With Elena Brocade
Friday April 3rd, 2026 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Upstairs
Cost: $105
The lack of exploration in Spanish Web often stems from its historical pigeonholing as a “display” act rather than a technical discipline. For over 20 years I have played with expanding the pathways of movement on Spanish web that transcend this stigmatism.
This workshop will teach both the setter and flier roles to all participants, in order, to better understand the rhythm and tension of their relationship. We will go beyond the traditional “spin to shape” formula and unlock the potentials of this partnership by playing with –
Dynamic Leverage: Using the setter’s weight to create oscillations rather than just rotations.
Tension Rope Tricks: Incorporating slack-rope releases or “wraps” that utilize the centrifugal force to hold the body in unconventional planes.
Ground-to-Air Interplay: Treating the rope as a bridge between the floor and the air, allowing the setter and flier to trade roles or interact physically throughout the sequence.
Prereqs: Intermediate to advanced vertical practice, ability and endurance to climb and invert safely through the duration of a 3-hour workshop
Elena Brocade is a performing artist, choreographer, and costume designer based in Los Angeles, and has worked internationally in the aerial arts and illusion magic for over 20 years. Elena’s work centers around archetypal storytelling, where transformation plays a role both figuratively and literally. Valuing exploration and innovation, she created the first-ever aerial quick change act on Spanish web and introduced the relationship of dance and acrobatics to the setters role. Her stage and film credits range from The Magic Castle, Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, Circus Flora, Master’s of Illusion CW, Public Enemies directed by Michael Mann, and Hong Kong’s 2008 Olympic festivities. As an aerial choreographer, Elena interweaves the existential and the narrative alike – using aerial dance and costume as moving illustration. As a coach, she values helping others find their own artistic voice.