International All Stars

Anouchka Bouglione: 7th Generation of the Esteemed Bouglione Family

Born in Grenoble, France, during a family circus tour, Anouchka’s upbringing was deeply rooted in the circus lifestyle. From homeschooling to mastering the arts of trapeze, acrobatics and hula hoops, she made her professional debut at the tender age of 12 with her hula hoop act. At 19, she married Reinaldo Monteiro, a circus performer from Portugal. Together, they are blessed with three children: Selena, Noah and Alyana. The family traveled the world, showcasing their talents in countries such as the UK, Belgium, German, the U.S. and more.

o Taking after her father, acclaimed animal trainer and circus owner Alexandre Bouglione, Jr., and inspired by her mother, trapeze artists Linda Bugler, Anouchka decided to continue the family legacy by creating and touring her own show. With the vision of introducing the European circus style, sprinkled with the Bouglione’s signature French touch, to North America, she is embarking on a monumental tour in 2024. The tour is the culmination of her dedication and the unwavering support from her father, husband, family, friends and the wonderful people she’s met along the way.

Reinaldo Monteiro: Portuguese Rola-Bola Master

Reinaldo Monteiro a native of Portugal, embarked on his circus journey after completing his high school studies in Lisbon. Joining the renowned Gran Circo Mundial in Spain, he worked with his family to dazzle audiences worldwide with their high balancing Rola-Bola act.

It was during a tour with Circus Alexandre Bouglione that Reinaldo met Anouchka Bouglione. Their shared passion for the circus arts culminated in a beautiful partnership both on and off the stage, marrying in 2001. Together they have showcased their talents at the prestigious 29th Festival International Du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, Blackpool Tower Circus in the UK, Circus Nock in Switzerland and numerous other renowned venues. Today, Reinaldo stands as one of the foremost artists in his discipline, a testament to his dedication and mastery of the craft.

Selena Bouglione Monteiro: Circus Legacy in Motion

Born in 2006 amidst the enchanting whirlwind of the family circus tour, Selena Bouglione Monteiro carries the rich legacy of performance in her blood. From her mother’s side, she is a member of the 8th generation of performers from the illustrious Bouglione circus family hailing from France. Meanwhile, her father’s Portuguese Monteiro roots further enrich her unique heritage. For Selena, the circus is not just a passion – it’s in her very veins.

After years of dedicated practice, Selena made her dazzling debut at the age of 13 with a foot juggling act in the Bouglione family circus. Always one looking for new challenges, she began mastering roller skating with the goal of introducing this new act in the current tour. This embodiment of dedication doesn’t stop at the circus tent. Alongside her rigorous training, Selena continues her academic journey through homeschooling, brilliantly intertwining her love for the circus with her studies.

Noah Bouglione Monteiro: Young Luminary of the Circus

Born in 2009 to the world renowned circus couple Anouchka Bouglione and Reinaldo Monteiro, Noah Bouglione Monteiro is the epitome of a circus prodigy. Growing up amidst dazzling lights and spellbinding performances, the circus is more than an environment for him – it courses through his veins. Despite his youthful age, Noah’s passion for the art of circus is evident in every endeavor he undertakes.

Noah finds the homeschooling curriculum perfectly tailored to his nomadic lifestyle, allowing him to dive deep into academics without missing a beat of his circus training. His skills are diverse and impressive, ranging from roller skating and juggling to the challenging Rola-Bola Act. With this tour Noah steps into a pivotal role that goes beyond performance. Entrusted with the crucial responsibilities of sound and lighting, he ensures that each show is a sensory masterpiece. A perfectionist at heart, he is deeply committed to his duties, making certain that every aspect is impeccably executed.

Sonia Cardinali: From Foot Juggler to Foyer Manager

Sonia Cardinali, is a fourth -generation member of the renowned Cardinali circus family from Portugal. She began her career in the circus world as a foot juggler, performing first with her brother before developing a solo foot juggling act. Sonia’s talent and dedication to her craft led her to perform on some of Europe’s most prestigious circus stages. Her career saw her captivating audiences at Circo Mundial in Spain, the colosseum of Lisbon in Portugal, Cirque Alexandre Bouglione in Belgium and Billy Smart’s Circus in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she showcased her talents at her family’s own Cardinali Circus in Portugal, further cementing her legacy within the family tradition.

After a successful and vibrant career, Sonia retired from performing, turning her talents to the operational aspects of the circus. Responsible for managing all sales inside the circus tent, this transition marks a new chapter in her life where she continues to contribute significantly to the circus industry, albeit in a different capacity. Sonia Cardinali’s journey through the circus world is a testament to her adaptability, skill and dedication to the art form.

Sonia is married performer Angelo Chaves, known as Portugal’s Crown Jewel of Comedy.

Angelo Chaves: Portugal’s Crown Jewel of Comedy

Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Portugal, Angelo Chaves is an institution in the world of clowning. With laughter as his language, Angelo has traveled extensively, spreading joy across the vast expanse of Europe. From the romantic streets of France and Italy to the bustling cities of the United Kingdom, Spain and beyond, his comedic genius knows no borders.

Angelo’s impressive roster of performances includes some of the most iconic circuses on the continent. From the grandeur of Spain’s Circo Mundial and the historic charm of the UK’s Billy Smart’s Circus and Gerry Cottle’s Circus to Portugal’s own Circo Victor Hugo Cardinali, Belgium’s Cirque Alexandre Bouglione, and Germany’s Circus Carl Busch, Angelo’s presence has always been synonymous with unforgettable memories.

Angelo’s journey to stardom began at age 6, when he performed alongside his father. This fourth-generation performer stepped away from the big top to complete his education, and then returned to his circus roots, dazzling audiences with his unique brand of humor.

Angelos’ illustrious career includes countless interviews and appearances on some of Europe’s premier TV channels. One of his most notable contributions to entertainment is his involvement in “Circo das Celebridades.” Produced by Endemol and aired on Portugal’s TVI, this show was a groundbreaking venture. Celebrating the world of the circus, it showcased celebrities learning and performing circus acts, with Angelo playing a pivotal role as a teacher. His expertise in crafting clown gags and mentoring celebrities made the show a massive hit in Portugal. Such was its impact that it inspired similar formats internationally, including the U.S.’s “Celebrity Circus.”

Angelo Chaves is a beacon of tradition, an ambassador of laughter and truly, Portugal’s crown jewel of comedy.

Kevin Chaves: Rising Star of the Circus World

Kevin Chaves is a dynamic force in the world of Rola-Bola and roller skating performances. As the fifth generation of a proud circus lineage, Kevin’s passion for the big top runs deep in his veins. Despite his relatively young age, he has already left an indelible mark on some of Europe’s grandest stages.

Kevin’s circus journey began in earnest at the age of 18 in England. Since then, he has mesmerized audiences across the continent, showcasing his breathtaking skills at renowned venues like Germany’s Circo Carl Busch and Circus Charles Knie, Belgium’s Cirque Alexandre Bouglione, the UK’s Billy Smart’s Circus and the Christmas Circus of Haarlem, where he performed alongside the globally celebrated magician, Hans Klok.

In addition to these accomplishments, Kevin’s participation in the 21st edition of the International Circus Festival Saint Paul Les Dax (2022) stands out as a testament to his prowess. This prestigious French festival annually attracts the crème del las crème of the circus world. Here, amidst a panel of distinguished judges, Kevin’s exceptional talent was recognized as he clinched the Volunteer Prize.

In 2021, Kevin embarked on a goal to set the world record by replicating his awe-inspiring performance across 50 cities worldwide. To commemorate the commencement of this ambitious endeavor, Kevin showcased his special act with his bike near the iconic Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park, London.

Kevin Chaves is a visionary, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the circus world. With determination, talent and a rich heritage behind him, the sky is truly the limit for this young star.

Pedro Santos, Sr.: Family Tradition of Clowning

Born in Spain in 1950, Pedro Santos Sr.’s story is one of passion, heritage and unparalleled talent. He hails from a distinguished lineage of circus performers, being the 7th generation in a family that has mesmerized audiences for centuries.

Pedro’s initiation into the magical world of the circus came at the tender age of 6, where he graced the stage in an aerial act alongside his mother, Otilia. This early debut was just the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with gravity-defying stunts and heartwarming performances.

Over the years, Pedro honed a plethora of skills, each more impressive than the last. Pedro demonstrated the flexibility of a contortionist, the precision of a juggler, the agility of a trampoline artist, the courage of a trapeze artist and the balance of a Rola-Bola performer. He even mastered the tightwire, combining grace with gymnastics as he executed both back and front somersaults. However, it was the role of the Clown, a cherished family tradition, where Pedro truly felt at home.

In the early 2000s, Pedro’s expertise was recognized globally when he became the head Risley Act coach for the renowned Cirque du Soleil show, Varekai. From 2002 to 2012, he imparted his knowledge and skills, ensuring the act’s continued success and acclaim.

In 2024, Pedro Santos, Sr., will mark an incredible 68 years on stage. This momentous occasion will be made even more special as he shares the spotlight with his son, Pedro Jr., ensuring that the Santos circus legacy continues to enchant for generations to come.

Pedro Santos, Jr.: Continuing a Circus Legacy

Born in the vibrant city of Madrid, Spain, in 1985, Pedro Santos, Jr. is the embodiment of a rich circus heritage that spans eight generations. From a young age, the allure of the big top was in his blood, and by the age of 4, he had already embarked on his circus journey.

Under the watchful eye and expert tutelage of his father, Pedro Sr., young Pedro, alongside his two brothers, delved into the intricate world of the Risley Act. Their dedication, combined with their innate talent, gave birth to the “Rampin Brothers.” This trio of acrobatic marvels quickly rose to global acclaim, touring the world and collecting a trove of awards from 1993 until their final curtain call in 2014.

But for Pedro Jr., the end of one chapter only meant the beginning of another. Driven by a deep-seated desire to honor and continue his family’s storied legacy, he transitioned into the world of clowning, joining the family’s iconic act, the “Rampin Clowns.”

The name “Rampin” holds a special place in the Santos family lore. It was the artistic pseudonym of his revered grandfather, Emilio Santos. Emilio wasn’t just a talented circus artist; he was a pioneer, the founder of the Spanish Clowns Club, an institution that stands proudly in Madrid to this day. Through Pedro Jr.’s performances, the spirit of Emilio and the legacy of the Santos family continue to bring joy, laughter, and wonder to audiences around the world.

Valentine Grasso: Dancer Artist Extraordinaire

Valentine Grasso is a versatile artist with a rich background in dance and performance arts. She began her journey at the Conservatoire National de Danse de Rome, Italy, and further honed her skills at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London, UK. Her career as a dancer includes collaborations with various companies in France and Italy, working with renowned choreographers like Luca Papa, Manuel Parruccini and Luc Bouy.

In 2012, Grasso moved to Lyon, France, where she spent a decade involved in numerous projects. She collaborated with Compagnie Philioscope, choreographer Nadège Cabisidan and Compagnie Choryphée, among others. Alongside dance, Grasso expanded her artistic repertoire to include stilt walking and street performance with Compagnie Mademoiselle Paillette and Batucada Les Zurbamateurs, musical theatre with Compagnie Cala, and cabaret and French Cancan at Cabaret Paradice.

Between 2013 and 2022, Grasso worked as a dancer and stilt walker at Cirque Imagine in Lyon. It was here, in 2019, that she met Yosvany Rodriguez. Together, they embarked on a new artistic journey, creating the Duo Ilusiόn. This collaboration marked Grasso’s foray into circus arts, particularly focusing on aerial straps.

Yosvany Rodriguez Pena: Multitalented Circus Artist

Yosvany Rodriguez is a multitalented circus artist with a career that spans more than two decades. Originating from Cuba, he studied at the National Circus School of Cuba before moving to France in 2000 to work with Cirque Pinder. His career further expanded across various European circuses and cabarets, including Cirkus Benneweis in Denmark, Cirkus Maximum and Cirkus Scott in Sweden, Cirque Alexandre Bouglione in Belgium, and the Trocadero Sarrasani Dinnershow in Germany, among others.

In 2008, Rodriguez participated in the prestigious French TV show “Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde” hosted by Patrick Sébastien, showcasing his elastic rope performance. He has also been a part of several international festivals like “Les étoiles du Cirque” in Grenoble, the “Festival International des Artistes de Cirque” in Saint-Paul-lès-Dax, and the “International Circus Festival of Italy” in Latina.

Based in France, he has collaborated with various French entities throughout his career, including Cirque Medrano, Cirque Amar and Cirque Imagine. A significant milestone in his personal and professional life was meeting his partner, Valentine Grasso, at Cirque Imagine. In 2021, they created the act Duo Ilusion, and joined Cirque de Paris as it toured Belgium and the Netherlands before making U.S. debut in 2024. In keeping with his multitalented roots, Yosvany performs both Duo Ilusion and his signature elastic rope act in the show.