Finding The Words: Aerial Adventures

Over six weeks you’ll be invited to explore aerial circus arts in this beginner level course. We’ll work with the fundamentals of trapeze, hoop, silks, and rope - plus the chance to try counterweighting, a collaborative technique that allows one person to lift another using harnesses and pulleys.

What to expect

• Beginner-friendly instruction: Complete beginner and mixed experience welcome, every element is taught from the ground up
• Ground based warm up and cool down
• Choice-led participation: You decide what feels right for you
• Adaptations: Options for diverse bodies, access needs, and comfort levels
• Supportive space: Facilitated by Viv and Maddie for the CSA community, this course centres autonomy, safety, and joy

No experience needed and no pressure to perform! You’ll be supported to try as much or as little as you want. Whether you want to hang upside down, sit or spin in a hoop, or simply watch and be part of the group, you're welcome here.

Session dates

• Thursday 15th January, 6pm - 8pm
• Thursday 22nd January, 6pm - 8pm
• Thursday 29th January, 6pm - 8pm
• Thursday 5th February, 6pm - 8pm
• Thursday 12th February, 6pm - 8pm
• Thursday 19th February, 6pm - 8pm
  

Venue information

Address: Circomedia, Kingswood foundation estate, Britannia Road, BS15 8DB

Getting to the venue

Bus: The closest bus stop to Circomedia Kingswood is ‘Kingsway’. The following First Bus services stop at this bus stop: 16, SB2, SB4 and SB5. 

From the centre of Bristol, bus services 42 and 43 to Bitton, Keynsham or Cadbury Heath are the quickest, taking around 25-30 minutes. Get off at ‘Grantham Road’.

Train: Bristol Temple Meads is a 20 minute drive away. There is a taxi rank directly outside (approx £20 one way), and a bus stop close by that will take you to Kingsway bus stop (on the number 16).

Parking: There is free parking available on site and residential parking in the surrounding area if the car park is full.

Access: Circomedia Kingswood has 2 disabled (blue badge) parking spots directly outside Studio 2 and the building has step free access from the car park. 

Assistance dogs are welcome at all Circomedia sites.

Further information will be provided via email in the lead up to the event (via Eventbrite). If you have any questions, please contact us: hello@vivgordon.com

At the first session we will ask some standard health & safety questions, this is so we can support everyone to take part safely.

When you book your ticket, you are reserving your place at all 6 sessions.
There are a limited amount of spaces available. Please book as soon as you can.

The Team

Sessions will be lead by Maddie McGowan and supported by Viv Gordon.

We will also have wellbeing support in the room too.

Maddie McGowan

About Maddie

Maddie has been an aerial performer and teacher for twenty years. She is a theatre maker; she trained at National Centre for Circus Arts in London and teaches at Circomedia.

www.maddiemcgowan.com

Viv Gordon

About Viv

Viv Gordon is a writer, performer and CSA survivor activist whose work is a campaign to make narrative change and build community and leadership by, for and with survivors of child sexual abuse.

Viv is also the frontwoman to an exceptional 5 piece punk band with Thomas Johnson (Violin, Electric Guitar), Quinta (Keys, Violin), Sean Randle (Drums), Maddy Kiley (Bass) on her project Restless.

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