Interview with Sarasota-Native, 22 Year-Old Hand Balancer Christian Stoinev, to appear on NBC “America’s Got Talent”
See Christian Stoinev perform at the Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling June 17 – August 2, 2014. Presented in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota
Christian Stoinev (© Christian Stoinev; www.christianstoinev.net)
Interview questions by Don of Don411.com Media, June 16, 2014
Sarasota-Native, 22 Year-Old Hand Balancer Christian Stoinev, will appear in an upcoming episode of “America’s Got Talent.” The episode is set to air next Tuesday June 17th from 8-10pm ET.
Celebrity judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howard Stern continue auditions around the country. Nick Cannon hosts this variety competition series which features a colorful array of hopeful future stars as they compete for a chance to perform at the famed Radio City Music Hall and win the $1 million prize.
1. Why did you choose to be a Hand Balancer versus other physically demanding acts in the circus?
Growing up, I tried many different circus arts whether it was juggling, unicycling, tumbling, and once I tried hand balancing I got pretty good at it pretty quickly so it was pretty much what came easier to me.
2. How much do you train to keep yourself in shape for performances?
I train a lot. Whether it is in the gym with weights or practicing I am pretty much at it every day. I try to spend about an hour or so practicing hand stands and then I spend about another hour working out. I love working out, but with doing so I have to make sure I keep doing hand stands to keep from stiffening up, and that way my shoulders stay stretched and able to do what I do hand balancing.
3. What were some of the challenges you encountered during your training and how was it resolved?
Honestly, the biggest challenge about training while growing up was telling people what I do, which is a sad reality. As a kid I was kind of embarrassed to tell people I was in the circus, while most of my friends thought it was really cool and awesome, I knew that the perception of circus wasn’t the best and it was sad to me because obviously I knew that it was just a perception. The way that changed was honestly growing up and through life experiences, I realized that I am no one to be judging other people for what they do, and I hope that others can respect what I do as well, and before judging people should inform themselves just like I try to do with everything. I think the greatest beauty of our world is how unique everyone is and it shouldn’t be something that is hidden.
4. What advice would you provide to to others who wanted to perform in the a circus?
For others trying to do circus I would say just go for it. Don’t hesitate and don’t think about it too much, if you want to do it just find someone who knows and can help and from there just work work work work.
5. How has being a Hand Balancer helped you in other aspects outside of performing?
Being a hand balancer has helped me outside of circus because just like I said in question 3, it is something that growing up made me feel a bit like an outlaw and sometimes you need a bad experience to learn from and become a better person and I genuinely think it did that for me.
6. What made you decide to audition for America’s Got Talent?
I went to school at Illinois State University and participated in the Gamma Phi Circus, it’s not a fraternity, it is an organization that teaches leadership skills through circus arts. And alot of the students there I truly believe can go pro and so I hope to be someone they look to as someone that did do that and that they believe in themselves and taking that risk of just saying “I’m gonna do it”.
7. What was your most memorable tour or event you performed in?
My most memorable performance was performing for our Home Shows with the Gamma Phi Circus because everyone performed for the love of it, and not for money or attention. It was the first real feel of a “team” that I ever had and it was great to perform for my teammates.
8. What are some of your favorite organizations and their websites?
Gamma Phi Circus Gamma Phi Circus – Illinois State University
http://gammaphicircus.illinoisstate.edu
9. How can fans follow your adventures online?
Fans can find me online on:
Instagram and Twitter @CAStoinev
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Biography of Christian Stoinev (As of June 16, 2014)
www.christianstoinev.net
Christian Atayde Stoinev is a fifth generation performer born on December 4, 1991 in Sarasota, Florida. With a fluency in three languages- Bulgarian, Spanish, and English – Christian has traveled the world performing in front of Princes, International audiences, and renowned public officials.
Christian Performed in his first international festival in Monaco in 2005 with his hand-balancing act with his beloved dog, Scooby. Christian would compete in his second festival just three years later. Being young was not going to stop him from succeeding, in 2005 he received the Grand Prize of Prince Rainier III, the Coupe “K Bronze” and awarded with the Coupe Foundation Turquoise presented by The French – Mexican Consul in Monaco at the International Festival “Premier Rampe” in Monaco.
Christian continued his international presence by performing at the 2008 Festival di Latina, where Professor Leonid Kostyuk presented him with the Special Prize of The Great Moscow State Circus. Christian’s international status has been recognized in international newspapers such as El Diario (Mexico), Nice Matin (France), Monac-Matin (Monaco), and Il Nouva (Italy).
Christian’s commitment to the performing arts began in Mexico at the age of 5. At the age of 13, Christian was one of the youngest acts in the renowned Big Apple Circus. Beginning in 2001, Christian became a company member for the Big Apple Circus, touring throughout the United States. He has been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, The Columbus Dispatch, and The Baltimore Sun.
Although Christian has primarily focused on live performances, it has not stopped him from appearing in TV commercials and Television Specials worldwide. Whether it has been performing as the opening act on Britney Spear’s “Circus” tour, appearing on MTV en Español, America’s Got Talent, or Martha Stewart Live; Christian’s athleticism, personality, and high quality live performing skills are paramount.
Christian’s commitment to performing arts has always been in tact, but he also remained focused on his goal of earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Following his graduation from Illinois State University in May of 2013, Christian became the first in his family to graduate from college. In his four years as a college student, Christian also developed a solo hand-balancing routine that he went on to perform on tour as part of Cirque Musica shortly after graduating.
Christian’s professionalism, modesty, and respect are unique qualities that are leading him to a promising future. Christian’s main act with his partner Scooby is currently thriving within the National Basketball Association as halftime entertainment. In their first season performing for the NBA, they have already performed for the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls, among others. As the 2013-14 NBA season continues, Christian hopes to continue succeeding within the NBA confines while also expanding his worldwide experiences as a performer.
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