Circus Flora Program 2026

16 Circus Flora | 2026 | www.circusflora.org CIRCUS ARTISTS THE FLYING CORTES | FLYING TRAPEZE Originally from Colombia, South America, the Cortes family has been entertaining audiences around the world for five generations with their twisting, spinning, and somersaulting capabilities. Brothers Robinson and Alexander Cortes lead the troupe and have performed with such circuses as Circus Flora, Big Apple Circus, and Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey.The Flying Cortes have won numerous awards around the world, including the Golden Elephant at Festival International du Cirque de Massy in France and have even been featured in the PBS special “Circus”. THE FLYING WALLENDAS | HIGH WIRE As far back as 1820, in the cafes of Old Bohemia in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the ancestralWallenda family was a traveling circus troupe consisting of acrobats, jugglers, clowns, aerialists, and animal trainers – all in one family.The famed KarlWallenda began walking the high wire in the early 1920s. In 1928, having created the incredible 4-Person, 3-Level Pyramid, theWallendas came to the United States performing at Madison Square Garden for the Greatest Show on Earth. By 1947,Wallenda brought his family to new heights with his ultimate creation – theWallenda 7-Person Pyramid! The family tradition continues today into the 6th, 7th and 8th generation ofWallendas. Karl’s grandson and protége,Tino, is now leader of the family troupe.The 7th generation, Tino’s children:Aurelia and Alex, and Alex’s wife, Claire.The 8th generation,Tino’s grandchildren: Marcus, Matteo, Eleonora, Mila, and Angelo.TheWallendas performed with Circus Flora for its first Saint Louis appearance at Faust Park in 1987 and have been cast members for nearly all of its productions. TEAM MORALES | DUO WHEEL OF DEATH Carlos Carballo, born in Lima, Peru, comes from a third-generation circus family and has dedicated his life to circus performance.With more than twenty years of experience performing the thrilling “Wheel of Death” act, he has worked with renowned companies including CircoVásquez, Circo Atayde, and Universoul Circus. Known for his strength, precision, and passion for live performance, Carlos is excited for the opportunity to bring his experience and energy to Circus Flora. Bruce Zúñiga, born in Lima, Peru, is a first-generation circus artist with over ten years of experience performing the “Wheel of Death” act. Recognized for his energy, precision, and stage presence, he has performed with companies such as Las Águilas Humanas, Golden Circus, and Circo Frankfort. Bruce looks forward to joining Circus Flora, continuing to grow professionally, and sharing his passion for circus arts with audiences. E IMAGINATIONS | ACROBATIC HORSEBACK RIDING Amanda Pennino and Ermes Zamperla’s dedication to equestrian arts, their love of horses and keen understanding of their physicality and motion are just some of the attributes which are obvious in their training and instruction. Circus bareback riding was the precursor of vaulting which is now an Olympic sport and Ermes’ family is one of the few groups of generational bareback riders in the world, keeping this amazing equestrian tradition alive today. In addition, Ermes is also extremely proficient in Cossack riding