Meet our Live It Up team!
Breawna Ventura
Founder and Owner, Studio Director, Coach,
Pro Aerialist
Breawna is the owner of Live It Up Studio which opened up in a new location at Rushmore Mall in 2018. Breawna has coached in the Black Hills for over 25 years. Her cirque specialties include aerial silks, chains, sling, hoop, trapeze, fire dancing, poi, duo performances, hula hoop and handstands. She has trained in circus schools across the US in Denver, Chicago, Orlando, Missoula and Las Vegas. Also Breawna is a proud owner and director of Zirkiss Cirque Production and Awna Artography. Breawna would love to bring her unique experience in training and creative performance to your student!
Anna Starenkova
Owner, Studio Manager, Certified Aerial Coach and Pole Instructor, Pro Aerialist
Anna has been an aerialist, competitive rhythmic gymnast and performer with the ZirKiss Cirque Production. Her cirque specialties include aerial silks, aerial rope, and lyra/hoop, flying pole. She also enjoys performing poi flow, contortion, fire dancing and dance. Anna has joined Live It Up Team in 2018 and has been teaching aerial and cirque arts ever since.
Coach Anna has completed professional cirque and fitness training in Las Vegas, Denver as well as Ukraine. Recognizing the importance of passing on her expertise, she has dedicated herself to training the next generation of aerialists and athletes. Her coaching style is a unique blend of discipline and encouragement, creating an environment that supports both structured skill development and individual creativity.
Anna is originally from Ukraine and speaks three languages.
She has graduated from Black Sea State University in Ukraine with a BA in Linguistics majoring in Education: Translation and Interpreting.
Tessa Kauffman
Aerial Instructor, Pro Aerialist
Tessa is an aerial instructor who brings a unique blend of talents to her aerial arts journey. With a thriving career as a dog groomer, her transition into the world of aerial arts is a testament to her boundless passion for movement and expression. Boasting over two decades of dance experience, she has an impressive background in modern dance, jazz, tap, and ballet, providing her with the foundational grace and discipline that shines through in her aerial performances. Tessa’s dedication to the world of dance led her to attain an Associate of Arts in Dance. Her transition into aerial instruction was seamless, as she combined her dance prowess with her newfound aerial skills. As an aerialist, she specializes in various disciplines, including lyra, trapeze, and duo trapeze. Her ability to fuse her dance background with the captivating world of aerial arts creates a unique and mesmerizing experience for her students, inspiring them to reach new heights both figuratively and literally.
Alyssa Tanner
Aerial Instructor, Pro Aerialist
Alyssa's love for storytelling has been a driving force throughout her artistic journey. Her passion for weaving narratives and emotions into her performances has set her apart as a truly unique aerialist. Her debut production, "Cirque Dream Story," (2020) showcased her innate ability to transport audiences into the enchanting worlds she creates with every graceful movement. Since then she has performed in Zirkiss Circus, Holloween Hill Show, Parade of Lights, and the Wild West Cirque Show.
Alyssa's dedication and skill have earned her recognition as a 2-time gold medalist in the Aerial Cup Competition. Her performances are not just displays of physical strength but also windows into the intricate stories she shares with her audience.
Beyond her performances, Alyssa is a versatile entrepreneur. She is the proud owner of "Caricatures By Alyssa," where she channels her artistic talents into creating funny caricatures that bring joy and laughter to her clients across the USA.
Melissa Stanton
Aerial Fitness and Acro Instructor
Melissa Stanton brings her lifelong passion for movement and fitness to Live It Up Studio. With a strong background in gymnastics, she has a natural talent for aerial arts and loves helping students build strength, flexibility, and confidence in the air.
Melissa’s enthusiasm for community shines through her love of acro yoga. She not only practices but also hosts acro jams in collaboration with Black Hills Acro, creating a welcoming space for connection and play.
When she’s not in the studio, you can find Melissa exploring the great outdoors. Hiking, camping, and any adventure that lets her soak up nature are her favorite ways to recharge.
Melissa’s mission is to inspire others to discover the joy of movement, both on the ground and in the air.
Dionne Walters
Pole Instructor
Dionne Walters is a proud mother of three and a pole instructor at Polerina Studio. She has a degree in Professional Accountancy from BHSU. Over the years she has been a basketball coach for almost 10 years from K-5th grade for kid’s teams and one year volleyball coach.
Dionne has started her pole journey a couple years ago. Previously she had been a drill team choreographer in high school and wanted something to do with dancing, so she signed up for her first pole class at age of 43.
Nothing has compared to Pole Sport. It gave her confidence, strength, both physical and mental.
"Take the leap, come join me. I know the obstacles my own body had and I know how to break it down for you, even if you have no dance experience. I would love to help you build your confidence, strength and find a new you!" - Dionne Walters
Trinity Conrad
Owner, Pro Aerialist
Trinity has trained with Black Hills Aerial for over decade. As member of the Pro Team she also assists with the program in many ways helping with managing the events and performances.