Intro to hair suspension
Dates
When ?
April, 19 to 21 2025
Part of Les rencontres aériennes
Saturday (7 hours) 10am-6pm
Sunday (7 hours) 9am - 5pm
Monday (easter) (7 hours) 9am - 5pm
Where ?
Cirque Hors Piste
The workshop
This workshop is your tool kit to start your independent practice in the wonderful art of hair suspension. This 15 hour workshop includes lecture-based theory in anatomy, postural health, core/pelvic floor health, sensory management (yes, hair hang hurts!) and rigging considerations for hair hang. This workshop also includes applied training in physical preparation, hair knot technique (how to tie your hair) and progressions for working towards self-suspension (hanging all your body weight from your hair). Workshop is complete with hair knot equipment, a step-by-step illustrated hair knot guide, video tutorial and digital handbook.
PREREQUISITES
We will contact you to ask some questions about your background to make sure it's alright ! :)
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Students must have a regular movement practice(s) (circus, dance, yoga, martial arts, gymnastics etc) that involves the whole body and is practiced a minimum of 3 times a week. Understanding of the deep core and pelvic floor muscles is encouraged. Having an understanding of rigging foundations for aerial arts is an asset.
Must have healthy hair of medium-to-thick density (number of hairs). Hair length must be armpit length or greater when pulled straight. Hair must be free of chemical treatments (dyes, perms, relaxers) and free of permanent/semi-permanent physical applications (extensions, braids, locks etc). Hair must NOT be treated regularly with high heat applications (straightening, curling, krimping). Hair that is prone to shedding or breakage is not encouraged. All hair textures (shape and thickness of strands) welcome. Please reach out to us with photos of your hair if you have an undercut, a fringe, shaved sides and/or dramatic layers for an assessment.
Must be able to comfortably invert your hair (by doing a forward-fold at hips for 1-2 minutes). Must be proficient at making tight OVERHAND braids OR have a support person present who can assist you during the hair preparation process.
Must have good spinal health, free of injury and vulnerability. It is suggested that students undergo an assessment and treatment with a physical therapist to address any postural (muscular and/or skeletal) imbalances before taking this course.
Must enter into this workshop expecting “slow gratification”, i.e. patience and consistency is required to reap the rewards of a safe and sustainable hair hang practice. Students should expect course content and activities to be detailed, nuanced and subtle.
This course is not recommended for students who have been in a vehicular accident(s), have had a concussion(s), have localized hypermobility in the neck, experience nerve pain, experience regular dizziness, are sensitive to touch and temperature, are prone to anemia, engage in hair pulling and/or are experiencing more than average daily hair loss (more than 150 strands/day).
If you have questions about these requirements, if you are unsure if this course is the right fit for you, and/or if you do NOT meet these requirements but are willing to work towards them, please reach out to Nicole at [email protected] (photos of your posture and/or hair can be sent to aid in our assessment).
ACCESS NOTES
This workshop is presented in English and French. No sign language interpretation available.
Workshop spaces are wheelchair accessible. Please let us know ahead of time.
If students are unable to invert their hair by hinging at the hips and/or braid their own hair, you are welcome to bring a trusted support person to assist with hair knot preparation who will be a regular part of your practice. Let us know if you plan on bringing someone!
Lecture content includes a combination of professional visuals and video, detailed written descriptions and verbal explanations.
We offer multiple seating options. Feel free to bring your own.
Students are welcome to take breaks as needed. We will create a relaxed environment where students can be comfortable being themselves.
Ear plugs and menstrual products will be offered.
Let us know f you have any particular access needs - we will do our best to accommodate.
Your trainers :
NICOLE MALBEUF is a Canadian circus artist specializing in aerial arts and hair suspension. Nicole’s diverse background in competitive gymnastics, musical theatre, fine arts and fashion design defines her aerial performance. She is recognized for her musical sensitivity, expressiveness and keen eye for colour and shape. She has performed solo works across Canada and the US with companies like Cirque Dreams (USA), Wonderbolt Circus (NFL) and FireFly Theatre & Circus (AB), as well as a variety of collaborative aerial-theatre projects with groups like Hercinia Arts (ON), Balancing on the Edge (ON) and Public Energy (ON).
Nicole directs Trellis Arts, an aerial-dance theatre company, producing special-event entertainment, contemporary circus shows and hair suspension instruction. Trellis Arts is recognized across North America for its comprehensive program Intro to Hair Suspension: A Holistic Course. It was created in collaboration with specialists in physical therapy and core/pelvic floor health and with advice from various experts in rigging and hair science. Nicole has 7 years of hair hang experience, a network of hair hangers and anecdotal research. She has teacher training in Artistic Gymnastics (NCCP), Acrobatic Arts, Aerial Arts and Flying Footless. She strives to create learning environments that are empathetic, welcoming of all identities and supportive of individual needs and abilities. Trellis Arts’ teaching philosophies revolve around safety and sustainability in movement arts.
LAURA GRIFFIN is the innovative founder of Griffin Aerial Arts. A professional performer since 2005, Laura has toured across Canada, the United States, Mediterranean, Philippines and Europe with companies like Illuminair Entertainment, Cirque Sublime and Disney Cruise Lines. She is a multidisciplinary professional circus artist coaching and performing over the past 19 years on aerial hoop, silks, Spanish web, mobile, net, straps, Chinese poles, dance trapeze, and partner balancing.
Taking her passion for movement, Laura chose to seek an education in movement by studying dance through the Etobicoke School of the Arts and the Fine Arts (Dance) Department of York University. This afforded her the opportunity to study the science behind strength, flexibility and cognitive adaptation. Aerial arts blended the elements of dance and sport which she loved, developing a deep passion which burns strong in her heart. A passion she loves to share with students and colleagues. Her NCCP training and affiliation with the Coaching Association of Canada has added to her appeal as a competent instructor and coach. She recognizes that each student has unique challenges and strives to optimize the outcomes and satisfaction of all of her students.
In 2015 Laura became a Certified Personal Trainer with CPTN, she uses her training to optimize strength development for her students. This certification is a continuation of her study of the human body and its multitude of movement modalities. Through CPTN she was also introduced to Z-Health and applied neurology.
Laura currently coaches circus under Griffin Aerial Arts and at Brass Belles. She performs independently and in affiliation with Illuminair Entertainment. As an experienced performer, Laura brings a high quality of entertainment that has captivated audiences on more than four continents. Her love of the art form pushes her to continue innovating and creating, enjoying the challenge of a life of circus and aerial arts.
OPHÉLIE MIGNEAULT empowers individuals through expert pelvic floor and core strengthening training. With over seven years of personal training experience, Ophélie continues to gain knowledge to further encompass a range of modalities. She has her certification in Crossfit, Functional Range Conditioning & Mobility, Pregnancy & Postpartum and Personal Training.
With a blend of strength training expertise and motivational coaching in both private and group settings, Ophélie continues to make a difference in her career as a major contributor to a rehabilitation circle of care located in Belleville, Ontario. With a focus on rehabilitation and injury prevention, she creates personalized experiences that cater to the unique mental and physical needs of each individual.
Registration deadline
April 16, 2025
Language
French
Maximum number of participants
8
Cost
Subsidized Rate: 204.00$Actual Value: 1,362.00$