A criss-crossing trapeze act was originally innovated in the 1950s and ‘60s by the Great Otari Troupe and again in the mid-1990s by the Caballero family for The Greatest Show on Earth. It has been over 20 years since an act of this nature has been performed and never in the fashion of the Flying Royals.
The Flying Royals is a troupe of multi-generational Flying Trapeze artists and students of the country’s premier Circus schools led by Justin and April Chodkowski. They have been working together as Catcher and Flyer since 2009 in venues all over the world, including Circus Circus Casino in Las Vegas, NV and Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba in Orlando, FL. They were married in 2015 and have two sons, Bodhi (5) and Levi (2). Always pushing for excellence, they are eager to present an act of caliber and quality.
Justin began performing with the famous Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus at 12 as a young acrobat. As he grew, so did his talent and Justin mastered the most thrilling acts in the business-walking the Wheel of Death, racing motorcycles in the Globe, and launching himself as the Human Cannonball. He has been soaring on the Flying Trapeze for over 20 years as both a flyer and a catcher. He has entertained audiences on some of the most prestigious stages: Germany, Monte Carlo, Japan, Mexico, and in nearly every state in the USA! Justin is one of very few catchers who have caught elite level tricks such as the double, double 1/2 and quadruple somersaults.
April grew up a competitive gymnast and got her circus start at Florida State University in the Flying High Circus. After graduating with her Bachelor’s of Science in Food Science and Nutrition, she joined the famous Flying Pages and has been performing professionally ever since. One of the premier female trapeze artist flying today, April has been dazzling audiences with her aerial feats for nearly 15 years across America and the globe. She also presents a Cloudswing solo act and will Ringmistress performances.
The rest of the team hails from all over the Americas and Europe and their personal talents truly round out the Royals presentation. Not only are they elite flying trapeze artists but they perform lyra, duo trapeze, juggling, and trampoline acrobatics, too!
One of the most recognizable apparatus in the performance industry. A halo truss supports all three bars and the catcher’s trapeze and appears to float above the audience. The Octagon creates a Traditional Circus Ring in midair!
Four 40-foot trussing towers support the Octagon for outdoor performances and can be seen from any and all angles. We can turn any outdoor space into a 360 degree show.
A singular piece of netting spreads out approximately 60 feet in all directions custom built for the Flying Royals. We have the only one (or two) in the world!
Spectacular non-stop aerial action! Most manuevers can only be
presented on a rig of this kind and the Royals use every bit of their
creativity. The act can change in a moment so you don’t see the same
tricks twice, though our classic style never waivers.
From Start to Finish…
2 days of work in under 4 minutes! This time lapse video shows the
entire set up process of our outdoor rigging at Sportsplex in New Windsor,
2020.
Inquire about booking the royals for your next event or sponsorship opportunities.
