The story of Danielle España, a circus performer who found her calling in the world of art.

Born in Anaheim, California, Danielle, whose background is heavily anchored in Southern Italy, has always been a dancer at heart. Some of her earliest memories were dreams of becoming a professional dancer, and impressing every audience as she expressed herself on stage. However, due to her father’s religious beliefs, Danielle was forced to abandon her fantasies – at least temporarily.

When Danielle turned eighteen, she headed to Los Angeles to pursue her calling. To her surprise, her endeavor was fruitful. She started training at Mackinnon Dance Academy under the Artistic Direction Of Joy Mackinnon in a city just North of LA called Oxnard. There she was invited to Dance in 2 local companies “Pure Joy Moving Company” and “Pumping Metal Tap Company”. At this studio is where she was even offered her very first teaching position for Pre School Dance, and found unparalleled fulfillment in sharing her passion for dance with children.

Danielle spent 6 years training, performing locally, and teaching Dance in Oxnard and Agoura Hills CA. Something was still missing. She was still feeling that fire and passion to Dance burning inside herself, and had to see what other professional Dance opportunities were out there. So, she began training in Hollywood, CA at Edge Performing Arts Center where she trained under many talented instructors including Eddie Garcia, a renowned dancer and choreographer whose talents earned him positions dancing with famous performers, including Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Sheryl Crow, and more. He’s also worked on various film and television sets, making him an exceptional, highly experienced teacher.

Delighted to be mentored by such a well-established figure in the industry, Danielle made it her mission to learn as much as she possibly could, as was so Happy to have been asked to be his class assistant. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. She quickly acquired an Agent to represent her for Dance auditions, and with Garcia’s help, was able to book a Music Video for Jennifer Lopez as her Stand In/dance double in the year 2000. Not only was it her highest-paying job so far, yet it allowed her to refine her skills while reinforcing her love for the art of dance.

In 2001, she auditioned for a part in “Circo Fantastico”, a traveling show which was hosted by Latin people for Latin people; she was one of the only non-Latin Dancers who managed to secure a role, expertly learning various Latin dances. However, the 9/11 tragedy eventually stopped production after only 3 months time.

“All I wanted is to lose myself to dance and tell a story.”

This setback didn’t sway Danielle from persevering and finding solace in dance. It was at this point that she became fascinated by aerialists. It appeared to be an elevated type of dance (literally!) that required immense skill, control, and courage. Inspired by their ability to soar high above the ground with incredible ease, she resolved to become an aerialist herself.

During this journey, she met her future husband. A circus artist who came from six generations of acrobats, and an expert in Performing and Circus Arts. Needless to say, Danielle was smitten.

Together, they improved their skills, developed new acts, and she quickly fell in love with the craft, dedicated to becoming a master. However, in 2004, during training to debut a new aerial act for a major show, Danielle suffered a significant fall and several injuries, including shattered wrists, Broken ribs, and a broken pelvis.

Despite her doctors’ warnings that she would be unable to continue her aerial career, she returned even stronger after only six months. After all, her passion for dance could outweigh almost anything, even her fear.

She joined the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, an American traveling circus company known as the Greatest Show on Earth. She traveled to Puerto Rico to participate in her first show post-injury, and unsurprisingly even though she was so afraid to climb again, she loved every second of it.

After three incredible years of flying, performing acrobatic and dance movements in the air, she became pregnant and was forced to return to the ground. However, that did little to prevent her from leaving dance altogether.

While pregnant, she choreographed the “Circus Vargas” All new Show, a California-based circus, in 2006. She did so for seven years and, during that time was still dancing in the show and working as an aerialist. In 2011 still traveling with Circus Vargas, her second child was born.

“When I saw my daughter Siena gaining interest in aerialism. I quickly realized that I would love for her to transition her passion to arts into the future career choice.”

Siena España, Ms. Danielle’s daughter, 16 year old. Siena is currently studying ballet at the Dutch National Ballet Academy. Siena’s dream is to dance in an international ballet company, and one day become a soloist or Prima Ballerina.

Enzo España, Ms. Danielle’s son, 11 year old. Enzo is passionate about acting and dancing. He is currently taking dance classes at Coastal Dance Centre in Myrtle Beach, SC. Enzo’s dream is to be an actor, and also explore engineering.

She and her family made their home on the California road, living the circus life. Her children, taking after their two performer parents, were having an absolute blast. For Danielle, it was a dream come true. With time, however, Danielle’s priorities began to change, and, despite the fun she and her family had traveling with the circus, she realized her children needed stability. In 2014, they moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where they were offered a position with the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. She remained there for two years playing the aerial and acting role of pirate captain Red Scarlet. She absolutely loved performing, but soon became unhappy with the time and energy it demanded away from her children.

That’s when she found herself in her current, incredibly rewarding position as a preschool dance teacher at the Myrtle Beach Coastal Dance Centre. She also continues to collaborate with both Venardos Circus and Circus Vargas, remaining the head of artistic direction, where she’s responsible for choreographing the show productions and styling the acts.

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Anyone with a long-held dream can relate to Danielle’s story. Inspired by her journey and unfailing passion in the face of various obstacles, I asked her the following questions to learn more about her craft and influences. Keep scrolling to read our conversation.

Q: How do you keep in shape to consistently perform?

A: I am now retired from performing but before, Doing many shows and constantly practicing has helped me build my strength and endurance. Also, stretching, keeping a clear mind, and knowing my limits are key to preventing burnout.

Q: Describe the best performance you put on. What did you learn from it?

A: When I came back from the accident. I felt really strong, I was so blessed that I was able to overcome my fears to climb and fly again, and the roar of the crowd gave me so much fulfillment. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

Q: What do you believe are the most important traits a dancer should have?

A: Heartfelt passion, emotional intelligence, and a thick skin are essential for developing your confidence as an artist.

Q: Have you ever forgotten the dance steps during a performance?

A: Yes, when I’ve lost focus. It happens to everyone!

Q: Was there ever a moment that you considered following another career?

A: Never. Dance, in some form or another, has always been my calling.

Q: Who were some of your influences growing up?

A: Gene Kelly, Ginger rogers, Fred Astaire are some of the greats that have always inspired me. Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul are some of the artists who inspired me to love industry Dance. I loved watching them on stage and music video. When we were young we all wanted to copy their moves and style!

I admired how they followed their dreams and expressed themselves without inhibitions.