About Shine Alternative Fitness — Las Vegas Circus-Arts Studio Since 2012
Founded on Leap Day 2012 by Cirque du Soleil veterans Dima Bulkin and Russ Petroni, Shine is Las Vegas's circus-arts boutique fitness studio. Fourteen years, 20,000-plus clients, three studio rooms, and eight class disciplines — all built around one idea: fun fitness for everyone.
Our Beginnings
Shine Alternative Fitness — or what we call "The Art of Fitness" — was born from the idea of creating an alternative way to get fit. Russ and Dima came from performing-arts backgrounds, which were the incubator of different emotions, passions, and experiences. Shine is a combination of different physical exercises mixed with an artistic touch.
The idea of alternative fitness is based on having a great time while improving your general well-being. You are not only improving your overall conditioning — you are learning skills like flexibility, strength, and dance. The unique approach gives everyone a chance to feel and experience what the artistic performing world is about. To touch, feel, understand, and appreciate the natural gifts and abilities of the human body — that is the foundation of Shine Alternative Fitness.
Alternative fitness is not just about how to get a great body. It is about feeling beautiful and confident in oneself, and being healthy. That is why Dima and Russ wanted to create a place for everybody — of all ages and shapes. The goal is to encourage everyone to discover their own spirit through the art of fitness.
Let yourself Shine.
What Makes Shine Different
Cirque Pedigree
Both owners are Cirque du Soleil veterans, and many of our instructors are working Las Vegas Strip performers. You train with professionals who do this for a living.
Fun-First Philosophy
We do not believe fitness should feel like punishment. Every class is designed to feel like play. Skills come from showing up and enjoying the work.
14 Years in Market
We opened Leap Day 2012 and welcomed our 20,000th client years ago. Boutique studios come and go in Las Vegas — Shine has been here the entire time.
Meet the Owners
Dima Bulkin ("Dima Shine")
Dima was a solo artist in Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity from 2010 to 2018. He is a World Champion in Sports Acro and a Cirque de Demain Gold Medal winner.
At Shine, Dima leads classes and private lessons in Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop and Lyra, Hand Balancing, Acrobatics, Pole Fitness, and Sports Acrobatics.
Russ Petroni
Russ spent over 15 years at Cirque du Soleil. As Producer of One Night for ONE DROP, he created four unique Cirque shows performed for one night only. He served as Assistant Company Manager for Zaia (Macau), O, and Zumanity, and as Director of Lifestyle Projects he founded the department within Cirque's Resident Shows Division that oversaw The Richard MacDonald Gallery, the Revolution Ultra-Lounge, the VIP Experience for The Beatles LOVE, and contributed to the creation of the Gold Ultra-Lounge. For five years he coached at Cirque du Monde workshops, working with at-risk youth.
Before Cirque, Russ was a professional flutist. He held a private studio, subbed for Phantom at The Venetian, performed with the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the Las Vegas Woodwind Quintet, and earned his Master of Music in Flute Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Shine in the Press
"Catch some air at this studio founded by two Cirque du Soleil veterans. During the popular Aerial Arts classes you'll perform inversions while wrapped up in silks suspended from the ceiling."
"Ready to shine? Under the instruction of past and present Cirque performers and industry champs, 'the art of fitness' is just a few beautiful stunts away."
"More off-the-floor than off-the-wall, this yoga class suspended in silk hammocks is the next best thing to running away to join Cirque du Soleil. Founded by a pair from Zumanity, the local studio taps Strip performers to teach many of its classes."
"Las Vegas' premier alternative fitness destination delivers a fun and accessible workout regimen with a core focus on the natural gifts and abilities of the human body."
About Shine — FAQ
Who owns Shine Alternative Fitness?
Shine Alternative Fitness is co-owned by Dima Bulkin (stage name Dima Shine) and Russ Petroni. Dima was a solo artist in Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity from 2010 to 2018, a World Champion in Sports Acro, and a Cirque de Demain Gold Medal winner. Russ spent over 15 years at Cirque du Soleil, where he produced One Night for ONE DROP and directed VIP-experience programs including the Revolution Ultra-Lounge and The Beatles LOVE VIP. They opened Shine together on Leap Day, February 29, 2012.
What is the Cirque du Soleil connection?
Both founders are Cirque du Soleil veterans. Dima performed as a solo artist in Zumanity from 2010 to 2018. Russ spent over 15 years at Cirque du Soleil in roles including Producer of One Night for ONE DROP, Assistant Company Manager for Zaia (Macau), O, and Zumanity, and Director of Lifestyle Projects overseeing VIP experiences at The Beatles LOVE, Revolution Ultra-Lounge, and the Richard MacDonald Gallery. Many of our instructors are current or former Strip performers and Cirque du Soleil artists.
When did Shine open?
Shine Alternative Fitness opened on Leap Day, February 29, 2012. We are one of Las Vegas's longest-running boutique circus-arts fitness studios, with more than 14 years in market and 20,000+ clients welcomed.
Who is Shine for?
Shine welcomes all fitness levels, all body types, and all ages 18+. Our core community is women between 25 and 45, but we regularly welcome men, couples, bachelorette parties, corporate team-builders, and tourists looking for a one-of-a-kind Las Vegas fitness experience. You do not need any prior circus, dance, or gymnastics background to start.
What makes Shine different from a regular gym?
Three things. First, our founders and many of our instructors come from Cirque du Soleil and the Las Vegas Strip — you train with working professional performers, not gym staff. Second, our classes are skill-based rather than equipment-based: aerial silks, pole, aerial hoop, flexibility, and handstand are about learning movement, not just burning calories. Third, our philosophy is fun fitness for everyone — every class is designed to feel like play, not punishment.
Do I need experience to take a class?
No. Every class discipline at Shine starts at a beginner level. Most clients arrive with zero prior background in aerial, pole, or dance, and start with our first-time $10 intro class. You will be welcomed, taught the basics, and progressed at your own pace.
Are your instructors actually circus performers?
Yes. Many of our instructors are current or former Cirque du Soleil artists, Las Vegas Strip performers, world-champion competitors, and professional dancers. Shape Magazine described Shine as "founded by two Cirque du Soleil veterans," and Las Vegas Weekly noted that "the local studio taps Strip performers to teach many of its classes."
Where are you located?
Shine Alternative Fitness is located at 6415 South Tenaya Way, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89113. We are in the southwest valley, about 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and 20 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport. Free parking on site.
Explore More
Come Visit
New to Shine?
First-time guests get an Intro or General Fitness class for $10. Pick any open class on the schedule and come give us a try.
Book Your $10 ClassPrivate Tour or VIP Experience?
Destination management companies, corporate groups, and premium-event planners — schedule a behind-the-scenes tour with our Cirque-veteran team.
Schedule a Tour