3-day aerial silks workshop
with Ariadna Vendelova
When: 12.-14.06.2026
Where: Katapult
Wilhelminenhofstraße 91, 12459 Berlin (Studio 2)
This three day workshop will focus on technique work, choreographic methods and research, and on evolution of students´ individual practices. We will explore tools and ideas of composing original sequences and movement phrases on aerial silks, while also bringing deep focus on the quality of movement execution and on breath work. The workshop will provide space for exploration/research and will aim for every student to find new pathways, approaches and ways of thinking about aerial dance, so as to be able to step out of their movement, choreographic and conceptual stereotypes. Collectively, we will talk about compositional awareness in time and space, challenging the stereotypical paradigms of (not only aerial dance) performance formats and structures. Overall, this workshop will certainly aim at deepening our already existing, embodied aerial dance experience and support our personal practice by finding greater delicacy, sensibility and awareness of what we do when we move our body and mind, both on the ground and in the air, as well as in life itself.
SCHEDULE:
Friday: 18:00-21:00
Saturday: 10:30 – 17:30 (with lunch break)
Sunday: 10:30 -14:30 (with short break)
13 hours of training
PRICES
208€ (early bird until 11.05.)
247€ (regular)
Cancellation policy
Level:
intermediate-advanced
Pre-requisites:
Very good knowledge of basic aerial silks vocabulary (footlocks, climbs, inversions in the air). Ability to comfortably work in the air for at least 3-5 continuous minutes.
Maximum of 12 students.
Workshop description and individual days’ focus:
FRIDAY (June 12th: 18:00-21:00)
“Movement precision and fluidity”
In this workshop introduction, we will think of aerial dance on silks in terms of „movement“, not in terms of „poses“. This brings a sense of connection and action into the experience, instead of a sense of movement isolation and fragmentation. Rooting inwards, we will propose a more somatic-oriented movement approach to our aerial practice, finding the multidirectional connection between our internal world, the so called abstract physicality, and the external, bodily expression in space. On the technical terms, we will learn to work efficiently and in connection with our breath, avoiding unnecessary (unconscious) moves when passing through transitions – by connecting to our neverending internal flow, we will not only find organic quality, clarity and fluidity of movement, i.e. precise technique, but also new methods of organic creativity for our choreographies.
SATURDAY (June 13th, 10:30-17:30, with lunch break)
”The Inspiring Spiral”
The idea of a spiral inspires me greatly. Unlocking the innate potential and connections of our joints, pelvis and spine allows our bodies and minds to enter a broader range of movement pathways and compositions. This approach to movement introduces another layer of understanding of movement trajectories into our aerial dance praxis, that are creatively, biomechanically and metaphysically inspired by the flow of spiraling energy. Where does my movement begin and where/when does it end? Which body part leads? Where can I go from this place so I support the flow of energy instead of impeding it? How can I create more space in my pelvis and spine, in my shoulders and my hips? How does my body collaborate with the fabric of the silks to allow for a more natural movement? Working with the concept of spirals when moving on an aerial apparatus or even just on the ground, as well as when creating new choreographic material and sequences is one of the movement-creation methodologies I find deeply interesting and satisfying.
SUNDAY (June 14th, 10:30-14:30, with short break)
Exploration: Crossback creativity
This part of our workshop will focus on a more creative, explorative approach to our aerial silks practise and sequencing abilities, working our “aerial intelligence” or the so called “silks brain”. We will be presented with several pathways in and out of a crossback position and creatively develop our own material upon that. We will play with the technique, juiciness and variability of inversions, as well as with the expressive potential of our body creating shapes and movement compositions in the air. Tapping on the topic of belays too, the workshop will be a mix of deep quality technique work with artistic and creative spark upon it. The session will also provide space for exploration/research and will aim for every student to find new pathways and to step out of their movement and choreographic stereotypes.
Ariadna Vendelová is an aerial dancer, performer and teacher from Slovakia. Over the last 15 years, she has performed in a variety of collaborative shows and her original creations throughout Europe, while developing an authentic movement language on aerial silks, as well as a unique methodology of teaching aerial dance. Her work is deeply influenced by nature, ecology and motherhood. On the boundaries between dance and new circus, her creations range from site-specific urban experiments, through theatrical works, to dances in natural environments. She speaks about intimate and personal themes as well as about abstract concepts in a way which intertwines performance, circus and dance art with mysticism, ritual and communal experience. In her classes, she focuses on bringing dance and somatics into aerial acrobatics.
She uses gentle, introspective and personal approach to aerial dance, while also emphasising the importance of clean and deeply rooted technique of movement. She has taught aerial dance around festivals and studios in Europe: Budapest Aerial Meeting (HU), Aerosomnia Retreats (AU), Prague Aerial Convention (CZ), Les Rencontres De Danse Aerienne (FR), Aerial Arts Festival Austria (AU), Grazer AkrobatikFestival (AU), OverGround Circus festival (FR), and others.
www.ariadnavendelova.com
https://www.instagram.com/ariadna.ven/
