Once again, Autin Dance Theatre supported by Imagineer Productions, are partnering to deliver an exciting series of Aerial Intensive Workshops in Coventry this January. Across two creative weeks, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Vertical Dance and Aerial Dance practices & rigging systems.
Following the success of our first Aerial Intensive training last year, we’re thrilled to return with an expanded and enriched programme for 2026. The incredible response and popular demand from participants truly inspired us, and now we have expanded the offer to the advanced level practitioners.
The programme will be delivered by Autin Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Johnny Autin, and Head Rigger, Jamie Higgins, bringing years of experience and creative vision to the training.
These training opportunities are subsidised by funding from Arts Council England, supporting the professional development and creative growth of dance artists looking to expand their aerial practice.
We are particularly interested in receiving applications from people of the Global Majority and other underrepresented groups within the dance and performance sector, as we continue to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our artistic community.
Week 1 intermediate level: Monday 5 – Friday 9 January 2026
*This intensive week is designed for dancers who are confident and experienced in vertical movement; prior experience with vertical dance is required.
Vertical Dance: An extraordinary exploration where the walls become your dance floor. Using climbing harnesses and rigging equipment, we’ll tip the dance floor 90 degrees, turning gravity into a playful partner. This practice is liberating, exhilarating, sometimes strenuous, and always a bit disorienting!
Aerial Dance Harness: An immersive low-flying aerial dance experience, where the harness allows for dynamic movement just above the floor, blending grounded dance with flight. Using low-fly aerial harnesses, you’ll move fluidly between the floor and air, opening up new dimensions of dance theatre. This style is perfect for those wanting to explore weightlessness and suspension at a manageable height.
What to Expect:
On the wall – we’ll start with an introduction to specific rigging equipment and foundational orientation, building common ground before progressing to more complex sequences. Throughout the week, we’ll explore movement through different planes, engaging in creative exercises and improvisation tasks – all designed to help you discover your unique dance on the wall.
Low fly – we’ll build familiarity with the harness and equipment, exploring balance, surrender, and creative movement, finding effortless transitions in moving from floor to air while hovering just off the ground. We’ll experiment with low-fly sequences, working both independently and with partners, to discover how aerial dance harness work can add depth and expression to dance theatre narratives.
📅 Monday 5 – Friday 9 January 2026
📍 Daimler Powerhouse, Coventry
🎟️ Fee: £250
* Prior booking is essential as spaces are limited (12 available slots only) – places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, please email hello@autindt.co.uk to reserve your spot
Week 2 advanced level: Monday 12 – Friday 16 January 2026
*This day is strictly for experienced practitioners with vertical dance practice.
This intensive day is crafted for professional dancers and aerialists with a solid foundation in aerial dance, designed to deepen your technical skills and creative expression on the wall and using low-fly harnesses.
Working in solos, pairs, and groups, you’ll explore the unique characteristics of various rigging systems and spatial relationships, with guided improvisations that introduce new territories of movement.
What to Expect: We’ll begin with floor work before moving into aerial exploration with static lines, counterbalance, and other aerial props.
The class allows you to go at your own pace—ideal for building advanced techniques without relying solely on arm strength.
After a brief equipment check and skill assessment, we’ll dive into the intricacies of vertical dance technique, deconstructing and rebuilding sequences through challenging body puzzles and orientations to expand your movement vocabulary.
📅 Monday 12 – Friday 16 January 2026
📍 Daimler Powerhouse, Coventry
🎟️ Fee: £250
* Prior booking is essential as spaces are limited (12 available slots only) – places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, please email hello@autindt.co.uk to reserve your spot
