Colorado Aerial Arts Summit
March 28-30, 2025
Boulder Circus Center
Here you can find the information on the individual workshops being offered at the 2025 Colorado Aerial Arts Summit. You’ll see the title of the workshop along with the instructor, the main apparatus, the level, the day, time, and studio. Click on the package or individual workshop for additional information and the “add to cart” button to purchase.
You can register for the workshops individually or purchase one of the packages.
Who is this for? Ages 14 - Adult who have at least 3 months of aerial arts experience. Please read the descriptions carefully to make sure that you have the pre-requisites that the instructor requires to participate.
Levels:
ALL LEVELS - minimum of 3 months of aerial experience, can easily get on & off aerial apparatus, can invert, and know the basic vocabulary of at least 1 aerial discipline.
INTERMEDIATE + - at least 1 year experience on at least 1 aerial apparatus, can easily invert, climb, and be in the air for at least 2 minutes, and know how to keep yourself safe & know your strengths as well as your limits.
ADVANCED + - at least 2 years of aerial experience, ideally on a variety of apparatus. You may simply be an advanced recreational student at your local studio, or a semi-pro or professional performer &/or instructor. More complete pre-requisites for each class are generally listed in the workshop description. If in doubt, please reach out to the instructor. There is a link to their social media in their bio section.
Location: All workshops are at the Boulder Circus Center, 4747 N 26th St, Boulder CO 80301
TH - Theatre side of the main studio, 18’ high
AC - Aerial Corridor side of the main studio, 20’, 23’ & 26’ high
UP - Upstairs Trixie Room, 14’ & 16’ high
The BCC & Registration for Each Day opens at 9:30am. Please arrive at least :15 before the start time of your first class to do any paperwork, check in and peruse the vendor booths in the Workshop Studio!
This is an IN PERSON event. All workshops & Friday evening Showcase are in PERSON
at the Boulder Circus Center. There is no online or virtual option.
CAAS Showcase
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm
@ BCC 4747 N 26th St Boulder CO 80301
Includes the 2024 CAAS Instructors! All profits go directly to the artists! Tickets will be available in March.
Packages
(4) 1.5 hour workshops & access to vendor booths
CHOOSE specific workshops upon checkout
(6) 1.5 hour workshops & access to vendor booths
CHOOSE specific workshops upon checkout
(8) 1.5 hour workshops & access to vendor booths
CHOOSE specific workshops upon checkout
Saturday March 29, 2025 Workshops
Sling - All Levels
Saturday 10a-1130a (TH)
This workshop is all about the plot twist...on sling that is! In this workshop we will focus on taking your sling choreography to the next level with some transitions that will leave the audience going "Wait, how did they get there?" This is a sequencing workshop focusing on my favorite clever transitions from wrap to wrap. We will cover some foundational sling theory to help us understand how these transitions work and then go over some transitions that feel and look like magic. Lastly we will look at some example sequencing that utilizes these transitions!
Prerequisites: Some sling experience is recommended; feeling comfortable spending a few minutes in the air at a time and some familiarity with seated straddle, half-seated straddle, straddle back, single knee hang with x wrap, seatbelt, and x-back.
Silks - Intermediate
Saturday 10a-1130a (AC)
Ask any aerialist, and they'll tell you: everything leads to belay. This workshop dives into the endless possibilities of this iconic silk wrap. From classic setups to creative entries, you’ll refine your technique, expand your repertoire, and unlock the secret to effortlessly navigating the belay’s twists and turns.
It’s a day of focus, flow, and the kind of fabric magic that makes aerial silks so addictively fun. You’ll leave with tired arms, a full brain, and the satisfying realization that yes, belay really is the answer to everything.
Prerequisites: Basic aerial silk theory, able to climb, invert, comfortable spending a few minutes in the air at a time, and an appreciation for the elegance of a well-tied knot.
Straps - All Levels
SATURDAY 10a-1130a (UP)
Straps 101: Flags, Flares, and Fitness
Ever wanted to try aerial straps? This is your chance! We will cover drills, progressions, and conditioning for the most fundamental and iconic straps skills, including inversions, meathooks, reverse meathooks (a.k.a. flags), spinning, and flares. All students welcome - no previous aerial or straps experience necessary.
LYRA - Intermediate
Saturday 12p-130p (TH)
This dynamic lyra workshop is designed for students looking to better understand dynamic movement and how it is applied to performing skills like hip circles, mill circles, and simple drops. We will pick apart the anatomy of a beat, and how to harness moments of "lift" to execute gravity-defying movements.
Level: intermediate. Pre-reqs: Ability to invert in the air. Comfortable hanging from straight arms overhead.
Multi-Corde level TBD
Saturday 12p-130p (AC)
The multi-corde is an interesting crossover apparatus between silks and rope that has unique textural elements when in motion and in wraps. It has also unique invented apparatus elements that we will dive into in this workshop! We will go over the basics for multi-corde and explore its possibilities in sequences, dynamic movements, and rolls. Some experience with vertical apparatus is encouraged for this workshop as there will be some theory discussion and skill exploration that involves being able to invert in the air. There will be some time for free play and exploration as well as different rigging setups to experience.
The choreography taught in this workshop focuses on the concepts of roll ups, roll downs, and balances. There will be several different styles of roll ups and downs to explore so there is no prerequisite to have a single coil roll up (but there will be an extra choreographic option for you if you do!). Balances covered will include split balances and hand balances.
Silks - ALL Levels
Saturday 12p-130p (UP)
Strike a Pose - get your vogue on!
We’ll identify & play with some common & unique wraps that lend to ultimate shape-making opportunities. From the simple to the complex, get ready to explore with the inherently beautiful aerial silks. We’ll identify the shapes we gravitate toward as individuals as well as our personal preferences for aesthetics. We can’t all contort, but we can focus on incorporating the shapes our bodies like to make & look good making into our movement practice!
Level: ALL (beginner & beyond)
Prerequisites: None.
Sling - All levels
Saturday 2-330p (TH)
Sling Theory: The Only 3 Wraps You Need to Know
In this workshop we will identify the foundational sling wraps and how they connect with each other. We will follow a simple flow chart that Anastasia created that categorizes most sling skills and move through them to understand how they transition from one to another. There will be both lecture and practice in this workshop and some sequences will be provided to illustrate points and help remember concepts!
Prerequisites: Some sling experience is recommended; feeling comfortable spending a few minutes in the air at a time and some familiarity with seated straddle, half-seated straddle, straddle back, single knee hang with x wrap, seatbelt, and x-back.
Fabric & Corde Lisse - Intermediate - Advanced
Saturday 2p - 330p (AC)
This workshop is geared towards the upper intermediate/advanced vertical aerial practitioner who has interest in beats and momentum movement.Specifically, we will be exploring how to translate break beats (hip hop beats), window beats, pike beats, scissor beats and others into moves utilizing split silk theory, in addition to adding momentum to these movements. There will be a brief review of beats at the beginning of class, so no experience is necessary, but coming prepared with some prior practice in beats and momentum will help the attendees get the most out of this class.
Silks - Advanced Beginner to Intermediate level
Saturday 2p-330p (UP)
This workshop is for students looking to expand their personal skill library of splits on silks! (Flat split NOT required to take this class). You’ll learn some classic split shapes in different planes from various wraps and set ups.
Pre-reqs: Crossback straddle, footlocks, ability to climb the fabric comfortably.
INVENTED APPARATUS - ALL LEVELS
Saturday 4p-530p (TH)
Invented apparatus' unleash unique and creative visual elements, while inspiring new pathways of movement. They tell stories, set the scene, and give life to characters. Jill and Cressie have been reimagining this art form on invented apparatus' for over 20 combined years. They will share sequences that explore the shapes and space provided by unusual objects as well as some of the lessons learned when designing invented apparatus from scratch. Participants will get to play on several creations by VVolfy metalworks, a national expert in invented apparatus fabrication.
Silks Intermediate - advanced
Saturday 4p-530p (AC)
‘S’ and ‘Z’ Wrap Theory and Sequencing on Fabric and Rope That’s a Wrap…but which one?
Get ready to get nerdy…this workshop delves into the theory of s-wraps and z-wraps (or u-locks). Learn the in’s and out’s, pathways, and utility of these fundamental wraps…creative and fun sequencing included. This class is good for most levels, even if you already know your s-wrap. Attendees should be able to invert multiple times in the air and remain up for 1-2 minutes at a time.
Ground & Silks - ALL Levels
Saturday 4p-530p (UP)
What’s the difference between 3rd and 5th position? You know how to eat fondu but not how to dance it. A pas de bour-what now? In this workshop, we’ll break down all the ballet basics into bite-sized pieces. Using aerial silks as our barre, you’ll learn basic standing and arm positions, explore typical barre exercises with the added support and challenge of silks, and work on across-the-floor movements and phrase work. These skills will not only help you feel confident walking into any dance class but will also improve your aerial technique by building strength, control, and awareness both on the ground and in the air.
Sunday March 30, 2025 Workshops
Dance Trapeze - Intermediate to Advanced
Sunday 10a - 1130a (TH)
This 90-minute workshop guides the student in threading in, on, and around the trapeze. We will move through different planes on and around the bar and retrace our steps. This workshop is for folks who are interested in establishing a connection with unconventional pathways and unlocking their potential.
Aerial Straps - All Levels
SUNDAY 10a-1130a (AC)
Are your pecs, triceps, and other pushing muscles feeling neglected? They won't be after this workshop! Instead of hanging on our apparatus from below, we will be pushing down on it from above. We will cover the basic support position, variations of the basic position, entrances and exits, shoulderstand, back and front balance, and off-apparatus drills. No straps or other aerial experience necessary. Wrist and forearm coverage (e.g., long sleeves) recommended if you are new to straps.
Silks/Straps - continuing Beginner to Intermediate Level
Sunday 10a-1130a (UP)
This workshop is designed for students aiming to achieve a straight arm, straight leg invert or refine their existing form. We will explore the anatomy and kinesiology behind the movement, discussing the theory and techniques that contribute to proper execution. Participants will learn how to develop a personalized conditioning routine tailored to their needs. Through a series of targeted exercises, students will work towards their goal, with individualized feedback and adjustments provided by the instructor to ensure optimal progress and form.
Pre-Req’s: Student must be able to invert (bent arm, bent leg) and hold themselves inverted.
Silks - Advanced beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
Sunday 12p - 130p (TH)
Have you ever been watching a beautiful, flowy, lyrical silks act, and then, all of a sudden, out of the blue, there is a violent flurry of the artist attacking the silks to make themselves spin? And then they go back to being smooth & flowy. Honestly, it hurts my brain to see this jarring movement in the middle of an otherwise gorgeous silks act. With your help we can change the world!
Come & learn how to spin on the silks smoothly. We’ll practice on axis & off axis spinning in a variety of upright and upside down poses. How to move through poses while spinning and momentum moves that can get you spinning.
Pre-req’s: must be able to spin, climb, do hip key, footlocks & inversions in the air
Duo Trapeze - Intermediate Level
SUNDAY 12p-130p (AC)
We'll explore some of our favorite twisting, spinning, flipping, rolling, spiraling, cart-wheeling & pirouetting moves on the Doubles Trapeze. Bring a partner or join solo & we’ll pair you up! New to trapeze? No problem, we’ll show you the ropes! If you’re new to partnering, you’re about to break the fun barrier! You seasoned duos, we’ve got some extra challenges for you too!
No partner needed! No Trapeze or partnering experience required!
Pre-Reqs: ability to invert in the air unassisted
Level: Intermediate aerialist (ideally 1+ year aerial experience),
Duos: open to partners of all levels (new duos & seasoned pairs)
Lyra - Advanced Beginner - Advanced
Sunday 12p-130p (TH)
Ready to feel like you're dancing in the air rather than working on tricks? Ready to dive into dance theory and clean up your technique? This workshop combines inspiration from ground dance styles like contemporary dance, ballet, and Sufi dance with aerial dance to create sequences that are smooth and buttery. Lyras are set low to integrate working with the earth as a part of your dance and foster different ways of relating to dancing with a lyra.
Variety Apparatus - All Levels
Sunday 2p-330p (TH)
Rediscover your creativity and break free from old patterns! This workshop uses prompts, games, and improv to transform your go-to skills into something fresh and exciting. With a variety of apparatuses available, you’ll explore new transitions, shapes, and ideas, opening up pathways for inspired movement and creative flow. Perfect for aerialists ready to think outside the box and breathe new life into their practice!
Silks & Rope - Intermediate to Advanced
Sunday 2p-330p
Open Drops on Fabric & Corde Lisse
Open drops are thrilling to both execute and to watch, but can be intimidating to learn. Fear no more! This class is a great introduction for those participants wanting to start their journey into open drops. We will learn about the physical prerequisites necessary to safely execute these drops, conditioning exercises to help train them, and the movement theory involved in their proper execution.
Pre-Req’s: Though no prior rope experience is required, attendees should have a solid grasp of vocabulary on vertical apparatus, including single and double star, and be comfortable inverting multiple times and being in the air for several minutes.
Non-aerial - all Levels
Sunday 2p-330p (UP)
Expand your aerial dance artistry by integrating ground flow. We'll break down movement theory to create unique shapes, fluid transitions, and hypnotic dance illusions. You may be surprised how the theory we work on on the ground can show up in the air as well!
*knee pads and shoulder covering recommended
Single Point Trapeze - ALL Levels
Sunday 4p-530p (TH)
Swinging on a single point trapeze allows the flyer to pivot directions at the apex, while creating different shapes with the body to drive the momentum. In this 90 minute workshop we will explore the foundations of swinging on a single point trapeze. Each student will learn the basics needed to execute a clean and efficient swing, working their way up to more advanced variations, as time permits. Students can expect to reach heights of up to 10 + feet when executing an efficient swing. Join Cressie Mae for 90 minutes of flight time and a whole lot of fun!
SWINGING PRE-REQS : Able to hang from two arms for an extended period of time. Comfortable with heights and speed.
Fabric - Level Intermediate - Advanced
SUNDAY 4p-530p (AC)
Grab a friend and get vertical! This is a partnering workshop for two people on one fabric. We will safely explore partnering concepts such as weight-sharing, vertical and horizontal mirroring, climbs, basing and flying, and even drops. Some past experience with aerial partnering will be helpful, but not necessary. Two people on one fabric is hard work…attendees must feel comfortable with inversions, dead hangs, and being in the air for a few minutes at a time.
EMAIL TO ORDER Cathy@aircat.net
Round zippered bag designed specifically for a coiled aerial rope or corde lisse for easy carrying, organization, & storage. Fits 25’-33’ rope
Colors: Purple, Black, Navy
Size: Small or Large
Options: 1. Base Bag, 2. add shoulder strap OR backpack straps 3. ADD both shoulder strap AND backpack straps
Features
Outside zippered pouch for phone
Carrying handles
Optional Shoulder strap &/or Back pack straps
Sturdy #10 zipper
Made in the USA
Orders placed by February 1, 2025 will be available for pick up at the Denver Rope Meeting Feb 15 at the Boulder Circus Center.
Orders placed by March 1, 2025 will be available for pick up at CAAS March 29 at the Boulder Circus Center.
Pricing:
Base Bag includes outside phone pocket & 2 handles on top - $139
Base Bag with Padded Shoulder Strap OR Back pack straps - $179
Base Bag with Padded Shoulder Strap AND Back pack straps - $229
Plus tax & shipping
EMAIL TO ORDER Cathy@aircat.net
include size, color, add-ons, name, address, phone, email, ship or pick up
I will email you a QuickBooks invoice for payment.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER! - CATHY
(3) 1.5 hour workshops & access to vendor booths
CHOOSE specific workshops upon checkout