Spiegelworld’s high-flying queen has fallen for Sin City. Can you blame her? The conclusion of a two-part REAL VEGAS PEOPLE feature. To read Part One, click here.
Drive. Passion. Love. They’re crucial elements for success in the Performing Arts. Once you’ve achieved world-class status, your skills can take you almost anywhere. For Yuliya Goryagina and her husband Jonatan Rocha, the ability to perform around the world led them to Las Vegas. Now they share their love for the city with other residents and visitors.
Yuliya and Jonatan came from very different backgrounds. She was raised in Russia, and he grew up in Brazil. Their unexpected pairing by a Latin American circus company led to romance — and eventually, marriage. Today, they’re Duo Luar, a featured act in Spiegelworld’s Absinthe…and they’re about to celebrate their first year with the cast.
The couple was performing in a circus festival in Spain when they were approached by a Spiegelworld scout. “She told us about the company and thought we were a very good fit. While in Las Vegas, we did a live audition and felt like we made a good impression. They said, ‘Okay, we’ll talk soon’ (laughing). The wait took two years.”
Before receiving their delayed invitation, Yuliya and Jonatan toured with Cirque du Soleil (a long-held dream) and performed for the legendary Circus 1903 in London. Their rise in popularity was due, in large part, to Duo Luar’s signature act, now seen in ABSINTHE.
The ‘Balancing Eagle’ is an aerial straps trick. Jonatan holds himself in an extreme oversplit position while suspended, adding an extraordinary level of difficulty. This makes it incredibly challenging for Yuliya to maintain balance on his upper back, as his body naturally moves despite his efforts to stay stable.
With the added rotation, Yuliya loses any fixed focal point, making the maneuver more demanding. “Our act is defined by its dynamic storytelling, movement quality, and the perfect equilibrium between power and elegance, strength and flexibility, risk and precision.
Duo Luar has ABSINTHE guests on their feet nightly, but there’s a lot more to it than five minutes onstage. Hours of practice, fitness, and discipline are required to protect and maintain their bodies while keeping the act fresh. “We work hard to do our best each night.”
That leaves little time for the wonders of the Vegas Valley, but the happy couple makes each moment special. “We live close to Summerlin…a very green area. We love trees and like to walk. We’ve never lived in a climate like this before. I’m thinking of starting rock climbing…a new adventure, maybe? I love a challenge.”
Although the city was new to them, several entertainer friends from around the globe already resided here. They helped the couple establish a new life. One even loaned them a car until they could buy their own. “The community really supports each other,” she added.
With their intense work and training schedule, the couple tends to stay around Summerlin. They enjoy day excursions through Red Rock Canyon…when the summer heat isn’t too intense. Then they’ll gravitate towards restaurants like Elia Taverna, an authentic Greek establishment. They also enjoy Americana, a restaurant overlooking a scenic lake. “Our favorites. It just feels so romantic.”
Another treasured pastime is the Summerlin Farmers Market. “On Saturdays, we start our performance a little later, so we have a little longer. I just love going there, supporting local farmers, and buying their amazing strawberries. I prefer them fresh and sweet. Oh my God, so good!”
Asked if she envisioned teaching her artistry in Las Vegas, Yuliya didn’t rule it out. “One day, I’d love to create a program or a space where I can support and inspire artists more directly. Help them develop their unique style. I love creating, and I will absolutely love to collaborate with them to create beautiful things together.”
“Although we don’t have much time for in-person teaching right now, we’re still actively contributing to the next generation. My partner and I share our creations online. It’s amazing to see how many young artists around the world get inspired by them and try our original tricks. It’s encouraging and makes me think about creating something more structured in the future.”
As their one-year mark approaches, Duo Luar is eager for a contract extension. If and when that happens, they’ll be able to remain in Las Vegas with their ABSINTHE family. In the meantime, Yuliya and Jonatan continue to plant roots in the city.
“Las Vegas is the dream of every performer. It’s the Capital of Entertainment! I feel very connected to the creative energy in this country and truly see myself building a future here. Not just as a performer, but as someone who contributes to the cultural community. It feels like all the hard work paid off.”
Spiegelworld’s ABSINTHE performs nightly at Caesars Palace Resort. Click here for tickets and showtimes.
