Everything Under The Sun: Artistically Flying High

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Artistically Flying High

A poster showcasing the fitness classes at their previous studio.

How many of you have seen artistic performances, combining body movement, strength, and grace, occurring in an aerial dimension? It's a fairly new art form that requires talent, conquering of fears, and a good deal of teamwork. It can be awe-inspiring for viewers.

But what about performers? Alexandria White has taken her talent in ballet, other dance forms, yoga, and pilates and formed CRESCENT CITY AERIAL ARTS (CCAA), based in New Orleans. This company performs at community events, festivals, corporation events, and in theatrical productions. But a large part of this organization's work is in instructing youth.

Alexandria has a particular passion for sharing her love of aerial performance. She sees this art form as a release from former ways of acting, a type of mindfulness training, and a way of developing trust in utilizing teamwork. For without teamwork, one could not engage in aerial performance.

As Alexandria explains, "Creative movement was my own personal escape from the heaviness of my own life. It has been my life work to develop [an] aerial practice that empowers youth emotionally, mentally, and physically. I want others to access their own power and challenge notions of their own capabilities." Soaring up in the skies among the props which help to maintain their upward plane against gravity, students and performers can leave their cares behind and focus in the moment, mind in the present and on the operations of their bodies.

The training provided to young people come in various classes, ranging from complete beginners to a mixed level class engaged in performance movements that utilize the skills learned in previous classes. Classes for children ages 7 to 13 are provided on Saturdays for 1 hour at a cost of $25 per class.

Since its start, CCAA has moved from its original location into a building with higher ceilings that allows more room for aerial movements. An additional class, Aerial Yoga, was added to the schedule. CCAA's services can also be engaged for one-to-one or one-to-more than one private lessons, as well as becoming a venue for birthday parties and other celebrations. This organization also has a performance troupe, De La Lune, which is available for weddings, parties, and other events. There was also the performance of Inverse Universe, an aerial performance held on November 21 at the Marigny in New Orleans.

One of the open gym days at the studio.

In all, CCAA has turned out to be a multi-faceted organization, providing exercise, transformation, mindful tranquility, and dynamic performances. This is definitely a positive addition to the New Orleans arts scene.