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