Aerial dance classes focus on using the floor to change the behavior of the apparatus and using the apparatus to change how you interact with the floor. Essentially, they will teach you how to view the floor as part of the apparatus, not just something to be used and abandoned.
There are no aerial dance classes this session, but be sure to check out our Versatile Arts Workshops! Some of our instructors are offering workshops you may be interested in.
The following classes are not being offered this session – let us know if you are interested in them for a future session!
Walk, Run, Fly
This class is not being offered this session. Taught by Tamara.
Apparatus; single point trapeze, sling, tissu and ?
This work was Tamara’s original introduction to aerial through Robert Davidson. If you have taken a hoop class with Nancy Neyhart some of this will be familiar to you. Here we delve more deeply into the zen of the perfect single point running circle and specific techniques to finding it and finessing the apparatus within that momentum. You’ll discover that getting up, negotiating positions and dismounting can be challenging while flying and spinning, and learn how to maintain safety in that environment.
You’ll play with the nuances of what I call “finessing the floor”. This includes tapping to initiate spinning within the circle, straddled skimming on the floor to change from an outward facing circle to facing inward, and generally including the floor in the dance. Center spinning and it’s aspects will also be touched on and we’ll learn the meaning of “sweet spot” in that context. No, it’s not dirty.
There will be some group and partner work on the floor as you learn to enter the space and interact with a suspended dancer safely and with intent. More advanced students might join a partner in short improvisational dances above the floor etc..
This is a super exhilarating workout and you will be active even when you’re not on the apparatus, so don’t let the “one apparatus in the room” aspect keep you away. Also, if you suspect the possibility of dizziness, eat a bunch of ginger before you come to class.
This experience will include a very special warm up of assisting Tamara in moving all mats from the floor. Please arrive on time.
6 students maximum
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 Aerial class or instructor approval.
Finessing the Floor
This class is not being offered this session. Taught by Tamara.
“Finessing the floor” is a term used in low flying and dance aerial work (usually single point) and refers to the art of being on the floor while engaging the apparatus, or not, with intent and grace. Skimming, tracking, skating and mounting and dismounting are things we will focus on. This is not a dance class, but we will explore aspects of various techniques that are clearly dance based. Each week we will use a different apparatus including trapeze, sling, hoop and tissu. As well as some laying on the floor so if you have a yoga mat
it may come in handy. We will bring in mats for warm ups, but there will be no mats for the class due to the nature of the work. This
four week session is a great supplement to the Walk Run Fly class for those interested in pursuing more low flying dance based aerial work.
Completion of the Level one class or instructor approval. Please contact us for confirmation or evaluation if not from Versatile Arts.
This 4-week series costs $85.
Prerequisites: Completion of the Level one class or instructor approval. Please contact us for confirmation or evaluation if not from Versatile Arts.