Albert 'TJ' Santiago is a Bronx, New York native with a musical theater background and a passion for performing arts. TJ started performing when he was nine years old: singing, acting, and dancing in school plays and community theater productions. Shortly after his freshman year of high school began, he landed his first National Broadway tour. After touring with How The Grinch Stole Christmas, he found the magical world of circus and quickly fell in love. Upon graduating from Professional Performing Arts High School, he was accepted into the Intensive Professional Program at Suzi Winston’s Circus Warehouse: where he studied contortion, hand balancing, aerial hoop, tissu, ballet, and dance. He was chosen to study Mongolian contortion under coach Khazu Chan; who trained him vigorously before bringing him to study at X-Rose Contortion Center in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. TJ went on to perform with the industry’s top talent agencies; working at some of the most prestigious venues for corporate events, domestic and international. His solo and duo contortion acts were seen in the production of Carmen: To Havana & Back, an immersive nightlife experience at Ian Schrager’s Public Hotel. He is a proud returning member of Dzul Dance Company, founded by choreographer Javier Dzul. After his debut performance in The Last Mayan King, he joined the Mayan-Mexican dance company once again for a live, televised performance of El Arbol de la Vida (The Tree of Life) in Campeche, Mexico. He has worked with many photographers: including Jordan Matter, Nelson Castillo, and Gerardo Vizmanos. TJ’s versatility ranges from urban to high fashion, being featured in Inked, B Louder, and Gayletter Magazine. Since then, he spent time training under coach Angelique Chimeg in Las Vegas, Nevada; perfecting his craft and learning from an award winning, world renowned contortionist. TJ looks forward to bending his way through life; whether it's on stage, on camera, or under a big top!