At the beginning of the month, we spent two brilliant days training with Shani Stephens, performer in G.O.M and founder of Perform Athlete, a strength and conditioning programme designed specifically for acrobats.
The training gave our group of women and non-binary acrobats two days to dive into technique, explore creatively, and learn from Shani’s experience, as both an exceptional acrobat and coach.
As a smaller base herself, Shani brought something particularly valuable to the room: an understanding that there isn’t one “right” way to do acrobatics. She shared techniques specifically adapted for smaller bases, while encouraging us to adapt and find what works for our own bodies. Her openness and generosity made the training both practical and empowering: a brilliant reminder that good technique isn’t about fitting ourselves into a mould, but about finding ways of working that recognise and celebrate our differences.
We’re very proud to be able to offer these opportunities to our group of acrobats. This training was also a great reminder of how valuable cross-border collaborations with international artists who understand our practice can be: bringing fresh perspectives, sharing knowledge and opening up new possibilities for our work.
Thanks to Shani, Silvia, Cassia, Jaide, Rebecca, Carys, Fiona, Lisa, Lucie, Jennifer, Kim, Julia and Lina for your time and energy!
