BIOGRAPHY
Santiago Rivera Laugerud
Multidisciplinary artist Santiago Rivera Laugerud was born in Guatemala in 1997 and owns his own circus, Cie. Zirconium. Dedicated to the arts from an early age, he is influenced by contemporary dance and physical theater. While he specializes in juggling, he had the chance to develop other disciplines such as hoop diving and Chinese pole. Santiago is the first Central American to be accepted into Montreal’s National Circus School, recognized as one of the best circus schools in the world.
Santiago was part of different art institutions in Guatemala, which helped his international launch and recognition in the circus arts. Among them are the art ministry En el arte producciones, Teatro Fantasia at IRTRA Petapa, and the Batz Circus School. His work has been recognized by multiple organizations such as Guatecirko, Montreal Completement Cirque, TOHU, and Cirque Éloize.
Representing Guatemala internationally in the circus field is very complicated due to the lack of support for art from the Guatemalan government. Much of Santiago’s work is supported by private and personal funding, and makes use of simple materials to create beautiful things. Many thanks to everyone who has influenced or promoted the development of circus art in Santiago’s life.