Why would a Juilliard grad violinist who performed a recital in Carnegie Hall, been awarded the use of the Burstein Bagshawe Stradivarius Violin for 6 years and played for the president become an AERIAL VIOLINIST??
About seven years ago, I posted a video on my YouTube channel: My performance of Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons, as “aerial violin soloist” with the St. Louis Philharmonic. I wasn’t as advanced an aerialist then as I am now, but the video received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Amid all the supportive comments, however, one stood out and stayed with me. It simply read, “Only one question. WHY?”
That question struck a chord because it was a question I was plagued with. It’s exactly the sort of comment one of my music teachers might have made, challenging me to think deeply about the artistic intent behind my choices. As an artist, I strive to have an artistic reason for what I create—not just a practical one. Of course, art often defies logic. It exists simply because an artist wanted it to. Yet, in the arts, we are trained to seek the "why" behind each note we play, every gesture we make, every word we write.
And, being an aerial violinist is VERY COMPLICATED. The timing has to be absolutely precise, and it is an engineering feat to determine which choreography works to get you to a place you can play. Then there are the sound issues and the cost issues…and on and on. I continued to ask myself, Why am I drawn to doing this? What compels me to shape my work in this unique way? Is this a valid art form? This question has propelled me ever since, guiding me to dig deeper when choreographing or composing. Here are some of the reasons that shape my answer:
1. Following My Heart and Finding My Own Voice
From an early age, I was encouraged to find my own niche, to listen to my heart, and to put my voice into my art. When I began exploring “aerial violin,” no one else was blending violin and aerial arts in this way. Creating this unique art form became a personal expression, a signature style I’m proud of. And I don’t see this as an endpoint—only a step on a much longer journey. Who knows what future creations lie ahead? For now, aerial violin is an important milestone, a testament to the boundless nature of creativity.
2. A Love for Aerial Arts Meets the Violin
Once I discovered the aerial world, it captured me completely. There’s an elegance, strength, and artistry to it that felt like a calling. I knew if I could incorporate aerial arts into my violin playing, I could give this passion a permanent place in my life. Combining these two loves allows me to experience a unique harmony between music and movement.
3. A Dance Between Music and Movement
There’s a fascinating relationship between music and movement. Playing an instrument while in motion requires a special synergy, drawing on both a musician’s sensitivity and a dancer’s awareness. This experience sharpens my performance, helping me engage with my audience through a fuller, more expressive range.
4. Creating an Organic Flow of Movement and Sound
For me, the challenge of making music and movement grow together is a never-ending source of inspiration. Every piece I perform is a chance to refine this connection, letting music and movement tell a seamless story. This storytelling feels uniquely honest, capturing something that words alone can’t convey.
5. Evoking Emotion Through Aerial Performance
There’s something inherently emotional about aerial performance—something raw and beautiful. Watching aerialists perform can move us in ways other performances can’t. I wanted to evoke those same emotions through my music and movement, creating a visual and auditory journey for my audiences.
6. Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt
I used to watch aerialists with a mix of admiration and disbelief. Could I be like them? Could I find the strength and courage to perform as they did? The thought seemed distant, almost impossible. But here I am, challenging myself and defying my own expectations. I’m still the same person, but now I fly above the stage, violin in hand, with a greater sense of courage and growth.
7. Learning Through Setbacks
Early in college, I developed tendonitis in both arms, making it difficult to play either violin or piano. This setback led me to study the human body and develop a deeper interest in physical fitness. Understanding my body helped me become more resilient and resourceful, qualities that are essential as I push my performance limits today.
8. A Natural Fit for My Physicality
I’ve always loved dance but wasn’t able to pursue it as a child. While my body type may not fit the traditional ballet mold, I found a perfect match in aerial arts. With a flexible back and a natural gymnast’s build, I’ve been able to showcase my strengths and craft choreography that highlights my unique physicality. This art form fits me in a way traditional dance never could, and the release of working with gross motor movements helped give me patience for the fine motor skills required for piano and violin.
9. Finding a Home in Circus Culture
Though I have a deep love for classical music and the training I received, I also feel a strong kinship with the circus world. Circus arts possess a surreal, magical quality that resonates with me deeply. Performing aerial violin lets me live in both worlds, blending the elegance of classical music with the wonder of the circus.
10. Integrating Exercise into Art
Staying consistent with exercise is challenging, especially on the road. Early on, I realized that if I could integrate it into my work, it would become a natural part of my daily life. Aerial violin isn’t just performance; it’s a full-body workout that strengthens me both physically and mentally. Now, no matter where I am, this practice keeps me focused and disciplined.
Each performance of aerial violin is more than a show—it’s a testament to resilience, love for art, and the power of dreaming big. It’s about connecting with audiences in a new way, showing them that music isn’t bound by a stage. It can soar, it can dance, and it can surprise us all. So, if you’re curious about what’s next, subscribe and join me on this journey of art, courage, and discovery.
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