2023
Dec 20
Dec 20th from 6-7 PM is a FREE student show in our home studio at Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley. An enchanting evening filled with mesmerizing performances, showcasing the progress and creativity of our talented students. Performances by Girls Who Fly 2, Teens Who Fly choreography class , Monday Mixed Apparatus Adult class and Saturday Tissu Level 2 Adult class. UpSwing Company will share a work-in-progress.
Sept 23 and 24, 2023
Dance Mission Theater presents HARVEST: The Fall Choreographers Showcase UpSwing dancers perform “How Much Longer” on rope/corde lisse. This Choreographers Showcase, produced twice a year is a non-juried showcase for both emerging and established choreographers of all dance genres to show work or work-in-progress. For more information, visit: https://dancemissiontheater.org/choreographers-showcase/ or email info@dancemission.com
April 26, 2023
Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley, FREE performance
UpSwing joins Bay Area in Celebrating National Dance Week. Bay Area Dance Week, an inclusive celebration of movement and dance, returns in 2023 after a three-year hiatus. Over its 22 year history the Bay Area Dance community opened its doors and invited the public to experience its rich and vibrant dance scene, completely free of charge. This year, we celebrate in a multigenerational performance showcasing our youth, adults and company aerialists in a one hour free studio showing. Be ready to be entertained. Audience required to wear your masks. More to follow on how to sign up to see the show.
Dec 24, 2022 through Jan 20, 2023
Solstice live performance filmed on Dec 21, 2022 is showing “On Demand” Dec 24-Jan 20th.
More about Solstice 2022! Live aerial performance, music and visual art. “Solstice!” is an East Bay favorite holiday alternative since 2005. Produced every other year, this is the 10th production. “Solstice!” celebrates the longest night of the year with music and dance by some of the Bay Area’s finest performers. This year enter into a winter’s celebration, complete with dancing stars, award winning aerial dance films and snowbirds that bring snow to Berkeley. Experience David Worm’s soaring, blues-inflected vocals, Amar Singh Khalsa’s magical flute and Sahib-Amar Khalsa’s deeply moving viola. Guest appearance by Voices in a New World. Aerialists performing in this show are UpSwing Company members Vera Belaia, Helen Fitanides, Kiran Satellite Haithcox, Chris Spiteri and Helium Valentine. “Emerging” Digital Art & Photography Exhibit in Grand Hall by Deena Smith
Dec 10, 2022 through March 18, 2023
“2092: Tale of moon trip” by Kunlin He in Manilla, PhilippinesUpSwing Dancer, Kiran Haithcox and Helium Valentine will be on film in an exhibit by Mainland China-born, San Francisco based artist Kunlin He. In Kunlin’s new project, "2092: Tale of moon trip”, based on the special landscapes that Kunlin finds on the Google Moon, the artist fictions a lunar tour guide to describe the fairy tale of the history of moon settlers to the tourists from the earth. The theme of the stories is about belief, visual experience, love, death, gender, environmental issues, and the local of lunar art on the moon.
2022
Dec 21
Solstice 2022! Live aerial performance, music and visual art.
“Solstice!” is an East Bay favorite holiday alternative since 2005. Produced every other year, this is the 10th production. “Solstice!” celebrates the longest night of the year with music and dance by some of the Bay Area’s finest performers.
This year enter into a winter’s celebration, complete with dancing stars, award winning aerial dance films and snowbirds that bring snow to Berkeley. Experience David Worm’s soaring, blues-inflected vocals, Amar Singh Khalsa’s magical flute and Sahib-Amar Khalsa’s deeply moving viola. Guest appearance by Voices in a New World. Aerialists performing in this show are UpSwing Company members Vera Belaia, Helen Fitanides, Kiran Satellite Haithcox, Chris Spiteri and Helium Valentine.
“Such a wonderful, joyful performance by both the dancers and singers.” Jim Tobin - www.BayAreaDanceWatch.com
“Emerging” Digital Art & Photography Exhibit in Grand Hall by Deena Smith
Masks will be required throughout the duration of the event. Because we have limited capacity, we can't guarantee we'll have space for walk-ins. The best way to ensure you’ll get a seat is to order your tickets here.
“Solstice! Live Aerial Performance” Fall Arts Preview, Diablo Magazine
“Richmond’s Cherie Carson produces Solstice, a winter’s celebration” Richmond Standard
March “2092: Tale of moon trip” by Kunlin He in Taiwan
June 9 “2092: Tale of moon trip” by Kunlin He NanHai Art Gallery in Milbrae, CA
Dec 10 “2092: Tale of moon trip” by Kunlin He in Manilla, Philippines
UpSwing Dancer, Kiran Haithcox and Helium Valentine are on film in an exhibit “2092: Tale of moon trip” by Mainland China-born, San Francisco based artist Kunlin He. In Kunlin’s new project, "2092: Tale of moon trip”, based on the special landscapes that Kunlin finds on the Google Moon, the artist fictions a lunar tour guide to describe the fairy tale of the history of moon settlers to the tourists from the earth. The theme of the stories is about belief, visual experience, love, death, gender, environmental issues, and the local of lunar art on the moon. The artist rethinks the problems faced by Chinese immigrants in historical time through the high-density reality brought about by the theme of imaginary science fiction. At the same time, he uses the skill of sci-fi as well as the language of formalism painting to metaphorize the contribution of the group to the Chinese diaspora modern artists who are far from the context of social realism after 1949.
May 25
Virtual performance is live on Facebook at 7 PM.
This performance is also a fundraiser for us as we retool and shift into a new direction. We are raising fund to produce our 1st live performance since Covid pandemic. Help us get back up in the air. Catch our FB live event. We are donating our time and talents to be cast, crew, MC and donating prizes made by loving hands. This will be a fun event. Grab some popcorn and a drink. Settled back in your favorite chair and catch our show.
Follow us on FB at https://www.facebook.com/UpSwingAerialDanceCompany or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/upswingdance
2020-21
Nov 13: Emergence Dance Festival
8-10 PM EST / 7 PM CT / 5 PM Pacific Time
A virtual showcase and celebration of art and dance from local artists, and from artists across the globe. UpSwing will be performing “How Much Longer”. Kirstin Brown and Helen Fitanides star in this duet on aerial silks about seduction and betrayal.
The show will include various genres of dance including modern, tap, contemporary, aerial and more. Here is the list of choreographers for this virtual showcase: Cindy Heen - Emergence Dance Company, Casey Lee Thorne - Inside Out Contemporary Ballet, Andi Salazar- A Pulso Dance Project, Isabella Lepp, Ari Caldas/ Aretuza Garner, Lindsiann Taylor, Cherie Carson- UpSwing Aerial Dance Company, Melissa Gotay - Unveiled Dance Company, Andrew Coronado.
SEPT 25: EMERGENCE DANCE FESTIVAL
8-10 PM EST / 7 PM CT / 5 PM Pacific Time
A virtual showcase and celebration of art and dance from local artists, and from artists across the globe. The show will include various genres of dance including modern, tap, contemporary, aerial and more. UpSwing Company performed “Origin of Happiness” duet.
July 8, 2020
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, UpSwing has shifted focus to virtual performances and classes. Our first Virtual performance is live on Facebook July 8th at 6 PM. click on the link to reserve your virtual seat. To make your tax deductible donation, go here. https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/OTI1OA==
Cancelled due to C-19:
October 3 -4: Performances and workshops at Aerial Horizons, San Antonio Tx
CANCELLED due to C-19:
April 29: What's Up!? Performance
Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA 7PM
UpSwing Aerial Dance Company & students take flight on April 29 in a one hour FREE studio showing that explores the magic of dancing on the floor and into the air. We will be dancing on the wall, in the air and everywhere in between. Celebrate National Dance Week with the boundary-pushing art of contemporary aerial dance. Even though this is a FREE event, you MUST get a ticket to enter. We have limited seating.
CANCELLED due to C-19:
April 17: UPSWING CREATES NEW WORK IN ONE DAY
Open to public to watch, performance at end of day. Audience interaction. Reception
2019
Dec 21-22: Solstice!
SOLD OUT! Dec 21 at 7:30PM and Dec 22 at 4:30PM
Location: Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley
UpSwing Aerial Dance Company announces its celebratory Winter Solstice event “Solstice!” Performance on Dec. 21 at 8 PM and Dec. 22, at 5 PM at Studio 12 in Berkeley CA. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Join UpSwing Aerial Dance Company this holiday season as we celebrate our 9th anniversary and welcome the return of the sun and the birth of a New Year. “Solstice!” is an East Bay favorite holiday alternative since 2005. Produced every other year, this is the 9th production. “Solstice!” celebrates the longest night of the year with music and dance by some of the Bay Area’s finest performers. This year enter into a winter’s celebration, complete with dancing stars, a moon goddess and live snow globe. Experience David Worm’s soaring, blues-inflected vocals, Amar Singh Khalsa’s magical flute and Sahib Amar Kaur Khalsa’s deeply moving viola. This year’s Solstice! includes "Terrestrial Extremities", a winter photo exhibit by Beth Zuckerman. Aerialists performing in this show are UpSwing Company members Kirstin Brown, Hannah Dworkin, Helen Fitanides, Alissa Kaplan Soto, Elizabeth Scotten, Helium Valentine and Cara Zeisloft. “Such a wonderful, joyful performance by both the dancers and singers.” Jim Tobin - www.BayAreaDanceWatch.com Listed in Diablo Magazine as one of five events not to miss! Listed in East Bay express as this weekend’s Top 5 events SF Chronicle Datebook pick Come early to pick up your tickets. Box office opens at 7:30PM on Saturday and 4:30PM on Sunday. There will be a short pre-show talk with Artistic Director, Cherie Carson in the Grand Hall before both performances. General seating. Bring your receipt to pick up your tickets at the box office. $30 adults/$20 seniors 65+/$15 kids 17 years & under
June 15: Bay Area Dancers Showcase, East Bay Performing Arts Center UpSwing ADC guest company, 8PM
MAY 1: What's Up!? Performance, Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA 7PM
UpSwing Aerial Dance Company & students take flight on May 1 in a one hour FREE studio showing that explores the magic of dancing on the floor and into the air. We will be dancing on the wall, in the air and everywhere in between. Celebrate National Dance Week with the boundary-pushing art of contemporary aerial dance. Register at https://bayareadance.org/
2018
Dec 19: Teens Who Fly Aerial Showcase, Studio 12
DIVE, FLY, SPIN into this holiday season. Wind your way through the whimsical, mystical and fun aerial showcase created just for you by the Teens Who Fly. UpSwing's teens will be performing their own work, plus the work of Kate Hutchinson and Cherie Carson. They will float into your hearts in this pre-holiday show.
UpSwing is a place for fostering a creative lifestyle; a place where students can learn, gain physical and emotional strength and be inventive as they explore their physical limits. This showcase brings together our Teens vision and passion in their own choreography.
Nov 3: Fundraiser for Hopalong Animal Rescue, OLD MILL PARK AMPHITHEATRE, MILL VALLEY
Join UpSwing and Aerial Dance Marin performers, San Francisco Conservatory musicians and plenty of adoptable pets Saturday, November 3rd for a magical afternoon of awe-inspiring aerial dance, adorable dogs and uplifting music in the redwoods. All donations support local nonprofit Hopalong Animal Rescue in their work to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals into loving homes.
Tickets are a suggested donation of $25 and up for adults, $10 for youth, and free for 5 and under. No paper tickets will be issued. We will have a list of names at the event. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket for sitting in the park.
SAN FRANCISCO AERIAL ARTS FESTIVAL, AUGUST 10-12, 2018
12 (noon) to 10 pm ....many shows to choose from
The Bay Area’s only festival with a focus on aerial artistry, bringing regional, national and international established and emerging artists for three days of action-packed performances, panels and workshops. An explosion of creativity has reinvented aerial performance. A new generation of artists bursting with innovative imagination and extraordinary skills have given birth to one of the most incredible and visceral art forms of the 21st century.
Artists from a broad spectrum of backgrounds are re-imagining, re-shaping and re-inventing what has traditionally been the province of circus alone. A breathtaking array of new performers with influences that range from Balanchine to Burning Man are stunning audiences around the world. We aim to bring that explosive energy together in a sensational festival unlike any other.
Line up includes: Acrobatic Conundrum; Alex Allan; Azraa Muhammad & Meléa Emunah; BANDALOOP, Beth Clarke, Caroline Wright & Xochitl Sosa; Felicity Hesed; Helen Wicks and Katelyn Hane; Jessica Curl Rose & Andrea Keene; Kameko Shibata; Sierra Camille; Sonya Smith & Bianca Cabrera; UpSwing Aerial Dance Company and Veronica Blair
MAY 2: What's Up!? Performance, Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA
UpSwing Aerial Dance Company & students take flight on May 2 in a one hour FREE studio showing that explores the magic of dancing on the floor and into the air. We will be dancing on the wall, in the air and everywhere in between. Celebrate National Dance Week with the boundary-pushing art of contemporary aerial dance.
Feb 14: RED, Love is in the Air, STUDIO 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley
Celebrating Valentines Day with this one of a kind aerial performance pairing the award winning Rainy Day Chocolates with UpSwing's most loved aerial dances. Bay Area premier of "Origin of Happiness" - two dancers explore their relationship with, for and through each other as the discover just how much they are literally attached to each other. This intimate performance includes the pairing of handcrafted, award winning chocolate truffles and treats especially paired to each dance. Your tix includes a box of chocolates to enjoy during the show. UpSwing Company dancers performing in this evening event are Alissa Soto, Helium Valentine, Helen Fitanides, and Kirstin Brown.
2017
Dec 21: SOLSTICE!, Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley
“Solstice!” is an East Bay favorite holiday alternative since 2005. Produced every other year, this is the 7th production. “Solstice!” celebrates the longest night of the year with music and dance by some of the Bay Area’s finest performers. This year enter into a winter’s night, complete with dancing stars, a moon goddess and snowbirds. Aerialists performing in this show are UpSwing Company members Kirstin Brown, Helen Fitanides, Alissa Kaplan Soto, Helium Valentine and the Teens Who Fly. Experience the tour de force music of Mark Vickness’ intricate, layered guitars and David Worm’s soaring, blues-inflected vocals (Glass House), Amar Singh Khalsa’s magical flute, Sahib Amar Kaur Khalsa’s deeply moving viola and Dan Cantrell’s virtuosic abilities on the accordion and musical saw. Critic's Choice in Dec 2017 issue of The East Bay Monthly
SEPT 28: FUNDRAISER & SITE SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE AT CLASSIC CARS WEST, 411 26th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Join UpSwing from 5–7 PM for the cocktail hour. Enjoy delicious comfort food by Hella Vegan Eats and an outside beer garden featuring craft beer on tap, photo booth, an art exhibition and amazing classic cars along add on the music of Dave Worm and the aerial dance of UpSwing and you have a cocktail hour like no other. This is sure to be a night to expand the senses. UpSwing will host a fundraising raffle of gift certificates from Bay Area vegan restaurants during this 5-7 PM cocktail hour. Dave Worm and Mark Vickness of Glass House will perform music at 5:30 PM. UpSwing’s aerial performance begins at 6 PM.
JUNE 14: IMPROV NIGHT at Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA 7-9PM FREE Bring a dish to share at the Pot Luck dinner afterwards
7th Annual show of UpSwing Aerial Dancers working alongside with OneVoice Circle Singers and Bay Area musicians to create a show in the moment in front of the audience.
APRIL 26: OPEN REHEARSAL & RECEPTION AT Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA 8:30-9:30PM FREE UpSwing Company shares insights and performances of newest work in this intimate studio showing.
APRIL 20: 25 POINTS OF VIEW: A PEEK INTO DANCE-MAKING at 605 Addison St, Berkeley, CA An exciting day of dance and creative process featuring 25 local choreographers in celebration of Luna Dance Institute's 25th anniversary, offering a peek into dance-making and the fundamental value of creativity. more details to follow..
MARCH 18: "POP UP" PERFORMANCE UpSwing's Teens Who Fly perform at Luna Dance Institute's Silver Jubilee Dance Party, March 18th, 8-11pm at the David Brower Center, Berkeley. Seniors Moriah Godes and UpSwing Company dancer, Helen Fitanides, dance in 2 original aerial pieces during the "pop up" performances between 8-10 PM. For tickets go here
2016
DEC 9: 2ND FRIDAY NIGHT ART PARTY AT THE SAWTOOTH..UPSWING SITE SPECIFIC IN THE GRAND HALL It's winter, enter an atmospheric world. 7-8 PM performance by UpSwing Company in the Grand Hall at the historic Sawtooth Building, 2525 Eighth Street. Art ~ Music ~ Aerial Dance ~ Live Music ~ Mingle ~ Explore the Sawtooth Building on the 2nd Friday evening of the month as artist open their doors and share their work. FREE event
NOV 4: COCKTAILS, AERIAL DANCE & KILLER VIEWS Assemble restaurant & UpSwing Aerial Dance Company team up for a magical night, Friday Nov. 4th, 2016 from 4:30-7 PM. Located at 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804, is a unique setting with beautiful and inclusive views of the entire Bay Area. Upswing will perform newest work in progress and offering an opportunity for you to hear what inspired the dance. Friday Nov 4th, experience the sweeping vistas that extend from the East Bay Hills to the city of San Francisco as we assemble for this one of a kind special benefit for Upswing. The Richmond shipyards take us to the land’s end. Cocktails, small bites, sunset views over the water give a perfect setting for UpSwing’s "Teardrops".
AUGUST 19-21: SAN FRANCISCO AERIAL ARTS FESTIVAL UpSwing Company performs in the San Francisco Aerial Arts Festival, Bay Area’s premiere aerial arts event, featuring internationally recognized aerial artists and exciting new artists breaking into the field. Performance is at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture’s Gallery 308 on August 19 and 20, 2016. Produced by Zaccho Dance Theatre, this biennial festival brings together spectacle, daring athleticism and poetry to create a dynamic three day performance event.
AUGUST 17: IMPROV NIGHT 7-8 PM - POT LUCK AFTER6th Annual show of UpSwing Aerial Dancers working alongside with OneVoice Circle Singers and Bay Area musicians to create a show in the moment in front of the audience. UpSwing Company & students improvise together with One Voice Circle Singers and musicians Dan Cantrell & Gary Muzinski. FREE EVENT, BRING A DISH TO SHARE
APRIL 24: FREE PERFORMANCE AS PART OF "DANCE-A-RAMA" 4-5 PM @ STUDIO 12 UpSwing Company and students perform in "Dance-A-Rama" as part of a FREE performance in celebration of Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week. Choreography by Jennifer "Jem" Alvarado, Kirstin Brown, Ashley Foster and Artistic Director Cherie Carson.
2015
Dec 19-21: SOLSTICE! at STUDIO 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA “Solstice!” is an East Bay favorite holiday alternative since 2005. Produced every other year, this is the 6th production. “Solstice!” celebrates the longest night of the year with music and dance by some of the Bay Area’s finest performers, and includes a Solstice-inspired visual arts installation by Alissa Kaplan-Soto. Enter into a winter wonderland with tree spirits, a moon goddess and snowbirds. Experience the music of Dave Worm and Mark Vickness (Glass House) and Amar Singh Khalsa & Sahib Amar Kaur Khalsa. And see the holiday inspired Teens Who Fly dance their L-O-V-E of the holiday!
NOV 14: VALLEY FIRE BENEFIT PERFORMANCE at San Rafael Gymnastics, 139 Carlos Dr, San Rafael, CA raising $$ for victims of the Valley Fire in Lake and Napa counties)
August 12: IMPROV NIGHT UpSwing Company & students improvise aerial dance to the improvised music of One Voice Circle Singers and musicians Amar and Sahib Amar Khalsa.
May 3: DANCE A RAMA UpSwing performs with UpSwing students as part of a FREE performance in celebration of Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week.
2014
DECEMBER 6: WINTER MOON Rockabelly and The Playthings present a winter show, with guest artists Ego Embra, Upswing Aerial Dance Company, and special guest artists. This event combines belly dance, aerial, and pole!
August 13: IMPROV NIGHT UpSwing Company & students improvise aerial dance to the improvised music of One Voice Circle Singers and musicians Amar and Sahib Amar Khalsa.
July 18-26: Festival of Aerial Arts at Vault Houston - Upswing invited as guest performers and led "Dynamic Duo" workshop
July 9: Send-off Cocktail Party for UpSwing Company, wine & cheese, showing of dance and wine raffle. Fundriaser for UpSwing Company performance at Houston Festival of Arts July 18, 19th and workshop on the 20th.
April 27: DANCE A RAMA UpSwing performs "Inside the Circle", 8th Street Studios, Berkeley 2-3 PM as part of a FREE performance in celebration of Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week.
April 26: WHAT'S UP! Performing in the show…Kirstin Brown, Helen Dickson, Katherine Sardinha, Beth Zuckerman, Teens Who Fly, UpSwing Company. FREE performance in celebration of Natl. Dance Week.
Feb 19: ROOF Gala Community Awards - UpSwing Company guest performance at Red Oak Opportunity Foundation (ROOF) Awards Gala for 2013-14 Grantees. Studio 12, Berkeley, CA
2013
Dec 21: Winter Solstice Celebration is a holiday favorite and the perfect way to celebrate the longest night of the year. The show includes music and dance by some of the Bay Areas finest performers and includes an original visual arts installation specific to the Solstice. 2 shows...one night! Studio 12, Berkeley, CA
August 17: UpSwing invited as guest performers at Open Air Festival, Vashon, WA
August 10: TICKET TO FLY! Company and friends perform in a night of innovative aerial performance and dance! For your viewing pleasure we present trapeze, bungee and rope, aerial silks, belly dance, hoop dance, and much more! Studio 12, Berkeley
April 27: What's Up! Free, Exciting Aerial Performance "What's UP!" is a stellar performance & where you can see the best of what aerial is all about - beautiful, powerful, graceful and lively. Studio 12, Berkeley, CA
February 6: ROOF Awards Ceremony UpSwing Company performs for Red Oak Opportunity Foundation Awards Ceremony. Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA
2012
Dec 12: UpSwing premiers newest work in 12.12.12, Studio 12, Berkeley, CA
July 28, 29: UpSwing invited as guest performers at Open Air Festival, Vashon, WA
On July 29 from 10:30-12 (noon) Rope and Harness workshop
April 29: Dance-A-Rama at Studio 12, Berkeley, CA...Show celebrates National Dance Week Sneak preview of new aerial dance work "Chandeliers"
May 5 & 6: UpSwing guest performers at Diamonds in the Rough, an interactive exhibit of art, innovation and industry, American Steel Gallery, Oakland, CA - performing "Chandeliers"
2011
Dec 21: Winter Solstice Celebration at Studio 12, Berkeley, CA
Dec 2 & 3: NY Aerial Festival, Manhattan Movement Arts Center, NY - performing "Inside the Circle"
Nov 29: NY Aerial Festival, Laguardia Performing Arts Center, NY - performing "Inside the Circle"
August 20 & 21: Fundraiser for The Tea Dancers - performing "El Once de Vestido Baras" or "The Dress of 11 Yards", Eighth Street Studio, Berkeley, CA
June 26: YELP's Sunset Showdown-summer event at Craneway Pavilion, Richmond, CA
Jan 15 & 16: Seven UP - Inaugural Performance featuring works by choreographer/director, Cherie Carson
