Several seasons ago, we invited aerialist with (formally with Aerial Angels), Marina Petrano to assist us in choreographing our sky-high Arabia act. We met the Aerial Angels severals years prior to this idea when they toured in the area and Matt Gasper hosted workshops at his studio. As we began our tradition of The Classic Nutcracker for our company 7 years ago, Matt Gasper has always been looking for ways to entertain our audiences while telling a story. In the past Arabia has been performed as a duo, with four dancers, using hula hoops, and now aerial silks. Three years ago Matt had the idea to take Arabia in the sky and with the help of aerial silks choreography from Marina, we made the dream a reality. Each season two of our company dancers have taken on the challenge and hard work to perform this act, but this season we have the privilege to have Marina herself perform this act in the sky! We couldn't be more excited for her to share her talents with our patrons this season! Don't miss her and the rest of the cast of The Classic Nutcracker, December 15-17 at NDSU Festival Concert Hall. Tickets available now.
Marina Petrano
Marina Petrano is a contortionist, actor, aerialist, acrobat and all around character. The acrobat began her journey to the stage when she joined the world class performance ensemble Seminole Winter Guard. After 3 years, 5 tourings shows, countless venues and 25+ parade routes all of the United States, Marina traded in her weapons for cameras and began attending classes at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. She graduated the NYCDA intensive program in 2010 and was introduction to the world of circus after being cast in a stage production of Carnival. When the production ended, Marina began studying circus arts with the Aerial Angels and Circus Arts of Tampa Bay. Before long she was touring with the high-flying Angels troupe in between projects.
In 2011, Marina portrayed the Icon character for Bush Gardens’ annual Howl o Scream event. In 2013, she appeared as lead character, Paige, in “The Poltergiest of Borley Forest", which was the Winner of ‘Best Horror / Thriller’ at Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival; Winner of Audience Choice Award, and Nominated ‘Best Film’ at The Central Florida Film Fest; Winner of ‘Best Cinematography at Reel Terror Film Festival.
In the fall of 2012, Marina made the move to Brattleboro, VT to further her training at The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA). Marina Petrano graduated NECCA’s Intensive Professional Training Program in the spring of 2013 and since has performed events from Kuwait to Key West for Stratton Ski Resort, Victoria International Buskerfest, Dundas International Buskerfest, Sunsets at Pier 60 Buskerfest, University of Ottawa, The Avenues Kuwait Annual Carnival, The M. Night Shyamalan Foundation, Greenies, Boston Circus Guild, Cirque Du Soleil, Nimble Arts, Hendricks Gin, Magic Hat Brewing, The Prince of Egypt, Madonna, and many more.
Marina currently is the Artistic Director and performer with Cirqa Brava.