Virtual ADF 2021: July 30-August 7
Celebrate the 23rd annual gathering of aerialists from around the globe. Skill building. Idea sharing. Inspiring. Mind-blowing.
Featuring an incredible lineup of artists, Virtual ADF 2021 is appropriate for aerialists, non-aerialists, movers of all kinds, enthusiasts, and more.
Frequent Flyers® Aerial Dance is committed to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion within our programming and throughout our communities.
This year’s Aerial Dance Festival 2021 planning has been led by a cohort of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and White artists: Veronica Blair, Susan Voyticky, Midnite Townsend, Danielle Hendricks, and staff, Nancy Smith. Our goal is to increase awareness of BIPOC artists’ work, amplify their voices and work to remove historic, societal and systemic barriers.
We are grateful to this year’s diverse faculty and panelists for helping us all move toward this goal.
Virtual ADF 2021 Faculty Artists
Click on an artist’s photo to learn more about them and what they are teaching at the festival this year!
“At ADF passionate people from around the world come to share and learn at the highest levels of our craft. As a teacher I’ve never had a better experience and as a student I treasured every class. Put it on your calendar, you’ll never take it off.” – Teo Spencer
Virtual ADF 2021 Presentation
The Uncle Junior Project: Legacy Presentation
Saturday 7/31. 5:00-6:30 PM MDT – $10
Presenter: Veronica Blair
Uncle Junior Project founder Veronica Blair shares her journey of uncovering the stories of Black Performers in American Circus and how the experience has helped to shape her career as an aerialist.
Virtual ADF 2021 Panels
Still Drinking from the Cup while Passing it Along – Aging in Aerial Arts
Sun. 8/1. Noon – 1:30 PM MDT – $10
Panelists: Jayne Bernasconi, Lindsey Butcher, Susan Murphy, 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. Also, 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 menopause on women and aging in general.
Implicit Bias of BIPOCs in Entertainment – Open to all
Monday 8/2. Noon – 1:30 PM MDT – $10
Panelists: Veronica Blair, Midnite Townsend, Parker Haines, Noeli Acoba
This panel will examine how historical and systemic racism impacts BIPOC representation in entertainment and why it matters. What is implicit bias, and how does it relate to microaggressions? Panelists will also share personal stories of navigating the arts with BIPOC bodies and discuss tools for self-care and resilience. Audience members will be tasked to explore their own implicit biases.
Artistic Activism
Tues. 8/3. 7:00-8:30 PM MDT – $10
Panelists: Suzi Winson, Jo Kreiter, Jennifer Miller, Keith Hennessy
This panel will discuss artistic activism in aerial/circus performances. Our experts will share their work, perspectives, and consider what aerial/circus uniquely offers to the work of art as activism. How to effectively engage with an audience beyond sensationalism towards an effective action? How might we inform and inspire younger generations or students within arts institutions about social responsibility?
Intersectional LGBTQ topics in Aerial Dance & Circus
Thurs. 8/5. 7:00-8:30 PM MDT- $10
Panelists: Glenna Broderick (they/them/theirs), Ana M Cruz (she/her/hers) , Kiona Daelyn (she/her/hers they/them/theirs). Moderator: Annie Piatt (she/her/hers)
Join this intersectional group of panelists from around the US for a conversation as they share about their unique journeys in aerial dance and circus, specifically diving deep into topics that impact LGBTQIA+ members in our circus communities. We will address considerations for teachers wanting to ensure their classrooms are more inclusive, discuss what it is to be queer professionals and performers in this art form, and touch on the combination of advocacy and art from various LGBTQ identities.
When Flyers Nest: Aerial and Motherhood
Fri. 8/6. 10-11:30 AM MDT – $10
Panelists: Amanda Hayes Fugate, Lauren Kehl, Dawn Pascoe, April Skelton
From the moment you see your obstetrician’s face when you tell them what you do for exercise, there are many misconceptions and challenges to face for the aerialist-mother. We will discuss safety in pregnancy and recovery in postpartum, community support, and the impact of motherhood on creativity, workload, body image, life balance, mental health, and identity.
Terry Sendgraff Scholarship
The deadline to apply for ADF 2021 scholarships has passed. Thank you to our applicants!
4 scholarships will be awarded to 4 BIPOC identifying students (Black, Indigenous, Peoples of Color) for the Aerial Dance Festival 2021. 3 scholarships will cover 3 classes, plus a ticket to the Virtual ADF Showcase Performance and access to all Panels. 1 scholarship will cover 6 classes, plus a ticket to the virtual Showcase Performance and access to all Panels.
Criteria: BIPOC identifying applicants only. Applicants must demonstrate some experience in Aerial / Circus arts. The recipients will be selected based on demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in aerial arts / circus. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
In honor of Terry Sendgraff, the mother of aerial dance. Her legacy lives on in Frequent Flyers® Aerial Dance and we trace our lineage to her work. Terry was instrumental in the development of the Aerial Dance Festival, having attended the first one in 1999 and continuing to teach and create performance pieces for several more ADFs.
Make a donation to the Terry Sendgraff scholarship.
Glenn P. Davis Scholarship
For ADF 2021, this scholarship is funding discounted classes and access to panels and the Showcase for the ADF Faculty.
“We are proud to support the Festival and are so grateful for this opportunity to honor Glenn’s memory. We know that he is ‘forever soaring’ and would be thrilled by the success and excellence of the festival as we are.” – The Davis Family
Virtual ADF 2021 Registration Info
- Classes with Recordingsare for those who can attend virtually at the time of the class. You will find all live ADF classes under the ADF tab.
- Recordings Only are for those who cannot attend virtually at the time of the class. You will find the Recordings Only for purchase by clicking the ADF Recordings tab and looking for the name of the class you are interested in.
- Registration will close 48 hours prior to the start of each class. You will receive a Zoom link within 24 hours prior to the start of class.
- A new SmartWaiver MUST be filled out and submitted in order to receive your Zoom link.
- Students registered for a “class with a recording” or “recording only” will receive an email from the class instructor (or Frequent Flyers), with a link to access the class recording no later than 2 weeks after ADF ends on Aug. 7, 2021.
- Students should not share the recording with anyone else.
- Instructors will determine how long the video will be available for viewing.
- All Panel Discussions are under the ADF tab. Registration for Panel Discussions will close 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time. You will receive a Zoom link within 24 hours prior to the start of the Panel Discussion.
Connect with us
Stay updated on festival news and announcements and connect with others attending the festival! Facebook | Instagram
Thank you to our sponsors
