Julia Ruth first entered the world of performance when she began college in 2010. A physics major and athlete, Julia was attracted to her school’s gymnastic and acrobatic performance-based student organization, Gymkana. Members of Gymkana serve as ambassadors to the school, touring local Maryland schools and performing over 20 unique acts at daytime assemblies, and spreading a message of healthy living. It was during her four-year commitment to Gymkana that she fell in love with performance. She enjoyed the thrill of performing death-defying stunts in front of large audiences while sharing an important message with youth in the community. Julia’s focus within the troupe was primarily gymnastic rings and partner balancing. Drawn to the strength elements of both practices, she sought special training from the coaches to learn skills traditionally reserved for male athletes. Some of Julia’s most notable performances with Gymkana include the New York Knicks’ Halftime Show, Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival, Miss Virginia Pageant, and the International Monetary Fund.
After graduation, Julia sought opportunities to continue her passion for performance and moved to San Diego to train and teach at the San Diego Circus Center. Through Julia’s time training at the San Diego Circus Center, she has gained experience performing many circus disciplines including Cyr wheel, hand-to-hand, Spanish web, aerial rings, clowning, hand balancing, and stilt walking. The San Diego Circus Center has introduced Julia to well-established performance artists who have served as outstanding mentors in her life. The training she has received and the connections she has made have been invaluable to her growth. Since 2016, Julia has joined the cast of a variety of companies and performed in and beyond Southern California at parks, fairs, and festivals including the San Diego International Fringe Festival, ATLAS Intersections Festival, Sydney Royal Easter Show, San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, Orange County Fair, and Electric Daisy Carnival.
Julia’s passion for circus performance is derived from the challenges and fears one must overcome when learning acrobatics. She has faced many of her fears and continues to every day throughout her training and performances. She enjoys setting and working towards goals to challenge conceptions of her capabilities. As an artist, Julia hopes to have a positive impact on the lives of those around her; she believes her passion stretches beyond her personal growth, and she works hard to evoke emotion and start conversations by sharing her stories and the experiences of others in a unique light.
Companies and Circuses:
Party Like Gatsby, active since 2018
San Diego Spotlight Entertainment, active since 2017
Dragon Knight Stilt Show, active since 2017
Wray Creations, active since 2016
Lighthouse Circus Theater, active since 2016
San Diego Circus Center, active since 2014
Circus Collective of San Diego, active since 2016
University of Maryland Gymkana Troupe, active 2010-2014