IZZI
KESSNER

CIRCUS ARTIST

Izzi Kessner (they/them) is a circus artist originally from Los Angeles, and currently based in Quebec City.  They specialize in aerial rope and acrodance; however, they are well versed in many other aspects of circus arts, including group acrobatics, aerial straps, hoop, silks, and dance.  

Izzi strives to share stories of identity and authenticity through contemporary circus.  They are interested in questioning traditional form and practice in their circus storytelling, and exploring how aspects of their transgender identity inform their creation.   

They have performed across the United States, including as a guest artist for the West Coast Aerial Arts Festival, in Las Vegas as part of a traveling anti-bullying circus show, and on ABC7’s 2020 LGBTQ Pride special, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Los Angeles Pride.

In 2022, they collaborated with Nike, sharing their love of air and aerial for Nike’s new Air Max campaign.  They were featured on the front page of Nike.com, as well as on their app and social media pages.

They have partnered with numerous nonprofit organizations to further this work, including as a Board Member of the American Youth Circus Organization/American Circus Educators.  Izzi also creates circus short films, exploring how the art form can be transformed to fit an online atmosphere.  Two of their short films were Jury award winners of the Circus International Film Festival (2021/2022) and they served on the Jury for 2023 and 2024.

Heading by NikePhotos by (top to bottom) Lucille Audoineau-Maire, Brit Keyser, Sam Chin