Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daniela Veliz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Daniela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in the industry is the rise of immersive entertainment. People no longer want to simply spectate—they crave deeper connections and want to become part of the shows and events themselves. It reminds me of when 3D movies became popular years ago; it’s that extra layer of engagement and presence.
At our company, we bring this to life by creating bespoke, customized experiences tailored to each client. Whether it’s a living statue for a museum debut, champagne served from a strolling LED dress, interactive photo ops with cirque performers, or dancers who set the party in motion, we design moments that feel personal and memorable.
In an era of hyper-online connectivity, where genuine human connection is often lost, these experiences bring people back to those one-on-one, meaningful interactions. What stands out most is how we make people feel—whether it’s through a hearty laugh, a shared moment of awe, or the beauty of live art. Those emotions are what guests and clients take with them, long after the event.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started my journey as a classical ballet dancer and never imagined I would one day become a cirque artist. When I was first encouraged to try aerial, I resisted, thinking I wasn’t strong enough—but after 1.5 years of training, I landed my first gig at Universal Studios Florida, and the rest is history. Now, 15 years later, I’ve had the privilege of performing in top Las Vegas shows such as Absinthe, national tours and international shows, TV specials, and major live events, I have even assisted as an aerial choreographer in Beijing and currently I’m performing at The Shiners Show in Nashville.
With my extensive industry experience and network, my company specializes in providing high-caliber, niche entertainment for corporate and private events. We don’t just book talent—we bring visions to life by curating full experiences, from costuming and themes to immersive performances. Whether you need a top-tier snake performer, a thrilling knife-throwing act, or a jaw-dropping balancing artist, we deliver the best. What sets us apart is our attention to detail and hands-on approach, ensuring every event is not just a show, but a seamless and unforgettable experience for both the client and talent.
I’m most proud of believing in myself and staying true to my company’s vision. Art is subjective, and throughout my career, I’ve faced many “no’s” and doubts from others. But I’ve never let that stop me. As a performer, I’ve accomplished a lot of firsts by embracing innovation and co-creating with companies to push the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment. Beyond performing, I see myself as both a leader and an engineer—streamlining efficiency within my team, the artists I work with, and the entire creative process from top to bottom.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely. As a young performer, I didn’t have access to the wealth of information that artists have today. I wish someone had taught me how to properly format a resume, present myself professionally, and even where to look for auditions and work. I was truly figuring things out as I went. I would glance at other performers’ resumes just to see how they were laid out. While I had amazing coaches who taught me the craft, I lacked a mentor to guide me through the business side of the industry—how to break in, stay relevant, and manage my career.
Even seemingly simple things, like reading a call board or understanding a show flow, were things I had to learn on my own. As an immigrant, my opportunities were further limited. I wasn’t able to attend workshops or performing arts college due to visa restrictions and financial constraints. I also had no guidance on how to navigate employment as a foreign artist—what visa I needed, how to legally work, or even how to market myself in the USA.
The way I adapted was by being extremely observant. I paid close attention to how other artists positioned themselves and how productions were run. I noticed small details—like the fact that 95% of performers’ headshots were vertical, so I made mine horizontal to stand out. Over time, I figured out how to market my skills, my image, and what I had to offer.
Today, I use the hard lessons I learned to help others. I’ve had many artists come to me for advice on their resumes, reels, headshots, and even visa processes. It’s incredibly rewarding to be in a position where I can offer guidance while continuing to grow myself.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Ooooh, yes! It’s actually a mix of many things.
First and foremost, my business partner is also my husband. He graciously handles the finances and all the nitty-gritty details that keep our production company running smoothly.
Beyond that, he’s a natural healer with a PhD in Physical Therapy and a former semi-pro football player. And funny enough—that’s how we met. I had a severe hip injury, and a surgeon told me it was time to bow out, that I needed surgery, and that I wouldn’t fully recover. But I wasn’t ready to accept that. I decided to try physiotherapy first, and that’s when I met him.
From day one, he reassured me, saying, “I’ve seen much worse, and I’ve helped them get back to peak performance. You will perform again.” It was a difficult time, not knowing if I’d ever be able to return to the stage, but he helped me heal and regain my strength.
When my therapy was complete, we were about to part ways when he mentioned how much he missed being a high-level athlete. Jokingly, I said, “Well, do you want to try circus arts and acrobatic partnering?” He said yes! I taught him everything I knew about the entertainment industry, and we’ve been performing together ever since! He continues to privately practice as a physical therapist for show members, artists, and clients.
He was also the one who encouraged me to take the next steps with our production company when I doubted myself. And I’m so grateful I did—because we’ve had so many incredible opportunities, not only as performers but as a company supporting other artists.
So, in short—that’s our love story. My business partner is also my stage partner and my husband, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: Production Page: elanproductionsent
Artist Page: duo.elan
Image Credits
Amanda Stevens Photography Divine Images Dream Dubai