Quick Answer: Mara Cristiani is a veteran circus performer, choreographer, and celebrity chef who married into a famous circus family and now coaches dance, aerial ballet, trapeze, tumbling, and balance for the Circus Arts Conservatory.

Mara Cristiani

Mara Mari Cristiani married into one of the most illustrious circus families, dating back to 1840.
Mara’s list of accolades are extensive to say the least, and it’s obvious that she’s no stranger to the spotlight.

Mara has performed all over the world for over 30 years as a dancer, choreographer, acrobat, and trapeze performer from Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Disney ‘s World on Ice,  Princes Cruise Lines and, of course, Circus Sarasota! She often says she was lucky enough to be one of a small group of people in the world to perform on the heel-catching trapeze for 24 years before retiring in 2012. She is also a celebrity professional chef and 2015 Food Network Chopped Champion.  Mara has a YouTube cooking channel known as: Mara Mari Cristiani ~The Aerialist Chef.

Oh yes, Mara was the first Tinkerbell to fly out of Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World in the Summer of 1985.
Today, Mara is absolutely thrilled to be part of the Circus Arts Conservatory team and to be able to coach all levels of Dance, Aerial Ballet, Trapeze, Acrobatic Tumbling and Balance.


At a Glance

Key Facts

  • Mara Mari Cristiani married into a circus family with a history dating back to 1840.
  • She performed for over 30 years as a dancer, choreographer, acrobat, and trapeze performer.
  • She worked at Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Disney's World on Ice, Princess Cruise Lines, and Circus Sarasota.
  • She performed on the heel-catching trapeze for 24 years before retiring in 2012.
  • She was the first Tinkerbell to fly out of Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World in Summer 1985.
  • She is a celebrity professional chef and the 2015 Food Network Chopped Champion, with a YouTube cooking channel called Mara Mari Cristiani ~The Aerialist Chef.
  • She currently coaches Dance, Aerial Ballet, Trapeze, Acrobatic Tumbling, and Balance at the Circus Arts Conservatory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mara Cristiani known for in the circus world?

She is known for performing as a dancer, choreographer, acrobat, and trapeze performer for over 30 years, including 24 years on the heel-catching trapeze before retiring in 2012.

Where has Mara Cristiani performed?

She has performed at Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Disney's World on Ice, Princess Cruise Lines, and Circus Sarasota.

Does Mara Cristiani have any achievements outside the circus?

Yes, she is a celebrity professional chef and won the 2015 Food Network Chopped Champion title, and she runs a YouTube cooking channel called Mara Mari Cristiani ~The Aerialist Chef.

What special Disney role did Mara Cristiani have?

She was the first Tinkerbell to fly out of Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World in the Summer of 1985.

What does Mara Cristiani do today?

She is part of the Circus Arts Conservatory team, coaching Dance, Aerial Ballet, Trapeze, Acrobatic Tumbling, and Balance.