Maxim Popazov

Maxim Popazov is the founder and entrepreneur behind our organization. He belongs to the seventh generation of the renowned Popazov-Koch Russian circus dynasty, which has a legacy spanning 150 years. Globally recognized, Maxim is celebrated for his three distinctive hand balancing performances: hand balancing on a pedestal inspired by the famous Ukrainian artist Anatoly Zalevsky, the "The Advocate" act featuring books (choreographed by the innovative Ruslan Ganeev), and balancing on chairs under the direction of the esteemed Russian director Valentin Gneushev. Maxim has showcased his talents on numerous prestigious stages worldwide, including Circus Krone in Munich, the Monte Carlo Circus Festival, the Swiss National Circus Knie, Schuhbecks Teatro in Munich, the Royal Theater Carre in Amsterdam, the World Christmas Circus in Stuttgart, and Friedrichstadt Palace in Berlin. His performance also captivated the judges of America's Got Talent, with Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell all casting their votes in favor, advancing Maxim to the Judge Cuts.

Currently residing in Las Vegas, he performs in the show "Absinthe" at Caesars Palace, where he has been one of the original performers since the show's inception in 2011.

Maxim has long envisioned the creation of a circus festival, and in 2024, this aspiration became a reality with the launch of the first-ever international circus festival in Las Vegas. This event features a prestigious jury, including Dr. Alain Frère, a celebrated figure in the circus world and co-founder of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo alongside Prince Rainier III of Monaco, among many others.

Julia Makarova

The Vegas Variety Circus Festival is led by a team of experts, with our Artistic director and co-founder recognized globally for their achievements in the circus industry and tv shows. 4th generation of circus in the family participated in many tv shows one of her notable performances led Simon Cowell to declare her the best aerialist he had ever seen after her appearance on Britain's Got Talent. Julia is a winner of numerous prestigious prizes at some of the world's most famous circus festivals like Festival Internacional del Circo Elafant d'Or Girona, International Circus festival of Italy Latina, Chimelong Hengqin international Circus City Festival and many more, our Artistic director leads a team of talented individuals who come together to bring the magic of circus to life.

"As the Artistic director and co-founder of the 2nd international Vegas Variety Circus Festival, I pride myself on delivering the most thrilling and breathtaking performances from the world's best circus performers. With my years and family line of experience in the circus industry, and my passion for entertainment, I guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all our attendees."

Nataliya Popazova

Between 1976 and 1980, Nataliya initiated her circus journey at the Moscow Circus College (GUTSEI, State School of Circus and Popular Arts), focusing on developing her expertise as a Circus Performer and Stage Director. Her education, she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Russian Academy of Theater Art (GITIS State Institute of Theater Arts) in Moscow from 1996 to 2006, she extended her collaboration with the Moscow State Circus, performing not only in Moscow but also embarking on tours across diverse European and Asian countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Thailand. Following this, from 2007 to 2013, Nataliya toured Great Britain with the Moscow State Circus in roles as a Circus Performer and Stage Director, exploring regions like England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Director

Alexey Emelin, an experienced circus performer, has achieved remarkable success by winning prestigious festivals worldwide, including Monte Carlo, Circus festival in Paris China, and Russia. With extensive experience as an artist and director, Alexey's creativity extends beyond acting, successfully spearheading various projects like the Circus “KRONE,” “Stars in der Manege,” and “Circus with the Stars” on Russia 1th TV. A highlight for Alexey was being part of the creative team and a star performer at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Currently he is excited to start working on a new project, aiming for success as always.