Aerial Dance Festival 2026

9am-12pm. Week A. Dairy Gordon Gamm. Ages 16+. $380

Come and nerd out on all the pathways one can take on top of a single-point lyra. I have taken three of my theory workshops and melded them into one amazing immersive experience, where you will leave with diagrams and a plethora of ways to explore different connections. We will also learn fun, unique ways to view the spanset from both open and closed perspectives. We will create slack, we will drop, and find fun shapes within. Lastly, we will learn creative sequences that involve flipping the hoop with and without the torso inside the spanset. Come learn tips for making these transitions smoother and less terrifying! You will leave with a fun and new outlook on what the lyra and what you are capable of. This immersion has evolved over the last couple of years, so if you attended the last one, you won’t want to miss this one!

Prerequisites: Must have the strength to consistently invert from standing on the lyra to the spanset. Must be fairly comfortable on the top bar of a single-point lyra.

9am-12pm. Week A. FFP 2. Ages 15+. $380

It’s still magic, even if you know how it’s done… Aerial fabric employs several straight forward rule sets that when combined create predictable, repeatable patterns. In this workshop we will demystify the art of aerial fabric by digging deeply into ‘theory’. We will deconstruct complex skills, relate various connections to one another, organize our knowledge into an easy to follow taxonomy and explore functional and expressive pathways. All the while exploring fun, creative examples of shelves/hitches/wraps, taught in short thoughtful frameworks that can be reimagined in infinite ways.

Prerequisites: Ability to remain in the air for two minutes and invert multiple times in the same sequence. Suggested familiarity with the four fundamental wraps: catcher/hipkey/s-lock/u-wrap(z-wrap)

9am-12pm. Week A. FFP 1. Ages 16+. $380

This immersion is designed to guide students in discovering their own shapes and pathways through a blend of technique, practical tools, and theory. Niff will share methods she has developed in her own practice—alongside theory-based frameworks—to spark new ideas and expand what feels possible.The week will start off diving into some of Niff’s favorite sequences and transitions, and we will start to see a fresh approach to shape-making and dynamic flow, inviting new ways of thinking, connecting, and moving on trapeze, even working on some spin techniques. Later on in the week, rather than focusing solely on individual skills, we’ll explore how we move between them. Together, we’ll investigate the transitions—the in-betweens, the unexpected moments, and the exciting new pathways that connect shapes and spark discovery. You’ll be introduced to Niff’s personal choreographic approach, developed through studying the theory and relationships between skills to unlock unique, dynamic transitions you can carry into your own work.

Prerequisites: Students should feel comfortable moving through the air, be proficient at mounting the trapeze, hanging from the ropes and the bar, and feel comfortable exploring aerial pathways. (best for intermediate level) Skills students should feel familiar with: Getting into a hip key and thigh hitch in the air, very comfortable in front balance, some spin tolerance or willingness to work on spins, crossback straddle on silks or sling.

1-2:30pm. Week A. FFP 2. Ages 12+. $190

We all love when the beats drop but what about getting to the beat? This workshop will cover various entrances into and out of beats. We will look at some simple entrances from support wraps (russian, keys,etc.) and loops, and some more complex entrances from cut-catches and drops. Beats that we will cover include turnpike, planche, scissor, and break beats. We will also visit some related transitional elements such as cut-catches, pop-throughs (window beats), and movements that
terminate nicely in a beat (windmill hipkey, knee drop, and planchet drop). We will also cover some sneaky transitions that are dynamic in nature (into catchers and out of z-wrap).

Prerequisites: Some vertical experience recommended on silks or rope. Feeling comfortable spending some time in the air. Vertical skills such as footlocks, hipkeys, same side and opposite side knee.

1-2:30pm. Week A. FFP 1. Ages 14+. $190

This exhilarating class 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.

Prerequisites: No previous aerial experience is necessary, other than: be prepared to have fun and create!

1-2:30pm. Week A. Dairy Gordon Gamm. Ages 13+. $190

“Spinning & Sequencing” focuses on refining spinning technique while learning phrases and choreography suited for a spinning hoop. Students will break down how to generate faster spins with control and stability, then explore sequences that work well within the spin. The goal is to integrate technique and choreography so movement can travel through sequences while maintaining a fast, consistent spin.

Prerequisites: Minimum 6-12 months of aerial training. Very Comfortable with inverting. Knowledge of foundational positions (Knee hang, Back balance, Front Balance). Able to hold a tuck (knees to chest) in a dead hang. Comfortable with scapular control (shrugs, hollow body hangs, dead hangs)

3-4:30pm. Week A. Dairy Gordon Gamm. Ages 13+. $190

Swinging & Orbiting” focuses on traveling through space using pendular momentum and circular pathways on aerial hoop. Students will work on swinging with the hoop while building and maintaining momentum, then learn how to generate a clean orbit (circle flight) in a clear circular pattern. The workshop will also introduce sequences designed to integrate smoothly with the orbit.

Prerequisites: Minimum 6-12 months of aerial training. Very Comfortable with inverting. Knowledge of foundational positions (Knee hang, Back balance, Front Balance). Able to hold a tuck (knees to chest) in a dead hang. Comfortable with scapular control (shrugs, hollow body hangs, dead hangs)

3-4:30pm. Week A. FFP 1. Ages 15+. $190

Sling is the perfect cross section of much of the aerial world. It takes inspiration from Trapeze, Aerial Fabric, Corde Lisse, Lyra and other places, but has a voice all its own. In this workshop, we will learn the language of the loop, contrast various dynamics and dancelike pathways to enhance our performance work, build short phrases with depth and texture, and refine subtle Sling-specific techniques.

Prerequisites: Ability to pullover onto the loop easily, remain in the air for two minutes, and invert above the loop.

3-4:30pm. Week A. FFP 2. Ages 14+. $190

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.

Prerequisites: Ability to perform 5 strict push-ups on the floor and to kick into a handstand against the wall. Intermediate and Advanced students welcome!

5:30-7pm. Week A. FFP 1. Ages 14+. $190

AcroDanse, or soft acrobatics, lies at the intersection of dance and gymnastics. Develop skills like rolls and flairs alongside qualities such as fluidity and elasticity, building strength, mobility, and body awareness along the way. Drawing from contemporary practices including tricking and movement culture, as well as traditional forms such as capoeira and aikido, this workshop expands your movement vocabulary while cultivating strength, coordination, and expressive range.

Prerequisites: No acrobatic background required. This pedagogy is designed to be as inclusive as possible, however, participants should feel comfortable rolling and moving on the floor. Soft kneepads and socks are encouraged but not required.

5:30-7pm. Week A. FFP 2. Ages 14+. $190

Learn the foundations of aerial straps, shapes, and how to make your meathooks, flags, and planches feel more efficient! We will also be developing spins and C-Shaping for all students. Beginner to advanced students welcome (with pre-reqs). Depending on the student’s level, progressions are available on 2-arms and developing strength for 1-arm shapes and movements.

Prerequisites: Ability to complete three pull-ups, three pushups, and three leg lifts (tucked or piked legs). No shoulder injuries at the time of the workshop. Experience on straps not required, but experience with other movement disciplines: aerial, acrobatics, gymnastics, climbing, etc. recommended.

9am-12pm. Week B. FFP 2. Ages 15+ or with instructor approval. $390 (includes $10 equipment fee)

Bungee Dance: 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, front, and single side attachment, hand loop/body loop bungee, and/or revisit styles from earlier in the week.

Bungee Build: The final 44-60 minutes of each morning will cover the full spectrum of bungee building, from the safety and inspection of harnesses, to where and how to purchase bungee and crimps, as well as how to build bungee for your own space and desired outcome. We will do “hands on” training with tools and materials necessary to build bungee sets. By week’s end, students should feel confident in how to select, build, inspect, and maintain safety with bungee and harness equipment.

Prerequisites: 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!

9am-12pm. Week B. Dairy Gordon Gamm. Ages 13+. $380

Aerial Hoop masterclass aims to look at the many components that make up well-rounded aerial hoop training.. Over the course of the week, we will dedicate time to momentum and dynamic skills, explore shapes and poses, refine smooth and efficient transitions, and break down spinning technique. We will work toward combining these elements into complex sequences and flows. The masterclass is designed to allow students to learn new things and master what they already know in a safe and supportive environment.

Prerequisites: Minimum 6-12 months of aerial training. Very Comfortable with inverting. Knowledge of foundational positions (Knee hang, Back balance, Front Balance), Able to hold a tuck (knees to chest) in a dead hang. Comfortable with scapular control (shrugs, hollow body hangs, dead hangs)

9am-12pm. Week B. FFP 1. Ages 14+. $380

ACTLAB is a creative laboratory for anyone seeking to develop a performance piece. Bring your concept, (music, theme, idea), and through guided experimentation and diverse creative practices, we’ll explore structure, musicality, and the balance between technical skill and artistic intent; taking your idea from the head and into the air. The lab blends movement and discussion with peer-to-peer feedback and individualized guidance, culminating in a work-in-progress showcase in the last class. Apparatus: We will email you about apparatus choice in advance. (Options: rope, lyra, sling, dance trap, silks)

Prerequisites: Comfortable moving in the air for 4–5 minutes continuously. Arrive with a concept (music, theme or idea).

1-2:30pm. Week B. FFP 1. Ages 15+. $190

This class builds skills on invented apparatus through guided improvisation, using a variety of suspended “heavy metal” 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, explore, and unlock your creativity.

Prerequisites: Must have an intermediate level of experience on horizontal aerial apparatus (lyra, dance trapeze or static trapeze) AND enjoy improvisational exploration.

1-2:30pm. Week B. FFP 2. Ages 13+ or with instructor approval. $190

This class takes you through the basics of stilts. Danielle and Valerie each have over 20 years experience dancing, performing, and teaching stilts. We are co-teaching the class to ensure that everyone can learn, progress, refine, and uplevel their skill, no matter if they have years of experience, or are trying stilts for the very first time. We will try to get everyone who is borrowing our stilts (mostly wooden) fitted and up as quickly as possible. After being fitted, we will go over the options of how to get up and down, as well as proper falling techniques. We will learn some basic across the floor techniques on and off of stilts, as well as how to activate the appropriate muscles and maintain proper alignment. Valerie is a master of finding the perfect stilts placement and they are both sticklers for proper alignment. We will also be going over basic ground acrobatics both for solo and partnering. Later in the week, we can divide into groups to work on outdoor stilting for those who want to, and indoor acrobatics that take a little more space. Students who want to work on turns, leaps, running, jumps, and hops, will be given tools and techniques to learn and improve those skills. We will learn proper spotting techniques to do backbends, handstands, slide falls, and get-ups for those that are interested. You can even take this class if you just want to learn to spot and partner, and prefer not to be on stilts. Val and Dani will meet you wherever you are at, and help you advance your skill level.

Prerequisites: NONE

Please bring the following to class: 1) Your own pair of lace up, velcro, or bungee tied, close-toed sneakers/shoes, in your size. Bring these to attach to stilts for use all week-UNLESS: 2) If you have your own peg stilts, bring them. If shoes are already attached, great! 3) A set of THICKLY cushioned knee pads. We have a few that you can borrow. A hard shell is great, but not necessary. A thick pad is NECESSARY! You can also layer knee pads.

3-4:30pm. Week B. Dairy Gordon Gamm. Ages 16+. $190

Obsessed with rolls and want to learn more? Or maybe you’re feeling stuck and want a helping hand? In this 90-minute class, we will learn drills, professional tips, and proper technique to make rolls such as russians, around-the-world, snake/lion, elbow circles, and barrel rolls more accessible. We will progress towards examining all the directions each roll can take, each variation, how to connect them, and how to creatively change the entry and exit.

Prerequisites: Must have at least some practice rolling in any way on/in the hoop in order not to stiffen during a roll. Preferably has some experience with some of the rolls mentioned above.

3-4:30pm. Week B. FFP 2. Ages 13+ or with instructor approval. $190

In this dance film course with Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema, participants will learn the nuts and bolts of dance filmmaking. We will cover the craft of choreography for a camera instead of a stage, practical shooting techniques, and editing for embodied viewing. Participants will collaborate on the creation of a new short film in which they are choreographers, performers, directors, and editors, but no prior filmmaking experience is necessary.

What to Bring: A phone that can record video, and potentially costuming options, which we will discuss in the first class.

3-4:30pm. Week B. FFP 1. Ages 13+. $190

Dive into the art of movement, musicality, and seamless transitions in this choreography-focused aerial sling class. Over the course of five days, students will learn a beautiful, 5 minute piece of sling choreography set to music, with an emphasis on flow, expression, and connecting movement to the rhythm of the song. We’ll explore pathways, timing, and quality of motion to help each sequence feel fluid and intentional, building the piece section by section until the full choreography comes together by the end of the week. This class is designed for intermediate to advanced aerialists who are comfortable in the sling and excited to refine their artistry, musical interpretation, and performance presence in the air.

Prerequisites: Solid understanding of aerial sling foundations. Ability to invert and have basic apparatus fluency (straddle layback, and crochet feet). Comfort with a pullover mount to hip hang, harness wrap, and thigh hitch. Ability to straddle up from standing on sling and crochet feet. The endurance to link several skills together multiple times throughout class.

5:30-7pm. Week B. FFP 1. Ages 14+ or with instructor approval. $190

Working on single-point trapezes with the bar only 3 feet from the ground. we will research, explore, and learn how to work with the flow between the floor and the air. We’ll create new pathways into and out of the trapeze, using known vocabulary, and movement invention. We’ll drop into deep somatic awareness using Skinner Releasing Technique tools to help unlock creativity and ease in the body.

Prerequisites: Students must have some experience on dance trapeze and be interested in researching, improvising, and learning new ways to move on and off the apparatus.

5:30-7pm. Week B. Dairy Gordon Gamm. Ages 13+. $190

Level up your dynamic lyra with a curriculum that connects beats and drops with seamless transitions. Push yourself, expand your boundaries, and conquer fears while flowing from dynamic to rhythmic skills on lyra to create a routine that is stunning and captivating. In this class we will explore sequences that bring the energy from powerful and thrilling, to graceful and entrancing.

Prerequisites: Ability to hold a single knee hang (w/o hands) for 30 seconds on each leg, 5 knee beats, 5 straight arm beats on top bar, pull up from straight arm hang, tuck hold for 30 seconds.

5:30-7pm. Week B. FFP 1. Ages 14+. $190

Step into the world of aleatoric movement, where play becomes the foundation of choreography. Through structured games and collaborative exercises, we’ll explore composition in real time. Drawing from Marcos Morau’s KOVA and William Forsythe’s score-based choreographic systems, this workshop encourages improvisation, spontaneity, and choice within choreographic structures, helping you build a movement toolkit and expand your creative voice. Structures and systems will be established on the ground through solo, partner, and group work, followed by the incorporation of props and apparatus (spanset loops), with the option to transfer these ideas into an aerial context.

Prerequisites: Comfortable moving with others and engaging in physical contact. Class is open to all, but if exploring aerial aspects, a capable of moving in the air for 2 minutes.