Willis Chinn, the founder of Skybox Aerial & Events, began his aerial journey almost two decades ago with introductory workshops in aerial silks. His passion for the art led him to pursue advanced training, instructing, performing, and competing at aerial events across California, the U.S., and internationally in Hong Kong.

With over ten years of experience in teaching and mentoring, Willis is dedicated to building a vibrant and supportive community of aerial artists. His diverse accomplishments include competing twice at Viva Fest in Las Vegas, where he earned praise from international judges, and training with some of the most respected aerial coaches, such as Dara Minkin, Brennan Figari, Jenn Bruyer, and Constance Palmer.

Certified through the renowned Paper Doll Militia, Willis is committed to inspiring and guiding emerging aerial students at Delta Athletics in Concord, California. Specializing in soft apparatus such as silks, hammock, and rope, he brings both expertise and a playful, exploratory approach to his instruction, encouraging students to push boundaries and discover new possibilities.

His teaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: "The first step is the hardest, but if you try, I will get you there."

Cara Bode Young is the owner of FUNKMODE Studios, Diablo Magazine’s Best of the Bay Hall of Fame Winner, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! With a BFA in Dance Education, Cara has directed/choreographed dozens of youth theater productions, choreographed the Bay Area premiere of “High School Musical” (Ray of Light Theater), produces a bi-annual Cabaret variety show for FUNKMODE, and has been teaching kids and adults for 30 year. Cara is proud to have recently been voted Best Dance Instructor of East Bay Express for 2024, and really enjoys interacting with the crowd when she MC’s. Now…off with their heads! 

Upon hearing the theme of the show, Jen immediately thought of 3 songs to choose from. Having done lyra for about 3 and a half years with Beloved Little Cirucs, she decided to challenge herself with a more lyrical piece for the show. Having seen Beauty and the Beast ten times in theaters (thank you, Dad for taking me!) the titular song was an easy choice.

Katie began her aerial era in 2018 when a friend begged her to drop in to an aerial yoga class. That one class reminded her of her childhood spent climbing and hanging upside down off every tree, fence, pole, and jungle gym she could find. She spent the pandemic training lyra with her mentor and friend Sarah Stonerock and since those magical beginnings has experimented with bungee, hammock, chains, trapeze, and straps with encouragement and love from the beautifully talented artists at Beloved Little Circus and Skybox Aerial.