Zinaida "Zina" Avgoustova is a graduate of the Belarus National Sport College in the USSR and the National Studio of Circus and Theatre Art in Moscow, Russia. Zina traveled and performed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1997-1998. From there, Zina performed as an acrobat with the Big Moscow Circus on their World Tour. Zina received the 2nd place award for the International Festival in Italy and 1st place in the USSR exhibition of New Circus acts. Zina came to Circus Smirkus in 1999 and was the primary trainer of aerial and acrobatics. She also has worked with special summer camp for kids with Down Syndrome and cancer. Zina joined the Circus Juventas staff in 2008.