C4 Circus Workshop Weekend 2020
Monarca in Flight presents
Schedule at a glance. Click to enlarge.
Scroll down for descriptions and instructor info.
Click here to sign up now!
Sign up for 6 workshops at the $55 level and get a discount! Click here to purchase a 6-pack, or select the 6-pack option when you register. Member price $285. Non-members $315.
Cancellation policy: Because our traveling instructors require guaranteed payment levels, client cancellations less than 72 hours prior to the beginning of a workshop and without a doctor’s note will receive a 30% refund. If a class is canceled by Monarca in Flight or by the instructor, a full refund will be issued to the affected students.
Thursday, April 23
Building Effective At-Home Workouts for Aerials – $55
Devin Gaither
6:30 – 8:00
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Feeling an itch for an at home aerial set-up? Before you start searching for rigs and structural engineers, ask yourself: am I already doing the base conditioning and flexibility work that I can and should be doing at home? Or maybe you’ve just started aerials. You aren’t ready for multiple classes a week, either financially or physically, but you want to make the most of your time in the studio by pursuing some complimentary training at home. In this workshop, we’ll walk through putting together simple home workouts to compliment your aerial training. We’ll also review simple tools that you can use to supplement your at-home work. |
Solo Invented Apparatus – $55
Acoatzin Torres & Susan Lowery
6:30 – 8:00
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A Trio of Invented Apparatus with Acoatzin and Susan.
In this workshop, students will explore and learn skills to begin to navigate three (3) different invented apparatus: The Peach, Horizontal Triangle and Clown Balls . This workshop is a great exercise for the brain, the imagination, and the body. Don’t miss this opportunity to train on these uncommon apparatus. Pre-Reqs: clean invert from the floor, basic knowledge of Trapeze or Lyra, clean pull over is helpful but not necessary, we will work with your level. |
Trap Tease – $55
Devin Gaither
8:00 – 9:30
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We frequently see sensual and exotic routines for fabrics, lyra, and especially pole – but trapeze, too, provides endless opportunities for both sensual and dominating dance. In this workshop, students will learn several exotic performance skills within the context of Trapeze. The workshop time will culminate in a stylized sensual sequence that can be performed to a wide variety of music styles. |
Duo Invented Apparatus – $55
Acoatzin Torres & Susan Lowery
8:00 – 9:30
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Double the trouble – Double the Fun! Duo Invented apparatus workshop with Susan and Acoatzin
In this workshop, students will not only learn skills to navigate the Stacked Peaches, Duo Clown Balls and Horizontal Triangle, but they will learn how to share the space as a duo act. This workshop is a great exercise for the brain, the imagination, the body and the belly (from all the laughs and giggles). Pre-Reqs: clean invert from the floor. Ability to complete inverted tuck, pull over and 10 sec; strong hold.
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Friday, April 24
Double point Lyra – $55
Danielle O’Donnol
6:30 – 8:00
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In this workshop we are going to explore the double point lyra (rigged so that it will tip up when the top is weighted). We will focus on skills at the top of the hoop, playing with the additional motion of the Lyra. Pre-Reqs: Invert with ease, comfortable at the top of the Lyra, vocabulary of standard Lyra poses. |
Emergency Exit : Navigating the Unexpected in the Air – $55
Devin Gaither
6:30 – 8:00
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Sometimes, all the risk mitigation in the world can’t stop the unexpected from happening in the air. In this workshop, we will talk about the importance of identifying emergency exits for common skills, spotting techniques, bail techniques, fall profiles, mat types/uses. While most appropriate for aspiring teachers, this workshop is also open to students with an interest in safety and accomplished coaches wishing to review their practices through a perhaps new or different lens. Students of all levels are welcome. |
Mini Lyra – $55
Acoatzin Torres
6:30 – 8:00
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Interested in working on small Lyras? Here is your opportunity! In this workshop we will be working with 18” and 20” Lyras. We will learn how to move and create transitions on this cute apparatus, using the bottom, center, top and span-set. Be ready to compress yourself and have some fun. Prerequisites: Bring a great attitude and be able to execute the following skills: Delilah mount, straddle back, grip strength. |
Juggling and Movement – $45
Christian Kloc
7:00 – 8:15
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Improve your dynamic ground work through juggling! This workshop uses a juggling ball (or other object) as inspiration for movement across the stage. Whether you plan to perform juggling, aerial, or another circus discipline, you’ll learn great tools for building focused and relaxed movement into your routine. Class includes a physical warm up, object manipulation exercises, across the floor work and an opportunity to share your creative sequences. Prerequisites: none |
Acting Up : Portraying Character and Story in the Air – $55
Devin Gaither
8:00 – 9:30
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Being able to perform skills in sequence is just the beginning of your aerial journey towards building an aerial act. This workshop will teach, apply, and adapt a variety of classic and modern stage acting techniques for the air! We’ll discuss how to “change our shape” as well as explore ways in which we can alter our skills and movement to bring our character to three-dimensional life. Please prepare one combo consisting of at least three moves to use as a part of this workshop. |
Ball/Club Passing – $45
Christian Kloc
8:15 – 9:30
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Learn how to juggle with two or more people in this fun workshop for all skill levels. If you’re new to juggling, you’ll learn the structure and timing of solo juggling by practicing with a partner. If you can juggle at least three objects, we’ll explore more complex patterns and timing to build your object passing skills. Prerequisites: none |
Saturday, April 25
Fabric Theory Practicum – $55
Elizabeth Finn
11:00 – 12:30
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Take control of your safety, learn wraps faster, and unlock the building blocks for creative sequencing by understanding fabric theory. This workshop will use footkey variants and cross back straddle to demonstrate the principles of topology that underpin all fabric wraps, and give you the tools and premises you need to begin safely experimenting.
Prerequisite: cross-back straddle |
Beginner German Wheel: Get Ready to Roll! – $55
Chris Delgado
11:00-12:30
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Take a ride on the wild side as we roll our way into the wonderful world of wheel!
Class participants should wear gymnastic shoes, wrestling shoes, or any clean athletic shoe with no or minimal tread. |
Beginner German Wheel: Get Ready to Roll! – $55
Chris Delgado
1:00 – 2:30
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Straps Bread and Butter – $55
Elizabeth Finn
1:00 – 2:30
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If you already love straps, if you’re looking for a new apparatus, or if you want to get fantastically strong inversions, this workshop is right for you. We’ll go over techniques and progressions for fundamentals such as meathooks, levers, flags, and roll ups. You’ll get a technical dissection of your movements and a fabulous workout.
Bring long sleeves and something with which to cover your wrists.
Prerequisites: Must be able to invert. |
Rope Play – Lyra – $55
Gena DuBose
1:00 – 2:30
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Aerialists will explore various skills and combinations in the ropes of the Aerial Hoop. We will work on interesting ways to get into skills on top of the hoop and combine each one with a fluid sequence.
Prerequisites: Must have a clean inversion and be able to do a straight arm hold for at least 5 seconds. At least 3 pull ups-unassisted (bent or straight arm). |
Advanced Beginner German Wheel – $55
Chris Delgado
3:00-4:30
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Ready to step it up? Take a ride on the wild side as we roll our way into a new realm of wheel! You’ll learn:
Class participants should wear gymnastic shoes, wrestling shoes, or any clean athletic shoe with no or minimal tread. |
Lyra Combos and Spins – $55
Gena DuBose
3:00 – 4:30
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In this workshop we keep it low. Students will work on interesting combinations using spin techniques and fluid floor movement. This workshop connects what we do on the ground with how we get in the air. You do NOT need to be a dancer to participate in this workshop, just come ready to move!
Prerequisite: Must be able to mount unassisted. A good understanding of basic Lyra skills is recommended. |
Partner German Wheel – Twice the Fun! – $55
Chris Delgado
4:30-6:00
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Grab your partner (or make a new friend when you get here!) and roll around together! A great low pressure introduction to wheel, with adv variations waiting for those ready for them.
Class participants should wear gymnastic shoes, wrestling shoes, or any clean athletic shoe with no or minimal tread.
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Tippy Lyra – $55
Gena DuBose
5:00 – 6:30
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This unique and challenging aerial apparatus is unlike any other. Students will learn skills and techniques to become comfortable on this horizontal hoop. Once comfortable, students will learn how to spin and create a sequence on this tipsy hoop!
Prerequisites: This workshop is not suitable for beginner aerialists. Students must be able to invert, have a solid pull over from the ground, and be able to do 2-5 pull ups from the floor. |
Sunday, April 26
The Drop Shop (sling) – $55
Daniel Saab
11:00 – 12:30
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In this workshop, we will be exploring the dynamic aspect of a “typically non-dynamic apparatus”. We will cover all kinds of rolls, slides, and flips, as well as different entrances and exits for each. The focus of this workshop will be taking several commonly known wraps and applying different actions to each, while also learning new wraps to explore. Intermediate/Advanced Pre-Reqs: Must be able to invert in the air unassisted. Must be able to safely “diaper drop”/”front salto” without a spot. Must be able to safely “bomb drop”/”candycane drop” without a spot. |
Rope Tools – $60
Lisa Natoli
11:00 – 12:30
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In this class we look at tools to access the “tricks” we want to learn with progressions and discussions of the physical mechanics and landmarks of wraps. We will meet you at your level and work with the body you have to deepen understanding and discover your potential.
Prerequisites: An open mind and willingness to try things. Must be able to invert in the air over and over again and climb to the top 3 times without touching the floor at the bottom. |
Above the Loop – $55
Daniel Saab
1:00 – 2:30
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This workshop deals with mostly leaving behind the bottom of the hammock, and venturing into the area in fabric above. In that space, we will be learning some sling-specific vocabulary, as well as incorporating
movement that can be found on split silks to translate over to this apparatus. Prerequisites: Must be able to straddle invert and pike invert from hanging with straight legs; must be able to hold an inverted position for at least 10 seconds. |
Research and Destroy Vertical Theory Abstract Thought – $60
Lisa Natoli
1:00 – 2:30
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In this class we will look at how skills and theories of points of contact, weight shifts, dropping, lofting, and body facings transfer between vertical apparatus. We will research wraps and learn to recognize how they are holding us up and leading us around. Together we will find inventive ways to enter and exit skills. This mixed level class is for both the intermediate and advanced student who want to gain awareness of how wraps function.
Prerequisites: Must come with an open and curious mind and be able to make a catchers and S wrap in the air. |
Lyra Flow – $55
Daniel Saab
3:00 – 4:30
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This workshop covers the technical aspect of transitional
movement and how to clean up the space between each trick. We will cover different sequences that focus on clean transitions for better lines and new trick vocabulary that may not be already known. Prerequisites: Must be able to straddle invert and pike invert with straight legs from underneath the bar; already familiar and comfortable with Beginning/Intermediate Poses such as Mermaid, Backstraddle, Anklehang, etc. |
Intuition and Technique – $60
Lisa Natoli
3:00 – 4:30
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This class is for aerialists with some experience who want to broaden their boundaries and identify habits, assumptions and expectations in their artistic practice. We will work towards creating a coherent, thinking body by building awareness using techniques and skills collected through research and experience. We will integrate transitions and “tricks” into sequences to become better technicians and performing artists, being mindful of the question, “what are we choosing/drawing on and why?” |
Instructors
Chris Delgado
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Chris Delgado has been teaching and performing German wheel around the world for over 9 years. Trained by 8-time world champion Wolfgang Bientzle, Chris has a very technical German wheel background. Chris’s years of physical theater training from companies such as Pilobolus paired with a degree from Dell Arte School of Physical Theatre combine to create his unique performance style. Now living in NYC, Chris divides his time between solo performances, teaching classes and workshops,creating and touring his circus show “The Bizarre and Curious Quest of Killian Cog”, and working intimately with USA Wheel Gymnastics to spread the good word about German wheel. |
Gena DuBose
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Gena is a movement artist, aerial hoop coach and the founding artistic director of SOAR Aerial Dance. Aerial arts, specifically Lyra, has been her passion since 2009. Though Gena was never a trained dancer, she has a natural athleticism that she uses to bring her own style of movement and grace to her artistry.
Her work with SOAR focuses on collaborating with professional, and local artists throughout the triangle to bridge the gap between contemporary circus and performance art in her community.
Gena has performed and taught throughout the East Coast and has travelled all over the country seeking out the best teachers to train with in everything from Pilates and yoga, to aerial Silks and Lyra. She specializes in teaching “Lyra Flow”, a workshop that focuses on learning unique transitions while finding your individualized rhythm and movement style.
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Elizabeth Finn
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Elizabeth spends her days studying how a DNA fiber folds in order to give rise to a human body, and her nights exploring how a nylon fiber can be wrapped in order to support a human body. She has performed on silks and straps throughout the DC area and teaches both at TSNY DC. |
Devin Gaither
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Since her first knee-hang on the flying trapeze 7 years ago, Devin has been in love with the circus arts. Devin comes from a background rich in theatre arts and gymnastics. She is passionate about breaking down skills into manageable progressions and building blocks so that students gain not only an understanding of how a trick can be executed, but how it works at its very core. |
Susan Lowery
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Susan started her professional life in the science world. As a published biologist, she has worked for Battelle, NASA, New Mexico State University, Corning and Juniata College. In one facet or another, Susan has always been encouraged or steered to instruct adult learners (university students, USArmy Engineer Officers and NGB soldiers).
During a sabbatical in the UK at the age of 43, Susan found aerial arts at Spin City, Newbury, England (Spin City Hoop Bibles) under the instruction of Amy Capper-Gorman, Francesca Stockwell, Lexi Gumm and “Bendy Kate” Czepulkowski, training mainly in fabric and cross training in Roman rings, flexibility, static trapeze, corde lisse and Lyra. Susan loves to use biology and science to highlighting the physical movement with scientific and anatomical concepts. She loves instructing students who, like her, start their aerial journey with “hurdles” (lack of strength/flexibility, fear of heights, lack of confidence, overweight or simply over the age of 40) but simply posses the desire to “try”.
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Lisa Natoli
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Lisa Natoli is a freelance aerial artist specializing in silks, rope, and lyra. She attended the Alvin Ailey certificate program before receiving her degree in dance at the University of Iowa. She trained as an aerialist in NYC with Laura Witwer, Kevin O’Connor, and Terry Beeman. As an aerialist Lisa has performed in private, corporate, and staged events across the nation including Jenny Rocha’s “The Dinner Party: A Whodunnit Cabaret” and “Migrations”, choreographed by Cirque Du Soleil-alum Kristin Young. Lisa has performed at Black Hearts Burlesque (Minneapolis),Burlesque Below The Bridges (Brooklyn) and has performed in the Floating Kabarette at Galapagos Art Space (Brooklyn), The Slipper Room (NYC), and Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret (Denver) . Lisa has been presenting her own evening length and ensemble work as well as curates evenings as Lisa’s Bright Ideas and Bright Ideas Aerial Salon in Brooklyn, NYC since 2008. LBI has collaborated with pedal steel player Bob Hoffnar, German photographer Henryk Spiess, and playwright Carrie Louis Nutt. Lisa has taught on-going classes at Aloft (Chicago), Circus Warehouse (NYC), Aerial Arts (NYC), The Muse (Brooklyn), and House of Yes (Brooklyn), and Frequent Flyers (Boulder). She has also taught many workshops across the nation: Aircat Aerial Arts (Boulder), Aerial Acrobatic Arts (Denver), Miraas Circus Arts (Denver), Bumbershoot (St. Louis), Project in Motion (Las Cruces), Altitude Aerials (Phoenix), Vertical Arts (Phoenix), Tucson Circus Arts (Tucson), Agora (Detroit), Detroit Flyhouse (Detroit), Contemporary Circus Arts Festival of Toronto (Toronto). |
Danielle O’Donnol
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Danielle O’Donnol is a mathematics professor. She found her passion for aerial arts after starting her career in math. Because of moving and traveling she has taken classes at studios all over the US and London, with most of her training at National Centre for Circus Arts (formerly Circus Space) in London and Asabela Studio in Bloomington, IN.
Danielle has focused on static trapeze, but also explored Lyra, dance trapeze, rope, German Wheel, silks and sling. She tries new apparatuses whenever the opportunity arises.
She started performing three years before moving to Arlington. She has completed the Asabela Studio instructor certification for both static trapeze and Lyra.
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Daniel Saab
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At the age of 8, Daniel started his adventure in aerial artistry at Independent Lake Camp in Orson, Pennsylvania. 10 years later, he began his college education at Montclair State University while simultaneously continuing his circus education in the Intensive Program at Circus Warehouse. He acquired his B.A. in Theater Studies and proceeded to move into NYC.
Daniel now instructs weekly teen and adult classes at Studio AIR and Westchester Circus Arts, and performs in various venues around NYC and NJ.
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Acoatzin Torres
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Founder and lead instructor Acoatzin Torres is a well-known local instructor and performer of aerial arts. He has trained, taught and performed locally and across the United States. Much of his formal training has been at the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) in Brattleboro, Vermont, a world-renowned venue for circus art instruction and instructor certification. His expertise extends to aerial fabric, lyra, trapeze, sling, and rope. His unsurpassed dedication to his craft and to his students shines through in every class he teaches.
Prior to discovering his love for the circus arts, Acoatzin was a performer and teacher of multiple styles of dance, most notably Mexican Folk Dance, which he has studied since he was 5 years old. Prior to moving to the U.S., Acoatzin danced professionally in his home country of Mexico, where he also studied fashion design. |