Guadalupe Servián and the art of living in the circus

Time Out

a day ago

Born and raised in Córdoba, she didn't grow up like other kids surrounded by toys, recess, snacks, TV shows, and cookies. Her childhood was unusual, surrounded by jugglers, clowns, and tightrope walkers. Guadalupe is a sixth-generation circus artist, great-great-granddaughter of the creator of the legendary Circo Servián, and an acrobat herself.
Despite a hearing problem that has challenged her balance, she worked tirelessly to achieve what today is her greatest pride: a risky handstand act that allows her to defy her limitations and prove that, with patience and effort, anything is possible.
This winter vacation 2025, Circo Servián will perform in Pilar, and Guadalupe, at 23 years old, under the magical big top she loves so much, dedicates herself to the art of dazzling the audience with her magnetic acrobatic performance. Get to know her!
Tell us your family's story
My family's story begins during World War II in Yugoslavia. In such harsh times, they started migrating to South America, passing through different countries, including Brazil, and finally arriving in Argentina. They came with almost nothing, fleeing the war, and began looking for ways to make a living. They started building wagons with wheels like those you see in movies and went out to the streets performing acrobatics and shows to attract attention and earn some money. Little by little, they built a tent, which at first was very small, almost like paper. With a lot of effort, they managed to grow it into what we have today.
What was it like for you growing up in such a unique environment?
For me, there is no other life but this one, because I was born into it. It has always been magical. Being able to do what I love, learn new things, meet people, and understand what each audience likes in every place. I love being nomadic, moving constantly, living each experience. I would choose this life a thousand times over.
"I love being nomadic"
When did you decide you wanted to be a circus artist?
I decided when I was very little, I think I was about three years old. I remember watching my mom and dad perform in the ring and feeling immense happiness. That's when I knew I wanted to be there, doing that, wearing those stones, those costumes, that sparkle. My training also started very early. I had teachers who helped me step by step, teaching me how to train, stretch, and strengthen my body. I've always understood that with practice and patience, you can achieve anything: whether it's dance, floor acrobatics, trapeze, tightrope, or handstands. Everything takes time, and although it's demanding, I really enjoy it. I'm constantly training and I love it.
You have a hearing problem that could affect your balance, yet you perform a very complex handstand act. What difficulties did you have to overcome?
Yes, I have hearing problems, and the ear is actually the center of our balance. The middle ear can cause symptoms like dizziness, loss of balance, and nausea. But my mom never made me feel it was an obstacle. She always supported me, and since I really wanted to practice and improve, I never saw it as a limitation. I love doing handstands, which require a lot of balance. I believe it's a gift God gave me, and I'm making the most of it. It was very hard because, lacking natural balance, I had to work twice as hard or more. But when you really want something, there are no excuses.
"I have hearing problems but I never saw it as a limitation"
How do you prepare before each performance?
I prepare one or two hours in advance. First makeup, getting nicely ready, then I start stretching, warming up, and moving my joints well. This is key to avoid injuries and to make everything flow more smoothly. After the show, we also stretch to avoid muscle stiffness. During the performance, I expend a lot of energy. I don't only do the handstand act, I also do acrobatics, jump, and participate in several scenes. That means constant movement. Because of this, we pay close attention to our diet: we eat healthy, with proteins, plenty of water, and energy. Our body is our tool, and we take care of it as such.
Have you ever dreamed of doing something else?
Yes, I thought about it. I love gymnastics, both rhythmic and artistic. I also like other sports like tennis and soccer. I think if I weren't in the circus, I would probably be doing something related to sports.
Tell us about a risky situation you've experienced during a performance
Many things have happened: bumps, falls… although we always take great care and prioritize safety. But once, during a show, I climbed into a hoop that is lifted by a motor. It was a very visual moment; I just had to go up and down, but that day the motor failed and I fell from nearly 3 meters high. I landed sitting on the floor — it was a very hard impact. I fractured my spine and hit my knees. Thank God it was a minor fracture, no serious consequences. I was very scared, especially about my spine, but I had good rehabilitation, the motor was fixed, and now I'm fine. That was the biggest scare, but in this profession, things like that can happen.
In popular imagination, circus artists build their own family and live a nomadic life. Is that still true today?
Yes, absolutely. Many people meet in the circus, fall in love, and decide to share this life. If both choose to accompany each other on every destination, that's ideal. That was the case with my parents and grandparents: they joined and traveled this path together. Then we are born, the children, and continue in this world that for us is the most normal thing.
"My parents and grandparents joined and traveled this path together"
What do you think are the differences between the old circus and today's circus?
The old circus had a different aesthetic and dynamic. There was a presenter narrating everything with a microphone, animals were used, and it was less theatrical. Everything was slower and more classic. I love it anyway because I grew up with that. Over time, proposals like Cirque du Soleil appeared, bringing theater, dance, and a fusion with circus that is now common in many shows. Now circus acts are mixed with music, choreography, and scenography. Today, there are many more resources than before.
At Servián's shows, you always try to leave a message beyond the performance. How do you approach those themes?
We try to leave a clear message: take care of the planet, take care of our environment, which is our home. We show what we're doing wrong and call for reflection. It's a very important topic nowadays, with climate change and many other problems. We want the audience to take that message with them, not to let it go unnoticed.
What will the audience find in this show?
I think they will find all the emotions together. Each act conveys something different: there is strength, energy, slower and more poetic moments with contemporary dance. Everything blends with powerful circus scenes. There are also clowns, who are great, the 'globe of death' with motorcycles, trapeze artists, tightrope walkers — there's everything! People leave happy. You can see it on their faces, how amazed they are. It's a very complete and exciting show.
"We make a very complete and exciting show"
Let's take the chance to hear about your favorite places in Córdoba and get to know the city a little more
A place to eat: Johnny Be Good
A place to drink Fernet: I think most people from Córdoba will hate me because I don't like Fernet, but my grandfather loves it
A park to drink mate: Parque Sarmiento
A nightlife spot: La Vieja Usina to listen to music and dance
A musician from Córdoba: I love Luck Ra
A food that reminds you of childhood: polenta