Dan Butler, Founder and Executive Director. Dan walked into the Big Top of Sailor Circus in Sarasota, Florida, as a 15-year-old in 1974, and trained with world-renowned flyer Faye Alexander, Willie Edelston of the Ringling Brothers Circus and Gustino Loyal of the famous Loyal-Ripenski Troupe. He was with the Florida State University Circus from 1976-1980, while majoring in marketing and finance. Dan also coaches the Swinging Trapeze, Double & French Trapezes, Teeterboard, Adagio, and Shoot Thru Ladder acts at Circus Juventas.