Meet The Summer Intensive Coaching Team
Meaghan Wegg
Meaghan grew up dancing where she studied Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Acro. In 2001, Meaghan was accepted in to L’Ecole Nationale de Cirque in Montreal where she specialized in aerial hoop and contortion with additional training in Ballet, Contemporary and Modern. Upon graduation in 2005, Meaghan performed professionally as a principal dancer in many roles, including the cast of ‘Tomorrow’ (Pigeons, International) and the cast of ‘Loft’ (7 Fingers). From 2009 – 2012, Meaghan performed on tour globally with Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Quidam’ as a feature aerialist.
Following an extremely successful performance career, Meaghan shifted her focus to coaching and choreography. In 2013 Meaghan graduated with a diploma from L’Ecole Nationale de Cirque (Montreal, Canada) with a major in Research of Acrobatics, and a minor in Hand to Hand partnering for dancers.
Currently she works as a private acrobatic coach and choreographer, and attracts students from around the world with a focus on career development, choreography and professional stage preparation. Meaghan founded Move With The Beat dance competitions in 2013. She is the Australia, New Zealand and Singapore Division manager for Acrobatic Arts since 2015. Most recently she has launched her Aerial Arts Online syllabus guiding teachers with her course for their students and class preparations. Meaghan started The Academy Circus as a local London, Ontario circus and acrobatic facility in 2017. The Academy now has 2 locations, London and Clinton Ontario. We strive on safety, education and performance opportunities!
Meaghan recently has been hired for global choreographic projects in Australia, Montreal, France, China and India creating large scale shows for special events, Casino shows and year end performance university shows. She is passionate about welcoming everyone into the performance industry while sharing tips and tools about making it a reality. She is now an on call Artistic Coach with Cirque du Soleil. Meaghan is very happy to be settled in her home town of London Ontario with her small family!
Vicki Fletcher
Vicki Fletcher, a lifelong Ontario, Canada resident, began dancing at age 2 and started teaching at 17. With 25 years of experience, she specializes in jazz, tap, acro, lyrical, stretch and conditioning, and musical theatre.
She graduated from Dance Masters of America's Teacher's Training School at Kent State University and the University of New York in Buffalo, and she is certified by Ontario's Gymnastics Federation.
Vicki has judged dance competitions and led workshops across Canada. She regularly attends workshops and conventions to stay current. Her creative choreography has won many awards, and her students have achieved numerous accolades, scholarships, and professional careers.
As a master AroDance teacher, Vicki represents Acrobatic Arts globally, dedicated to refining the artistry of Acro. Her passion for AcroDance has led her to build a successful Acro studio. Vicki is excited to work with students and teachers worldwide who share her love for acro.
Sylvain Rainville
Sylvain is teaching for 50 years in different organizations in the Province of Quebec and British Columbia.
He worked for 26 years at the National Circus school in Montreal different acrobatic disciplines; floor acrobatic, hand to hand, trampoline, ladder, teater board and banquine on top of being a Teacher within the Teaching program for the past 20 years.
Prior to the National Circus School, he also coached within a recreational program for 26 years with children of all ages.
Suzy Giannakopoulos
Suzy is a CPFA certified Multi award winning professional pole dancer from London Ontario. Over the years she was blessed to competed, teach and perform internationally. Suzy began her pole journey in 2011 and began teaching and performing in 2015. She is known for her power tricks! Suzy will do anything for her students and loves watching them grow into their own.
Tori Kuhn
Tori, a 23-year-old professional performer, choreographer, and studio owner from St. Thomas, ON, has dedicated over a decade to mastering the art of aerial performance. A self-taught aerialist with elite-level experience in both performing and coaching, Tori brings unparalleled passion and expertise to the world of aerial arts. She is deeply committed to inspiring young athletes, helping them uncover their potential and fostering a shared love for aerial artistry.
Anastasiia Parkhomenko
Anastasiia Parkhomenko is an accomplished aerialist coach and circus artist. She holds a Master’s degree from the Kyiv Circus Academy and has showcased her talent at prestigious festivals, including the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo in 2019. Anastasiia has received numerous awards, such as the People’s Choice Award at the 2019 Artistika of the Sea, bronze at the 2018 European Youth Festival in Germany, and gold at the 2016 Israeli International Circus Festival in Ashdod.
Her career has taken her around the world, performing in countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Germany, and many more. In 2020, Anastasiia and her husband founded a studio specializing in aerial gymnastics and acrobatics. Currently, she coaches at Timmins Fitness Alternatives in Canada, where she continues to develop her skills and inspire her students.
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Dustine Wesson
Dustine originates from Stratford, Ontario, where her passion for dance began with Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Her artistic journey took a thrilling turn in 2015 when she discovered the enchanting world of Aerial Arts. Since 2017, Dustine has been coaching Aerial Arts, embracing the challenge of creating innovative routines with unique apparatuses.
An award-winning aerial choreographer, Dustine brings her expertise to Acrobatic Arts as an Aerial Arts Silks Course Conductor. She also coaches part-time at The Academy Circus in London, where she inspires and develops students by crafting creative routines that highlight their individual talents. Alongside her aerial endeavors, Dustine balances her life with a "muggle" job as a full-time kindergarten teacher.
Dustine’s dedication to the arts and her ability to nurture and showcase the unique skills of her students make her an invaluable part of our team.
Andrii Balykhin
Born and raised in Ukraine, Andrii Balykhin has been passionate about acrobatics since childhood. His dedication to the sport culminated in achieving the prestigious rank of Master of Sports. Pursuing his passion further, Andrii enrolled in the Kyiv Circus Academy, majoring in aerial gymnastics, and graduated with a Master’s degree.
Post-graduation, Andrii embarked on an illustrious touring career as part of an acrobatic group, participating in numerous international circus festivals and earning several accolades:
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2018: Gold award at the Festival "Les feux de la Rampe," Brunoy, France
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2019: Viewer prize at the Festival "Newcomershow," Krystallpalast Variety, Leipzig, Germany
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2019: Silver award at the International Circus Festival "Artistika of the Sea"
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2019: Silver award at the Festival "Golden Chestnut," Kyiv National Circus
Throughout his career, Andrii has showcased his acrobatic talents globally:
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2012-2013: Acrobat in the Park "Window of the World," Shenzhen, China
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2018-2019: Acrobat on the Cruise Ship MSC "Musica," Europe
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2019-2020: Acrobat in a Variety Show with "Show Express," Purgstall, Austria
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2020-2022: Circus coach at his own school, "Young Vision Team," Kyiv, Ukraine
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Founded a children’s school for aerial gymnastics and acrobatics
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Developed a unique acrobatic program for children of various age groups
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Organized master classes in acrobatics and handstands
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Coordinated children’s show programs and sports health camps
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2022: Aerial straps and handstand performer in Circus Atlantic, Germany
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2023: Stunt, performance art, and circus acrobatics competitive coach at Center Timmins Fitness Alternatives, Timmins, ON, Canada
Currently, Andrii continues to advance his expertise in acrobatics and handstands in Canada. He is excited about the opportunities the country offers and is eager to share his experience with those passionate about the art of body control.
Apply Today
Fill out our application form to start your audition process and you will get a chance to join our amazing coaching staff this summer!