Winter Break Workshops!

Sage Bachtler Cushman started her aerial journey here at Echo Theater and is back to offer unique workshops for Teens and Adults, including Counter Balance, Act Creation, Dance Trapeze and more…

Click here for more information about Sage and her workshops!

Trap and Acrobatics – Ages 4 to 8 – All Levels (Echo Theater)                                       

Wed 12/21, 3:30 – 4:15pm (ages 4 – 6)

Wed 12/28, 3:30 – 4:15pm (ages 4 – 8)

$25

Swing, tumble, and create…more! Acrobats ages 4 – 8 build confidence, grace, and strength as they discover their own potential on the mats and in the air.  Students collaborate with peers as they play contact-free physical theater exercises, explore ground acrobatics, and trapeze.

Aerial & Acrobatics Sampler – Ages 6 to 12 – All Levels (Echo Theater)

Sat 12/21, 4:30 – 5:45pm

$35

Swing, tumble, and create…more! Young acrobats build confidence, grace, and strength as they discover their own potential on the mats and in the air on dance trapeze and aerial silks. Students collaborate with peers as they play physical theater exercises.  Aerial & Acro is an excellent choice for young acrobats who want it all!

Into the Air! Sampler –  Ages 8 to 12 – Level 1 & 2 (Echo Theater)  

Thur 12/22, 3:30 – 4:45pm

Wed 12/28, 4:30 -5:45pm

$35

Learn to fly in this mixed aerial class for ages 8-12! Explore single-point trapeze and aerial fabric (silks), building strength, endurance, and grace in the air. This class is perfect for students who just can’t spend enough time in the air!

Aerial Silks Workshop Ages 8 – 15 – Level 2+ (Echo Theater)

Mon Dec 19, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Tue Dec 27, 3:30 – 5:00pm

$40

Learn climbs, wraps, sequences, and drops on aerial fabric (silks). Build strength, endurance and grace as you learn to dance in the air. This class is perfect for students who have a strong silks foundation and are ready to focus on more challenging skills. Instructor approval is required for this Level 2+ class.

Family Circus Workshop – Ages 4 to Adult  All Levels (Echo Theater)           

Fri 12/30, 3:30 – 5:00pm

$35 each*

*10% discount on multiple registrations

Parents and kids learn and play together in this super fun workshop. Explore trapeze, silks, acrobatics and physical play in a safe environment. Registration is for each person, including adults. 10% family discount applied automatically.

Stick With It – Stilt Walking (Ages 11+)

Mon 12/26,  3:30-5:30pm (Echo Theater)

$50

Part 2 of the stiltwalking intensive; this 2 hour workshop will go further to explain advanced moves and steps as well as exploring new terrains and obstacle navigation. Advanced skills include spins, high kicks, squats and broad steps. Also great for ages 11 and up but some experience by be beneficial.  (Part 1 can be found at Echo West, it is not required to take part 1 to participate in part 2)

Trapeze and Acrobatics – Ages 4 to 8 – All Levels (Echo West)                                       

Wed 12/21, 3:30-4:30pm ($30)

Swing, tumble, and create…more! Acrobats ages 4 – 8 build confidence, grace, and strength as they discover their own potential on the mats and in the air.  Students collaborate with peers as they play contact-free physical theater exercises, explore ground acrobatics, and trapeze.

Into the Air! Sampler –  Ages 8 to 11 – Level 1 & 2 (Echo West) 

Wed 12/21, 4:45-6:00pm ($35)

Learn to fly in this mixed aerial class for ages 8-11! Explore single-point trapeze and aerial fabric (silks), building strength, endurance, and grace in the air. This class is perfect for students who just can’t spend enough time in the air!

Aerial Silks Workshop Ages 8 – 15 – Level 2+ 

Wed 12/28, 4:30-5:45pm ($35)

Learn climbs, wraps, sequences, and drops on aerial fabric (silks). Build strength, endurance and grace as you learn to dance in the air. This class is perfect for students who have a strong silks foundation and are ready to focus on more challenging skills. Instructor approval is required for this Level 2+ class.

Stick With It – Stilt Walking (Ages 11+)

Thur 12/22,  5:30-7:00pm (Echo West)

$50

This 90 minute stiltwalking intensive will explore some rudimentary movements as well as talk about what to expect and avoid when stilt walking. Basic skills include, falling properly, high knees and isolation pivots. Great for ages 11 and up.

Teen Workshops

Teen Aerial Workshop – Ages 11 to 15 – All Levels (Echo Theater) 

Wed 12/21, 6:00-7:30pm ($40)

Thur 12/29, 4:00-5:15pm ($35)

A body-positive, playful, and engaging exploration of aerial dance. This workshop will follow the lead of our students, offering opportunities to try new things or visit old favorites. Apparatus may include single-point trapeze, hoop/lyra, silks, and invented apparatus.  All levels are welcome.

Adult Workshops

Stick With It – Stilt Walking (Ages 11+)

Mon 12/26,  3:30-5:30pm (Echo Theater)

$50

Part 2 of the stiltwalking intensive; this 2 hour workshop will go further to explain advanced moves and steps as well as exploring new terrains and obstacle navigation. Advanced skills include spins, high kicks, squats and broad steps. Also great for ages 11 and up but some experience by be beneficial.  (Part 1 can be found at Echo West, it is not required to take part 1 to participate in part 2)

Mixed Aerial Workshop – Ages 15 to Adult – All Levels (Echo Theater)

Wed 12/21, 7:45-9:15pm

Wed 12/28, 7:45-9:15pm 

$40

A body-positive, playful, and engaging exploration of aerial dance. This workshop will follow the lead of our students, offering opportunities to try new things or visit old favorites. Apparatus may include single-point trapeze, hoop/lyra, silks, and invented apparatus.  All levels are welcome.

Aerial Silks Workshop – Ages 15 to Adult – Level 2+ (Echo Theater)

Mon 12/19, 7:45 – 9:15pm with Amy ($40)

Tue 12/27, 7 – 9pm with John ($50)

This level 2+ class is perfect for experienced aerialists returning to the air or continuing an ongoing practice. Students will learn int/adv skills from foundations such as footlocks, inversions, and hip-keys. This class will introduce drops and more difficult climbs and sequences. Build stamina, grace, and flow as you build your aerial silks vocabulary. Students must be comfortable with figure 8 foot locks in the air, inversions from a climb, crossback (invert not necessary), straddle back, hip key from standing, and French and Russian climb to the top of the silks. 

Silks Sequencing Workshop – Ages 15 to Adult –  (Echo Theater)

Thur 12/22, 5:15-7:15pm

$50

Learn new silks skills and string them together in fabulous sequences! In this workshop we will build vocabulary, grace, and freedom of movement, with a focus on smooth transitions and artful sequencing. Recommended for level 2+ students ages 15+. 

Aerial Bungee – Ages 15 to Adult – All Levels (Echo Theater)

Thur 12/22, 7:45-9:00pm

$40

Come explore bungee fitness! We will combine high intensity, resistance training with dance and circus. This aerial harness workshop promises high levels of fun with low impact.

Intro to Aerial Pole 1 – Ages 15 to Adult – All Levels (Echo Theater)       

Tues 12/20, 5:45-7:15pm

$45

In Intro to Aerial Pole we will work on building strength and coordination through fun spins, climbs and tricks, as we dive into the foundations of aerial pole. No prerequisites necessary.

Intro to Aerial Pole 2 – Ages 15 to Adult –  (Echo Theater)

Tues 12/20, 7:30-9:00pm 

$45

In Intro to Aerial Pole 2 we will work on building strength and coordination through fun spins, climbs and tricks, as we dive into the foundations of aerial pole. Previous aerial or pole experience recommended.

Aerial Harness – Ages 15 – Adult – All Levels (Echo  Theater)

Thur 12/29, 7:45-9pm

$40

This playful and challenging class will include opportunities to explore 2 point harness, aerial bungee and wall-walking.  Harness work is more challenging than it appears, so strong core and upper body strength is recommended. No experience necessary. 

Dance Trapeze – Ages 15 – Adult – All Levels

Thurs 12/29, 5:30-7:30pm (Echo  Theater)

$50

In this workshop we will work the basic mobilities of Dance Trapeze, covering circles, spinning, swinging and building skills within these properties.

Counter Balance

Sat 12/31, 12:30 – 3:30pm (Echo Theater)

$90

A great way to add strong dynamics and height to an act! We will be working with a pulley system to lift and lower an aerialist and their apparatus, utilizing techniques to lift through spins, circles and swings. Here the porter and flyer will learn to work together to create smooth transitions as well as elegant and powerful lifts.

Visiting Instructor!

Sage Bachtler Cushman is a alumna of the Nation Institute of Circus Arts (and Echo Theater Company!). After graduation she was hired by NoFit State Circus for the creation of their award winning show, Bianco. Working closely with director Firenza Guidi to create and then perform the finale and ensemble for three touring seasons, she performed at the London Roundhouse, Edinburgh Fringe 2013 & 2014, Biennale Internationale Des Arts Du Cirque and Perth International Arts Festival among others. She has continued on to co-found and co-create Oliveira & Bachtler, a performing arts and circus company based in Portugal. The company creates work rooted in human nature, generating a unique and multi-faceted physical language supported by circus, theatre and movement. With great regard for ambience, they compose to evoke visceral and scenic paintings into the space. Oliveira & Bachtler’s work has been presented in Biennale Internationale Des Arts Du Cirque, Teatro Viriato, Dancehouse Wales, Festival Internacional Vaudeville Rendez-Vous and Convento São Francisco to name a few.

Web sites: https://www.sagebcushman.com/

Workshops with visiting instructor Sage Bachtler Cushman!

Creation, Performative Aerial Choreography & Act Building

Fri 12/30, 4 – 7pm (Echo West)

$90

We will utilize everyday experiences and sensations to inform creation and choreography built with performative mediums aimed to touch on the human essence.

Sage Bachtler Cushman is a alumna of the Nation Institute of Circus Arts (at Echo Theater Company!). After graduation she was hired by NoFit State Circus for the creation of their award winning show, Bianco. Working closely with director Firenza Guidi to create and then perform the finale and ensemble for three touring seasons, she performed at the London Roundhouse, Edinburgh Fringe 2013 & 2014, Biennale Internationale Des Arts Du Cirque and Perth International Arts Festival among others. She has continued on to co-found and co-create Oliveira & Bachtler, a performing arts and circus company based in Portugal. The company creates work rooted in human nature, generating a unique and multi-faceted physical language supported by circus, theatre and movement. With great regard for ambience, they compose to evoke visceral and scenic paintings into the space. Oliveira & Bachtler’s work has been presented in Biennale Internationale Des Arts Du Cirque, Teatro Viriato, Dancehouse Wales, Festival Internacional Vaudeville Rendez-Vous and Convento São Francisco to name a few.

Web sites: https://www.sagebcushman.com/

Teen Cyr Wheel – Ages 11 to 17 – All Levels (Echo West)

Mon 12/19, 5 – 6:30pm

Mon 12/19, 6:45-8:15pm

Mon 12/26, 5 – 6:30pm

Mon 12/26, 6:45-8:15pm

$45

Cyr Wheel is an apparatus that involves balance and grace. It’s a fun and challenging way to use your body and is an enjoyable skill that is easy to get lost in and forget that one is even exercising. This workshop seeks to inspire students with the knowledge necessary to begin the first steps into Cyr Wheel.

Alexander uses a teaching style that efficiently breaks down the moves in a way that is simple yet stimulating for students of all levels. Each class session will begin with conditioning and stretching as a warm-up. After everyone is warm, the participants will move on to working with the wheel. Participants will learn a sequence of introductory moves including spinning in place, finding spin direction, body position, and basic step (waltz). New movements will be introduced as students develop awareness and familiarity with the apparatus.

Instructor: Alexander

Balance Sampler Workshop – Ages 11 to Adult – All Levels (Echo West)

Sun 11/27, 6:30-7:30pm

$30

Ever wanted to walk the tight wire or balance on a globe? This is your chance! Join Meghan as we dip our toes into the balance side of Circus arts.

Instructor: Meghan

Acro-Dance – Ages 15 to Adult – All Levels (Echo West)

Thur 12/22, 4 – 5:30pm

Mon 12/26, 4 – 5:30pm

Learn how to smoothly transition between levels on the ground with musicality! This workshop pulls vocabulary from capoeira and breakdance. Students will learn fundamental shapes and building blocks for ground movement, as well as progressions for power moves. Sequences will be connected in rhythm with the music.

Instructor: Michael Galen

Intro to Aerial Pole 1 – Ages 15 to Adult – All Levels (Echo West)       

Tues 12/27, 6:00-7:30pm

$45

In Intro to Aerial Pole we will work on building strength and coordination through fun spins, climbs and tricks, as we dive into the foundations of aerial pole. No prerequisites necessary.

Instructor: Tinkk

Intro to Aerial Pole 2 – Ages 15 to Adult –  (Echo West)

Tues 12/27, 7:45-9:15pm

$45

In Intro to Aerial Pole 2 we will work on building strength and coordination through fun spins, climbs and tricks, as we dive into the foundations of aerial pole. Previous aerial or pole experience recommended.

Instructor: Tinkk

Cloud Swing Workshop – Ages 15 to Adult – Level 1-2 (Echo West)

Wed 12/20, 5:00-6:30pm with Rhen

Wed 12/28, 6 – 7:30pm with Kari

$45

Have you been curious about static cloud swing? In this introductory workshop, we will explore this unique aerial apparatus, learning mounts, sways, and spins. This playful workshop is ideal for beginner to intermediate with some aerial experience including the ability to safely invert in the air.

Stick With It – Stilt Walking (Ages 11+)

Thur 12/22,  5:30-7:00pm (Echo West)

$50

This 90 minute stiltwalking intensive will explore some rudimentary movements as well as talk about what to expect and avoid when stilt walking. Basic skills include, falling properly, high knees and isolation pivots. Great for ages 11 and up.

Tera’s Sweat & Stretch Party! – Ages 15 to Adult – All Levels (Echo West)  

Sat 12/31, 10:00-12pm

$50

Back by popular demand, this high energy circus-driven workout uses aerial apparatus, bungees, calisthenic equipment, and our own body weight. Multiple versions and modifications of the exercises will be offered. you choose which feels right to you, from beginner level to FITNESS-ADDICT LEVEL!

Aerial Sling – Ages 15 to Adult – Levels 2 & 3 (Echo West)

Wed 12/28, 7:45-9:00pm

$40

Sling 2 will broaden your vocabulary to include dynamic skills, more complex sequences, and breathtaking drops! Be prepared to boost your aerial grace, power, and knowledge in this intermediate class.

Instructor approval or assessment at level 2+ required.

Instructor: Kari

Chinese Pole – Ages 15 to Adult – All Levels (Echo West)

Fri 12/23, 4 – 5:30pm

$45

Come learn the fundamentals of Chinese pole! Learn to climb, slide, and hold key shapes. If you are familiar with Chinese pole and want a challenge, you are welcome too! Please bring Chinese pole shoes (wrestling shoes or thin soled/flexible shoes are great!) and layers that you don’t mind ripping (leggings, jeans, long sleeves, and a sweatshirt).

Instructor: Autumn

Handbalancing Workshop – Ages 15 to Adult (Echo West)

Fri 12/23, 5:45 – 7:00pm with Autumn

Thur 12/29, 6:15 – 7:30pm with Kari

$35

Turn your world upside-down! Handstand training at your level with drills, exercises, and encouragement to assist you on your inversion journey. Students should be able to enter a handstand back-to-the-wall unassisted and hold it for 25 seconds and exit a freestanding handstand safely.