Aerial Performance at Edge Hill University

What is aerial performance?

Aerial performance has many different faces. From traditional circus skills such as hoop, silks, tissue and trapeze, to various techniques using rope and harness allowing vertical dance or ground to air movement.

Used increasingly around the world, from openings of Olympic ceremonies to finale events for corporate companies, the aerial genre is performance that transcends theatres. Its potential, still relatively untapped, aerial performance has reached an exciting stage of its evolution as people consider and acknowledge the range of possibilities it affords for the dance genre as a whole.

How can I study aerial performance?

Edge Hill University offers an aerial performance module for second and third year undergraduates on a number of Performing Arts degrees. Unique to Edge Hill University, the module is the first of its kind - offering not just a comprehensive overview of both the history and current influences within the genre, but also a thorough grounding in the physical conditioning, safety aspects, and most beneficial practices that will enable students a richer understanding of this most exciting field of dance.

Studying at Edge Hill enables you to learn aerial performance in a safe environment, with top class teachers, specialist aerial equipment, and truly have a one off experience learning bungee-assisted dance from the creators of the technique.

What will studying aerial performance involve?

The year 2 aerial performance module throws you directly into the technique, focussing on rope and harness work and the prerequisite body conditioning relating to it - along with the fundamental study of the history of, and modern applications of the skill set. You'll learn how true mastery of aerial performance is rooted in an understanding much deeper than the purely physical; it is biological, intellectual and emotional.

As a year 3 student you can can look forward to a further development of your technical ability in not just rope and harness but also a variety of circus apparatus; a greater understanding of the dance industry and aerial performance’s place within it; and the chance to develop your own aerial choreography.

On completion of the module, you will find you have benefitted greatly from not only a vastly broadened skill base in addition to that of a standard dance student, but also from training to a higher level of aerobic and anaerobic fitness - something that is perhaps sometimes lacking in a pure dancer.

Who will be teaching me?

One of the most exciting elements of the aerial performance module is undoubtedly the unique opportunity to study with one of the world’s foremost experts in this field and creators of bungee-assisted dance, Wired Aerial Theatre.

Pioneers of their genre, and an almighty force for development and innovation, they advocate a performance method which has the ability to play with the audience’s perception, subtly urging them to see the form of a suspended body, rather than a dancer dangling from a rope; and they communicate the infinite possibilities of this art form to their peers, their audience, and the industry.

Based in the heart of Liverpool, Wired are world renowned experts in aerial consultation and their hugely entertaining, gasp-worthy productions have combined everything from contemporary dance and physical theatre to flying, gymnastics and climbing. You'll benefit from their direct mentoring, along with their expert technical and artistic advice. Their professional awareness of every component element of this art form means they provide a rich, multi-faceted learning experience.