Faculty
Maya Shoup, known as Illusionary Arts on stage, has been heavily involved in the circus community since moving to colorado in 2017. Shortly after discovering a passion for poi and fire spinning, she began doing local LED performances at small venues around Denver and Fort Collins. At the same time, she was introduced to the physical and mental challenge of pole dancing, so Maya shifted her focus to cross-training flow and pole. A few years down the line, aerial arts captured her heart as well; thanks to years of pole dancing, she was able to quickly absorb the foundation of aerial hoop and grow into the performer, coach, and circus artist she is today.
She now performs regularly throughout Colorado as an aerialist, burlesque performer, pole dancer, fire spinner, acrobat, contortionist, belly dancer, and more. Additionally, she is an instructor in advanced lyra and exotic / intermediate pole at Denver Circus Collective, as well as in Boulder at Frequent Flyers and Catwoman Pole Academy. Through teaching large classes and 1 on 1 privates, Maya shares her passion and inspiration with aspiring students while meeting them at the level they are at.
Fluidity in movement, a story in motion, poetry beyond paper – those are the driving forces behind Maya’s creativity. She strives to hold that same space for others to exist, learn, and grow in as well.
