Episoder
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This is a week of firsts on Aerial Evolution. We welcome our first man and first rigger, Bryan Donaldson! This is an episode I have been wanting to have since starting this podcast and I'm stoked Bryan was able to talk with us. I am a rigging neophyte and it was awesome getting to speak with such a world renowned expert.
Bonus: Lydia Lara is back joining me as guest host!
Many of you will know Bryan in association with his rigging course and company High Performance with a stellar client list including Hugh Jackman film The Greatest Showman, but did you know he had an impressive aerial career first? From the wild apparatus he learned on the fly to starting his rigging company, we dig into all of it on this episode.
It's a long one so get cosy and enjoy!
SHOW NOTES:
High Performance Website http://www.highperformanceproductions.net/index.html FB: https://www.facebook.com/HighPerformance Insta: https://www.instagram.com/hprigging/ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HPerformance Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/hpp Black Z: https://blackz.fr/Join in on the conversation:
On the website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: RowanMusic by composer Jason Martin Castillo
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
I am thrilled to welcome this week's guest to Aerial Evolution. Not only is Erin Ball a phenomenal aerialist, but she is doing incredible work with and for the disability community.
We begin the episode with how Erin first discovered aerial and what her career was like before an accident led to both of her lower legs being removed. (As there is a lot of information out there already about what happened, we don't spend much time on that, I provided a link below if you would like to read about what happened). What we do talk about is what it was like to reenter the circus world, what systems were and were not in place, as well as what Erin herself needed to learn both physically and mentally.
We touch upon the history of circus and its impact (if any) on the work she creates. With Vanessa Furlong, she co-founded LEGacy Circus performance company, together and individually, they are doing AMAZING work for the disabled community. From education, to inclusion, to apparatus invention, they really are making sure everyone gets to be involved from on stage to off, circus really can be for everyone!
Tune in to learn how!
SHOW NOTES:
Read about Erin’s accident in her own words (NOTE this contains graphic imagery of amputation, hospitalisation and suicidal ideation.) https://www.amputeeconcierge.org/blog-1/2019/1/31/hi-my-name-is-erin-ball
www.kingstoncircusarts.com legacycircus.com Instagram: @erinballcircus @legacy_circusLocal and national arts council grants and a few others:
https://tangledarts.org/ https://www.challengedathletes.org/ https://www.teamcatapult.org/missionJoin in on the conversation:
On the website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: RowanMusic by composer Jason Martin Castillo
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
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This week I welcome Susan Murphy. In her 70's, Susan is a testament that you are never too old to fly. She is an inspiration to aerialists everywhere proving what career longevity can really look like. As always the episode starts with how she began her aerial dance career (from the Mother of Aerial Dance, Terry Sendgraff herself!) and just how far both Susan and aerial have come. We move on to the twists and turns that led her husband, Don, to creating the carbon fiber trapeze bars he is known for as well as her love a poetry and performing aerial with spoken word. We discuss her teaching style as well the Laban method, what it is and how it changed her creative process. It has been a pleasure getting to know Susan while making this episode, I can only imagine how special it must be to work with her. If you are need of a dose of inspiration this is the episode for you! After listening you'll want to be sure to click the link below to see Susan's aerial and spoken word performance from her Arts and Humanities Award we discuss on the show! Enjoy!
SHOW NOTES:
For more about Susan and Marsh Studio visit https://themarshstudio.com/ Instagram @themarshstudio See Susan’s spoken word solo for Arts and Humanities Award here See couch piece for Pandemic performance, 2020 hereJoin in on the conversation:
On the website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: RowanMusic by composer Jason Martin Castillo
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
Joining me this week is professional aerialist, coach, choreographer, producer, and director, Veronica Blair; I could not be more excited! In addition to her amazing career, I wanted to have Veronica on because we share a passion for circus/aerial history. The episode begins with an overview of Veronica’s unique experience training with top masters in each of the disciplines she has undertaken and the perspectives they each brought. Including the fact that she was raised by clowns and the wildness that is UniverSoul Circus. (Side note we all so need to see this!) Then we dive into The Uncle Junior Project, an evolving documentary she launched in 2010, highlighting the long history of African-Americans in circus. We discuss the impetus for this project, obstacles she faced, and where it is now. We close with the creation of her latest film, The Crown, featuring African-American female performers. Be sure to check out the notes below for links to her website as well as for The Uncle Junior Project and to stream The Crown.
SHOW NOTES:
For more about Veronica visit her website: www.VeronicaBlairAerial.com For more about The Uncle Jr Project visit: https://www.unclejrproject.com/ To see The Crown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-pqinZTKqQ&ab_channel=VeronicaBlair Follow on Insta: @veronica_blair_aerialist @unclejrproject Follow on FB:https://www.facebook.com/VeBlair https://www.facebook.com/UncleJrProject/Join in on the conversation:
On the website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: RowanMusic by composer Jason Martin Castillo
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode of Aerial Evolution I have the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Poole, choreographer and aerial coach at National Circus School in Montreal. Among the topics Sarah and I discuss are circus vs aerial and why one goes to see them. Sarah brings with her an interesting dance perspective as well as an American turned Canadian one. Tune in to find out why she made the jump in both countries and careers.
SHOW NOTES:
Follow Sarah on Insta For more about the National circus school: https://ecolenationaledecirque.ca/enJoin in on the conversation:
On the website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: RowanMusic by composer Jason Martin Castillo
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode Lydia Lara is back to help me kick off Season 2 with a discussion of things we learned last season and what is left to cover. It’s a lot! One thing that became clear during recording this episode is this podcast isn’t going anywhere for a while. So be sure to subscribe to our mailing list www.aerialevolutionpod.com and reach out if you have any thoughts or comments about the show!
Aerial Evolution is funded through the kind support of you, the listeners, so if you are a fan and can afford a one time or monthly donation it is very much appreciated and 100% goes into keeping this going. There is a paypal donation button on the website. Thank you!
Aerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
SHOW NOTES:
For more about Lydia Lara: http://aerialconexions.com/ Instagram: @theaerialmermaid Facebook: @theaerialmermaidJoin in on the conversation:
On the website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: RowanMusic by composer Jason Martin Castillo
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this Season One Finale Episode of Aerial Evolution, Rowan and Jane have a conversation with Italian Vertical Dance choreographer and researcher Wanda Moretti. She shares her journey as the first dancer in Italy to have undertaken this particular art form and why as well as some of the larger global history including the influence of the Moon landing, her book about the history of Vertical Dance, Vertical Dance Pathways and her side passion researching how structured space influences human movements. Wanda explains her specialist technique, called Vertical Suspension Training, what goes into being a Vertical Dancer and her personal performance style in which space and movement merge in a single scene. One of her amazing projects they talk about is bringing Vertical Dance into the women’s prison system offering a rare opportunity for shared language, cooperation, and creativity! This episode is a must for any Vertical Dancer!
Great News! Aerial Evolution will be back for Season Two! So be sure to subscribe, follow us on social and on our website for details!
SHOW NOTES:
Wanda’s Vertical Dance Company: Il Posto www.ilposto.org Wanda’s Research: https://www.verticaldanceroutes.com Vertical Dance Network: http://www.verticaldancecompany.com Facebook: @wanda.moretti @ilpostodanzaverticale @verticaldancecentre Instagram: @wandamoretti2020 @ilpostodanzaverticale @verticaldancenetworkofficial @verticaldancecentreJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode of Aerial Evolution, Rowan and Jane have a conversation with New Zealand aerialist Deb Pope. Deb was one of the very first aerialists in London. In this episode she recounts what brought her to England, those scrappy early days, the massive obstacles they faced and just how far the artform has come. While Deb has had a thrilling and rewarding career that includes performing worldwide on some of the largest stages as well as avant garde ones, she now finds more fulfillment than ever through teaching. Deb’s career arc proves that it is possible to continue to surprise yourself, learn, evolve and share especially within this community.
SHOW NOTES:
For more about Deb and her company visit: http://www.awkwardproductions.co.nz/index.htmlJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode of Aerial Evolution, Rowan and Jane have a conversation with twins, Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion, founders of Nimble Arts and NECCA. This is a meaty episode so get cosy! It begins with discussions about Elsie and Serenity’s surprising introduction to circus and aerial and how that led to a lifelong career working with major companies including Ringling and Cirque du Soleil. They then dig into an impressive amount of US circus history, the shaping of aerial linguistics and the 2 types of aerial festivals, circus and dance. The episode closes with the foundation of their own circus school, the New England Center for Circus Arts and it’s evolution.
SHOW NOTES:
For more about NECCA and to apply for the teacher training program: https://www.necenterforcircusarts.org/ For more about Elsie and Serenity’s company Nimble Arts: http://nimblearts.org/ Insta @neccacircus FB For Serenity: @Serenity-Smith_Forchion and For Elsie: @GeminiTrapezeJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook both are @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode of Aerial Evolution, Rowan and Jane have a conversation with Melissa Colello. Melissa studied at Ecole Nationale de Cirque (ENC), where she was the first student to develop a dance trapeze act. After touring internationally with the aerial arts collective Les Arts Sauts, Melissa co-founded CirkVOST, a French aerial contemporary circus company. Her vast career is all encompassing including being an aerial choreographer and coach for major events and intimate shows such as the Sochi Olympic Games, MGM Macau, Luc Petit Creation, the Qing show, Cirque du Soleil. Her style varies just as much from German cabaret to traditional circus. She is now back in Montreal and working on creating an aerial festival.
Melissa reached out to us after listening to our first episode in which Lydia Lara mentioned wanting to know who the first person was to put a swivel on the trapeze, person found! This surprise guest was a delight to get to know and a welcome addition to our podcast.
SHOW NOTES:
Insta @melissa_colello www.cirkvost.euJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode of Aerial Evolution, Rowan and Jane have a conversation with Jane Osborn, circus artist and actress from Yorkshire England. Jane began her circus and aerial work in London in the late 80’s; an incredibly influential time and place for aerial/aerial dance and it’s evolution. In this episode, Jane shares her early influences, her transition to teaching and her role in the 2015 Guinness World Record performance with “An Act Above”. If you are interested in the history of aerial, you won't want to miss this in depth retrospection.
SHOW NOTES:
For more about Jane check out her website Insta @janeozborn Twitter @janeozborn BBC ident that was shown 2002-05 with Jane, Melissa and Michele. Roger Robinson Acrobat Productions Guinness World Record - 30 silks performers. Co-ordinated by "An Act Above" 2015 Jane performing Sax on Silks! Gerard Fasoli performing Chains Isabelle Vaudelle 1995 Cirque-Du DemainJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode of Aerial Evolution, Rowan and Jane have a conversation with Lindsey Butcher, the founder and artistic director of Gravity and Levity as well as the European Aerial Dance Festival. Lindsey shares beginning her aerial career in the 80’s and how her dance training influenced her artistic choices. You never know where or how people will impact your life; the formation of her company is a perfect example. One of the topics that continues to come up in these discussions is inclusivity. Lindsey offers a fresh perspective with the work she did for the Paralympics in 2012 and the Legacy Intensive hosted by Gravity and Levity in 2013. This inspiring conversation will invite you to think a little bit differently about the possible future of the aerial community and aerial dance.
SHOW NOTES:
To learn more about Lindsey’s symposium and aerial feastival and to stay in the loop sign up for her contact list on her website via www.gravity-levity.net Check out this inspiring video of the Paralympic Aerial Legacy Intensive Insta @gravitylevity Twitter @GravityLevity FB @gravityandlevityJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode of Aerial Evolution, Rowan and Jane have a conversation with Fred Deb', one of the pioneers of the aerial we know and love. This episode dives into Fred’s background starting with her graduation from the National Centre for Circus Arts in 1992, and how the work she and her fellow classmates did paved the way for our modern understanding of aerial arts. Fred also discusses the evolution of her performance and choreographic style, her teaching and training philosophy and so much more. Any lover of Aerial and Aerial Dance should not miss this episode!
SHOW NOTES:
For more about Fred Deb' visit her website: https://fred-deb.com/en/ See Woman in the Moon and other Performances here. Instagram: @_fred.deb_ Facebook: @fred.deb.14Join in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode of Aerial Evolution, Rowan and Jane have a conversation with Nancy Smith, the founder of Frequent Flyers in Boulder CO and the Boulder Aerial Dance Festival, the first aerial dance festival. Some things to look forward to from the in depth discussions in this episode are the US origins of Aerial Dance as related in Nancy’s book Aerial Dance, published in 2008 with Janye Bernasconi and the “Kids Who Fly” program, launched in 2001, for at risk youth in the community and to date have served over 6,500 kids! The history Nancy shares from her years of practice and dedicated research is profound. Buckle up and let’s dive in!
SHOW NOTES:
http://www.frequentflyers.org https://www.facebook.com/FrequentFlyersAerial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freqflyersJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
In this episode of Aerial Evolution, Rowan and Jane have a conversation with Chantal McCormick, founder of the Irish Aerial Dance Festival and Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre.
Though the discussion Chantal reveals how studying contact dance was a perfect launchpad into the aerial world, as well as the beginnings of Aerial Festivals in Europe, and government funding for the arts. This pivotal discussion on the early roots of aerial dance and the distinction between traditional and contemporary circus is not to be missed by any aerialists looking to be inspired (possibly enough to head to Ireland one summer)!
SHOW NOTES:
For more about Chantal McCormick and Fidget Feet visit: https://www.fidgetfeet.com Instagram, Facebook or Twitter Fidget Feet Promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLpn5pVvRLM SkyDance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inveKrSU_Wg Bingo Wings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCfhiofM6CUJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
This is Part Two of a two part series, in which Rowan and Jane have a conversation with Los Angeles based aerialist, Lydia Lara. In this episode they continue their discussion with Lydia’s apparatus preferences and the development of aerial equipment, how the black lives matter movement has impacted the aerial community, and so much more!
SHOW NOTES:
For more about Lydia Lara visit her website: http://aerialconexions.com/ instagram: @theaerialmermaid or facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaerialmermaidJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
Welcome to the first episode of Aerial Evolution! This is Part One of a two part series, in which Rowan and Jane have a conversation with Los Angeles based aerialist, Lydia Lara. They dig into details about Lydia’s personal aerial journey (how she first discovered aerial in a parking lot in Toronto!), things she learned about the history of aerial along the way, her experience of national and international dance festivals, perspectives on teaching and training and so much more!
SHOW NOTES:
For more about Lydia Lara visit her website: http://aerialconexions.com/ instagram: @theaerialmermaid facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaerialmermaidJoin in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
This mini episode is an introduction to Aerial Evolution and its co-hosts, Rowan Metzner and Jane Rose. In it they discuss how this podcast came to be and what it is all about.
For those finding us who may be unfamiliar with Aerial Arts, it is a type of practice or performance in which one or more artists perform dance or acrobatics while suspended in the air from a fabric, trapeze, hoop, rope, or other apparatus.
Join in on the conversation:
On our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod Or for more about: Rowan and JaneAerial Evolution is produced and edited by Rowan Metzner.
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support -
Launching Nov 10! Join hosts Rowan Metzner and Jane Rose as they discuss how aerial has evolved over the years and where it is going. Releasing every other Tuesday, they bring in influential guests for their perspectives on the origins as well as personal journeys to keep you inspired and hopefully a little more informed.
We look forward to going on this fascinating and ever evolving journey with you. Until next time!
For more visit our website: www.aerialevolutionpod.com, Instagram or Facebook @aerialevolutionpod
Or for more about: Rowan and Jane
Aerial Evolution is Produced and Edited by Rowan Metzner
Music by composer Jason Martin Castillo
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aerialevolution/support
