Established by Gravity & Levity in 2010, the EADF aims to bring exceptional aerial experiences to every body.
EADF was inspired by the original Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Festival in Boulder, Colorado (running since 1998) and a desire to work collaboratively to create something similar for Europe. Lindsey Butcher (Artistic Director, Gravity & Levity), Chantal McCormick (Artistic Director, Fidget Feet Aerial) and Fred Deb (Artistic Director, Drapés Aériens) worked together to create and plan sister festivals: European Aerial Dance Festival (EADF), Irish Aerial Dance Festival (IADF) and Les Rencontres de Danse Aérienne (LRDA), respectively.
A key focus for the festival is in working towards a re-imagining of our practice, of working together/collaboratively, to figure how we can continue to be more inclusive as an art form, that is actively welcoming of diversity and in what we can all learn from that; of how our lived experience of disability might inform the historic/expected behaviours & personal capacities within the aerial arts: innovating on & posing questions for all of us as how we might live our lives & approach our practice differently.
To support this we are also able to offer subsidised places for people that identify as underrepresented in the sector. Find out more about Accessibility at EADF.
The EADF caters to seasoned professional aerial artists working across a range of apparatus in addition to offering separate and tailored activity for aerial enthusiasts and beginners, including welcoming members from the local Worthing and Adur community. Our aim is to create a friendly and encouraging environment for everyone. Find out more about our Level Definitions below.
Classes, creative labs and courses incl a breadth of aerial apparatus including: corde lisse, lyra, aerial dance harness, vertical dance, and cloud swing, as well as complimentary ground based apparatus and techniques including: : cyr wheel, intro to contortion, massage and stretch, contact improvisation, dance, gyrokinesis inspired classes, and VAYU aerial yoga. Find out more about the breadth of classes at this year’s festival.
EADF Tutors represent the best in the sector, drawing from world class talent each year. We often see popular tutors returning year on year, as well as inviting fabulous international newcomers to share their wealth of knowledge and skill. Find out more about the wonderful tutors at this year’s festival.
At EADF, we work hard to place ‘Care’ at its core
Of course, you want to get the most out of your time here at the festival and we’re here to help you do that, but here’s a gentle suggestion: that getting the most out of your festival might occasionally involve doing less – particularly in the spaces in between classes.
We encourage you to pay attention to when you might need to take or make time for ‘to nurture you, go outside, sit on the beach, on your own, or take a friend.
Or you could opt for the active rest and restorative practice day option.
