About

Gravity & Levity: Dissecting Aerial

This two-day hybrid (in-person and online) symposium, hosted by Gravity & Levity, comprises presentations, talks and practical sessions that investigate the body in motion, particularly whilst aerial, but with so much of the information applicable across all movement genres. Featuring a line-up of world-class teachers, artists and researchers.

Showcasing practice, pedagogical and personal approaches to healthy and sustainable practice from aerial artists, researchers, body workers, medical and sports science practitioners from across the globe.

A fantastic opportunity for aerial practitioners to make and rekindle connections in-person and virtually, locally and globally, and to celebrate what unites us: our diversity and our mutual passions for aerial practice.

This hybrid symposium can be attended in-person at ACCA and will also be live streamed globally.

Programme

DAY 1:

• The ‘feltness’ of circus training & coaching: reflections & practical applications in flexibility & contortion - Dr Carolyn Ailsa Watt
• Concussion in the aerial arts - Dr Matilde Sassani
• Flying through pregnancy - ante and post-natal training for aerialists - Kate Edwards
• Pelvic floor health for aerialists - Brooke Winder
• Using physics to improve aerials (Part 1 - static) - Jacques Palardy-Dion
• Debunking Hair Suspension Myths: Rethinking Our Approach to Hair Hang - Nicole Malbeuf

DAY 2:

• Creating aerial performance with access at the core - Tilly Lee Kronnick, Jonny Leitch
• Creative audio description in movement practices - Karina Jones, Kate Lawrence
• Chest binding in circus - Izzy Kessnor
• Using physics to improve aerials (Part 2 - swinging) - Jacques Palardy-Dion
• Active physical and mental health recovery practices for aerial artists - Janelle Peters

About Gravity & Levity

Gravity & Levity is an aerial dance company specialising in vertical dance, maximising the creative potential of artists, and developing audience imagination.

Artistic Director, Lindsey Butcher, launched the company in 2003 to explore the creative and expressive potential in applying a dance aesthetic to aerial suspension techniques, through artistic development, teaching and live productions.

Gravity & Levity strive to create and present innovative aerial dance that redefines what and where a dance floor can be both for an audience and for ourselves. They present work that is accessible, relevant and offers an alternative perspective on traditional aesthetics in both dance and circus.

Running in parallel with their live production work, Gravity & Levity are passionate about instigating, creating and developing quality training events and professional development opportunities for emerging and established professional aerial artists and teachers.