August 2, 2020 PRESS RELEASE
The Longest Standing Aerial Competition In The United States
AerialArtsAmerica.org
Please join us in VIRTUALLY celebrating the 8th Annual West Coast Aerial Arts Festival (WCAAF)
When: November 12 – 15, 2020
Where: All Across the United States of America and Beyond
Control Tower: Aerial Dance Theater
3001 Red Hill Ave. Bldg. 1‐107, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Event Type: Aerial Arts Competition, Workshops, Scholarship Auditions, and Aerial Culminating Concert
What is WCAAF: the West Coast Aerial Arts Festival is the very first aerial competition of its kind in the United States, opening doors to young and seasoned aerialists irrespective of age or level. With the ongoing pandemic and the dire necessity to keep everyone safe and healthy, the WCAAF is going to be held virtually with control tower at the Aerial Dance Theater.
History and Mission: The WCAAF began in 2013 with its mission to create awareness in the aerial community as a tool in fulfilling many gaps in this discipline, both from educational to performance standpoints. It also serves as a platform for all students, amateurs, and semi‐professionals alike, to showcase their skills in a competitive venue. It brings camaraderie and recognition within and outside our community. The stories and experiences shared by each participant is an achievement in and of itself, not only in support of Aerial Arts America’s mission, but in building community among all of us who are touched in one way or another through their involvement. Through our competitions, our mission of promoting physical literacy is by itself directly and indirectly accomplished.
Funding: The West Coast Aerial Arts Festival is a tremendous undertaking that is driven by committee directors and volunteers’ passion and support. It is funded mainly by Aerial Arts America’s programs, and participants’ fee. Donations and sponsors contributions also help raise funds to carry out festival expenses.
We depend heavily on your endorsement and active participation ‐ as promoters, school team competitors, and/or as donors, sponsors and program advertisers. We would be happy to discuss these types of supporting roles.
Let’s join hands in welcoming everyone collectively to celebrate our passion for aerial arts. We hope to see you
virtually with us!
AERIAL COMPETITION
The Aerial Arts Competition will comprise of as many as twenty‐one (21) categories based on age group and experience level. Ages range from 7 to 60+ years old, and levels include novice, amateur, semi‐professional, and
professional.
Our awards ceremony will include announcements of the first top three contestants for each category and division. We will also be announcement the overall top three winners and will be awarding them with prize money. Lastly, there shall also be special awards named including the most improved.
CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
There are two divisions in this segment: Duo entry and the Small Group entry (3‐5 artists). The goal is to educate our young artists to appreciate aerial arts in various forms of artistic contents (in its broadest language)
and share entitlement amongst all group members. It teaches our community the value of team building. Choreography Night will be on Saturday, November 14, at 6pm PST. This is not a competition.
WORKSHOPS
November 12 – 15, 2020
Workshops shall be held virtually by established educators and judges highly regarded in their respective fields. These workshops will include some and all of the following: Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop/ Lyra, Trapeze, and we shall also provide some specialty workshops like Straps, Contortion, Rope and alike. Workshops will be available for both our participants and the general public.
PARTICIPATION AND REGISTRATION
Participation in the competition and choreography showcase are open to all. All participants pay a base fee of $150 and additional fees depending on their participation in other categories. Fees include admission to one
workshop, participation in our collaborative group performance and ticket to the competition and culminating concert. Deadline for submitting application packets and registration fee is October 15, 2020 PST. There is also an Early Bird Special submission with a discounted fee.
DIRECTORS NETWORK
A session is also set‐up for directors, coaches and school administrators to discuss topics relating to their organization, current developments or to share resources. It also creates a support group in the community.
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
Funds for scholarship grant is provided to deserving artists. An audition is scheduled and WCAAF participants may try out.
VENDOR GALLERY
The festival will feature an exciting vendor gallery showcasing businesses related to and/or support the aerial arts community. Please email us for details, or visit our website for additional information at www.aerialartsamerica.com
ABOUT AERIAL ARTS AMERICA (AAA): Established in 2012, AAA is a non‐profit organization functioning as an international governing body for aerial arts. Our mission is to generate exposure for national and international talent, nurture the development of artists and performers and advocate for educational and performing arts standards in all areas of aerial arts.
We develop standards from both an educational and performing arts standpoint through 3 pillars: teacher certification, festivals and competitions as well as scholarship trainings. We look forward to seeing you at the 8th West Coast Aerial Arts Festival from November 12‐15, 2020 all around the globe via virtual conferencing and in person with state and local safety protocols.
Thank you!
Warm regards,
Ruby Karen
Festival Organizer
www.aerialartsamerica.org
Aerial Arts America
West Coast Aerial Arts Festival
