Turning one’s body into a high-flying, death-defying instrument of art and entertainment isn’t for the faint of heart.
Who are these brave — some might say crazy — souls who risk themselves for such lofty pursuits?
You can find out today and Saturday as the returns to the for its second year. The unique event is the vision of Denver native and lifelong aerial performer Lynn Coleman, owner of Aerial Fabric Acrobatics, who wanted a place for the fast-growing field’s semi-professional performers to strut their stuff.
The festival presents a mix of competitive public performances and professional workshops that unite aerial disciplines from the trapeze, silks, hoops and the corde lisse (a multifaceted hanging-rope act).
New this year: the Innovative Performance Category featuring aerialist Rachel Gauthier from Montreal.
A globe-trotting aerial judge who grew up in the circus tradition, fest-founder Coleman knows the art inside and out. She’ll once again welcome a panel of judges whose pedigree includes performing at the Olympic games and years working for In fact, this year’s artistic director, Marshall Garfield, is the former head coach for Cirque.
Today’s event features performances from the festival’s dozen-plus aerialists, while Saturday’s show is followed by the new competitive categories, guest artists and the awards ceremony — including the always-popular Audience Choice Award.
“Like any industry or art form, there’s a whole bunch of people out there either curious or driven to test their skills,” Garfield told The Denver Post last year. “This (festival) was a logical step for people who are into it but have never really been surrounded by a professional production team or the running of a show.”
Check out for workshop details, videos of 2011’s winners and more.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
SECOND ANNUAL AERIAL ACROBATIC ARTS FESTIVAL. High-flying spectacle, featuring aerial hoops, silk and trapeze work. 7 p.m. today-Saturday, Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. $15-$25.
