So 2020 isn’t quite what we expected, eh …?

Despite the chaos that 2020 has served us all, we have been exceptionally grateful to receive support via an Emergency Grant from Arts Council England and we're really proud of what we've managed to achieve - live outdoor performances, R&D for a new production, made 3 short aerial dance films.

We are however sorry to announce that the European Aerial Dance Festival will not be taking place as planned in 2021. As you can imagine planning for the festival starts around now, including booking international travel, and we just can't commit to that scale of activity at this point. Fear not though, we will be going again in 2022. 🤞

We really hope you can join us at our events next year (more on those below), in the meantime we’d love to know what you’ve been up to, what you have in the pipeline or want to promote. We’ll happily spread the word via our website and social media. More on that below too.

Until soon, friends

Little Lockdown Dance Films

These 2 wee films were created and captured during lockdown in Scotland on Lindseys’ ancient i-phone. The soft focus effect is achieved by dropping it in the burn multiple times whilst trying to set up the shot! All edited by the ever fabulous Mark Morreau. We hope you enjoy them.

Bridge Dances
Lockdown 2020
by Gravity & Levity

Little Rock Dance
Lockdown 2020
by Gravity & Levity

San Francisco Aerial Dance Festival 2020

In place of the cancelled SFADF this year (where we were due to perform Why?), Artistic Director Joanna Haigood commissioned the 15 guesting artists to each contribute a short film reflecting on their experience of the uncertainty, chaos, activism and hope bought about by Covid-19 and the international rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. Co-editor on the film will be the exceptional Mary Ellen Strom. Keep an eye on G&L socials for the final release w/c 23 November.

Why? Live at GDIF

We performed Why? in 2 locations at Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. It was an immense pleasure and privilege to perform, as well as being a logistical, health and safety bonanza. We feature in their lovely weekend highlight video. You can also see our beautiful promo trailer for the show via G&L YouTube.
Lindsey reflected on the process of re-rehearsing Why? 15 years after its creation and on the new world of live performance in Covid times over on our social media, catch up via Gravity & Levity's Instagram.

"A tour de force of aerial performance, delivering emotional truth in every beat" - Bradley Hemmings, Artistic Director GDIF

Watch the beautiful Why? (2020) Promo Trailer

Heightened Sense of Tree Research

Lindsey retreated to the trees to research a new production, Heightened Sense of Tree, with co-collaborator Thor McIntyre-Burnie.

Spending time amongst trees & natural woodland has a profound effect on us acknowledged for so many during lockdown. What senses are heightened? How is this different for different people - if you’re hearing impaired or visually impaired? How can we heighten everyone'sexperience of being in the forest?

Find out more about the origins of the work over on our IG >>>

Plans for 2021

All currently dependent of funding...

We'd love to be telling you what events you can book onto but for now we will tell you our plans for next year. They're all funding dependent so stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for more soon.

We are excited to be bringing Dissecting Aerial 2021 as an online event for the first time in March 2021. The event will be bought to you via an online video conferencing platform where you can attend lecture demonstrations, watch films and get involved in break out groups from the comfort of your own home (trousers optional - we know how it goes!).

Also look out for:

Mistressclass with Lindsey Butcher, Kate Lawrence and Wanda Moretti in Venice, 23-25 April 2021
Big Wall & Forest Vertical Dance with Magalie Lanriot in Lisbon & Mafra Portugal, Spring 2021
Re-touring Why? at Without Walls outdoor festivals, Summer 2021
Going into creation for Heightened Sense of Tree, Summer 2021
Vertical Dance Creative Labs at ACCA, Brighton, August 2021.

Stay tuned to the ever unfolding developments and we hope to see you soon...

Share your online (or even live!) events...

If you are running live or online events, training or opportunities for aerial artists, let us know. We're keen to promote your fantastic opportunities with our international networks to make amazing opportunities available to everyone. Equally, if you're looking for events, training or opportunities, take a look at the listings!