The Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre has welcomed aerial silks artist Michele Jenkins from Viva Aerial Dance as part of the centre’s artist in residency program.
A pioneer in the art of aerial silks, Jenkins’ professional career has seen her perform for a number of events all over the world and even as a stunt artist in Hollywood’s film industry.
Viva is currently training up a new aerial performance troupe and is looking for new members from the South West to join.
Viva Aerial Dance was founded in London in 1999.
Since then, Jenkins has provided aerial acrobatics performance, consultancy and show rigging for high profile events theatre, film and television; featuring in BBC1’s Red Silks INDENT campaign which aired in the United Kingdom and world-wide for four years.
After relocating to WA in 2016 along with husband Darren Jenkins (Viva’s show rigger), they have been searching for a training space for Viva.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Viva, as they take up their professional residency at the centre,” Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre executive director Fiona de Garis said.
“The centre is passionate about supporting local artists and its role in the development of creative industries locally.
“Hosting a professional aerial artist of Michele’s calibre and international experience will provide a fantastic opportunity for the community.”
Our aim is to develop our next generation of Viva aerial artists through training, public performance and possibly leading students to a successful career in aerial performance, and what better place to do this than the centre’s Cube Theatre in the heart of Bunbury’s CBD.
- Michele Jenkins
Viva Aerial Dance will train weekly in the the centre’s full-height space in the Cube Theatre, all classes will be held on Tuesday’s from 4pm to 6pm.
“Viva’s Aerial Dancers are from all backgrounds such as dance, gymnastics or recreational aerial,” Jenkins said.
“The classes focus on aerial silks, strength work and technique, musicality and synchronised group work as well as many technical aspects such as safety, risk assessment and rigging basics.
“We are extremely passionate about introducing Bunbury to the wonderful world of aerial performance.
“Our aim is to develop our next generation of Viva aerial artists through training, public performance and possibly leading students to a successful career in aerial performance, and what better place to do this than the centre’s Cube Theatre in the heart of Bunbury’s CBD.”
Viva Aerial Dance are looking to expand the program to three more students to join Bunbury’s new troupe and people aged 14 to 30 with a background in gymnastics, acrobatics, dance or aerial are encouraged to apply.
Selected applicants will be invited for assessment and/or to join a class and meet the team.
More details are available online at vivaaerialdance.com by email info@vivaaerialdance.com or by calling 0467 991 882
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