ADF 2022 Immersion / 90-Minute Class Descriptions & Prerequisites
Megan Cattau at ADF 2022
Immersion
Dynamic Dance Trapeze – Intermediate / Advanced – Week B
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug. 12. 9:00 AM – Noon. Location: CU 150. $300.
Prerequisites: Ages 15+ or with instructor permission. For students who already have a practice on the dance trapeze or other horizontal apparatus. Some vertical experience and familiarity with basic vertical wraps and hangs is helpful, but not necessary. Participants must be able to invert unassisted from a bent-arm hang and should come with a desire to explore.
In this intensive class, we will marry technique and expression as we explore dynamic movement – and the quiet space in between – on the dance trapeze. Focusing on technical skills in body positioning and mechanics that allow for safe and efficient movement, we’ll twist, roll, drop, and dive on the trapeze and use the space between the bar and floor-to-ground and propel us. We will also use Laban- and Butoh-influenced exercises to connect with and listen to our instinctual bodies: intuitive, genuine, and unapologetic. “You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves” – Mary Oliver. We will use a choreographed sequence as a launching point for exploring how changes in movement quality, positioning, and timing can be employed to create authentic experience. This intensive is for those who would like to broaden their technical dance trapeze vocabulary and deepen their approach to articulate movement.
Terry Crane at ADF 2022
Immersion
Suspension, Support, and Loft: An Aerial Rope Immersion – Week B
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug. 12. 9:00 AM – Noon. Location: FFP Studio 2. $300.
Pre-requisites: Ages 15+ (or with instructor permission). Intermediate/advanced. Students should have minimum 2 years experience with vertical single point apparatus, be able to do 4 pull-ups, and at least 2 straight arm straddle ups without swinging.
This immersion will explore the diversity of ways a body can interact with a rope, for choreographic and theatrical potential. Each class will begin with a short flooreo section that will expand on ways of moving efficiently and organically while supported, with an emphasis on principles that apply while suspended. Over the course of the week, students will learn sequences, some partnering, original ways of going from support to suspension (floor to air) as well as dynamic skills. We’ll explore a number of tricks that implicate partially or completely letting go of the apparatus as well, such as j-flip and pirouette variations. The final content of the immersion will be influenced by the group’s interest over the course of the week. Open to vertical aerialists with a foundational understanding of dynamic aerial movement and c-shaping.
Classes
Rope: Facility with Abandon – Week A only
Week A: Mon, Aug. 1-Fri, Aug 5. 5:30-7:00 PM. Location: FFP 2. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 15+ or with instructor permission. 1 year of rope or tissue training, ability to do 4 pull-ups, ability to do 8 bent-arm, or 4 straight-arm straddle-ups.
In this workshop, students will practice moving dynamically with a sense of ease and effortless-ness on the vertical rope. We’ll practice a progression of beats and exercises to generate momentum, and then explore using this momentum to maximum effect, either in flashy power moves or to wrap the rope hands-free. Time allowing, other topics may include: quasi-release moves, building distinctive and clean drops, using body shape to balance on the rope, and some choreographic sequences.
Rope Rolling Up – Intermediate / Advanced – Week A only
Week A: Mon, Aug. 1-Fri, Aug 5. 3:00-4:30 pm. Location: FFP Studio 2. $150.
Ages 15+ or with instructor permission.
Rolling up is about learning how to use your core strength and flexibility, as well as organizing your body to use balance and weight to your advantage. In this workshop, we begin on the ground, and learn a progression of exercises which will break down the technique to roll up the rope. As time permits, we’ll work on a variety of knots and styles of rolling up the rope.
Gena DuBose at ADF 2022
Classes
Lyra Sequencing – Intermediate – Week A or B
Week A: Mon, Aug. 1-Fri, Aug. 5. 1:00-2:30 PM. Location: Dairy Gordon. $150.
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug. 12. 3:00-4:30 PM. Location: CU 150. $150
Pre-requisites: Ages 14+. Students should have a clean, unassisted inversion, comfort with spinning, familiarity with getting to the top of the lyra, and the ability to move continuously on the hoop for at least one minute.
In this workshop, Gena will cover spin theory and guide you through unique transitions on and around single-point lyra. Using a unique concept that Gena calls “lyra threading,” you’ll focus on maintaining a strong connection with the hoop while flowing from move to move with engagement and technique throughout. Gena’s creative sequences offer the opportunity to move below, inside, and above the hoop and transition seamlessly from one point to the next. You’ll come away with a full movement sequence that you can use as a starting point for further work of your own.
Lyra: Authentic Movement – Intermediate – Week A or B
Week A: Mon, Aug. 1-Fri, Aug. 5. 3:00-4:30 PM. Location: Dairy Gordon. $150.
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug 12. 1:00-2:30 PM. Location: CU 150. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 14+. Although tailored to lyra, all bar apparatus artists are welcome. Clean, unassisted inversions, comfort with spinning, and an understanding of fundamental poses on the bar (mermaid, hip hang, dragonfly, straddle back, etc.) are required.
In this class, you’ll discover and refine ways to move that are a custom fit for your body and your style. We’ll focus on a variety of on- and off-lyra creative pathways as well as lyra manipulation: how to push, pull, swing, dance, and connect with the lyra as an extension of yourself rather than just as a prop. You’ll give your full attention to how your body feels in motion with the apparatus, how to maximize the look and feel of every skill you perform, and how to make adjustments for your own needs and anatomy. You’ll come away with ownership and autonomy of your personal movement style and techniques for continuing to develop it as you train.
Note-taking is encouraged; bring a notebook, iPad, or your phone.
Cosmo Dudley at ADF 2022
Classes
Living in the Upside Down – Handstands – all levels – Week B only
Week B. Mon, Aug 8-Fri, Aug. 12. 5:30-7:00 PM. Location: FFP Studio 1. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 15+. Everyone: Ability to perform 5 clean plank push-ups and kick into a handstand against the wall. Intermediate: Freestanding kick up to handstand (10-20 second hold) with cartwheel/pirouette to exit. Advanced: Consistent 30 second+ handstand consistently, press to handstand, and ability to hold 5 handstand shapes.
All drills for all levels are scaled to the individual’s ability to challenge strength and technical capacity. Whatever level you are at, this workshop will challenge you and provide the tools to take your practice further.
Learn how to progress to a freestanding handstand or take the drills you are already doing and move your handstand to the next level! In this workshop, we will improve technique, learn shapes, work on press to handstand drills, incorporate acrobatic handstand drills, and more! We will also learn and practice balancing on different surfaces/apparatuses.
Sample workshop schedule: Mon: The line, hands, and building balance. Tue: Shapes, flexibility/mobility. Wed: Press to handstand. Thurs: New ways into and out of handstands and advanced shapes. Fri: Balancing on different apparatuses, acrobatic handstand drills, and longevity in practice. (Apparatuses provided by the instructor may include canes, blocks, parallettes/bars, boxes/benches, partner’s hands, etc.)
Danielle Hendricks at ADF 2022
Immersion
Bungee Dance & Build – All Levels – Week A
Week A: Mon, Aug. 1-Fri, Aug. 5. 9:00 AM – Noon. Location: FFP Studio 1. $310 (includes $10 equipment fee).
Pre-requisites: Age 15+ or with instructor permission. This class is open to anyone, but please realize that some bruising around the pelvic area from the harness is almost inevitable. To minimize this, be prepared with layers of clothing to wear around the hips, inner thighs, and waist. Padded cycling shorts or neoprene shorts with sweatpants/shorts over top are excellent choices. The harnesses we use do have some padding, but because you will be in the harness 5 days in a row, extra protection starting day one can make the week far more pleasant!
This class will cover the main uses for aerial bungee dancing in harness. We will begin each day with a Pilates Mat inspired warm up, in order to prepare the body for the rigors of being in a bungee harness. On day one, we will practice in the style “high bungee”; dancers will load in from the scaffold and will be unable to touch the ground. With attachments at R/L hip and two points in the ceiling, we can work on maximizing bounce and forward/backward rotations. Each dancer will have a partner and both groups will learn some choreography sequences to perform with each other. As the week progresses, we will lower the dancers so that they are able to touch the ground and use the floor to create additional bounce and control; then we will change to one ceiling attachment with a swivel and explore spinning and more directional changes, while still able to touch the ground. On day five, dancers will get to try the “back-pick” attachment, where they are on a single point at the ceiling and on their harness, in the style of many bungee-fitness classes. Each day we will conclude with the bungee building section of the class. This final hour of each morning will cover the safety and inspection of harnesses as well as bungee and crimps, and where/how to purchase these items. As the week goes on, dancers will do some “hands on” training with the tools and materials necessary to build their own bungee sets in the future. By the end of the week, dancers should feel confident in how to select, build, inspect and maintain safety with bungee and harness equipment.
Shannon McKenna at ADF 2022
Immersion
Act Creation Lab (Rope/Fabric) – Intermediate – Week A
Week A: Mon, Aug. 1-Fri, Aug. 5. 9:00 AM – Noon. Location: FFP Studio 2. $300.
Pre-requisites: Ages 16+. Minimum 1 year of experience on fabric or rope and at least 2 sequences on either rope or fabric of about 1 minute that you are excited about and feel confident safely executing without the aid of a coach.
This immersion is for the aerialists who aspire to create acts that play in the minds of audience members long after you’ve left the stage. A series of cool tricks and fancy transitions spliced together to music won’t cut it. There needs to be more. But how do we make that switch from athlete to artist? It takes time, research, and a safe space to test and retest your theories.
Welcome to the Act Creation Lab. During this lab, you are both the scientist and the subject, and will go through experiments to help you build confidence and deepen your understanding of your creative process. Practically, we apply Viewpoint theory to set up games and assignments that get your creative juices flowing. Psychologically, we focus on the nature of creating. Why do we doubt ourselves, what happens when we feel uninspired, and what tools are there to keep us going?
By the end of the 5 days, you may create something people will remember for a lifetime.
Classes
Straps – Beginner – Week A only
Week A: Mon, Aug. 1-Fri, Aug. 5. 1:00-2:30 PM. Location: FFP Studio 2. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 18+. 3 bent arm inversions on any apparatus. 30 second straight-arm dead-hang on a vertical apparatus. At least one year of constant and consistent practice on any aerial apparatus
Going from the ground to the air and back again, we will look at the starting blocks of an aerial straps practice using aerial alignment. There will be explorations in basic partnering, shapes, and of course, spinning!
Fabric: Quarentine-Ography – Advanced – Week B only
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug. 12 . 1:00-2:30 PM. Location: FFP Studio 2. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 18+. At least two consecutive straight arm inversions, confidence with skin the cat, a constant and consistent aerial practice
For two years, Shannon was trapped in Montreal with nothing to do except invent for hours on end. This workshop is full of her favorite sequences including wild transitions and tricks. Each day is a new sequence and each sequence has opportunities to progress/regress, explore, and make your own!
Straps: Conditioning Practicum – Intermediate/Advanced – Week B only
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug. 12. 3:00-4:30 PM. Location: FFP Studio 2. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 18+. At least 1 year constant and consistent aerial practice
Inversions, meat hooks, skin the cats, flags, back balances, c-shaping, beats- this workshop has it ALL. Each day will be a different “exploration” of a common movement and we will examine a multitude of drills and skills (and maybe invent some new ones) to gain more overall awareness in your practice. Please note, if you are just starting out on your aerial journey, some of the drills and skills addressed may be way beyond your level. However, no matter where you are in your journey, the conditioning practicum will give you at least a theoretical understanding of how these skills work and how to work towards them!
Intro to Fabric Theory – Intermediate – Week B only
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug. 12. 5:30-7:00 PM. Location: FFP Studio 2. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 14+. Students must be comfortable inverting off of the ground (with either bent or straight arms).
Never get stuck again! This workshop breaks down the basic components of “fabric theory” to explain how different wraps and drops work in the air. Using sequences and puzzles, we will play with different and surprising entrances and exits to popular skills. Great for anyone who wants to understand WHY fabric works, build more vocabulary, or pick up new sequences quickly.
Valerie Morris at ADF 2022
Immersion
Rope and Harness: Tethered Dancing (All Levels) – Week B
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug 12. Location: FFP Studio 1. $300.
Pre-requisites: Ages 14+. Comfort in a climbing harness over extended time and inverting in a harness. No previous aerial experience needed.
This exhilarating immersion will be structured around learning basic rope and harness dance techniques (not against a wall), as well as the rigging to take this dance form anywhere. We will be working both close to the ground and higher in the air, with ascenders and descenders. The vocabulary taught will be combined with guided solo and group improvisations as part of the exploration process. This is an amazing core workout and is not as intense on the arms for those taking other aerial classes at the Festival. Please wear multiple snug layers around your hips and waist for your comfort.
If you have a harness, please bring it with you, otherwise, one will be provided. No previous aerial experience is necessary, other than: be prepared to have fun and create!
Nancy Smith at ADF 2022
Classes
Invented Apparatus – Intermediate – Week A only
Week A: Mon, Aug. 1 – Fri, Aug. 5. 1:00-2:30 PM. Location: FFP 1. $150
Pre-requisites: Ages 14+. Must have an intermediate level of experience on horizontal aerial apparatus (lyra, dance trapeze or static trapeze) AND enjoy improvisational exploration.
Invented apparatus engages you in an exploration through guided improvisation on a variety of suspended apparatus from Frequent Flyers’ stash. Learn how to work on structures that are unpredictable using shared weight and gravity to advantage. We’ll play with solo, duet and group improvisations while building the skills to be able to approach any new apparatus safely and with a fresh approach. Open your mind and explore, unlock your creativity.
Ground-to-Air Choreography Workshop – Intermediate – Week B only
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug. 12. 3:00-4:30 PM. Location: FFP 1. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 16+. Must have intermediate skills on one of the apparatus: fabric, sling, or dance trap and a craving to experiment, explore and create!
This workshop in aerial dance choreography on mixed apparatus (fabric, sling, dance traps) will explore the choreographic elements of working in the air, especially the air–to–ground and back-again transitions, the effect of vertical space on the viewer, the kinesthetic translation of the flying experience to the audience and how the aerial component(s) affect(s) the basic choreographic elements of time, space, and energy. We will examine the different aesthetic approaches to creating an aerial dance such as theme and variation, structured improvisation, movement qualities, how to successfully blend movement from ground to air, and more. Students will compose short choreographic studies as part of the class.
Sofia Rodriguez at ADF 2022
Immersion
Lyra: Spanset & Top-Bar Theory and Lion Workshop – Intermediate – Week A
Week A: Mon, Aug. 1-Fri, Aug. 5. 9:00 AM – Noon. Location: Dairy Gordon. $300.
Pre-requisites: Ages 16+. Intermediate students welcome (at least one year of lyra recommended). Must feel comfortable inverting multiple times and have enough general knowledge and strength to explore on top of the hoop.
In love with single-point lyra, but don’t know what to do on the top? In this workshop, we will learn ways to think about the spanset in a closed and open perspective as well as how to use the ever-so-tippy top bar. Then, we will explore unique entries and exists out of lion in a tree. Lastly, we will look at all the types of 1/2 & full lion rolls (also called snake rolls or music box). Come learn some fun sequences that you can add to your single-point repertoire! Please wear sleeves.
Classes
Flexibility – All Levels – Week B only
Week B: Mon, Aug. 8-Fri, Aug. 12. 5:30-7:00 PM. Location: CU 150. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 16+. Beginner to intermediate students welcome.
Want to take your aerial skills to the next level, or just want to be more mobile in general? In this five-day workshop, you will learn all the steps needed to open up the body for specific flexibility positions such as the front & middle splits, various bridge shapes, and even forearm stands. Using techniques such as myofascial release, PNF, and active/passive drills, you will learn safe ways to strengthen the body while acquiring a greater range of motion. You are sure to leave with drills that can be applied to an effective flexibility routine!
If possible, please bring yoga blocks, a foam roller, a peanut (soft-tissue release tool), and a non-stretchy band if you have them. We will have a limited number of these items for participants. Journals for note-taking are also encouraged.
Anastasia Timina at ADF 2022
Classes
Split-Fabric Drops and Theory – Intermediate – Week A only
Week A: Mon, Aug 1 – Fri, Aug 5. 3:00-4:30 PM. Location: FFP Studio 1. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 12+. Intermediate and above, student must be able to invert to straddle in the air. Previous experience with Saltos and star drops is encouraged.
This Fabric workshop breaks down and organizes all split fabric drops that start with an inverted double leg crochet. You will learn Mission Impossible, Infinity, 360, 720, Butterfly, Falling Angel, Tick-Tock, Crotch Flower, Wrist Lock drop, their variants, and the connecting theory between them! We will also cover other split fabric theory and sequences as well as how to adapt skills to split fabric such as wheel downs and star drops. And of course, belays!
Dynamic Sling Theory and Skills – Intermediate / Advanced – Week A or B
Week A: Mon, Aug 1-Fri, Aug 5. 5:30-7:00 PM. Location: FFP Studio 1. $150.
Week B: Mon, Aug 8-Fri, Aug 12. 1:00-2:30 PM. Location: FFP Studio 1. $150.
Pre-requisites: Ages 12+. Must be able to do a full straddle up in the air (straight arm straddle up not required), must have some basic sling vocabulary: seated straddle, back straddle, single knee hang, single knee crucifix (half seated straddle), standing arabesque, crossback straddle, gazelle, front balance, hollowbody, half hip-key, ribhang.
This class will be focused on the pathways of dynamic movement, and transitioning that movement around the sling. We will be learning different beats and beat sequences, drops, and rotations (such as elbow circles) and the sling theory behind why different transitions work and how to connect them into your existing vocabulary. Great for helping anyone interested in learning beats and momentum on rope or fabric, for anyone wanting to add more dynamic movement into their sling vocabulary, or anyone interested in improving their sling theory understanding.