THE TEAM
Benny is a Kiwi Circus Instructor, Performer, Stuntman and a certified Rigger. After graduating in Art Design he decided to go on an adventure and work with the circus and that's how he found his passion. He worked in many resorts, schools and circus companies all over the world including Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, USA and Brazil. In 2015 Benny had an amazing experience performing in Mystère by Cirque du Soleil, flying with some of the world's greatest fliers and doing what he loves most.
Cel, who is originally from Brazil, found the Circus Performing Arts to be a natural extension to her Drama Degree.
They met in Mexico in 2009 and have been together ever since. In the USA Cel and Benny joined The Flying Cortes troupe with whom they worked in many circuses around the country and in Europe. Together they won the Public Choice Awards in the Netherlands at Kerstwintercircus and La Piste d'Or at the Festival International du Cirque de Massy, in France.
After 5 years and 4 Continents their desire to settle down brought them to NZ where, since 2014, they have been passing on their Circus love, experiences and inspirations to NZ audiences through teaching, performing and mentoring awesome humans.
MILA SOLTAU
Silks and Kids class Instructor
I've been teaching at React Studio since 2022 and have been learning silks for over 5 years.
Originally from South Africa, 🇿🇦 I got into circus during class/year 3 in school when I joined the school circus community and continued training with them until I moved countries. I fell in love with flying trapeze in the 2 years before moving to New Zealand, where I have decided to learn as many other circus arts as possible.
A goal I have is to work on a cruise ship one day. hehe I like cats and my favourite colour changes.
MEL CAMERON
Hoop, Hammock, Spin and Conditioning Instructor
Melissa is an actor and emerging aerialist who is passionate about Circus theatre and physical comedy. During her last year at drama school Melissa tried her first Circus class and was so excited by the possibilities of vertical story telling that she then went on to complete a Masters degree researching Circus theatre and React’s Rise Mentorship programme. Circus highlights for Melissa include being awarded Unitec’s Bold Innovators Scholarship to fund the creation of her Circus theatre show 'Get that Circus out of my Lion!' as well as attending The Master of Commedia dell’Arte in Italy. Melissa has been teaching Circus and physical theatre to students since 2014 at recreational level and loves watching her students grow in self confidence and find new ways of expressing themselves.
JESSE MILLER
Trapeze, Acro and Kids Instructor
Jesse kick started his career in the circus industry 9 years ago in an effort to combine his love of nerdy comic book lore with his affinity for physical theatre.
His circus journey has taken him all around the world including the USA, Australia and China as well as teaching and performing all over Aotearoa.
He specialises in several forms of trapeze with a broad skill range across other aerial arts and ground based acrobatics as well as dabbling in object manipulation.
ALISHA HUISH
Hoop Instructor
Alisha’s journey in the performing arts began as soon as she could walk, exploring dance, music and theatre throughout her early years. Her love for aerial arts began in 2000, when her neighbours set up a Flying Trapeze in their backyard. Since then, she has explored a variety of aerial apparatus, ultimately focusing on Solo and Duo Dance Trapeze, Lyra and Hammock. With over a decade of experience as both a performer and instructor, Alisha’s style blends strength and dynamic movement with the flow of lyrical dance that leaves her audiences spellbound. She finds deep joy in passing on her knowledge to students and watching them grow in skill and confidence.
ALISON VERONA
Silks and Kids Instructor
Alison has been captivated by aerial arts since 2017, when she first discovered the world of circus. Drawn in instantly, she found her home in the air and quickly immersed herself in the discipline. She started sharing her love for Silks as an instructor several year later—and hasn’t looked back since.
With over 20 years of teaching experience across a range of fields—including swimming, English as a foreign language, after-school science programs, and dance—Alison brings a deep passion for education and a unique ability to connect with students of all ages. Her classes are supportive, engaging, and focused on helping others discover their own joy and confidence through movement.
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JESS O'CONNOR
Silks, Hoop & Kids class Instructor
Jess O’Connor is a talented, dynamic and versatile circus artist. Following a successful career in gymnastics, she studied at The National Centre for Circus Arts in London on the full-time degree programme where she specialised in swinging trapeze. She has also undertaken extensive training in a range of other circus skills including aerial hoop, silk, rope, static trapeze, spanish web & acrobatics.
Jess’ versatility as a performer is reflected in her previous work, ranging from large scale corporate events, festivals and parades, to music videos and nightclubs. She has performed all over the world as both a soloist and as part of an ensemble. An experienced tutor in a multitude of aerial and acrobatic disciplines she has shared her knowledge with people of all ages.
JODI RUSSELL
Silks Instructor
Jodi has been performing for most of her life, beginning with a passion for dance from age 3! This allowed her the opportunity to be involved in many different experiences including live shows, TV, Film, Music Videos & tours around NZ, Australia, India & on Cruise Ships! While in the UK, she fell in love with aerial arts & began teaching when she arrived back home in 2012.
She loves sharing her knowledge & seeing the confidence grow in her students as they progress!
React's Performance Highlights
Greatest Showman Private event 2025
Aerial and ground based performances
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Cornwall Park Family day, 2019, 2020 & 2023
React Studio Company mini show
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Christmas Spectacular, 2018, 2019, 2022-2024
City Impact Northshore campus - Aerial acrobatics
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Eclipse - Auckland NZ 2019
React Studio Company show - Self Production
Disconnect - Auckland 2018
React Studio Company show - Self Production
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Skycity Breakers - Auckland NZ 2017
Flying and Static Silks
Netball Fast Five - Auckland NZ 2016
Spanish Web and Triple Trapeze
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Cirque du Soleil Mystère - Las Vegas, USA - 2015
Flying trapeze
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"Four Weddings" TLC reality tv show - Seattle, USA 2013
Co choreographed and Performed Flying Trapeze - 2013
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Festival International du Cirque de Massy - France 2013
2013 winners of the Golden Elephant.
Kerst Winter Circus - Eindhoven, Holland 2012
2012 winners of People's choice Award.
The Gorge Festival - Seattle, USA - 2012
Single trapeze and co-planned and choreographed event circus performance.
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Since back home in NZ React has worked with great companies such as Lewis Road Creamery, Adidas, Tristam European and many more.