

After graduation I returned back to my youth circus where I was involved with coaching youth and adults in aerial and ground acts at Circus Juventas and with my own company, Volodesto Aerials. I was also the summer camp director at Circus Juventas for 2020 and 2021. Can you imagine running a summer camp during a pandemic - me either. 

My most recent work I have found myself finding ways to bring playful entertainment and audience interaction back into my acts. At Viva Fest 2022 I was recognized for having a very fun and interactive aerial act. I have really enjoyed working towards something so fun, playful and light since the pandemic. And I hope I can bring it to the stage and share it with everyone!