Gladius The Show – Performers
Erik Martonovich
Descending from an ancestral bloodline of the one and only Captain Morgan, Erik has always been a natural leader. He spent decades competing worldwide as a champion vaulter and rebelled against the norm all the way. Having a background in pushing the envelope competitively paired with remarkable parents that passed down solid dressage training skills, Erik was ready to set sail, the first adventure being on the original cast of Cavalia and then deciding it was time to run his own ship. With captain in his blood he was able to round up a crew with his first mate Alethea and put together the most amazing equestrian experience ever made…..GLADIUS.
Alethea Shelton
Born of Blue Ridge Mountains Alethea emerged from the land of bluegrass, rainbows, and unicorns. Her youth was spent in spandex and glitter, holding 7 national titles in the sport of vaulting. At 19 she headed west to be a vaulting pioneer with Erik, creating unique acts and joined him as an original cast member of Cavalia. In addition to being the best poop-shoveler around, she is proud to be the co-creator of Gladius and spends her days channeling her inner hippie, finding ways to connect with her horses on a spiritual level.
Lisa Varmbo Martonovich
Dissented from a long line of Norwegian Viking warriors Lisa Varmbo Martonovich sailed across the big Sea to America in 2010, with hopes of becoming a famous gladiator in Gladius the show. Undefeated in the sport of equestrian Vaulting she was now on the look for new lands to conquer. And By capturing the heart of the greatest Gladiator in the land, Erik, a whole new battlefield opened up in front of her.
Nicole-England Czyzewski
Nicole is a Colorado native and grew up training vaulting with Erik from the age of 7. Long story short, this is her life and she knows nothing else! Nicole is known for her powerful vaulting style, riding skills, and incredible ability to morph into an aerialist. When she isn’t busy being a super hero on horseback, she enjoys long walks along the creek with friends and hiking and climbing in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. Nicole is also an ex-barista, loving all things coffee and caffeinated. Her knitting and costume making skills are on point and she’s the in house seamstress for Gladius too. Add in a batch of her homemade cookies and we might as well call her “Mom”!
Erik Martonovich
Descending from an ancestral bloodline of the one and only Captain Morgan, Erik has always been a natural leader. He spent decades competing worldwide as a champion vaulter and rebelled against the norm all the way. Having a background in pushing the envelope competitively paired with remarkable parents that passed down solid dressage training skills, Erik was ready to set sail, the first adventure being on the original cast of Cavalia and then deciding it was time to run his own ship. With captain in his blood he was able to round up a crew with his first mate Alethea and put together the most amazing equestrian experience ever made…..GLADIUS.
Alethea Shelton
Born of Blue Ridge Mountains Alethea emerged from the land of bluegrass, rainbows, and unicorns. Her youth was spent in spandex and glitter, holding 7 national titles in the sport of vaulting. At 19 she headed west to be a vaulting pioneer with Erik, creating unique acts and joined him as an original cast member of Cavalia. In addition to being the best poop-shoveler around, she is proud to be the co-creator of Gladius and spends her days channeling her inner hippie, finding ways to connect with her horses on a spiritual level.
Lisa Varmbo Martonovich
Dissented from a long line of Norwegian Viking warriors Lisa Varmbo Martonovich sailed across the big Sea to America in 2010, with hopes of becoming a famous gladiator in Gladius the show. Undefeated in the sport of equestrian Vaulting she was now on the look for new lands to conquer. And By capturing the heart of the greatest Gladiator in the land, Erik, a whole new battlefield opened up in front of her.
Nicole-England Czyzewski
Nicole is a Colorado native and grew up training vaulting with Erik from the age of 7. Long story short, this is her life and she knows nothing else! Nicole is known for her powerful vaulting style, riding skills, and incredible ability to morph into an aerialist. When she isn’t busy being a super hero on horseback, she enjoys long walks along the creek with friends and hiking and climbing in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. Nicole is also an ex-barista, loving all things coffee and caffeinated. Her knitting and costume making skills are on point and she’s the in house seamstress for Gladius too. Add in a batch of her homemade cookies and we might as well call her “Mom”!
Dosbergen “Dopka” Kozugulov
All the way from the Kyrghyz Republic, Dosbergen “Dopka” Kozugulov is fluent in Kyrghyz, Russian, and English. The last several decades, he has dazzled audiences with his daredevil trick and roman riding at Ringling Bros, Cavalia, and Gladius. His skill also landed him several film roles and being a featured jouster Renaissance Festivals nationwide. When Dopka isn’t riding like a maniac, he’s busy being an amazing dad to his little princess Ayana and cooking up incredible Kyrghyz cuisine!
Damian Pichardo
As a child, Damian grew up competing in Western and English riding, and later got into high school rodeo. That lead him to begin trick and roman riding. Damian has worked all over the world in shows such as: Dixie Stampede, Arabian Nights, Tournament of Kings, Cavalia, Magnifico, as well as Gladius. He loves to train in Classical Dressage and Liberty, just for the art form and not at a competitive level. These days, Damian is a saddle fitter in Southern California, traveling all over for his craft. Born of Cuban decent, Damian loves a good siesta everyday and adds a spicy taste to Gladius the Show!