The Manifesto of an Aging Aerialist

One of my dear sweet former students from Aerialution in Grass Valley sent me a list of questions for her 8th grade project that she is writing about professional aerialists. As I apparently embarked on writing a manifesto by the end of it I thought I would share my responses. Perhaps they might be useful to someone...

Photos by James Blonde & Chayna Girling

What is your process for making a piece? (This includes but is not limited to makeup, costumes, lighting, music, choreography and character creation.)

Well, I would say it is different almost every time. Sometimes I get an idea that just sticks with me until it feels like it really needs to come to life.  More often than not in the professional world, I am asked to create a piece that is a specific theme or I create it because I know that it is an act that will be in demand because not as many people do the apparatus or it will be more cost effective because of the simplicity of rigging... I have created a lot of doubles acts over the years, because these are often marketable but also because I want to train and spend time with that person. It is certainly more fun and motivating to have a partner and helps keep you on track with your creative process. Additionally it helps me explore artistic territory I might not investigate on my own.

But for all of these, choosing an apparatus generally comes first. Then time in the studio exploring the movement options through improv. Often the character or emotion I am working with dictates the kind of movement I choose, but what skills I have been working hardest or I am most comfortable with tend to get showcased and honestly what injuries I am working around also gets factored in...

Sometimes I have a specific song to work with right from the start, but most of the time I have a few songs that are a similar mood and as I start to set choreography and sequences then I can see which song works best. But if I have a choice, I always choose something that inspires me to want to move.

Most of the time I have a loose idea of what kind of costume will fit the act. As you know we don't get too many fancy options with aerial. But I usually wait till the act is mostly complete to set the costume, because then I know- because of this drop I need my armpits or back of knees covered or I need extra layers around my waste because of that move... Also the apparatus dictates the costume to some extent. Lots of coverage and no sequins for fabric, lots of skin exposed for pole so I can stick, shins covered for lyra... And then you have to rehears in it to make sure it stays put!

Makeup is also important. Even if it is a really contoured natural look. Skimping on the makeup can leave your look unfinished. And it is not a bad idea to try it before hand as well. If it is going to be smeared and running down your face by the end of your act it is good to know that ahead of time... Setting powder is your friend.

Lighting is great and if you get a choice in it, which you don't usually, make sure your entire apparatus and height that you climb to is lit. White light can be harsh but will make you shine the brightest and be great for videos and photos. Otherwise go for warm light and make sure it doesn't wash out the color of your skin or costume. If you can do a light test/tech ahead of time do it. It will take your act to the next level if it matches the mood and even better if it can change with the intensity or the changes in your act...

And finally I am a big fan of peer review. Get other professionals to take a look at what you are doing throughout your process. They may see something from the outside that you don't. Videoing yourself can tell you where you need to point your toes or hold something longer, but an actual person can tell you more about what they are experiencing as an audience member and that can help you take it to the next level as a performer. Because to me it isn't just about the moves, but the story you are telling or the emotion you are trying to invoke.

How and where do you find inspiration?

Unless you are contracted to create someone else's vision, which can be an awesome challenge, make art about what you know- your life and what is happening in it. That is the best advise I have been given when I am stuck and I always come back to it.

What habits and skills, unrelated to aerial, make performing easier?

Eating the right things at the right time is important. Like no coffee before performing, or making sure you give yourself time to digest that burrito before you hang upside down... But the biggest thing for me has always been to do it for yourself, in all things. If you get too wrapped up in impressing everyone, you are going to miss the mark. If you give 100% to honoring who you are and what you have to say through your act, it will affect others. Everytime.

What are the best training exercises to do leading up to a performance?

Warming up and cooling down don't seem that important when you are young, but if you get in the habit now it will carry you through your career.  Especially if you use them as a quiet meditative time to mentally prepare yourself and calm your nerves it will give you an elevated level of focus and calm for your performance. I go sytematicaly through each muscle group I know are going to be used in my act- abs, shoulders, splits, backbends, single leg balance... And then I take some free flow rolling around or dancing around time to make sure I have energy flowing to all parts of my body. All with concious breathe, that I carry onto the stage. Breathing while you perform will change everything!

Do you have any tips for staying in character?

Practicing in character. If you can't maintain it in rehearsal, it isn't going to magically happen on stage. Taking the flow time of my warm up in character often locks it in for me. But if it is tricky to maintain, like a comedic character, I think that lots of rehearsal time in front of people to get over the fear of doing it in front of people is really important. Sometimes it is as simple as rehearsing the continuous smile, because that is a muscle too!

Any other thoughts or comments?

A career as an aerialist will take you on an epic adventure through life, but it may not pay your bills and it certainly won't sustain you later in life.. I am all for unapologetically following your dreams, but I will parrot what my parents told me when I was your age. "Have a back up plan. Knowing how to teach will likely be important in making things work." Although I am sure I scoffed at them, this turned out to be incredibly important. But I strongly suggest having a whole other non art career that actually pays the bills while your art feeds your soul;)