Alina Sultanova

What should the
audience feel?

Act direction, choreography and coaching for circus artists, schools and productions. Online and in person.

Alina Sultanova directing a dancer in the studio

Circus, from every side of the stage

With over two decades of experience in performing arts, I bring together the precision of classical training, the expressive power of movement, and the art of storytelling. My journey began at the age of five with intensive circus training in Russia. I later graduated with honors from university, earning a degree in Choreography, building a strong academic foundation in movement, composition, and stage direction.

Throughout my international career, I have performed and worked on productions across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, collaborating with theatres, entertainment companies, luxury venues, and multidisciplinary creative teams. My experience includes directing large-scale circus productions, choreographing performances, developing original acts, and contributing to major entertainment projects, including productions in Dubai.

Today, I work as a director and choreographer, combining circus, dance, theatre, music, and visual storytelling to create performances that go beyond technical excellence. I believe a great show should do more than impress an audience. It should take them on a journey, challenge their perspective, and leave them feeling something they didn't expect. My vision is to create performances that people don't just watch — they experience.

How I work

Every project begins with one question, and every creative choice has to answer it. The process follows five stages.

1

Identity

Who you are on stage, and what only you can bring to it.

2

Translation

Turning that identity into movement, imagery and music.

3

Structure

Building the dramaturgy and pacing of the whole act.

4

Meaning

Testing every choice against what the audience should feel.

5

Embodiment

Rehearsing until the act lives in the body, not on paper.

For individual artists

One artist, one act, one clear direction.

Creative Direction Session - €150 | 60–90 minutes | Online

Online and in person

One session. Any creative challenge. Whether you're struggling to find your artistic identity, develop an idea, choose music, improve your choreography, or bring more meaning into your performance, this session is tailored to your needs. We'll explore your questions, identify new possibilities, and find practical solutions to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. What's included: One private online session Creative brainstorming and professional feedback Personalised ideas and practical solutions Clear next steps for your artistic development Perfect for artists who need a fresh perspective, creative inspiration, or professional direction.

Choreography Only - €220 | Online | Video Tutorials

Want to add more movement, musicality, and personality to your act? I'll create original choreography tailored to your discipline, skill level, music, and artistic style. You'll receive recorded video tutorials with movement explanations and performance suggestions, so you can learn and practise independently, at your own pace. What's included: Personalised choreography Recorded video tutorials and explanations Musicality and movement recommendations Freedom to learn at your own pace Ideal for artists who want professionally created movement material without live coaching sessions. Online rehearsals and full act concept development are not included.

Act Mentorshipv - €350 | 3 Private Online Sessions

Create your own act with professional guidance at every stage. This mentorship is designed for artists who want to take ownership of their creative process while having an experienced director to guide them. We'll work on your ideas, storytelling, choreography, artistic choices, and performance quality through three individual sessions. Between our meetings, you'll develop your act independently, share progress videos, and receive personalised feedback and creative tasks. What's included: 3 private online sessions Video reviews and feedback Creative exercises and practical assignments Guidance on concept, dramaturgy, movement, and stage presence A clear direction for each stage of your development Perfect for artists who want to learn how to create their own acts rather than have someone create everything for them.

Act Creation - From €1200 | Complete Creative Direction & Staging

Online and in person

Your vision. My direction. One unique performance. This is a complete creative collaboration where I take you through the entire process of developing a professional act, from discovering your artistic identity to bringing your performance to life. I develop the concept, dramaturgy, musical direction, choreography when needed, and overall stage composition, making sure every movement, trick, and artistic choice belongs to one coherent vision. Through individual rehearsals and ongoing creative guidance, we'll bring all the elements together into a complete performance that reflects who you are as an artist. What's included: Initial creative discovery session Original concept and storytelling Music selection and editing Dramaturgy and act structure Choreography when needed Costume, character, and visual direction Online rehearsals and personalised feedback Creative guidance throughout the agreed production process In-person direction is also available worldwide. Travel, accommodation, and related expenses are arranged and covered separately. For artists who want more than a sequence of tricks — a complete performance with identity, intention, and artistic depth.

BEYOND THE ACT — Private 1:1 Mentorship

Online

A 4-week personalized experience for circus artists who are ready to take their creativity and career to the next level. Whether you want to create a unique act, build your personal brand, start teaching, launch your own classes or develop a new direction in your career, we'll work together to turn your ideas into action. What's included: 8 private sessions (2 per week) Creative or career development tailored to your goals Personal branding & social media strategy Daily support via messages and voice notes Personalized exercises, creative practices & feedback Hands-on guidance as you build your project A clear action plan for your next steps Investment: €2,000 / 4 weeks This isn't just about improving your act or Instagram. It's about discovering what you're truly capable of and building something meaningful around it.

For schools & companies

From a single masterclass to the vision of a full show.

Workshops & Masterclasses

Custom workshops for circus schools, studios, festivals and companies, covering both artistic development and technical training.

Creative & Show Direction

Creative support for productions, festivals and entertainment projects, from individual acts to the artistic vision of an entire show.

Competition Jury & Adjudication

With extensive international experience as a circus artist, choreographer, director, and competition judge, I offer professional evaluation for circus, aerial arts, and performing arts competitions. My judging focuses on technique, originality, musicality, storytelling, and artistic expression. Available in person or online. Travel and accommodation costs are covered separately.

Learn at your own pace

Online courses, workbooks and creative resources for circus artists and performers.

Hula Hoop Dance Course

Hula Hoop Dance Course

€80

A step-by-step course covering hula hoop technique, choreography, musicality, body movement and creative combinations.

Add to cart

Circus Archetypes Guide

Free

Discover your artistic archetype and how it shapes your movement, character, music and stage identity.

Get the guide

The Core of Movement

€60

A movement training program for body awareness, coordination, fluidity and artistic expression.

Add to cart

How to Create a Circus Act

€20

A practical workbook guiding you through the whole creative process, from first idea to finished performance.

Add to cart

Selected work

Watch the videos
Aerial silks, theatre stage
Aerial silks, theatre stage
Rehearsal under the big top
Rehearsal under the big top
Hand balancing act
Hand balancing act
Aerial training hall
Aerial training hall
Show direction
Show direction
“It gives me a place to start to work on the lessons with confidence. Thanks again, coach.”

Online coaching student

“It reminded me to clearly define the story and the meaning I give to each element.”

Creative consultation client

“The process and you were great. Very responsive and attentive to my process and questions. I loved your excitement and encouragement through it all.”

Act creation client

Read the original messages

Questions

Do you work online or in person?

Both. Consultations, act creation and coaching are available online and in person. Act reviews are held online.

Who do you work with?

Individual artists at any level, as well as circus schools, studios, festivals, companies and productions.

Which disciplines do you coach?

Hula hoops, aerial hoop, aerial silks, static trapeze, dance and movement, and body awareness and performance quality.

How do we start?

Write to me with a few words about yourself and your goals. We begin with a consultation and build a clear plan from there.