RICK TIJA

Rick Tjia is an international choreographer and judge. He has a reputation of leading dance and theatre practice worldwide.

After working with Cirque du Soleil since July 2002, Rick joined the Casting team in 2004.
Passionate about dance since his childhood, he studied classical ballet, jazz ballet and modern dance. As principal dancer with La La La Human Steps for eight years, Rick performed in over 25 countries and 100 cities. He has also worked in the movie industry in Los Angeles, as both a dancer and actor.
In addition to La La La Human Steps, Rick has performed with companies such as Ballet Austin, Sacramento Ballet, Boston Ballet and Dance Alive National Ballet and explored dance through several independent projects of his own. He has worked with numerous choreographers, including Édouard Lock, Twyla Tharp, Tom Pazik and Gus Giordano to name just a few. Today, Rick keeps a close eye on the artistic scene both at home and abroad in search of talent and inspiration.

As well as working extensively with Cirque du Soleil and as a freelance artist / choreographer, Rick is also working closely with International Performing Arts & Theatre through leading dance education in the 21st Century.
He is a Patron of Phoenix Associates in England, an organization that offers opportunities and masterclasses to students aged from 6 right through to professional dancers.

Rick was also one of the acrobatic choreographers for a new Cirque du Soleil Big Top touring show Volta.

In November 2016, Rick began working with Ukranian hoop manipulation artist Aleksandra Savina, as choreographer and coach. Together they are currently developing two new manipulation numbers