|
Zita the Aerialist, a.k.a. Courtnee PapastathisOriginally a Software Test Engineer and all around computer geek, Courtnee eventually tired of her sedentary lifestyle and the politics involved in the Tech industry. At age 20 she had already changed careers twice and longed for something exciting, physical and healthy to focus on. After finding herself bored with conventional methods of exercise, as well as conventional jobs, Courtnee discovered aerial circus through Trapezius of Seattle at age 22 and has never looked back to the world of cubicle convention.In addition to her solo work as Zita the Aerialist, Courtnee is also very proud to be involved with the aerial performance duo Chimera, with her friend and confidant Beverly Rose. Please contact Courtnee to discuss your performance needs. Big or small, near or far, she is happy to lend her talents to your cause! Please be advised that a minimum ceiling height of 15 feet is required for aerial acts, as well as a rigging consultation, so book early! The birth of ZitaZita the Aerialist was concepted by writer Winda Benedetti. Courtnee first became Zita the Aerialist when she played her in the short film "Geek like me" in 2004. Courtnee liked the name so much that she asked if she could adopt the stage name of Zita for future performances. Winda agreed and the rest is history! |
 |
Performance and TrainingRecently, you may have seen Zita at these events:The Little Red Studio, Recurring guest artist Seattle Erotic Art Festival, 2005 Circo Vivo, a celebration of life! May, 2006 Cirque Du Noc, Dec 2005 (See the video!) Westlake Center, Sept 2005 Circo Vivo, a celebration of life! May, 2005 Musica Vitae! Cabaret!, With Mike Ehmann. Winter 2004 On the set of "Geek like me" Nov 2004, as Zita the Aerialist. At Troll-A-Go-Go Oct 2004, with The Cabiri The Ballard Art Walk Sept 2004, with The Cabiri Arts and Nature Festival Aug 2004, with The Cabiri Stripjoint! March 2004. A benefit for Circus Contraption. Zita has trained with the following teachers and institutions: School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (Everything!) Bobby Hedglin-taylor (Silks) The Toronto School of Circus Arts (Static trapeze, Silks, Corde Lisse) The Cabiri (Fire eating, Character Portrayal, Static Trapeze, Aerial Sling) Trapezius (Corde Lisse, Static Trapeze, Aerial Hoop, Silks) The UMO Ensemble (Aerial Hoop, Low Flying Trapeze) Donia Love, formally of Ignis Devoco (Fire Spinning) |
 |
|
 |
Other Interests and SkillsCourtnee is a self-described artist. By day she manages a Chiropractic office in downtown Seattle, by night attends school at the Brian Utting School of Massage. When the opportunity to perform and practice aerials as "Zita the Aerialist" is not available, she fills her limited spare time administering and designing web sites, creating music, making wigs, painting, as well as making crochet and knit adornments {among other things, but those are the main ones ;)} Many of her creations are available to own, and Courtnee is occasionally available for commission art projects as well.Courtnee would like to thank the following contributors for making Zita shine: Husband: Rob, Father: James, Winda Benedetti, Scott Aitken, Brandon Bones, Scott Steffy, Chuck Johnson, Jo Montgomery, Bev Sobelman, Mike and Barb Jarboe, Andy Blau, Kirsten Lauzon, Jon McClintock, Jamie Lendino, Bobby Hedglin-Taylor, and many many more supportive, tremendous people left to add. Courtnees' official artist information page is http://neevita.net |
 |