*SOLD OUT*
WHAT
Offered for the first time in January 2025, Wāhine in Circus Arts is a free 12 week social circus arts project designed for nā wāhine ʻōiwi and nā kaikamāhine ʻōiwi (native Hawaiian women ages 18 + and native Hawaiian girls ages 13+).
WHY
Wāhine in Circus Arts aims to build and strengthen community ties through dance/movement classes and shared-skill building in aerial arts for Native Hawaiian women and girls.
WHEN
The program will run January 6 through March 29, meeting twice a week on Mondays and Saturdays, 6-7 pm.
This program is made possible with support from the Women's Fund of Hawai'i.
THE AIRHOUSE
108 Kalakaua Street, Hilo Hawai'i, 96720
Opening doors March 1, 2021, the Airhouse is a 1800 square foot training studio and event space.
Meet The Team
Zoe Eisenberg
program producer
With a background in film and circus production, Zoe is the co-founder of Aerial Arts Hawai'i, where she oversees the company's creative direction, events and stage productions.
Fae Melendez
aerial teacher
Raised in Hilo, Hawai'i, Fae is an avid aerialist and dancer, and has been working with Aerial Arts Hawai'i since 2017, first as a student and now as a performer, teacher and studio administrator.
Jenn Eng
movement teacher + program consultant
A passionate artist with an eye for style, Jenn has been making art and shows for over 25 years; with a background in dance, performance, choreography, and fashion, she now enjoys directing, producing, and creative consulting.
Candace Wharton
movement teacher
Candy was born and raised on the North Shore of Oʻahu, and now raises her three children at home in Puna. With a passion for dance, plants, and community, Candy is a graduate in UH Hilo's Heritage Management program and works as an archeologist and ethnographer for a private consulting firm. She is also one of the Cofounders of Embody Movement, a pole dance studio in Hilo, and the founder of Hōʻaʻā i Kanalani, a community ethnobotanical garden in Puna. As a teacher, Candy loves encouraging others to be their best through proper form, technique and consistency.
Bella O'Toole
aerial teacher
Born and raised on Hawai'i Island, Bella is the co-founder of Aerial Arts Hawai'i. An aerial performer and teacher with over eight years of experience, Bella opened the Airhouse in 2021, where she serves as our lead instructor and studio head.
Wailana Simcock
program consultant
Wailana Simcock, born in the Philippines and raised in Hawaii‘i, is a cultural activist, dance artist, educator, choreographer, and director. He currently lives in the unceded territory of the Ramaytush Ohlone people, aka San Francisco. There he dances and teaches for the vertical dance company Bandaloop and for contemporary dance theater company, Joe Goode Performance Group.
MORE INFO
WHY AERIAL ARTS?
At our studio, aerial arts is grounded in body positivity, curiosity, and self exploration. We focus on nurturing a positive connection to one’s body in all shapes and sizes, allowing us to freely move and express in a unique way. Aerial arts training and performance can be a vehicle to tell a story, keep ourselves and community healthy and vibrant - all while learning a new exciting skill!
With support from the Women's Fund of Hawai'i, Aerial Arts Hawaii is proud to make this special offering to increase access to and participation in circus arts in East Hawai’i.
FAQ
IS IT OKAY IF I HAVE NO AERIAL EXPERIENCE? Yes! This is an intro friendly program.
WHY IS THIS PROGRAM ONLY FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN WOMEN/GIRLS? This program is an effort to specifically engage with and support Hawaiian women interested in circus arts.
I DONT IDENTIFY AS NATIVE HAWAIIAN, CAN I REGISTER? This is for female-identifying native Hawaiians; we are not here to interrogate identity, and trust that those who do not identify as native Hawaiian will refrain from registering.
CAN I ATTEND JUST ONCE A WEEK? We look for participants who can commit to the two-day schedule, with understanding absences may occur.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PROGRAM IS OVER?
Aerial Arts Hawai'i will continue support for Nā Wāhine in Circus Arts participants after this three-month pilot program through scholarship support, work-study, teacher training, performance possibilities, and other creative opportunities.