Meet the Staff

Manuel Rebecchi

President & Owner

Manuel was born and raised in Milan, Italy in 1980. He spent his childhood traveling across Italy and Europe with his aunt, the famous Moira Orfei and her incredible circus. His uncle, Massimiliano Nones, is a recipient of the prestigious Gold Clown award, which was given to him directly by Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Manuel was born and raised in a family devoted to circus: Moira Orfei, her father Riccardo Orfei, her mother Violetta Arata, her brother Paolo, juggler and acrobat, and Mauro, a bike artist. Throughout the years, Moira has become the symbol of circus in Italy, bringing strength and making Circo Orfei very popular not only in Italy but also in Europe. The Moira Orfei’s Circus was founded in 1960 and Moira has been the star of the show for many years; she recently celebrated 50 years of activity. Her image has become an icon, paired with her eccentric, odd personality: her heavy makeup, the use of strong eyeliner, strong bright lipstick and a retro hairdo. Her picture on the billboards of each and every city where her circus stops, her face is one of the most popular in Italy and Europe. Along with the successes with her circus, she also has had a strong second passion for acting as a movie star. She has been in over 40 movies – some dramas and a number of comedies. Movie director Pietro Germi once told her that if she would have taken acting classes she could have become as good as Sofia Loren. Her last appearance was in the comedy “Christmas in India” in 2003. Some of the scenes in the movie had actually been shot in her circus. Moira is married to Walter Nones, circus entrepreneur and producer, a man that not only brought fame to Circus Moira Orfei but also has produced a large number of shows such as Holiday on Ice, Moscow Ice Circus, Moscow’s Circus, The Chinese Circus and Red Army Circus.

At the age of 17, Manuel bought his first business, a small metal factory, where he spent a couple years of devoted time and ambition to build a successful factory in Italy. He decided to take on a new challenge. In following years, Manuel decided to come to the United States in 2003 to pursue the America dream. Manuel began a new road of life filled with accomplishments. His first venture in the United States was in the automobile industry, which then turned into seven global businesses. Fear is not a word in the dictionary for Manuel Rebecchi. If he gets an idea in his mind, he goes with it and nothing stops him. Some would say to be an entrepreneur you have to take risk. He has shown willingness to experiment in his various business concepts. He has become globally conscious with every aspect of his businesses.

At 11 years old, Manuel in Italy began building the actual miniature train set of his aunt’s (Moira Orfei) Circus! Manuel spent several years building, painting, and engineering each and every piece by hand. In 2003, when Manuel decided to leave Italy, he could not part with his circus, so he brought the train set to America to finish his hobby. Over 20 years, spending the little free time he had, he began finishing the 24 ft by 8 ft size circus in his garage in Sarasota, FL. Manuel’s fascination with his aunt’s circus was not just building a miniature model, but actually owning his own! In 2011, he decided to bring his childhood dream to life.

After visiting various circuses across the United States, he decided he wanted to bring a brand that he felt people deserved to experience like they would in Italy. Manuel then went straight to Italy to purchase his tent and equipment. On March 4, 2012, the tent & equipment arrived in Venice. Manuel wanted to help support a foundation who he thought had the same dream as he did. He then put together a show in less than four weeks to help save the Ringling arena in Venice. Most would say he was crazy to do such a thing, but again a man without fear took on a challenge and marked a stamp in Venice with his accomplishments. Manuel experienced and learned from his first circus production. In his upcoming Act XII show, Manuel and Chanté DeMoustes, the producer, wanted to bring something different that people could experience at an affordable cost yet walk out stunned and wanting to come back again and again! Manuel looks forward to bringing a new show in the trendy entertainment business in today’s day and age. Not to mention, the experience of seeing people smile with enjoyment for his dream that is now a reality.

For Manuel, the American Dream is the notion that with hard work, any individual can emerge from poor circumstances to a life of wealth and security. Despite the economic ups and downs of modern times, the notion of lifting one’s self up is still ingrained in our mindset. Manuel, in fact, came from nothing more than a thousand dollars to his name and not knowing any English. With talent, hard work, and good fortune aligned it has not only made him a successful businessman, but as an individual leader. At 31 years old, a foreigner to United States, he has become a successful international businessman that has not yet stopped his achievements. He has and will keep surprising people with his success.

Chante’ DeMoustes

Chief Operating Officer/ Producer

Email: cdemoustes.cirqueitalia@gmail.com

Chanté DeMoustes was born in Clearwater, Florida. The performing arts have had a big impact on her life. Being French and Greek, Chanté grew up around and was influenced by her parents’ passion for the arts. She keeps the arts and business still very close to her throughout her life. With sixteen years of production and entertainment background, her artist expression brought together stunning imagery inside the Big Top. She uses her experience in dance performance, instruction and management to bring a unique experience.

Her dance career began at the age of 8. She began learning a new style of dance called clogging, then expanded quickly into jazz, hip hop, tap, ballet, Pointe, lyrical, modern, and theatrical/character dance. She states growing up she was told this, “that dance can be taught, but you must really LOVE and FEEL the music in order to move with passion, so that others can feel it too!” After making her way to the top of her dance studio, with drive and focus, she landed a spot on the Senior Competing team. She started dancing in many competitions across Florida, including Starpower, Dance America/Olympus, IDC, Star Quest, and State Dance Championship. In regional and national competitions, her competing team won many awards such as First Place, Platinum, Elite Gold, Best Overall, Special Awards, and the list goes on. She was even chosen out of 700 dance teams at the Dance America competition to dance at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She competed later gaining her confidence to let her talent shine in performing solos in all of these competitions – winning first place in both Regional and National competitions. She received special awards that were chosen and given by judges who have taught the best entertainers on Broadway and in the music industry. As she grew in dance, she went on to dance workshops, city performances, and competitions to advance her skills and challenge the performer in her. She started teaching dance at a dance studio at the age of 13 to students ranging from age 4 to 40 and up. When she headed off to college at State College of Florida in Sarasota, she had to part with her dance family back home.

In the past, she has used her skills in developing private dance programs and managing professional dance theaters and recitals, including fundraising, promotions and performance scheduling. She has trained dancers in various dance forms such as modern, jazz, ballet, tap, street tap, clogging, lyrical, hip hop, and character/ theatrical dance. She has planned, directed, produced and photographed dance shows, along with directing music videos. She has publicized activities related to dance shows utilizing tools such as press releases, artwork, and advertising by coordinating and giving ideas to people working in these areas. Chanté has managed dance shows in recognized events in Ocala, FL and assisted in Sarasota, FL. Over the years, she has impacted many dance students by influencing the art of music, dance, and production. She states, “The beat of music can be translated by allowing the freedom of it run inside your soul.” Her unique approach to teaching this has left many of her students wanting more!

Now 25 years old, she has been responsible for running the day-to-day operating activities for several companies, including revenue and sales growth; expense; cost and margin control; and monthly, quarterly and annual financial goal management. While keeping her mind clear of negativity, she self motivates herself with the use of motivational books. She states, “I have learned that the common denominator to anything is YOU. You are the only one in control of every decision you choose and make in your own personal and professional life. This not only affects others, but affects you also.” Being a young age, Chanté continually listens and reflects on the wise comments and advice she gets from her parents’ generation. She analysis every decision, so that she tries not to make the same mistakes. With this mindset, she has gained and built herself personally and professionally. Chanté’s has overcome many challenges to get where she is. She only focuses on the future and helping others get there too.

With Cirque Italia’s Act XII show, Chanté looks forward to bringing different arts together to create a night to be remembered. She states, “I’m really excited about the possibilities of what will come when all of this energy comes together. I’m not quite sure what will come from it, but you know that it will be something good. The Big Top is awaiting its quests to arrive.” She hopes everyone enjoys the ACT XII show that she has put together. With a great team around her, Chanté is glad to have the support of Manuel and Jennifer along her side. The Cirque Italia team knows it has not been an easy road to bring this unique show together!