THE4171C - Introduction to Aerial Arts

Course Description

Take Flight!

Introduction to Aerial Arts offers an introduction to aerial fabrics (aerial sling and aerial silks) and bar apparatuses (lyra and dance trapeze). Designed for learners with a wide range of backgrounds—from those who have experience in movement-based forms like dance or gymnastics to those who are completely new to this kind of artform—this in-person course provides foundational instruction for aerial arts practice. The course emphasizes movement competency as the basis for skill progression and features learner-centered instruction. The course offers students the opportunity to learn aerial practice within a structured curriculum from aerialists with over two decades of combined experience. 

Taught by Shelby McCahon, a Gem State Flyer, aerialist, and Sarah Fogarty-Morrison, a Gem State Flyer, aerialist, and Associate Professor in Theatre Arts. Whether you're hoping to find a more fun way to work out, have dreams of joining the circus, or just want to try something new, this foundational course is a perfect first step.

Who Should Take This Course

• Adults (18+) looking to try a new form of movement and exercise.
• No prior experience is required!
• Participants who have previous experience in aerial arts will continue to build on the skills they have developed and learn new skills.
• Artists who are interested in expanding to try different forms of movement practice.

What You’ll Gain

• A foundational knowledge of industry-standard rigging practice for aerial arts sufficient to inspect a rigging setup (but not to serve as a rigger nor to rig your own apparatus at home).
• Skills in fabric- and bar-based apparatuses (aerial sling, silks, lyra, and trapeze).
• Strength and conditioning experience specific to aerial arts training.

Format & Requirements

• The course meets in the Hartung Theatre on Tuesdays from 7:30am-9:20am from September 1st until November 3rd.  There will be (2) Tuesdays where class will not meet due to scheduled performances in the Hartung Theatre.   
• Beginner-friendly format, no experience in aerial arts or movement practice is required.
• Participants must be ready for physical movement each class period.
• Learners will need to wear aerial arts specific clothing to participate in the course. This includes leggings or joggers with no buttons, zippers, or sharp embellishments; and a short-sleeved full-length top with no buttons, zippers, or sharp embellishments. All jewelry that can be removed will need to be removed (including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc.). Nails must be kept short or filed rounded if long. Socks are optional. Learners may wish to have grippy, Pilates-style socks but these are not required.

About the Instructors

Shelby McCahon is an aerialist from Alaska. She has trained and performed dozens of acts on silks, sling, lyra, and straps. Shelby has been teaching aerial for 9 years at universities and professional studios and is a co-founder of both the UI Aerial Arts Club and the Gem State Flyers performance troupe. She currently works at the University of Idaho as a research associate studying shorebird ecology. Shelby will teach aerial silks and sling as part of this course.

Sarah Fogarty-Morrison (Campbell) is an Associate Professor of Theatre History, Theory, and Literature in the University of Idaho Theatre Arts Department. She has over a decade of experience in aerial arts and is primarily an aerial hoop artist. She has trained at several studios in Indiana and at the New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro, VT, and has taught aerials in Mexico and here in Moscow, Idaho for the Aerial Arts Club and the Theatre Department’s Summer Kids Camp. Sarah will teach aerial hoop and trapeze for the course.

Questions? 

Please contact Sarah Fogarty-Morrison at sarahcampbell@uidaho.edu