Four local performers recently took home distinguished awards from VivaFest International Circus Competition. Students from Akrosphere, Alpharettas new aerial and circus arts school, traveled to Las Vegas to compete in various circus acts against students from circus arts programs around the U.S. and Canada.

In the Aerial Silks and Rope category, 16-year-olds Natalie Shih and Harper Doherty took first and second place, respectively, with Celia Dizon, 13, claiming runner-up in the Aerial Hoop category and 13-year-old Yasha Jeltuhin scoring fourth in Trapeze. The students and coaches alike were surprised at the extreme success from the less than five-year-old school!

Not only were students judged on their skills, but their participation in VivaFest gave them an opportunity to receive invaluable input from circus professionals from around the world.