A woman who literally grew up in the circus, Kourtney Pavlov, took to the ring at the tender age of seven and is now calling the shots as a big top director, leading her own shows. Living in Dublin, the 28-year-old was introduced to circus skills by her mom, Jacqueline Courtney, a trapeze artist and contortionist, and her dad, Vladimir Pavlov, a gymnast, starting at the age of four. Kourtney’s journey began with hula hoop performances in Circus Vegas, the family business, where they toured the UK and Ireland, living in caravans full-time.
Living life on the road, Kourtney specialized in hula hooping, aerial chandelier, and aerial hoop, showcasing her fearless nature by swinging as high as 12 meters in the air without any harness. Eventually, at 23, she made the bold move to break away from the family business and establish her own independent circus performer agency. Settling down in her first non-mobile home with her partner, Tim Cullen, who runs a vintage carousel company, Kourtney continues to tour Ireland, showcasing her talents and passion for entertainment. Raised among her extensive family members in caravans, Kourtney recalls the constant traveling, setting up tents, performing two shows a day for five days, and then moving on to the next location.
Despite receiving lessons from local schoolteachers during their travels, Kourtney decided to leave formal education at the age of 14 to pursue her performance career full-time. Embracing risky stunts from the age of 16, she trained in aerial skills without safety nets, always pushing the boundaries of her abilities. Venturing abroad to perform in high-budget Christmas shows independently, Kourtney transitioned from the familiar tent performances to heated theaters and hotel stays. When the pandemic hit, causing a pause in shows, she took the opportunity to reflect on her future, realizing the limited lifespan of a performer’s career.
Not really sure why this matters, but Kourtney made the tough call at 23 to leave the circus, a world she had known all her life, in search of new interests and passions. Transitioning to a more stable life in Ireland, she delved into organizing children’s birthday parties and private hula hoop performances. Eventually establishing her own agency, Kourtney now coordinates circus shows for weddings and festivals, blending her love for entertainment with a desire for stability. While she still performs, she envisions a future where she can step back from the ring, potentially to start a family, but always aiming to bring joy and entertainment to others.
Maybe it’s just me, but Kourtney’s journey from a young circus performer to a seasoned director showcases her determination and resilience in carving her path in the entertainment industry. Despite the challenges of leaving behind a familiar lifestyle, she has embraced the opportunity to create new experiences and opportunities for herself and others. As she continues to thrive in her role as a circus director, Kourtney’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of following one’s passions and taking risks in pursuit of personal and professional growth.
