Lara Paxton is a cross-disciplinary performance artist known for elaborately costumed, character-based aerial pieces. Her work incorporates elements of circus, dance, mask, puppetry, song, and story.  

One of the pioneers in Seattle’s flourishing aerial and circus arts community, in 1998 she founded Circus Contraption and served as the artistic director for its 11-year lifespan. The well-loved underground troupe produced six original, full-length shows, which consistently sold out both locally and on tours in New York and San Francisco.

And offshoot of this project was The Aerialistas: “Seattle’s Original Aerial Girl-Gang.” After quickly establishing itself as a local darling in The Moisture Festival and The Rat City Rollergirls’ halftime show, the group received its first international booking in 2010 at Madrid’s prestigious Teatro Circo Price. This was followed by multiple engagements in Germany’s Friedrichsbau Variete.

Lara has performed nationally and internationally with her solo works. She is known for her remarkable range as a performer: from her sensual mermaid on aerial anchor, to her comedic grandma on aerial anchor.

Also a bodyworker, herbalist, birth attendant and undergraduate student of neuroscience, Lara’s diverse background informs her teaching and artistic work in rich and unexpected ways.