AERIAL DANCE TRAPEZE

Aerial Dance Trapeze – Improver Up

Week 1
2.30pm – 4pm – Tutor Laila Umeko
Space D, chandelier 2 (free standing rig)

This class is for aerialists who are already comfortable in the air, preferably on a trapeze, though experience on other aerial apparatuses is also welcome. We’re going to touch on two main areas during the week: dynamic technique and movement research.

No prior experience with dynamic technique is necessary—we’ll start with the  fundamentals and progress from there! This type of movement can take time to master, patience and kindness towards yourself will go a long way <3

I’ll also bring you some of my favourite flows & dreamy exploration pathways. We’ll be using these as a foundation for you to develop your own means of existing in the air. I love discovering new ways of moving in, on & around my trapeze... I hope to inspire you to do the same. The possibilities are endless! Let’s make some magic!

Inverts are a must for this class. The rest we can figure out along the way.
Don’t forget to bring a few extra layers to protect your skin (especially waist, armpits & elbows) 

Aerial Dance Trapeze – Skilled/Advanced

Week 1
4.15pm – 5.45pm – Tutor Laila Umeko
Space D, chandelier 2 (free standing rig)

This class is for trapezists and other aerialists who are already comfortable in the air. We’ll be getting down n dirty with dynamic technique, choreography and creative research. This class is all about finding your style - and maybe learning some shiny new tricks to impress your friends 😉

In the technical part we’ll explore a variety of dynamic figures, including catch-and-release, turning, spinning, swinging, and balances. We’ll be working on cleaning up the basics as well as integrating new material into the things that you’re already more comfortable with. My focus is to help you find efficient pathways for your body, allowing your dynamics to feel as smooth and effortless as possible.

I’ll also bring you some of my favourite flows & dreamy exploration pathways sequences. We’ll be using these as a foundation for you to develop your own movement language in the air. I love discovering new ways of moving in, on & around my trapeze... I hope to inspire you to do the same. The possibilities are endless! Let’s make some magic!

Inverts are a must for this class. The rest we can figure out along the way.
Don’t forget to bring a few extra layers to protect your skin (especially waist, armpits & elbows)

Aerial Dance Trapeze – Explorer/Improver

Week 2
2.30pm – 4pm – Tutor Christopher McAuley
Space D, chandelier 2 (free standing rig)

This class is for people who are just beginning to explore the technical side of dance trapeze. Perhaps it’s your first time playing on a dance trapeze, or maybe you’re in the early stages and would like to revisit the foundations.

Throughout the week we will explore interesting rolls and shapes that live on this apparatus, helping you feel comfortable playing and exploring in the air by the end of our time together. This will mainly be a technical lesson, looking at what our bodies need in order to facilitate movement and patterning in the air.

My work focuses largely on transitional movement rather than static poses, so this class may occasionally push us beyond our comfort zones. We’ll experience moments of adrenaline, try things we never thought were possible, and listen to the rise and fall of our heart rates. We will roll, drop, hang, and spin - rediscovering that joyful sense of play we had as kids in playgrounds. After all, it’s just a big swing.

In terms of prerequisites, I would expect a basic level of aerial awareness, preferably on a bar apparatus, along with a willingness to be guided outside of your comfort zone. A high level of strength isn’t necessary, just a basic confidence in your grip and hands.

Aerial Dance Trapeze – Skilled/Advanced

Week 2
4.15pm – 5.45pm – Tutor Christopher McAuley
Space D, chandelier 2 (free standing rig)

This multi-approach trapeze workshop dives into each individual 'chapter' of trapeze material. We will explore rolls, drops, dynamics and catch-release techniques and spin choreography, alongside some smaller modules like hangs and balances.

My work centres around transitions and unusual pathways and so, we won't be focussing on held positions, but more so introducing interesting ways to move with dance trapeze.

We’ll use momentum to create flight, explore pathways around the bar, and enjoy a few adrenaline spikes along the way. Expect playful experimentation, creative sequencing, and lots of time discovering new ways to approach dance trapeze. Throughout our time together in class, I’ll challenge each participant in their own direction, with space to tailor progressions to your individual needs as an aerialist.

As for prerequisites, you should be comfortable inverting at height, able to perform at least 3 consecutive pull-ups, and have solid hand endurance. Dynamic work can sometimes push you a little beyond your comfort zone, but I’ll guide you there progressively and safely - it’s simply something to be aware of in advance.

Please bring long sleeves and knee coverings!

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