Aeriosa’s Summer and Fall Updates!

*Upcoming Performance: in7inyaxa7en at VanDusen Botanical Garden

*Join Aeriosa for Intro to Vertical Dance Classes at The Roundhouse this Fall

*Highlights from our Tofino Tree Dance Workshops and Performance

in7inyaxa7en (Thunderbird) returns September 27, 2026!

Aeriosa and Spakwus Slulem bring their celebrated performance to VanDusen Botanical Garden

in7inyaxa7en at VanDusen Botanical Garden

September 27, 2026 | 1pm & 3pm

VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak St, Vancouver)

Free with the price of garden admission or membership

Book online in advance to save on admission!

Aeriosa is excited to announce the return of in7inyaxa7en. in7inyaxa7en (the Squamish name for the supernatural being also called 'Thunderbird' in English) is a land-based collaboration by Aeriosa and Spakwus Slulem Eagle Song Dancers. It is an intercultural presentation that brings traditional Squamish singers, dancers and drummers and Aeriosa vertical dancers together in a ceremonial performance guided by Squamish Sea Going Canoe Family Chiy̓áxw (cultural protocol).

in7inyaxa7en has been adapted seven times for different Vancouver locations since 2011, and we are excited to bring the work to the trees at VanDusen Botanical Garden on September 27, 2026 for two special performances.

The site-specific work will be performed at 1pm and 3pm, and will include a selection of traditional Squamish songs and dances by the Spakwus Slulem dancers and artistic director Bob S7aplek Baker, vertical dance work by the Aeriosa dancers, and the ‘Gathering of Eagles’ social dance.

Coinciding with National Forest Week, Aeriosa is delighted to bring in7inyaxa7en back to audiences for the first time in 8 years and to explore the unique possibilities and deeper connections the trees at VanDusen will bring to the work.

In addition, we will be rehearsing in the gardens September 22 - 26, 2026.Keep an eye out, say hi, and come see what we’re preparing in the lead up to the performances!

*Audience members are welcome and encouraged to bring low lawn chairs or a blanket for viewing the show.

*VanDusen Botanical Garden offers free admission to all self-identifying Indigenous Peoples. This offer is available in-person at the admission desk, no pre-booking required.

Aeriosa and Spakwus Slulem are pleased to bring ‘in7inyaxa7en’ to the garden with the generous support of The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association.

Photo: Ben Z Cooper

Dance with us:

Join Aeriosa for Intro to Vertical Dance this Fall!

Program Details

Session 1: September 25 - October 16

Session 2: October 23 - November 13

Registration:

4-class series: $160

Capacity: Maximum 10 participants per session

Register HERE

Class Description

Join Aeriosa Dance Artists for a 4-class introductory series using rope and harness systems to explore vertical dance. This beginner-level class is designed to introduce the exhilaration of vertical dance while developing safety awareness and technique. During this progressive series, participants will be introduced to fundamental vertical dance skills by learning choreography and creative movement exercises. Vertical dancers move differently on the ground and in the air: Join Aeriosa Dance Artists for this fun class that builds core strength while hovering, sliding, swinging, tilting, rotating, and tipping upside down.

Participants are invited to join us for either class series, and those interested in attending both sessions are welcome to express their interest upon registration.

No prerequisites required. Suitable for participants of all levels. No previous dance or climbing experience is needed.

Photo Credit: Adriana Lončarević

Dancing with Trees at ŉaŉaquuʔa

Julia’s reflection following Aeriosa’s workshops and

performance May 23 - 29th!

As I sit down to write, it is hot and smoky, and I am daydreaming about the fresh ocean air and lovely green coolness we enjoyed in late May during our Tofino Tree Dance Workshops and Community Performance Showcase week. It was magical to dance under the shelter of giant Sitka Spruce trees, surrounded by berry bushes, plant medicines, and baby songbirds.

The vibrant forest teased our senses open, inviting creativity and collaboration between artists and the community, friends and family, visitors and locals. It was a joy to assist workshop participants in learning new skills and sharing the performances. The talent and commitment of the intergenerational cast shone through, and the show was warmly received by the audience. Heartfelt thanks to the District of Tofino for generously supporting Aeriosa, and making it possible for us to offer this rare opportunity to nurture the performing arts on the West Coast.