Meet the team

LADD has some of the best world renown resident instructors and performers. They are hand selected by Claudine Choquette and Maria Margiyeva.

Executive Team

Claudine Choquette

Chief Executive Officer

Maria Margiyeva

School Director

Instructors

Maria Margiyeva

Teaching

Youth and Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Silks, Ballet, Flexibility, Lyra, Hula-Hoops

Hammock

Bio

Maria was born in Kiev, Ukraine. She began her career as an athlete performing rhythmic gymnastics in prestigious team Club Dynamo of Kiev, coached by legendary Vera Dmitriyevna Kremer. She was a member of both the Soviet Union and Ukrainian National Junior gymnastic teams. Maria did gymnastic for 10 years and always with the same coach Vera Kremer. During this time, she was in the podium of many competitions. At 16 years old, Maria joined the Club Rhythmic Gymnastic of Barcelona in Spain, and helped to this organization win bronze medal in the Spanish Championship of Rhythmic Gymnastic. Actually, Maria is still living in Spain. At 17 years old, she was recognized as a Master of Sports by the Ukraine government. Maria's training and extraordinary talent as a gymnast led her to a remarkable career as a performer, acrobat, aerialist, contortionist and dancer in the circus and variety arts.

10 years of sport were the first step in education of Maria: At 17 year old, she has retired from competitions and has joined the National University of Physical Education and Sport in Kiev. At 18 years old, Maria also joined National Academy of Dance of Pavel Virskiy in Kiev. This academy was the important step in preparation to join the world of entertainment industry. In Academy of Virsky she has received a strong base of classical dance and notions of Spanish and Flamenco dances. At 20 years old, Maria has completed her studies in Dance Academy. At 21 years old, she had a degree in Science of Physical Educations and Sports in University.

Maria starts her career as an entertainer thanks to Irina German-director of Theatre Circus Bingo. The audition to this contemporary circus show was the welcome day for Maria to the world of entertainment. In Bingo she has received the notions of contortion art. Some months later, Maria was selected for Casino of Mallorca. She has performed in this casino several years under artistic direction of Manolo Sanchez, Victor Muro, Orlando Pelaez. In this great show Maria discovered her interest about aerials. Aerial ring was the first aerial act released by Maria. One year later, in 2003 she released aerial silks act. In the same time, Maria kept working in improve of contortion and acrobatic abilities. After casino of Mallorca she did a brilliant artistic career performing in many wonderful shows, concert, events. Sharing the stages in Spain with great flamenco dancers allowed Maria to improve her notions about flamenco, received years ago in Dance Academy. In 2006 she started to rehearse Hula-Hoop act. In 2007 this act was released and Maria started to work in created her own One Woman Show. She also does some costumes for her shows what made her job even more artistic. Entertainment is not only job, this is the passion of Maria.

Anabella Croce

Teaching

Youth and Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Trapeze, Hammock, Silks, Lyra

Bio

Anabella Croce is a professional aerialist who began her circus journey in 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Since then, her love and passion for the art have only grown. She has mastered multiple apparatuses including the hammock, silks, trapeze, and lyra, while also exploring flexibility, juggling, and fire dancing.
Anabella brings her diverse skill set to various performances across South Florida. She is passionate about sharing her craft, guiding students as they grow within the aerial community, coaching them for competitions, and choreographing their performances. Her discipline and dedication to the arts are unwavering.

Marcela Duarte

Teaching

Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Lyra, Silks, Trapeze, Flexibility, Hammock, Flying Pole

Bio

At LADD Miami, Marcela specializes in teaching aerial and ground apparatuses to students of all levels, promoting not only physical skills but also personal growth and creativity.

Marcela Duarte is a renowned circus performer with a focus on aerial arts and flexibility. Marcela has mastered aerial silks, lyra hammcok, and trapeze, bringing grace, strength, and innovation to her performances. Her routines often blend elements of dance, creating a narrative through movement high above the ground. She has competed and performed at some of the world's most prestigious circus festivals, where her unique blend of athleticism and artistry has earned her multiple awards and recognitions. Whether performing solo or as part of an ensemble, Marcela's contributions have been pivotal in creating memorable shows. Her solo acts are particularly noted for their storytelling aspect, where each piece tells a story through movement. Beyond her performances, Marcela has contributed to the circus community by teaching at various circus schools and workshops, passing on her knowledge of aerial techniques, safety, and performance art.
Known for pushing the boundaries, Marcela often experiments with new apparatuses and techniques.
She actively participates in community outreach, using her circus skills to inspire and educate, particularly focusing on youth in underprivileged areas, showing how circus arts can be a tool for empowerment. Marcela has collaborated with other artists from different disciplines, leading to cross-pollination of ideas and techniques, which has enriched the circus arts scene.
Marcela's performances are not just feats of physical prowess but also expressions of human emotion and creativity, making her a standout figure in the contemporary circus world.

Uuve Jansson

Teaching

Youth and Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Trapeze

Bio

Uuve Jansson is a world-renowned circus performer and aerial arts specialist, now bringing her extraordinary expertise to LADD Miami. Originally from Stockholm, Sweden, Uuve discovered her passion for swinging trapeze at a young age, training at Cirkus Cirkör and later mastering her craft under the guidance of top coaches. Her career highlights include performing with Cirque du Soleil in productions like Dralion, Alegria, and Iris, as well as earning a Gold Medal and the Prize of the President of the Republic at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris. At LADD Miami, Uuve teaches aerial trapeze with a focus on technique, safety, and artistic expression, inspiring students of all ages to reach new heights in their aerial journey.

Belu Bergman

Teaching

Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Flexibility, Contortion, Handstand

Bio

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Belu is a contemporary circus artist with a deep-rooted passion for movement. She began specializing in Contortion at age 17. Holds a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts with a focus on Circus Arts. Though her foundation is in circus, her path has expanded through years of Contemporary Dance, Movement Research, and Improvisation. This ever-evolving

exploration has shaped a unique movement language that blends strength, fluidity, and presence.

Belu is a certified personal trainer with a deep foundation in Active Mobility and Strength Training. She began teaching at a young age, leading both group and 1:1 flexibility and contortion classes. After experiencing a lumbar injury caused by forceful, non-methodical contortion training, she began a lifelong journey of learning how to train her body in an smart way, safely, and sustainably.

During the 2020 lockdown, she started teaching Handstand and Physical Conditioning classes online, reaching movers from around the world.

After relocating to Miami, she dove deeper into strength training, developing a strong belief that building strength is the foundation of all movement practices.

Belu is committed to helping others move better, feel better, and gain confidence in their bodies. For her is about teaching to learn. She teaches in a way that empowers people to understand their own process and eventually train on their own terms.

Michael Lipari

Teaching

Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Rope, Lyra, Silks, Straps, Trapeze, Flying Pole

Bio

Michael Lipari is a dynamic force in the world of contemporary circus arts, renowned for his expertise in aerial performance, choreography, and education. Based in Miami, Florida, Lipari has carved out a multifaceted career that spans over a decade, blending high-flying spectacle with artistic depth. As an aerial specialist, coordinator, and coach, he embodies the thrill and discipline of circus life, inspiring performers and audiences alike through his innovative work.

For 13 years, he has managed, choreographed, and coached aerial acts, honing skills in aerial silks, trapeze, and duo routines that demand precision, strength, and storytelling.

Will Otamendi

Teaching

Youth and Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Acrobatics

Bio

Will Otamendi is an acrobatics and dance instructor with over 12 years of experience teaching acrobatics and parkour, and more than 8 years of training in hip hop, reggaetón, and choreography. His classes combine strength, creativity, and body control, helping students build confidence and versatility on stage and in movement.

Stephanie Chisholm

Teaching

Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Silks, Lyra, Trapeze, Straps, Loops

Bio

Stephanie Chisholm is from Miami, FL where she grew up studying gymnastics, dance, musical theater and later aerial arts. She specializes in hoop, quad straps, silk and duo hoop and also has experience on trapeze, bungee, harness, and aerial net.

Vlad Pushnyak

Teaching

Adults and Youth

Regular and Private Classes

Acrobatics, Straps, Chinese Pole

Bio

Vlad Pushnyak is a distinguished acrobat, and teacher whose work has elevated the contemporary circus scene, particularly in Miami's vibrant performing arts community. With a career spanning international stages and local academies, Pushnyak specializes in acrobatics, straps, and chinese pole, blending technical precision with narrative artistry. His contributions extend to youth education, where he fosters creativity and physical confidence in young performers, making him a pivotal figure in accessible circus training.

Born in Ukraine, Pushnyak's journey into circus arts began in the rigorous tradition of Soviet-era academies, where he honed his skills in acrobatics and aerial disciplines. Relocating to the United States, he immersed himself in Miami's dynamic arts ecosystem, drawn to its fusion of cultures and innovation.

Nicholas Ferri

Teaching

Youth and Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Silks, Rope, Straps, Handstand

Bio

Starting as a dedicated student when LADD was founded, Nico honed
his skills with passion and precision, rising to become a
beloved teacher and performer, now leading our silks, rope and straps classes with flair.

Noah Gray

Teaching

Adults

Regular and Private Classes

Silks, Jazz, Duo Straps

Bio

Noah Gray is a former top 15 Division 1 collegiate dancer who is currently teaching jazz
dance at LADD , aerial silks and duo aerial.

Kamal Zebib

Teaching

Adults and Youth

Private Classes

Straps, Loop Straps

Bio

Miami's Multifaceted Acrobat and Movement Maestro, Kamal Zebib is a captivating force in Miami's circus and performing arts landscape, blending acrobatic prowess with fire manipulation and aerial artistry to create mesmerizing spectacles. As a dynamic hand balancer, aerial straps performer, and fire dancer, Zebib has transitioned from collegiate circus roots to a professional career that emphasizes movement as both entertainment and therapy. Based in the vibrant Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, he embodies the city's fusion of athleticism and creativity, performing at high-energy events while inspiring others through content creation and mentorship.

Zebib's journey into acrobatics began at Florida State University, where he immersed himself in the renowned Florida State Flying High Circus from 2013 to 2016. This student-run troupe, one of the oldest collegiate circuses in the U.S., provided a rigorous foundation in aerial disciplines and ground-based feats, igniting his passion for performance. During his time there, he also engaged in Seminole Productions and tutoring, balancing artistic pursuits with academics. A pivotal injury during this period—detailed in a candid 2020 podcast appearance—served as a turning point, reigniting his drive and reframing movement as "medicine" for body and mind. This resilience shaped his philosophy: circus isn't just spectacle; it's a path to personal renewal.
His training extended to advanced techniques, drawing from global influences while rooting himself in South Florida's diverse cultural tapestry.