Aerial Nerd Conference 2020

All times are listed in MST. When you go to register, our online system will list the times in your preferred time zone. For help on converting to your time zones, you can use this handy website: www.thetimezoneconverter.com/
The following two workshops are FREE & Open to the Public to Join us over Zoom:

"What the Heck is Aerial Taxonomy?"
by Rebekah Leach
Thursday Oct 1, 2020  |  10:30am - 11:30am

"Cultivating a Mindset for Aerial Theory"
​by Rebekah Leach
Thursday Oct 8, 2020  | 10:30am - 11:30am

​

The following events are FREE but only open to participants who take conference workshops:
​
Theory Jam - Create & Share!
Saturday Oct 3  | 5:30pm - 7pm  MST
Saturday Oct 10  |  5:30pm - 7pm MST 

Look for the link to be sent to you after you register for workshops to attend the Theory Jams!
__________________________________________


PRICING FOR WORKSHOPS (other than the FREE ones!)
One Workshop |  $40
Two Workshops | $35/workshop
Three Workshops | $30/workshop
Four Workshops | $25/workshop
Five Workshops or More!  | $22/workshop
UNLIMITED, All-inclusive Pass | $400  for everything!
The unlimited pass also includes online strength and flexibility classes in the weeks leading up to the conference.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS & PREREQUISITES

Please read the prerequisites carefully and if you have any questions about any of them, don't hesitate to email [email protected].  

All times listed are in Mountain Standard Time (MST) as we are broadcasting from Colorado, USA. 

​_______________________________________________________________________________________

WEEKEND 1
Thursday, Oct 1, 2020
10:30am - 11:30am | FREE "What the heck is Aerial Taxonomy?"
ENROLL HERE
Apparatus: All
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: This is a great introduction to the whole conference. Rebekah will discuss what her goals are, how she frames aerial vocabulary around the topic of "aerial theory" and will invite discussion on the topic. 
Prerequisites: Be interested in the topic! It most definitely makes waay more sense if you actually do the sport of aerial acrobatics. Rope, sling, and fabric are the most complicated on terms of the weaving possibilities, and therefore will be heavily emphasized throughout the conference. However, we will touch on other apparatuses as well. 
              
12:30pm - 2:30pm  | Sling Taxonomy 101: BASE WRAPS OF SLING 
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Sling
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: This mini-course covers the prerequisites for all the rest of the sling taxonomy courses by Rebekah Leach. This course was developed after Rebekah gave several workshops and realized that a workshop just to get on the same page with names, terms, etc would be really helpful! So, this is it!    The major vocabulary covered will be: seatbelt, catcher's, body wrap, crossback straddle, hip corset and knee corset.  This workshop will start working on various entries so that you can understand how each wrap is built.
Prerequisites: Be at an intermediate or above level on sling. Be able to invert and have at least one year's experience on sling which has built a solid base of vocabulary. 

5:00pm - 6:30pm  | Fabric Taxonomy 101: BASE WRAPS OF FABRIC  
ENROLL ONLINE 
Apparatus: Fabric
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: This course will help make sure that you understand the terminology that will be used in all future fabric taxonomy courses. The major vocabulary that will be covered will be: same-side wrap (catcher's), opposite-side wrap (catcher's), hip key, hip hitch, thigh hitch, knee lock, thigh lock, outside hip hitch, s-wrap, z-wrap, double catcher's, knee tangle, crossback straddle and others.  We will start to understand the basic building blocks and common denominators for all aerial fabric skills. We will discuss the webs that we will start to weave as we give an overview of how every skill is connected! 
Prerequisites: Must be at an intermediate or advanced level on fabric. Must know 90% of the terms on the list already. 

7:00pm - 9pm  | Conceptual Choreography WORKSHOP
ENROLL ONLINE 
Apparatus: Double Tabbed Hoop
Instructor: Dream Frohe
Description: When creating choreo, there are key concepts Dream returns to over and over in order to create flow, contrast and specific energy in my work. In this workshop, you’ll explore these concepts by learning sequences and creating new ones. Students will work with continued direction, reversal, momentum and more, in order to aid in the development of unique and satisfying movement pathways.
Prerequisites: In order to participate in this workshop, students should be able to invert comfortably in the air and do 2 minutes of choreography in sequence, without coming to the ground.

Friday, Oct 2, 2020
10am - 12pm  | Sling Taxonomy 102: ACTIONS OF SLING  
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Sling
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: Similar to Sling Taxonomy 101, this course is also based on building the same language of sling. The focus in the 101 workshop is to build "base position" vocabulary. Here in the 102 workshop, the focus is to build the language for talking about transitions and "actions" that we can do to, from, or between base positions. Some major transitions we will discuss (with cool examples!) are: knee hooks, threading, slicing, rolling and more.
Prerequisites: Have taken Sling Taxonomy 101 or already have established the following vocabulary on sling -- catcher's, seatbelt, body wrap, hip corset, hip key and side back balance.

12:30pm - 2:30pm  | Sling Taxonomy 103: SEATBELT THEORY
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Sling
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: This mini-course will focus on breaking down seatbelt, understanding its components and then this will lead to the creation of various entries and exits for seatbelt. Within this concept includes various entries for half-seatbelt. This course will be non-stop brain-blowing entries and connections. (Every time this workshop is given, a brand new entry is revealed at the workshop!)
Prerequisites: Understanding of seatbelt. Know what it is and at least two entries already. Be able to easily invert and try lots of new things (know your body). 

6pm - 8pm | Fabric Taxonomy 102: ACTIONS OF FABRIC
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Fabric
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: This mini-course will be overview of all the major actions in aerial fabric. For future courses, it will be important to understand a variety of options at each junction. Some of the transitions that we will cover here include knee hooks, slicing, tail swaps, tail switches, pole swaps, threading, rolling and grip options. We will discuss the concept of "equivalencies" and complete brainstorming sessions on that topic.
Prerequisites: Know the following skills and many more: catcher's, OS wrap, s-wrap, z-wrap, double catcher's, hip key, hip hitch, outside hip hitch, crossback straddle, knee tangle, and a belay. (Note: We cover these in Fabric Taxonomy 101.)

 Saturday, Oct 3, 2020
 10am - 12pm  | Sling Taxonomy 104: BODY WRAP THEORY
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Sling
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: This mini-course will focus on understanding how the hip corset wrap is built and taken apart. Body wrap is a part of this process.  Entries and exits will be a part of this study. 
Prerequisites: Already know body wrap and hip corset and know at least one entry into either. (Note: This is covered in Sling Taxonomy 101.)

12:30pm - 2:30pm  | Fabric Taxonomy 103: HITCH THEORY 
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Fabric
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: Hitches are the main wrap that builds nearly every other wrap in fabric or rope! This mini-course will be overview of all the major hitches in aerial. We will cover inside and outside hitches, headside and feetside hitches. We will focus heavily on thigh hitches and waist hitches. Hitches lead to the ability to roll and so we will also address u-locks and rolling as well. 
Prerequisites: You need to already have plenty of experience with hip hitches. Know a few and how to get in and out of them. Must be intermediate-advanced aerialist. 

3pm - 5pm  | Nonstop Hip Hops! 
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Rope (or Fabric)
Instructor: Molly Graves
Description: As an anthropologist-turned-aerialist, Molly finds herself drawn to all things “betwixt and between.” Hip hops, back steps, break beats — whatever you call them, these twisting tricksters are cross-body transition tools of the highest order! In this workshop we will demystify and explore the world of hip hops — as direct paths to front and back balance, assisted meathooks, gateways to side planche variations… you might even call them the “angels” of the vertical world! (…think trapeze vocab here!) Whether inside or out, towards or away, same side or opposite, I say, “hip hop hurray!”
Prerequisites: Students should have a regular practice on rope or fabric; familiar with hip keys, able to do 2-3 pull ups & invert with confidence in the air. Experience with basic beats is helpful. 

5:30pm - 7pm  | Theory Jam -- All Conference Participants welcome for free. Share what you learned over the course of the event and work out some fun aerial mad libs together.  This event is ONLINE with the option to use the local studio to participate. 

_________________________________________________

​WEEKEND 2
Thursday, Oct 8, 2020
10:30am - 11:30am  | FREE Online Event = "Creating the Mindset Geared for Theory for Yourself & Your Students"
ENROLL ONLINE
Apparatus: All
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: This workshop is especially great for teachers who are interested in integrating more theory-style of teaching. In this workshop, Rebekah will share her approaches that she uses that can be replicated in your own research or with group-settings. 
Prerequisites: Be an aerialist who is interested in learning more about theory. Helps to have a minimum of 2-3 years background in aerial with a large vocabulary. 

12:30pm - 2:30pm | Fabric (& Sling!) Taxonomy 201: THEORY OF CROSSINGS
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Fabric & Sling (pick your favorite to experiment on or just take notes)
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: When something is "crossed", it often leads to some confusion with picking which silk for the next action. We are going to dissect crossings, look at a new way to frame them, and uncover the secrets of crossback straddle, double catcher's, belay and more! This workshop will be very heavy on theory (less on doing) and will use both a fabric and a sling. We will discuss the unique cross-overs between the two apparatuses that help us learn every more about each one. 
Prerequisites: Be able to perform at least two entries to crossback straddle, belay and double catchers. Be vaguely familiar with sling. 

5pm - 6:30pm | Sling Taxonomy 200: The TWO HALF-WORLDS OF SLING
ENROLL ONLINE 
Apparatus: Sling
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: Anytime you create a crossing in sling, you are in one of two worlds -- seatbelt or catcher's. This workshop explores what that means, its ramifications and will start to reveal possibilities that were hiding that you didn't realize were right around the corner but they are now popping out at you!
Prerequisites: You need to have a very solid understanding of seatbelt and catcher's. Other vocabulary will only increase your understanding of the material. 

7:15pm - 9pm  | Aerial Inversion Clinic 
ENROLL ONLINE 
Apparatus: No apparatus required. Props: (not required but helpful) Pull up bar, therabands, swiss ball, yoga block 
Instructor: Michele Frances
Description: Getting upside down in an inversion/straddle is one of the earliest, and hardest physical challenges in aerial work. These challenges just increase in difficulty as we progress from the ground to air, and from bent knees/arms to straight arm/legs. This inversion clinic will focus on the individual participants' current levels, with the goal of the workshop being for each student to finish with several drills appropriate for their current progressions. (Please consider messaging Michele with a video or note describing your current inversion practice in advance!)
Prerequisites: All levels welcome. Please message Michele Frances at [email protected] with your current level of training inversions (a video is helpful, but not required). Are you still getting off the ground or are you working on straight arm/single arm inversions? 



Friday, Oct 9, 2020
10am - 12pm  | Fabric Taxonomy 203: SLICING & SWAPPING THEORY
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Fabric
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: This course will make the connections between every possibility that we can do in hip key land. It will take full advantage of having split silks and you will start to be able to read equivalencies between single-fabric and two-silks transitions. Bring your pens & paper as we will sketch a wonderful web with all the beautiful symmetry that fabric has to offer.
Prerequisites: You must be able to execute the following skills on repeat -- hip key, hip hitch, thigh lock, knee lock.

12:30pm - 2:30pm | Creative Hoop Sequencing
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Hoop
Instructor: Sofia Rodriquez
Description: Come learn creative sequencing and transitions on the hoop. We will explore different ways to thread simple moves together making a sequence uniquely yours!
Prerequisites: Can safely tuck-mount (bottom and top bar) and pull-over (bottom bar), Can rotate from sitting to hip hang and retrograde. Must feel comfortable safely exploring the hoop 


3pm - 4:30pm | An Aerialist's Guide to Rigging at Home
ENROLL ONLINE 
Apparatus: NONE, have a pen and paper handy to take notes!
Instructor: Bill Auld
Description: With the current state of the world, rigging from home has become the "new normal" for countless aerialists. But it is often hard to get answers and information about what you should be aware of and what you should be doing. Join this class for an introduction to safe rigging practices for your home and life. Presented by a longtime circus rigger and educator Bill Auld, this class will focus on the basic math behind the forces aerialists can generate, and how to translate those numbers into real world products. Also time will be set aside for direct questions from the participants on any topic or concern you may have.
Prerequisites: None


6pm - 8pm  | Sling Taxonomy 202: THE TWO-WAY PROPERTY OF SLING
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Sling
Instructor: Rebekah Leach
Description: Sling has the very unique property of being able to go "two ways" no matter where you are and what the transition. Rebekah refers to this as the "two-way property" of sling. Come dive into this deeper and explore some examples in action. This course is an overview of the concept with lots of fun examples and applications.
Prerequisites: You must be very clear on having lots of entries to seatbelt, body wrap and hip corset. You must a large vocabulary on sling. It helps immensely if you took Sling Taxonomy 102, which covers all the major actions of sling. We will put them all to use in this workshop!

Saturday, Oct 10, 2020
10am - 12pm  | Functional Aerial Anatomy 
ENROLL ONLINE  
Instructor: Michele Frances
Description: Gain a deeper understanding of shoulder anatomy and biomechanics as it relates to aerial work from Physical Therapist, and Aerial Coach Michele Frances. This workshop will focus on the general muscular and skeletal anatomy of the shoulder girdle, as well as kinesiology of scapular rhythm and timing- and WHY IT IS ALL SO IMPORTANT for aerialists. Learn some new cues for hanging form that just might give you a whole new view on "engagement" of the shoulders and core.  
Prerequisites: All levels are welcome, no props or material required.

12:30pm - 2:30pm  | Spice Up Your Quality of Movement ​
ENROLL ONLINE | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Hoop
Instructor: Dream Frohe
Description: In this workshop, we will take a basic sequence and find ways to add flow, self expression and overall pizazz. Through a series of exercises, students will explore ways to shape and hone the way they move through skills in order to embody different feelings, characters or just highlight their own unique skill set. We'll also examine some of the ways that changing how one moves can draw an audience in and make a sequence more compelling to watch.
Prerequisites: In order to participate in this workshop students should be comfortable doing up 2 minutes of intermediate-advanced vocabulary, in sequence.

3pm - 5pm  | Slack Drag Fever!
ENROLL ONLINE  | ENROLL IN-PERSON
Apparatus: Rope (or Fabric)
Instructor: Molly Graves
Description: We are all creatures of habit. Certain skills are repeated so frequently in our aerial world that arriving at the same place by another means can be downright mind-boggling! In this workshop we will deconstruct the simple act of hooking a knee to uncover hidden portholes and sneaky shortcuts through techniques such as “slack drags” (a term coined by Rain Anya & Sarah Bebe Holmes of Paper Doll Militia), jump throughs, semi-releases and zipper pops.
Prerequisites:  Students should have a regular practice on rope or fabric; familiar with hip keys, able to do 2-3 pull ups & invert with confidence in the air. Experience with basic beats is helpful. 


​
5:30pm - 7pm  | Theory Jam -- All Conference Participants welcome for free. Work on some brain teasers or aerial puzzles. You'll never know what'll happen! This event is ONLINE with the option to use the local studio to participate. 
​​