Guest Post:Circus + Couture = Art, Entertainment and Bald Heads to Conquer Kids’ Cancer

If you know me, you know I have a super soft spot for children and families in need.  That is why I am so excited to share today’s guest post with you.  Meet Erica, I know you are going to like what you read! I hope you will get involved in anyway you can.  Don’t forget, giving back doesn’t have to be a huge gesture. Even the smallest of actions have huge lasting ripples.

I’m an “actor-bat” by trade. Technically, an aerial acrobat/actorand I make my living performing on The Strip. Twice a night I carry a man 40 feet into the air with one hand, while I’m upside down in the splits. I don’t have children of my own yet, I sleep at odd hours and I may be one of the last people you’d expect to be a passionate force against childhood cancer. I’ve learned though, that things are rarely what they appear to be and the most unexpected faces are lined with the deepest compassion.

My name is Erica, and with a wily band of acrobats, entertainers, technicians, artists, designers and amazing individuals, we have raised more than $124,000 to fight childhood cancer over the last three years. This year, we hope to raise another $110,000 for The St. Baldrick’s Foundation to Conquer Kids’ Cancer through our spectacular circus, fashion and art event “Circus Couture,” and our head-shaving team Cirque du SoBald. “Funds raised will benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and its work with The Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada.”

The Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada is the only clinic in the state that treats kids with cancer whether or not they have insurance. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation has been a huge part in keeping their mission alive by funding grants to make their local work possible. St. Baldrick’s hosts head-shaving events worldwide where participants raise funds by asking “How much would you pay to see me bald?” After collecting donations, they shave in solidarity with kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatment. I’m proud to be a three-time St. Baldrick’s “shavee.”

Circus Couture will be held this Sunday, June 26th at The Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The evening begins with a cocktail party and art silent auction featuring a variety of work by prominent local and national artists. The evening evolves into a circus and fashion stage spectacle you simply won’t believe! The show features world-class circus performances intertwined with runway fashion. Featuring aerialists, acrobats, dancers and world champion athletes, all performers are donating their talents for the cause. In addition, the runway scenes feature both name brand fashions and the most avant garde, out of this world garments that Las Vegas designers can dream up. Even better? Tickets are only $35, and all proceeds go to the cause. If Ringling Brothers claims to be the greatest show on earth, Circus Couture might claim to be the kindest.

Circus Couture believes that each person has a gift or talent that can be used to better our world. We believe that you don’t have to be a doctor or a scientist to help children with cancer. You could be an acrobat, artist, designer or technician. For that matter, we believe you can be an orthodontist, accountant, salesperson, bartender, stay at home mom or tattoo artist and use your talents to make a difference. You just have to put your heart in the right place and your ideas into action.

We hope you’ll join us on Sunday as we put our dreams for a healthy future for Las Vegas kids into action. For more information and tickets, go to www.circus-couture.com,

Author: Erica Linz is an aerial acrobat for Cirque du Soleil as well as president and artistic director of Circus Couture and ringleader for shavee team Cirque du SoBald.

Photo credit: Jerry Metellus (photographer); Jenny Leigh Dupuis (design); Meghann Mason/MDM Artistry (makeup); and Kelsey Contois (hair). Models from left to right are Karlee Klow, Wayne Skivington, Jonas “Tatu” Zuniga and Erica Linz.

Thank you so much to Erica for bringing attention to this much deserving cause.  I am so excited and honored to share her story about the Circus Couture event.  If you live in Las Vegas, cancel your plans on Sunday and get your ticket today!  They start at only $35!

Coming soon: I am going to be hosting a facebook giveaway for 2 pairs of tickets for the Circus Couture event on Sunday June 26th.  Make sure you check out the Family and Life in Las Vegas facebook page for your chance to win.  While you are there like Circus Couture on facebook!