Our Story
About Top Hat Circus
Top Hat Circus is more than just a circus. It is a training ground for igniting creativity, building confidence, forging lasting friendships, and promoting lifelong fitness. Our instructors are dedicated professionals from various disciplines who are inspired by their passion for circus arts. We help people of all ages, body types, and skill levels reach their goals to the best of their potential in a fun, non-competitive environment.
There’s a role for everyone to play at Top Hat Circus. We believe that our unique differences add flavor to our ensemble, making for one-of-a-kind performances. We view our company as one big, happy family dedicated to helping children and adults find their passion as they connect with others, reach their physical potential, and unleash their creativity.
Based in East Orlando, our family-owned company offers circus arts classes and performance opportunities for ages 8-adult that ignite the imagination and inspire creativity while increasing physical strength and flexibility.
RINGMASTERS
JACK WEST
When Jack entered his first gymnastics gym at the age of five, he had no idea where his passion and dedication to the physical arts would take him.
After leaving his full-ride university scholarship behind to answer the call of Hollywood, he built a formidable legacy as a stuntman, performing in over 100 major motion pictures and television shows, including the first three Pirates of the Caribbean movies, The Sandlot, Spaceballs, and Big Trouble in Little China.
Hollywood brought more than movies into his life. His physical talent also drew the attention of stunt and circus legend Bob Yerkes, who introduced Jack to the world of circus arts.
Jack’s impressive strength, timing, and coordination, built from a lifetime of training, allowed him to take to the various acts like a duck to water. He loved the freedom acrobatics gave him and was soon pushing the envelope with such dynamic acts as Chinese pole, flying trapeze, teeterboard, and Russian swing.
Jack joined forces with Elisa Llamido, who would later become his wife, and the couple formed Far Star Productions, Inc. to make their creative visions a reality. Life changes came with the birth of their second child, and after relocating to family-friendly Orlando, Florida, Jack spent six years planning, coordinating, providing rigging, and acting as Safety Champion for Disney World before opening Top Hat Circus.
ELISA LLAMIDO
Elisa’s physical background started in traditional Japanese karate over 30 years ago, and went on to encompass a myriad of styles, including Muy Thai, Indonesian Silat, French Savat, escrima, jujitsu, and several kung fu styles. She started training in gymnastics in college, moving to acrobatics after meeting her husband, Jack West.
After earning a full-ride scholarship and then her MFA from the prestigious University of San Diego/Old Globe Theater Professional Actor Training Program, Elisa moved to Hollywood where she performed on stage and television as an actor, stunt performer, and acrobat with such shows as Power Rangers, Big Bad Beetleborgs, and Numbers.
Ten years after meeting Jack and forming Far Star Productions, Inc., Elisa scaled back her work hours to take on a different kind of role as a homeschooling mom. As the couple’s younger son has gotten older, she’s come back to reworking her acrobatic acts and acting as a secondary instructor for Top Hat Circus.
No Trophies, No Competition
At Top Hat Circus, there aren’t any winners or losers, and there are no awards or trophies. Our artists interact and collaborate, driven from within to constantly improve their performances. There is always a new show to work toward, and new audiences to encounter and lend inspiration. Our artists achieve because they are enjoying the experience.
Bringing Orlando communities together through Circus Arts
Want to build connections and strengthen ties in your community as you laugh, learn, and bring a bit of magic into your life? There’s a place for you under the tent!