Panel discussions held at the 25th anniversary Aerial Dance Festival 2023. Enjoy!
BIPOC Aerialists & Circus Arts Performers Panel
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Panelists: Veronica Blair, Gena DuBose, and Sam Tribble
Moderator: Midnite Townsend
It can sometimes feel isolating to identify as BIPOC in the circus/aerial dance world. In this fishbowl-style facilitated conversation we center BIPOC voices and experiences in the hopes of cultivating community and connection through sharing stories, space, and suggestions. We are honored to have Veronica Blair, Gena DuBose, and Sam Tribble as our featured panelists as Midnite Townsend moderates a discussion exploring how our BIPOC identities intersect with circus/aerial identities in various ways (i.e. auditioning/gigging, code-switching, what is “circus aesthetic,” etc).
Still Drinking from the Cup While Passing it Along: Aging in Aerial
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Discussion led by Jayne Bernasconi and Nancy Smith
We’ll discuss physical / mental / heart-centered changes that occur as we age, the longevity of creative practice and everything that brings, and especially passing knowledge along. How do we get the most of training as we age – rhythm, frequency, intensity and what tools we can gather to ensure we stay in optimum condition while understanding the impact of aging.
