UpComing shows/Public Events
2026
Dec 19-21
Winter Solstice Celebration
UpSwing Aerial Dance Company’s bi-annual performance and celebration of the turning of the season on the longest night of the year. Held at the intimate Studio 12, located at 2525 Eighth St, Berkeley, CA, this year’s Solstice celebration will feature three performances at 8 PM Saturday and 7 PM on Sunday and Monday, offering audiences an unforgettable opportunity to witness the beauty and artistry of aerial dance in a festive atmosphere. Aerial performers include: Kiran Satellite Haithcox, KC Hyland, Dorian Maffei, Elizabeth Scotten, and Helium Valentine.
The evening will be underscored by live musical performances from an exciting lineup of talented artists, including Okorie Johnson, Regina Myers, Amar Singh, and Sahib-Amar Kaur. Their captivating sounds will complement the visual artistry of our aerial performers as they celebrate the return of the sun through the magic of movement and music.
As a special highlight, the celebration will feature a screening of "She Never Looked Back," our newly released dance film that captures the timeless beauty of vintage trains.
**What:** UpSwing Aerial Dance Company's "Solstice" Celebration
**When:** December 19-21, 2026
**Where:** Studio 12, 2525 Eighth St, Berkeley, CA
**Showtimes:** 8 PM and 7 PM
**Aerial performers:** Kiran Satellite Haithcox, KC Hyland, Dorian Maffei, Elizabeth Scotten, and Helium Valentine
**Musical Guests:** Okorie Johnson, Regina Myers, Amar Khalsa and Sahib-Amar Khalsa
**Pre-Show:** TBA
**Film Screening:** “She Never Looked Back
**Tickets:** Don’t miss your chance to celebrate this magical time of year with us. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and enchanted! All ticket sales are final. General admission. plan to arrive early and enjoy the pre-show festivities.
August 7-9
Seventh Biennial San Francisco Aerial Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of contemporary aerial dance, circus arts, site-responsive performances and 20 aerial arts films presented at Fort Mason in SF.
Experience breathtaking performances from internationally recognized aerial artists alongside the next generation of innovative performers. Set against the spectacular waterfront backdrop of Fort Mason, the festival transforms theaters, galleries, and public spaces into stages where artists defy gravity and reimagine what movement-storytelling can be. From theatrical works and intimate performances to youth showcases, site-responsive installations, and stunning aerial films, the San Francisco Aerial Arts Festival offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of aerial arts in one incredible weekend.
15 Choreographers | 6 Youth Companies | 20 Films
UpSwing Aerial Dance Company will have “Water Spirit,” aerial dance filmed inside a suspended 6 foot bubble will be presented on Sunday’s Avante Garde Series (Screening #5) at 5:30-6:30PM. FREE entrance to film festival. Arrive early to get your seat.
Venue Information
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
2 Marina Boulevard | Gateway Pavillion, Pier 2
San Francisco, CA 94123
Paid parking is available onsite.
$15-$75 for performances/ Films are free
2025
August 18
What’s UP!? Studio 12, 2525 Eighth Street, Berkeley, Suggested donation of $10/NOTA for lack of funds performance, 6:30-7PM
Studio showing of works by UpSwing teachers, students and Company. Come see what’s new, what’s in process and what UpSwing students have been working on this summer! No reservations for this Monday night showing.
April 30th
What’s UP!? Celebrating Natl. Dance Week, 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, Over its 24 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. Limited seating. To secure your spot to see this show, you must register here!
February
UpSwing Aerial Dance Company and Symmetricity Films are thrilled to announce that our latest film, "Sequoia Spirits," is being presented for the month of February on the iconic Salesforce Tower Top in San Francisco. Showings in February include from 12:00AM to 1:00AM and ALL NIGHT on February 21, 22, & 23, from SUNDOWN (6:00PM) UNTIL 1:00AM. This breathtaking display will illuminate the city's skyline with a vertical dance piece that pays tribute to the majestic Redwoods of Mendocino, California.
"Sequoia Spirits," an award-winning collaboration between celebrated artists Cherie Carson and David Creech, blends stunning choreography with out-of-the-box visual mastery. The film has been uniquely adapted by David Creech to be experienced in a 360-degree format, showcasing the beauty of the Redwoods while celebrating the ethereal connection between dance and nature. With a total of 11,000 LEDs lighting up the six-story crown of the Salesforce Tower, the display will create an unforgettable visual spectacle for all San Francisco residents and visitors to enjoy.
In addition to being the second tallest building west of the Mississippi, Salesforce Tower has already become a landmark in San Francisco’s storied skyline. By projecting "Sequoia Spirits" onto its magnificent façade, the filmmakers aim to enhance this architectural marvel while fostering a deeper appreciation for California's natural wonders.
“'Sequoia Spirits' is more than just a film; it is an immersive experience meant to connect viewers with the beauty of nature through the art of dance,” said Cherie Carson. “We're excited to showcase this project in such a prominent location, and we hope to inspire others to explore and protect our natural landscapes.”
David Creech adds, "As an artist, I am fortunate to be able to take the work of Cherie's choreography and the movements of her dancers and turn their collaboration into a new art form. Our work is just as much a painting or a poem as it is a dance when I do my part right. While working on this project has been a labor of love, taking 'Sequoia Spirits' and "conforming it" to play on the tower, I was forced to see its basic elements of line, space, form, color and movement. We're eager to see how the vibrant energy of our new film will resonate within the city. The Salesforce Tower's height and visibility provide the perfect backdrop for our artistic vision.”
The public is invited to witness "Sequoia Spirits" each evening from February 1 to 28. The event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of art, nature, and community, and will be visible to viewers from various vantage points across the city.
Read more in this article by Richmondside: Press
Support UpSwing and more events like this by making your tax deductible donation here!
Thank you for attending today’s showing. Hope to see you back soon.
Cherie
Future events….
2027
BLUE - An aerial dance performance grounded in life and love. "Blue" an new show that takes us through life. Blues have a way of breaking barriers between people. It is a piece of mind, it is our ups and downs, our round and rounds. To go through life you must go through the blues. It is truly a creative and beautiful way to express the deepest of emotions we humans possess. Blues is life.
2028
TBA: Atmospheres
A new direction for UpSwing performances. Currently in development.
I CAN'T COME BUT WANT TO SUPPORT UPSWING!
Sometimes you just want to make a show but life takes you in another direction. You can still support UpSwing Aerial Dance Company and the help support our ability to continue to bring great quality dancing & shows by buying a "non seat" ticket!