Save the Date for the 23rd annual international Virtual Aerial Dance Festival!
July 30-August 7, 2021
Registration Coming Soon!
48 Classes. 20 Panelists. 19 Faculty Artists. 5 Panels. 2 Showcase Performances. 1 Presentation.
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!
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, Kendra Greaves, 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.