15 Dec 2023

Scarabeus Aerial Theatre

 

"In a year where there has been so much division and polarised conversations, when we are working with and supporting children, young people and families with ever more complex needs, us and our team of creatives, have endeavoured to build lasting bridges amongst diverse communities. We believe in the strong web of support we weave all together through courage and creativity, it allows us to keep whole in the face of the adversities and challenges we face on the daily basis."
Daniela Essart – Artistic director & CEO

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

EMERGING
This year saw the film premier of Emerging film, available to view throughout Trans Awareness Month and extended until Sunday 17th December.
"With Emerging we want to not only tell our story, but use our artform to give voice to others who are navigating similar journeys and to let them know they are not alone. We want to highlight the nuances, the fragility and ferocity in this journey, bravery and fear, determination and dignity. We made Emerging because we aspire to live in a world where queer, non binary and trans people are visible, valued and live safe and fulfilled lives". Daniela Essart, Scarabeus Artistic Director & Naissa Essart Nielsen, collaborator and performer

EMERGING//EMERGED
The expansion of our journey, by commissioning a scratch night of emerging queer and trans artists at Jacksons Lane, has set us up for more to come: watch this space!
“Thank you so much for this opportunity, you have been incredibly supportive. It’s been really special to be invited into this world of Emerging//Emerged, and the space you have created feels much bigger than any of our individual works."  Thank you from the participating artists: Tough Boys Dance Collective, Izzy and Jestün.

INCLUSIVE PRACTICE
The year we've worked and collaborated with over 50 freelancers across our participation programmes and performances. We've focused on the changing needs of our communities and creatives, to do this we identified training we think is essential to our inclusive practice, such as: Complex Needs, Universal Support with Dr Jamie Galpin, The Bridge Trust, and Trauma Informed Training with Kazzum Arts. We've also trained more of our facilitators in Mental Health First Aid and offered a number of Professional Development workshops.
DEVELOPING YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE - COSTA RICA
"I had the most amazing time at the Vayu Aerial Yoga teacher training with Ana Prada. Deep work that creates space in the body, the mind and heart. I am coming back to London feeling regenerated, energised and lighter. Eager to practice more and share it. Pura vida!" Daniela Essart, Scarabeus Artistic Director
QUILTING BUILDINGS, BUILDING COMMUNITIES
“Stitching communal needlework with vertical dance’'
In collaboration with Quilt Club and Gravity & Levity, we're thrilled to be working on a new performance offering an immersive visual experience, sparking joy, curiosity, and a sense of ownership that will leave a legacy in people’s heart and memory.
SONGBIRD
Created in August 2022, with director Sebastian Whyte, Whispering Rebel, performed by our young Take Flight aerialists, we explored themes of individual journeys, different pathways, and colliding worlds; using aerial arts as a platform for expression, freedom and connections.
“Take Flight is a creative space where I can focus and challenge myself, where I can work through my worries and feel truly connected."
INHALE, EXHALE, LISTEN
EMBRACE THE JOURNEY
TAKE FLIGHT - BBC CHILDREN IN NEED
We were super excited to be featured twice on the BBC news with our Take Flight programme! We're so proud of our young aerialists and what they've achieved.
“'Not only has Take Flight given me a hobby I am passionate about – it has given me a community. These sessions give me something to look forward to each week and provide me with motivation and clarity in my day to day."  Young participant
AIRBORNE
Providing children an introduction to the art of aerial theatre, our newest participation programme increases children’s physical literacy, builds their inner trust and self-belief through improved confidence and competence. The programme also provides Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions for teachers and school staff to give them more tools to teach about Healthy Relationships.
“The way you have built relationships with the children has been a crucial factor in the success and calmness within the sessions. I have been very impressed with the increasingly serious way the children approach the learning that they are doing with you. You are delivering life skills that the children will now own."  Headteacher
SHIFTING POINT
Our new experiential programme, run in partnership with Tender, we work with primary schools to better understand and promote Healthy Relationships using an arts-based approach.
“The CPD was fantastic. (It provided) guidance on how to promote positive relationships in the classrooms and also how to bond as a team. After the session, I had many staff members tell me how much they’d enjoyed it. All staff members lost any inhibitions and there was joy and laughter in the room. We’re looking forward to the next one." Headteacher
FLYING FAMILIES
We help families living under difficult circumstances to play and have fun together and form stronger bonds.
'I enjoyed watching and helping my child overcome her limits and I enjoyed joining in and doing it myself! I never thought I'd be able to do it!!!' Flying Families participant
FLYING INTO PHYSICS
Using exciting and creative aerial techniques to explore physical forces, Flying into Physics makes science approachable and accessible for a wide range of KS2 learners, including those who struggle with more traditional methods.
''They absolutely LOVED it! Science has never been more fun. Active learning equals remembering/understanding more." Class teacher at Pakeman Primary School.
WE'RE HIRING!
We’re looking for an experienced Learning and Participation Programme Manager to be the strategic lead across our programme of transformative participation activities. You'll be part of a small, passionate team who aim big, transforming and improving people’s lives through aerial and artistic experiences.
DEADLINE for applications: 29th January 2024

Thank you!

To the fantastic team of artists, tutors, composer, producer, marketing and PR consultants, riggers and technicians who are a joy to work and collaborate with.
 
To our amazing board of trustees and Young Advisors who has helped us to successfully navigate the challenges over the year.
 
To our funders for making our performances and participation programmes possible: Arts Council England (ACE) Project Grants, Armourers' & Brasiers Gauntlet Trust, BBC Children in Need, City Bridge Trust, Cloudesley, John Lyon's Charity, National Lottery Community Fund, NCEL CAMHS, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, and The Portal Trust.

And to you! Keep being a part of our journey…
DONATE HERE
Images by Mark MorreauHenri T and the Scarabeus team.
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Website
Copyright © 2023 Scarabeus Aerial Theatre, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Scarabeus Aerial Theatre
129 St. John's Way
LondonN19 3RQ
United Kingdom