So many workshops! Here are some handy links for jumping to the section you want:
| Rope and Tissu | Trapeze | Lyra |
| Rope and Harness | Straps | Sling/Net/Loops |
| Handbalancing and Contortion | Movement | Performance |
Or, you can go back to the main event info page.
Friday, May 25th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 10 students
Description: Fabric theory is a tool in understanding the way fabric wraps around you, why drops catch you, how locks work, and aids in creating original climbs, drops, wraps, and sequences. We will begin to explore fabric theory through hip keys, belay, open, and closed wraps that will lead into greater riddles. This workshop will challenge you mentally as much as physically as we find different pathways from point A to point B.
Prerequisites: Consistent inversions in the air. Knowledge of belay, open, and closed wraps is a plus (Open = same side knee hook, crucifix, wrap free leg. Closed = opposite side knee hook, crucifix, waist wrap, wrap free leg).
Saturday, May 26th, 9:30 – 11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
Review basic beat technique and then learn two sequences integrating beats into original choreography.
Prerequisites: Intermediate/Advanced vertical ability.
Saturday, May 26th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 10 students
In this workshop Anna will guide you through her series of techniques for innovation on fabric. How do you take a skill you have seen over and over again and make it your own? How can you find new transitions? Where do you start? How do you know you’re still safe? What do you do if you’re not feeling that “creative”?
Come to this workshop with a skill or sequence in mind and you will begin to unlock its endless potential.
Prerequisites: For advanced beginners and up.
Saturday, May 26th, 3:30 – 5:30 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
Hip key rolls, single coil, double coil, reverse Crane, Emi roll, hip key flag roll, single coil toe roll….and it’s possible PJ will be working on more. The great thing is, rolling technique is transferable between the rolls! Learn the technique, explore the rolls. Expect to be squeezed. Don’t eat too much before this class.
Prerequisites: Intermediate/Advanced ability on rope. Must be able to pike feet to hands on a vertical apparatus, while hanging from hands.
Saturday, May 26th, 3:30 – 5:30 pm (Versatile Arts, Blue Room)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
This workshop will combine modern dance based contact improvisation with partnering in aerial silks. This approach to teaching first time aerial students allows them to become comfortable with aerial work through structured improvisational movement on the ground and in the air. Find your center, use weight to guide movement, find body shelves and spirals to support weight, and experiment with guided contact improv in the air and on the ground.
Prerequisites: Open to anyone. No experience necessary!
Sunday, May 27th, 9:30 am – 11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
This workshop will introduce several basic “building block” rope skills as well as some fun choreographic places we can take them. We will also consider techniques for beginning to train beats and dynamic movement. This is a great class for anyone interested in starting to explore momentum-based choreography on rope or fabric.
Prerequisites: Previous experience on fabric or rope and strong shoulder engagement; able to do at least 1 pull-up, invert comfortably & execute clean hip keys in the air.
Sunday, May 27th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
In this workshop, we will dump out our vertical tool box and gradually build a dynamic sequence of increasing complexity with opportunities for individual detours & digressions along the way! Bring your rope brain, your curiosity and your creative compass — but leave the GPS behind!
Prerequisite: Clean scissor beats, hip keys, standard salto (opposite side wrap / forward rotating) dive & single star drop; ability to invert repeatedly with comfort and confidence in the air.
Sunday, May 27th, 3:30 – 5:30 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
This workshop is geared towards those who love to get their stretch on and use flexibility in the air. Over the course of this class we will go through a series of exercises to warm up and activate flexibility safely and then get up and use it! Expect part flex class and part aerial extravaganza of splits, backbends, straddles and open shoulders!
Prerequisites: Able to climb to the top of the fabric 2x in a row without losing grip strength. Comfortable sitting into footlock splits. Working on front balance & back balance. Able to hold a bridge on the floor with straight elbows for 10sec.
Monday May 28th, 9:30 – 11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
Prerequisite: This is an intermediate vertical workshop. Prerequisites: windmill/wheeldown, double crochet, endurance to stay in the air for 3 minutes.
Monday, May 28th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
It’s a retrograde revolution! This workshop is devoted to all manner of backwards rotating dives, drops and relevant choreographic sequences. Get ready to challenge your vertical brain as we reverse our rolls, wraps and our way of thinking about them!
Prerequisites: Comfortable with hip keys, standard (opposite side wrap / forward rotating) dive & single star drop; ability to invert with comfort and confidence in the air.
Monday, May 28th, 3:30-5:30 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral S.)
Cost: $50; Max: 10 students
This workshop will explore the pieces and parts of ascending, descending and rotational movement; structure and the methodology to combine it all.
Together we will twist, spiral, invert, roll, wrap and construct our way up, down and through the vertical canvas.
Prerequisites: Intermediate/Advanced ability on tissu.
Friday May 25th, 7:00-9:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral N)
Cost: $50, Max: 8
Wa-hoo! Rolls, spins, twists and turns — the trapeze may be “static,” but in this workshop you’ll be anything but! Starting with a vocabulary of more traditional velocity skills, we will go on to explore the mechanics of wacky but fun dynamic variations — as well as some creative ways to get into them! We’ll play with the many possible ways we can roll our bodies around the bar to create combinations that loop, swivel and swirl.
Recommended: Bring a long sleeved shirt / layers to cover elbows, knees & armpits.
Prerequisites: Previous experience rolling around a trapeze bar & clean pull-overs to front balance; familiar with (if not a master of) hip circles & mill circles; 1-2 pull ups.
Saturday, May 26th, 9:30-11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Cathedral N)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
We’ve all seen it… That routine that looks so showstopping but seems so simple we can’t help but think… I can do that. And, you can.
In this workshop we will learn how to add some flash without breaking the bank. Not every jaw dropping skill has to be terrifying, impossibly painful or require some super human strength. We will explore some really accessible skills that will add some extra sparkle to your routine.
Students can expect to work on: simple but surprising drops, unexpected set ups for standardized skills and showy poses.
Prerequisites: Intermediate ability on trapeze.
Saturday, May 26th, 1:00-3:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral N)
Cost: $50; Max: 8 students
Sometimes trapeze can get a bit rigid and static. This workshop will introduce a new theory towards movement on the trapeze. First we will focus on using momentum and how with proper technique you can begin exploration in your moment of air. Secondly we will go over some sequences that begin unveiling a whole new language of trapeze. From sequencing in the ropes to movement under the bar we will play with a variety of new transitions that will bring a fresh breathe to choreography on the trapeze.
Prerequisites: Inversion in the rope, 2 years trapeze experience, 2 pullups
Sunday May 27th, 3:30 – 5:30 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral N)
Cost: $50, Max: 8 students
This workshop is all about spinning and finding transitions with the spin. We will learn some traditional low flying dance trapeze techniques as well as a more contemporary take on the single point trapeze. Since Dance Trapeze is usually about flow and movement we will work in sequences, concentrating on being moved by the spin instead of moving around the spin.
Prerequisites: 3 straight arm straddle ups, 1 arm hang, meathooks
Monday May 28th, 1:00-3:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral N)
Cost: $50, Max: 8 students
To all the bendy people out there, come learn techniques on how to use the trapeze to showcase your flexibility. Trapeze is the perfect apparatus to bend and fold around we will learn how to use the ropes and dynamic bar techniques to look our bendiest!
Prerequisites: Back bend on the ground, Comfortable in splits both sides, straight arm inversion, inversion in the ropes.
Saturday May 26th, 9:30-11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Blue Room)
Cost: $50, Max: 8 students
What is up can be down, and turned inside out on this circle that spins and rotates as you move around on it. Inspired by the Swinging Lyra found in European, Australian and Canadian schools, the Tippy Lyra has been developed at NECCA and is becoming very popular because it is easy to rig and fun to work on. In this class you’ll learn how to control and manipulate this unpredictable and interesting apparatus.
Prerequisites: This is an intermediate/advanced level workshop. You must have solid trapeze or lyra experience for this workshop.
Sunday May 27th, 9:30-11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Blue Room)
Cost: $50, Max: 8 students
One tippy lyra workshop not enough for you? If you take the Intro workshop and/or have prior experience, this workshop will take you further into the world of tippy lyra!
Prerequisites: This is an intermediate/advanced level workshop. You must have solid trapeze or lyra experience for this workshop.
Saturday May 26th, 1:00-3:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Blue Room)
Cost: $50, Max: 8 students
Lyra doesn’t just have to be about moving from pose to pose. Come and explore new and non-traditional ways of using the lyra. In this workshop we will discover the joy of unexpected tricks, unique personal movement and dynamic transitions to enhance your existing lyra technique.
Wear form-fitting layers, protective leggings, tights and a long sleeve shirt
over top a tight fitting tank or unitard is suggested.
Prerequisites: This is an intermediate/advanced level workshop.
Saturday, May 26th, 1:00-3:00 pm (Arcadia, North Studio)
Cost: $50; Max 10 students
Description: If you enjoy feeling the wind in your hair and aren’t afraid to spin, this is the workshop for you. In this session, we will learn several different spins on aerial hoop including L-spin, planche spin, arabesque spin, and simple spin along with sequences that can precede and follow each. This workshop will challenge your spin tolerance and take your breath away and you’ll leave with some great choreographic tools for your next hoop choreography.
Prerequisites: At least beginner-level hoop experience.
Friday, May 25th, 7:00-9:00 pm (Arcadia, North Studio)
Cost: $50; Max 10 students
Description: Since 2001, the Cabiri has incorporated aerial partnering into our repertoire on a variety of apparatus, with hoop being a commonly-used favorite. In this workshop, we will learn sequences with a partner on a variety of different hoop sizes and configurations, explore spinning with a partner, weight bearing and basing, and simple symmetrical shapes in the air.
Prerequisites: At least beginner-level hoop experience required, with some tolerance for spinning strongly recommended.
Offered twice, both in the Founders Studio at Arcadia:
Saturday May 26th, 9:30-11:30 am
Monday, May 28th, 9:30-11:30 am
Cost: $50, Max: 12 students
Feel the freedom of flying in a harness! Learn the foundations of safety and harness technique as we run, flip, and spin through the air. Vertical dance (i.e., wall running) will be incorporated as much as the space and rigging allow.
If you have a climbing harness that fits you, please bring it to the workshop
Prerequisites: Open to anyone! No experience necessary.
Sunday May 27th, 1:00-3:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral N)
Cost: $50, Max: 8 students
In this introductory workshop to this specialty apparatus we will get to know the net through three points of focus.Firstly, fussy apparatus management! Oh yes, this one’s a biggie and no one should be left without strategies. Secondly, we’ll learn to execute traditional net skills in order to creat a basic knowledge and last but not least, Anna will guide you into creating your own vocabulary on the net.
Prerequisites: Able to climb a tissu or rope comfortably. Can invert in the air through tuck or straddle. Working on, or, master of pull overs.
Saturday May 26th, 3:30-5:30 pm (Versatile Arts, Cathedral N)
Cost: $50, Max: 8 students
Take your practice further in this workshop that will focus on higher-level skills and building sequences. We will work on dynamic drops and rolls, transitions between poses, explore sequences, and add spinning and swinging if the space allows.
Prerequisite: This is an intermediate/advanced workshop. A background in sling is recommended but not required. Some sling experience suggested. Participants must have experience on some aerial apparatus (trapeze, fabric, rope, etc) and should be comfortable inverting in the air and executing drops.
Monday, May 28th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Blue Room)
Cost: $50, Max: 8 students
Sling is my absolute favorite! It’s the perfect mix of fluidity, contour continuation and dynamic freedom (in a supported setting). It allows for concepts that are not possible on any other apparatus, giving it a vocabulary and movement style all its own. Join me to discover my particular brand of aerial sling panache I’ve spent years developing.
Examples may include: unusual mounts, alternative and asymmetric set ups for dives and drops, direction changing drops, thready and unexpected pathways, intriguing sculptural shapes and of course, obscure aerial items of interest.
Prerequisites: basic forward dive to crucifix, ability to invert from standing in sling
Sunday, May 27th, 9:30-11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Cathedral N)
Cost: $50, Max: 6 students
In this workshop we’ll look for new and intriguing ways to use this apparatus. After learning some basic skills and rules, we’ll throw caution to the wind and see what we come up with! Two variations on double loops (strap-loops and spansets) will be available for use.
Prerequisites: Participants should be at an intermediate level, comfortable pulling over multiple times, comfortable with front balance transitions, have some vocabulary on sling/hammock or trapeze, and should be comfortable working in a class setting with a lower level of structure.
Monday, May 28th, 9:30-11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Cathedral N)
Cost: $50, Max: 6 students
In this workshop we’ll learn a sequence on double loops that explores the windy, twisty, and rolling ways to use this unique apparatus. Two variations on double loops (strap-loops and spansets) will be available for use.
Prerequisites: Participants should be at an intermediate level, comfortable pulling over multiple times, comfortable with front balance transitions and have some vocabulary on sling/hammock or trapeze.
Friday, May 25 7:00-10:00 pm
Saturday, May 26 1:00-4:00 pm
Sunday, May 27 1:00-4:00 pm
All sessions at Arcadia, Founders Studio
Cost: $250, Max: 8 students
Audition video required – see below.
Prerequisite: At least 2 years of Aerial Experience on Silks, Hammock or Cloud Swing, (comfort moving on the floor is not required, although it is suggested).
Sunday, May 27th, 9:30-11:30 am
Cost: $60; Max 6 students
Description: Among the Cabiri’s arsenal of Cool Aerial Things is a Ziplift – a high speed, motorized winch designed specifically for flying aerialists, stunt performers, and dancers through the air with the greatest of ease. In this workshop, we will experience the exhilaration of flying on a high speed winch, talk about safety and preparation for flying on a dynamic aerial point, communication with your winch or movable point operator, and will learn some simple flying sequences on hoop, fabric, and aerial sling. Whether you have a winch or a block and fall or other movable point at home, you will leave this workshop with some new ideas about how to incorporate dynamic vertical points into your repertoire.
Prerequisites: Solid foundation of aerial skills on at least two apparatus – fabric, sling, or hoop including mounts, dismounts, climbs, and basic locks and wraps.
Friday, May 25th, 7:00-9:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Blue Room)
Cost: $50; Max 8 students
Making an act can be stressful. This workshop will cover tools of preparing your body to be stage ready: exercises for getting beautiful lines, endurance and musicality. As well as tools on how to develop your act, playing with structure, character and movement. A lot goes into making an aerial act having a variety of tools to assist you saves you time and helps bring your work to a next level. This workshop has been developed from my years of act research and experience creating acts.
Prerequisites: 3-5 min endurance on an apparatus, 3 inversions in the air, 3 pullups.
Sunday May 27th, 3:30-5:30 pm (Versatile Arts, Ballroom)
Cost: $45, Max: 12 students
This workshop is for students 16 and older, who are comfortable with basic makeup application and want to create a customized dramatic look for performance. Each individual will focus on a specific design of their choice, and practice the art of applying it. We will use “cirque style” white mask base and design using blended colors, eyeliner, eyelashes, and embellishments. All students are encouraged to bring any makeup they have, a towel, and a camera for documentation. Men and women are welcome.
Students will be provided with a suggested supply list upon registration. Make-up kits may be available for purchase.
Prerequisite: Students are not required to have previous experience with makeup application; however some experience may be helpful.
Saturday May 26th, 9:30-11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Ballroom)
Cost: $45; Max: 12 students
Prerequisites: Ability to kick up to handstand Away from the wall. One min hold on wall consistently
Sunday May 27th, 9:30-11:30 am (Versatile Arts, Ballroom)
Cost: $45; Max: 12 students
Mix up your hand balancing practice by spending time on crocs and side bending (flags)! In this class we’ll refine technique and play with variations on these two positions.You’ll leave with steps you can add to your training today and progressions for the future.
Prerequisites: 1min handstand hold at wall or in free space. Can achieve a basic croc on 2 hands. Experience training or playing on canes.
Friday May 25th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Arcadia, The Loft)
Cost: $45; Max: 12 students
Are you flexible and want to learn to contort? In this workshop you’ll learn the basics of contortion. Students will be learning proper warm-ups and drills for strengthening back and hips, plus drills for oversplits and active flexibility.
Prerequisites: chest to wall with straight arms in bridge, forward pike with hands on floor, at least one flat split.
Saturday May 26th, 1:00-5:00 pm
Sunday May 27th, 1:00-5:00 pm
Monday May 28th, 1:00-5:00 pm
All sessions are at The Loft at Arcadia.
Cost: $300; Max: 12 students; Minimum age: 14
We will be learning a combination of modern and Mongolian techniques for hand-balancing, conditioning & Contortion. Gunnar and Tsange will teach you proper warm up drills, handbalancing transitions and poses as well as passive and active exercises for strengthening and deepening flexibility.
Prerequisites: handstand on wall held for 1 min, at least one flat split or oversplits, feet to head in cobra pose, bridge with chest on wall & straight arms, cheststand w/ feet to head or on floo, Prior experience with Contortion.
Sunday, May 27, 1:00-3:00 pm (Versatile Arts, Ballroom)
Cost: $45; Max: 12 students
Using movement concepts and principles from the worlds of martial arts, contemporary dance, and parkour, this workshop will provide tools and framework to develop your physical freedom and creativity moving across and on/off the floor. We use this material for expression, coordination, balance, joint health/mobility, strength, and metabolic capacity. Whether you are looking for new ideas for your warm-up, workout, routine, or personal practice, we have something for you.
Prerequisites: None! All levels welcome.
Friday May 25th, 7:00-9:00 pm
Cost: $60; Max: 8 students
Have you been wondering how to safely spot your friends on intermediate and advanced aerial skills? Or perhaps you have a buddy to train with and your whole life would change for the better if only they could assist you on your skin the cat or your straight arm straddle up? If these question resonate with you on a deep (or even superficial!) level, come check out this technical spotting workshop with Leah and Bob! This workshop will focus on safe spotting techniques for a handful of intermediate- advanced fundamental aerial skills.