Interested in becoming an AWESOME Aerial Silks teacher?

The five questions to ask yourself before straddle-ing up

1. "Is this my Passion?"

Before beginning this challenging, exhausting, yet incredibly rewarding journey, you must ask yourself this question. "Is this my passion?" If the answer is a resounding, fist-pumping "YES!" then you are off to an incredible start! Passion is at the core of every awesome Aerial Silks teacher, so much so that it is visible in every trick, transition and gesture, inspiring her students to emulate her beautiful movements and causing them to improve beyond their wildest dreams! Passionate teachers = inspired, joyful and loyal students who will come back for more inspiration again and again!

2. "Have I had enough training?"

It is difficult to define just how many years of training on the Aerial Silks one needs to become an awesome Aerial Silks teacher. If you have a background in dance or gymnastics or you have taught Pilates or Yoga you are likely to have excellent body awareness which gives you a distinct advantage when beginning your Aerial Silks training. In general however, the more time you have spent on the Aerial Silks both in class with as many different teachers as possible and in open workout situations where you can practice tricks and phrases for longer periods of time, the more experience you have to bring to your potential students. I also highly recommend attending a formal teacher training program with a reputable studio to complete your transition from advanced student to qualified teacher.

3. "How can I gain teaching experience?"

 Before beginning to teach your own Aerial Silks class, ask to shadow your favorite Aerial Silks teacher(s). More then likely they would love the extra set of eyes (It can be difficult to watch multiple Silks at once!). This is an excellent way to pick up on nuances of communication and demonstration that will inspire you as you develop your own style. Remember to be respectful and 'shadow' without interfering with the flow or structure of the class.

4. "Do I have any contacts?"

The hiring of Aerial Silks teachers usually works on a referral basis. Perhaps you have friends that teach at an Aerial studio? Or you know the owner of the Pole studio on the corner is interested in starting an Aerial program? Scroll thorough the contacts on your phone and begin reaching out to people you think may be interested in your services, you lose nothing by asking and are one step closer to achieving your goal!

5. "Am I willing to give away all that I have learnt?"

This is a biggy and can be a tough pill to swallow but believe me when I say, this is the difference between being a good Aerial Silks teacher and an AWESOME one. To be an awesome Aerial Silks teacher you must be incredibly generous. Your students will know if they have gotten to a certain level and you continue to teach them the same four tricks because they are not 'yours' or you don't perform them so it's ok. It's not ok. Think about what you love about your favorite teachers, more then likely you are continuously challenged by them, as you improve they improve as teachers and the same thing will happen to you. Give it all away (progressively and safely, over time), everything you know and not only will it force you to keep getting better both as an artist and a teacher (though I believe you are also an artist as a teacher) but it will create an authentic and generous environment for your classes to thrive in, ensuring that your students remain loyal to you while feeling empowered and inspired! 

Want more support? Fill out this brief questionnaire  and either Brett or myself will personally contact you to address your questions.

I hope you found this information useful, please use the comments section below to let me know your thoughts. Take care, see you in the air soon!

Best wishes,

                  Rachel Bowman

          www.womackandbowman.com                             

Co-founder: Womack and Bowman - The Loft

Home Coming - Aerial Art for a cause

Home Coming

An Aerial performance event benefiting the Syrian refugee crisis

The Show

Six World Premiere aerial acts created by celebrated choreographers Brett Womack, Rachel Bowman, Terry Beeman, Sita Acevedo and Jordann Baker will be performed by dedicated members of the Womack and Bowman - The Loft community. Each group act will uniquely explore and interpret the theme of 'Home', using their chosen aerial apparatus as a vehicle for this expression.

The Inspiration

More than 744,000 refugees and migrants have crossed the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe since the start of 2015 and more than 3,400 people have died or gone missing during this time. Over 218,000 new arrivals crossed into Europe in the last month - more than the number arriving during all of 2014.

In our 'first world' culture, it is easy to recline on the sofa, press a button on the TV remote and change the image on the screen to something less disturbing than the reality in which our European brothers and sisters are living in. "What can I do?" Many of us ask ourselves submissively "This problem is far bigger than me."

Here at Womack and Bowman - The Loft we believe in the power of community. We have witnessed women and men overcome paralyzing fear and self-doubt to achieve incredible athletic and artistic feats through the power of encouragement and support from their peers and instructors. We have been inspired by the introverted accountants and scientists who have found confidence and joy on the Dance Trapeze and the driven corporate career women who have discovered pure serenity and peace on the Aerial Silks. As a community we can inspire and motivate each other to achieve greatness, and together we can inspire the world...

The contribution

Home Coming is our community's actionable contribution towards positive global change. We believe that Art for Art's sake is beautiful and valid but Art for a cause is powerful and life changing. One hundred percent of the profits from the ticket sales of Home Coming will benefit the non profit charity 'International Medical Corps' Syrian refugee relief fund. 

Join us at one of our four live Home Coming shows and be a part of the revolution. 

Buy tickets HERE

Click on 'Services' tab followed by 'Home Coming'

Aerial Yoga? Namast'ay in Hammock class...

 "A hammock is a sling made of fabric, rope, or netting, suspended between two points, used for swinging, sleeping, or resting. The hammock is often seen as a symbol of summer, leisure, relaxation and simple, easy living." - Wikipedia

Huh?  

   

We're thinking the gang from Wilkipedia need to stop by The Loft on a Thursday night and check out Jordann Baker Skipper's Aerial Hammock class, or better yet, enroll in her Aerial Hammock Performance workshop. This aint' no Yoga class kids!

W&B: What inspires you about performing and choreographing on the Aerial Hammock?

Jordann Baker-Skipper: My favorite aerial pieces are performances that include theatrical storytelling and emotive qualities of movement along side beautiful and exciting combinations of technical skill.  I am excited to lead the hammock workshop because I think that hammock is perhaps the apparatus most conducive to creativity and experimentation, because movements are less standardized and the apparatus literally supports the performer.  

W&B: What can students expect from this workshop, how will it be different from an Aerial Hammock class?

Jordann Baker-Skipper:This workshop will be a co-creative experience from start to finish.  We will begin in the first session with exercises in creativity and theatrical movement, and develop a movement vocabulary to tell "our story". The group will collectively decide on the concepts that express "Home" to each of us, and the piece will be a conduit to express everyone's diverse experiences.  Students can expect to be challenged in new ways, to go outside of their comfort zone to find deeper levels of creativity and expression on stage.  I look forward to creating a new and unique piece of choreography for the Home Coming show!

REGISTER NOW for Jordann's Aerial Hammock performance workshop and receive a second workshop of your choosing for HALF PRICE! Hurry registration must close 5pm Wednesday October 28th!

Aerial Hammock performance workshop w/Jordann Baker

Sunday November 1st  5pm-6:30pm

Sunday November 8th  5pm-6:30pm

Sunday November 15th  5pm-6:30pm    

Sunday November 22nd  5pm-6:30pm

Sunday November 29th  5pm-6:30pm

Sunday December 6th  5pm-6:30pm

FULL CAST REHEARSAL: December 6th  6:30pm-9:30pm

PERFORMANCE: December 12th  7pm and 9pm
                            December 13th  6pm and 8pm

COST: $295.00

www.womackandbowman.com/workshops

Womack and Bowman and American Horror Story

A haunting love affair

 

Brett on a poster for AHS 'Hotel'

If you have driven down the ninety freeway in West Los Angeles this week, or along La Brea Avenue in Hollywood or Laurel Canyon Boulevard in The San Fernando Valley, you have probably seen the gorgeously spooky new commercials for American Horror Story 'Hotel' starring Brett Womack and Rachel Bowman. The compelling images feature Brett as a tortured drag queen, trapped in what appears to be a carnivorous vintage bed and Rachel in a painfully contorted back bend clawing desperately towards the heavens. The riveting images appear on dozens of billboards, bus stops, buses and buildings throughout the city, promoting the new season of the series that premieres October 7^th on FX.

Rachel on a billboard for AHS 'Hotel'

This is not the first time that Brett and Rachel have been featured in the promotional campaign for American Horror Story, in fact it is Rachel’s second and Brett’s fourth! Back in 2011 when the series premiered, Brett was hired to portray the freakishly bendy ‘Rubber Man’ for the print campaign and even toured the character across the USA in an interactive promotional campaign for the show.

Brett as 'Rubber Man' in AHS 'Murder House'

In 2012 Brett was again hired by FX, this time in more of an ensemble role behind Jessica Laing for American Horror Story 'Asylum.'

Brett as an Asylum patient in AHS 'Asylum'

In 2014 the series took place at a "Freak show" and FX Productions took their promotional campaign to a whole knew level of scary; Cue the carny folk! The vice president of production and special projects for FX hired Brett directly, and asked him to recommend a ‘freaky’ female aerialist to work alongside him. The duo were featured both in print (billboards, bus stops etc.) and in broadcast (TV, internet), Rachel as a three legged Aerial Hoop artist and Brett as the Trapeze wheeling killer clown ‘Twisty.' 

Rachel as a three legged Aerialist in AHS 'Freak show' print campaign

A still shot from AHS 'Freak show' teaser with Brett as 'Twisty'

Womack and Bowman perform at the AHS 'Freak show' premiere

The American Horror Story ‘Freak show’ campaign was a huge success breaking FX records and bringing in an audience of over 10 million viewers for the season premiere! The FX production team was so impressed with Brett and Rachel’s performances in the campaign that they hired the duo to perform at the shows LA premiere event and even scheduled their wrap party to coincide with an existing Womack and Bowman performance!

Behind the scenes of AHS 'Hotel' print campaign

When I asked Brett why he thinks that American Horror Story continues to feature the duo in their promotional campaigns he responded shyly. “Well, they (FX casting) think we are very expressive, I guess that comes from all the years of performing aggressive aerial acts! The Vice President of production told me that she could hire thirty models but that none of them could do what the two of us can do.”

From the looks of these images, that definitely appears to be the case. Here’s hoping that this campaign does as well as the last and that Womack and Bowman return to decorate Los Angeles again next year in their hauntingly beautiful, acrobatic glory.

Where students become artists: 'Behind closed doors'

Behind closed doors

An evening of Aerial Dance

Saturday August 29th 2015

One night. Two sold out shows.  Thirty five performers. Eight breathtaking acts. 

On a recent steamy August evening, thirty five courageous woman and men, ranging in age from sixteen to sixty, gathered together on the mezzanine level of a large live/work style loft studio in North Hollywood. They were dressed to kill, some in matching nude lingerie inspired consumes, others in bright 80's themed tights, still others in black fishnets and sparkly leotards, Cabaret style. Hair was big and bold and makeup was immaculate. In the semi darkness they silently limbered up, sliding into the splits and arching into deep backbends. 'Did they open the doors?' whispered one young woman anxiously to her friend, "I hope my boyfriend was able to get in!" The doors in fact were open and the audience was filtering into the Bohemian style wonderland, anticipation building as they rushed to claim a much sought after seat to what was sure to be a spectacular show! 

Student performers: Lydia Morgan, Alexandra Cohn, Art Voskanian, Minda Ruggles, Caroline Ma, Maia Berneman, Renee Ransom, Amy Heidish

Performer: Lena Fumi

The performers were all students at Womack and Bowman - The Loft, studying Aerial Art, Contortion, Acrobatics and Dance with some of the most reputed teachers in the country. For a number of these students, this was their first time performing in front of an audience and one of the most nerve wracking experiences of their lives! Screenwriter Amy Heidish never imagined she would  perform Aerial in front of anyone, she began taking classes at The Loft purely for fun and fitness and ended up winning the 'Most improved student award' after her incredible performance.

"Thank you, Brett. Thank you, Rachel, and all my fellow Lofties, for continually challenging me to be better than I think I can be, and for enduring my occasional swearing fits while hanging upside down. You all rock my world!" 

- Amy Heidish

Student performers: Jodi Gonzalez, Caroline Ma, Rachel Carlson, Kira Schwartz, Christine Anderson, Hazuki Fujimoto

Student performers: Zuri Bella, Rachel Carlson, Curtis Hansen, Charlie Knudson, Judy Lai, Catherine Petretti, Kira Schwartz, Ron Zambot

Every student, regardless of experience, was exceptional that night. They were utterly immersed in their character, combining high level tricks with artistry and intention, doing great justice to the choreography of their teachers (who were all professional Aerial choreographers) and communicating  with the audience in profound ways.

Student performers: Morgan Gerhardt, Lena Fumi

student performer: Lydia Morgan

The cast of 'Behind closed doors'

If you missed the live experience of 'Behind closed doors' be sure to check out the videos on YouTube and stay tuned to all things Womack and Bowman to secure your ticket to their next event!

Womack and Bowman - The Loft

 Where artists are born

Silkstreme FLASH SALE!

Hi there!

We hope you are enjoying a most excellent start to your summer! Here at Womack and Bowman - The Loft we are dedicated to your health and happiness, that is why we created Silkstreme, our innovative fitness movement! If you haven't had a chance to try this energizing fusion class yet (think Pilates, meets Barre, meets Aerial at a music festival!) NOW is your time!

        From now until Friday when you purchase 5 Silkstreme classes you get 5 FREE! Don't miss this opportunity to experience Silkstreme and find out what everyones talking about! www.silkstreme.com

 "(Silkstreme) has been awesome! As a flexible person it has really helped me work on my lower abs to keep a clean line while working out and stop my back from arching! Also, the strength in my upper body has gotten better and really helped me work on the correct alignment and building the little muscles that count for Aerial" - Kelsie Koziol (professional dancer/aerialist)

Kelsie Koziol enjoying a post Silkstreme hamstring stretch

"Silkstreme classes are amazing!!!! My body sees  the difference, and FAST!" - Cati Jean (Director/Choreographer)

Cati Jean and friend in Silkstreme class

"I really enjoyed my (Silkstreme) class with Kerry! It was so unique and different. I have tried tons of fitness classes in LA and there is nothing like it!" - Skyler Vallo (actress/model)

Skyler Vallo practicing her inverted straddle in Silkstreme class

Pick up your Silkstreme FLASH SALE pack today at www.silkstreme.com

Silkstreme fitness

Silkstreme                                          Aerial | Pilates | Barre Intoducing...                                                                                 By "Think Pilates meets Barre, up in the air!" - FOX news . The Beauty of Aerial Art . The Core Power of Pilates . The Body Sculpting of Barre                                            Join the Revolution... First class FREE! silkstreme.com click here click here