2 Defy Gravity

Specialties

2 Defy Gravity is a circus arts based performance group from the Twin Cities.

We, Marissa Dorschner and Cade Holmseth, are 2 Defy Gravity, a circus-​based performance duo founded in Saint Paul in 2009. Since then, we have performed at all sorts of venues and events across the Twin Cities and Minnesota.

With a combined total of 30 years experience in circus and dance between the two of us, 2 Defy Gravity offers top level professional entertainment that will make any event stand out. We bring strength and beauty together with danger and awe in a way most people only dream to experience. Combining the circus arts of silks, lyra, acro-​balance, trapeze, chains and fire with dance and aerial dance, we are a great addition to your next event or party.

In addition to being a performance duo, both of us are full time teachers of the aerial arts as well. If you’ve ever wanted to run away to the circus and learn to fly, we offer classes and private lessons.

If you are interested in purchasing circus equipment, we currently build and customize lyra and trapeze. Contact us for more information on equipment.

Check out our website as well to see full albums of our performances.

History

Established in 2009.

Over the past 6 years, 2 Defy Gravity has performed at a range of events and venues, including gala fundraisers, night clubs, weddings, private parties, concerts, festivals, award ceremonies, and stage shows.

Meet the Business Owner

Marissa D and Cade H.

Business Owner

Marissa Dorschner has been training as an aerialist since 1998, when she joined Circus Juventas (then Circus of the Star). Since then she has trained under the guidance of international coaches in several aerial acts including solo and triple trapeze, flying trapeze, triangle trapeze, lyra, silks, and acro-​balancing. In 2010 she had the opportunity to travel with Mission Manduhai, performing on tour in Mongolia. In 2007 she met Cade, and they began training together as 2 Defy Gravity.

Cade Holmseth received a BFA in Dance from the University of Minnesota and a degree in massage and shiatsu therapy from Center Point School for Massage & Shiatsu. Shortly after graduation he connected with Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater where he spent 7 years performing, teaching and doing community outreach. He quickly found his passion for the aerial arts with aerial silks and lyra, but has been expanding since the early years to include trapeze, acro-​balance, aerial chains, and fire performance.