Biography:

Staza Stone does stuff. Swinging stuff, spinny stuff, stilt stuff, sparkle stuff... all the stuffs. She is a multi- faceted performer based out of Denver, CO. She is an aerialist, stilt walker, hula hooper, fire dancer, burlesque artist, and clown. She graduated from Frequent Flyers Productions Professional Aerial Dance Program in 2014. Currently Staza can be found performing both nationally and internationally in a variety of circus extravaganzas. Highlights include stilt dancing in Japan for EDC Japan and being contracted with Cirque Dreams. Staza is also a sponsored hula hooper by Astral Hoops. Staza wrote, directed, and produced 4 immersive circus productions between 2020-2021 under the now defunct Rainbow Militia. She is currently a core cast member of the contemporary circus ensemble Circus Foundry. She has toured with the bands MarchFourth and Sepiatonic, has performed aerial 70ft up with The String Cheese Incident and has shared the stage with many talented artists. She has worked for companies such as Cirque Dreams, Insomniac, Madison House, Team EZ, Circus Foundry, The Phantom Circus, Borrillo Entertainment, Nova Han Productions and many more. Find her performing locally almost every weekend at The Clocktower Cabaret. You can also catch her teaching in Northern Colorado as well as traveling workshops across the U.S. She has competed in the US Aerial Championships, Circusstar USA, and in 2018 won gold in the all-star sling category at the St. Louis Aerialympics. Check out her Instagram for up-to-date performance and workshop information. 

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Photos by Stewart Eastep

Tell us how you fell in love with the flow arts?

My love of circles started many moons ago, when I was around 20 and in college. A friend introduced me one afternoon at her house and I was immediately hooked. Having always been awkward on the dance floor, I found a partner and a confidence in my hoop. I did not focus on circus style hooping or learning new tricks until around 5 years ago.

What inspires your style of flow the most and how do you find your flow state?

I am inspired by others. Watching innovations in movement compels me to grab my hoop and get moving. I am also inspired by music- a key component to finding my flow state. I will hear a song that I know I just need to move to. These moments are when I find my best free flow.

What makes you passionate about the flow arts?

The flow arts helped me to gain confidence in movement and myself. Hooping was my first circus skill and now circus is literally my life! I don't know where I would be without having picked up my first plastic circle. It is a partner, a confidante, and a place for me to feel safe without inhibitions.

Tell us other ways you contribute to the flow arts and/or festival community?

Besides performing at many festivals all over the US I also teach at festivals locally including World Hoop Day and The Jamboree. I try to be a beacon of support- I love telling people about my journey and encouraging them that yes! They too can make hooping their life!