Joshua Dean is an NYC based circus artist, award winning Burlesque performer, and aerial instructor. He has performed across the US, China, and the 7 seas. He is co-owner of Manhattan’s Aerial Arts NYC. From early on, while growing up on a farm in Ohio, he knew he wanted to be on the stage. He received a BFA from Ohio University in Dance, and then traveled to NYC to start his career. He has worked for regional theaters across the US, danced for legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp, and performed on Norwegian and Princess Cruise Lines. 

As an aerialist and circus performer, he has worked with many NYC event planners and entertainment companies to create and perform solo and duo acts for nightclubs, weddings, holiday parties, and more.  He combines his early training in dance with his aerial and ground acrobatics to give party goers and audiences a masculine, yet graceful cirque performance.  His blend of theatricality, death defying skills, and artistry make him a unique and exciting aerial and circus performer. 
 

Joshua is known as the “Cirquelesque Sensation” for combining the art of burlesque with the clowning and acrobatics of circus. He is the 2019 Mr. Exotic World in Las Vegas, which is his third title from the Burlesque Hall of Fame...aka the Olympics of Burlesque. As part of 2toFly, he has won the title of Best Small Group and together, they have traveled the world performing two person shows and headlining burlesque festivals and variety shows. 

He is currently the artistic director of 2 Ring Circus, a theatrical circus company. 2 Ring Circus has created 2 original shows that have toured the US, and their original production of  "Cirque le Jazz" has toured throughout China. The company has helmed numerous productions as dance and circus choreographers including “The Wizard of Oz” at Syracuse Stage, “Godspell” at Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and “Seussical” at CFRT. They have created circus choreography for productions at the the LA Opera, Fulton Theatre, Geva Theatre Center, and Syracuse Ballet.  Joshua has also choreographed the aerial and circus moments for “The Tempest” at Hartford Stage directed by Darko Tresnjak, “Carnival” at Goodspeed Opera House directed by Darko Tresnjak and choreographed by Peggy Hickey, and productions for the ARACA Project and Alabama Shakespeare Festival. 

Joshua currently teaches regular aerial classes at Aerial Arts NYC and Body & Pole. Having studied teaching theory, and have held multiple personal training certifications, he uses his knowledge of kinesiology and progressions to coach students to execute aerial acrobatics with finesse and ease. He brings his love of circus to students of all skills and body types. It does not matter if you are training for fun, fitness, or to learn a new skill, he will help guide you through your Aerial journey through technique, patience, and joy. 

Please visit each page to learn more about Joshua’s specialties and to see photos and videos of his work. 

Photo by Marc Safran

Photo by Theodore Kofman

Photo by Bettina May