“Being in a theater or circus tent – regardless of who I was working for – was always an inspirational place for me,” Deena reflects. “I could always see the endless possibilities in a space – with a certain group of people, from a song or even a photo. Once I had a full vision for a show, it didn’t take long to always be in creation mode, no matter where I was.” At first, she balanced performing with creating. “I didn’t fully exit performing until the pandemic, so it was a slow process of transitioning fully to just creator/director/producer.”

 Deena Selko. Courtesy of Deena Selko.

Her path eventually led her west. After years of creating in New York City, Deena and her family moved to Steamboat Springs during the pandemic. “We moved here because of the lifestyle, like so many Steamboaters,” she explains. “We love the connection to community, the relative ease of a small town and of course, nature.” For Deena, it felt like the perfect setting to root her creative vision.

Driven by a passion for uniting people through the love of movement, Deena now brings a fresh and captivating energy to Steamboat. As an artist, aerialist and entrepreneur, she wears many hats. Currently, she is producing “Cirque Mélodie: A Foolish Wag” – a new circus production that tells the story of Mozart’s music through dance, stunts and acrobatics. Inspired by a true story and a novel, this will be Deena’s first show for the Routt County community – but certainly not her last.

Producing a show like “Cirque Mélodie” requires Deena to take on many roles: creator, producer and director. She relies on the collaboration and dedication of her cast, often reshaping lineups to adapt to changing schedules. From selecting dancers and sending out music to coordinating a live quartet, she works tirelessly to bring all the elements together. “It’s such a collaborative, ensemble-based show – there’s no time for divas,” she laughs. For her, the joy comes from the teamwork and the process as much as the final performance.

“Deena is truly a creator who leads from the heart with great passion for what she does,” says Melissa James, Deena’s choreographer and associate director. “When casting a show, she doesn’t just bring together a cast, she creates a family. She has a way of seeing people not just for the brilliant artist they are, but for the incredible person they are. And that is what makes her productions such a joy to be a part of. Everyone is equally committed to giving 150% to the process of creation and delivering a show that we all deeply care about.”

Deena’s ultimate goal is to spread joy in her new community. “It’s scientifically proven that our hearts begin to beat in rhythm when we gather together, especially in a theater. I think that’s so beautiful,” she says. “I just hope people leave the show feeling a little more wonderful – and that joy ripples into the community.”

Looking ahead, she is committed to working with Steamboat’s youth. One of her current projects involves partnering with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, where she teaches aerial awareness to athletes practicing ski jumps. She also hopes to create shows designed specifically for young audiences, opening their eyes to the vast possibilities of performing arts. “So many people here support the blending of athletics and the arts,” she says. “I feel like this is the perfect place to see what we can create together.”

Through “Cirque Mélodie,” Deena is not only sharing her artistry but also planting the seeds of a lasting creative presence in Steamboat Springs. By blending athleticism, music and movement into a shared experience, she hopes to inspire both audiences and future performers. For Deena, this is just the beginning of a larger journey – one that will continue to weave the magic of circus and community together for years to come.

"Cirque Mélodie" will be performed at Strings on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. Puchase tickets online at stringsmusicfestival.com.