Rokardy

Acrobat, Hand Balancer

A native of Cuba, Rokardy Rodriguez is a former gymnast and ballet dancer who went to study circus arts and graduated from Cuba's National Circus School in 1995. Even before graduation, Rokardy had begun touring as hand balancer with the Circo Nacional de Cuba in Vietnam, France and Mexico. After graduation, he went to work with major circuses in Spain, Sweden, Norway, Portugal and France.

In 2002, Rokardy joined the cast of Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at Disneyworld, in Orlando, Florida, where he originated his chair-balancing act. He remained with the Canadian company until 2012, appearing in its productions of Viva Elvis and Zarkana in Las Vegas. He has also appeared in numerous special events in the United States, Canada, Russia and China.

Rokardy was awarded the Prix spécial du Jury at the International Circus Festival of Massy, in France; the Bolshoi Circus Prize at the Idol Festival in Moscow, and a Special Prize at the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo.

See Also

• Video: Rokardy Rodriguez, chair balancing act, at Lone Star Circus (2017)