2018 American Circus Educators Conference

This presentation and discussion-based workshop will cover two main topics – the findings of recent thesis research on aerial training and the insights of the director of the studio that hosted this research. First, we will explore dynamics of community building and the cultivation/transmission of embodied knowledge in an aerial arts studio through an anthropological lens. Specifically, we present an analysis of Hollow Body as a significant exercise for conditioning and also socialization into the studio culture. Then we will engage experiences of the director as a supporter of the project, research participant, and her reflections on the findings.

Throughout this presentation we will go through some of the training movements/exercises that we discussed as significant. Having contextualized executing and instructing Hollow Body as a resource to the culture of this aerial arts studio, we invite reflection into how these foundational exercises may be meaningful in your studios and practices. We will invite discussion on these exercises and how hosting/supporting research can promote new insights.

This workshop is open to anyone who is interested in exploring the ways students and teachers establish training practices and build community through experiencing shared understandings of movement. We especially encourage studio directors and instructors who are curious about hosting and participating in academic research to attend.

Joanie has gained useful insights from this project and continues to seek opportunities for research partnerships with Northern Arizona University; kevin has written and presented extensively on this topic in academic forums and is excited to share their research directly with circus educators.