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Aerial Artistry Showcase

The Aerial Artistry Showcase is performance-centered and designed to celebrate creativity, thoughtful technique, and personal growth. Rather than ranking performers against one another, this showcase offers artists the opportunity to present their work, receive meaningful feedback, and be recognized for excellence within a supportive festival environment.

Arts first. Community first.

SHOWCASE DATE: MAY 23, 2026

REGISTRATION SUBMISSION

Registration fee is $150 and must be paid at the time of submission of the form.

Pricing to be added

Competition Overview

Aerial artists are invited to share their work on stage as part of the Ottawa Circus Festival experience.

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• Open to children, teens, adults, and professional level artists

• Designed as a showcase with evaluation and recognition, not a head-to-head competition

• Emphasizes artistry, originality, and safe technical execution

• Encourages learning, reflection, and community connection

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The Aerial Artistry Showcase is not a traditional competition. This showcase is an opportunity to present your aerial work as an artistic piece, receive thoughtful feedback, build confidence, and be part of a collaborative festival environment. Participants will not be directly compared to others; instead, each performance is evaluated on its own merits within the participation stream.

Participation Streams

To better reflect our values, participation is organized into streams rather than competitive levels.

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EMERGING ARTISTS (Ages 6-15 Years)

A supportive stream for young aerialists to share their work, build confidence, and receive encouraging, age-appropriate feedback.

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Act Timing
• Soloist: 3 minutes maximum

• Duet: 4 minutes maximum
• There is no minimum time limit

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DEVELOPING ARTISTS (Ages 16+)

For adult performers who wish to present a polished aerial piece and receive structured artistic and technical feedback.

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Act Timing

• Soloist: 3 minutes maximum

• Duet: 4 minutes maximum

• There is no minimum time limit

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ELITE ARTISTS (Ages 18+)

For adult highly experienced performers presenting advanced, original work. Participation is determined through a short audition video to ensure appropriate placement and safety.

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Act Timing

• Soloist: 3.5 minutes maximum

• Duet: 4 minutes maximum

• There is no minimum time limit

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APPARATUS & PERFORMANCE FORMAT

• Open apparatus for all streams.

• No live pulls.

• The use of the provided crash mat is mandatory. 

 • Performances are presented as complete artistic works rather than technical drill.

Evaluation Focus

Judges observe each performance through an arts-based evaluation lens. Criteria are adapted to the artist stream to ensure fairness, clarity, and encouragement.

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EMERGING & DEVELOPING ARTISTS – EVALUATION FOCUS

Judges consider:

  • Diversity of movement and use of the apparatus

  • Musicality and stage presence 

  • Clean inversions and lines

  • Controlled entries/exits

  • Unique or thoughtful transitions

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The emphasis is on growth, exploration, and clear execution.

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ELITE ARTISTS – EVALUATION FOCUS

Judges consider:

  • Artistry and creative vision

  • Musicality and stage presence 

  • Technical difficulty and skill diversity

  • Originality of movement and composition

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The emphasis is on innovation, refinement, and cohesive artistic expression.

Recognition & Acknowledgement

  • Recognition is announced without publishing numerical scores. 

  • The top three performances from each stream will be announced publicly.

  • Three performers from the Elite Artists stream will be invited to perform at the festival showcase on Sunday, May 24. 

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All recognitions are designed to celebrate artistic contribution rather than rank performers.

GENERAL RULES

  • Performers, instructors, and individuals helping set up props are allowed backstage. For performers under 16 years one legal guardian is required backstage. Instructors/guardians must be displaying a backstage pass in the backstage area at all times.

  • By entering the competition participants are giving their permission for any video or photographs to be used by Ottawa Circus Festival. These photos can be used for promotion for future year's competitions without the dancers receiving compensation or royalties.

  • All performers must sign a waiver within thirty days of the event.

  • Cowbells and air horns are not permitted in the audience.

  • Performers that are sick are requested not to come to the competition and should remain home to prevent the spread of germs.

  • Participants are responsible for the age and placements to be accurate. Students/parents will have to provide document proof if the level or age is questioned.

  • Performers must be registered in their appropriate levels, if the performer fails to register in the correct level based on the description provided they will be switched to their respected levels and adjudicated based as such.

  • Participants are covered by general liability insurance through Ottawa Circus Festival.

CODE OF CONDUCT

  • We encourage all performers to cheer on their fellow performers when they are on the stage.

  • Everyone should be respectful of other studios, race, gender, level, size and skills.

  • Dressing rooms and warm-up space is to be shared by all participants. There will be no reserving of spaces in the dressing room, and we ask that you clean up after yourself. Any vandalism or theft will result in immediate disqualification and you will be asked to leave the competition.

  • No coaching of other participants unless you have been directly asked. No coaching from the wings is permitted. Participants must be fully prepared to perform. Instructors in the wings for Aerial must be present in case of emergency but not there to help from the wings.

  • Respectful attitudes are required throughout the festival. Any disrespect or bullying towards staff, instructors, or other performers will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disqualification.

  • Ottawa Circus Festival promotes a positive and supportive environment and wants all performers to have a good experience. No gossiping or negative comments are permitted from students, parents or instructors.

​AERIAL RIGGING, SAFETY & STAGE INFORMATION

  •  Aerial Artistry Showcase performances will be in LabO Theatre.

  • Performers will use a central rigging point, attached to a structural beam, with a maximum height of approximately 6 m (20'). The height of visibility in the theatre is approximately 6 m (20'). 

  • The performance floorspace in the theatre is 11.2 m (37') wide by 7.6 m (22') deep. 

  • No live pulls are available.  

  • Our rigging and stage crew will set up and take down your apparatus from stage level.

  • A venue and rigging point review time will be provided on Friday, May 22. This time can be used to speak with the rigging technician about apparatus height.

  • During their performance time, performers have 1.5 mins to set up, 1.5 mins to take down their apparatus and any props. Props cannot damage any equipment or permanent fixtures,  including flooring. 

  • Performers must bring their own aerial apparatus, and items (carabiners, slings, etc), required to attached to the swivel on the rigging point provided. Apparatuses must be 'checked-in' before the performances begin. 

  • Crash Mats: A 5ft x 7ft x 6 inch crash mat is provided for use underneath the apparatus. It is mandatory to have the crash mat underneath your apparatus during the competition, there will be no exceptions to this rule. Performers are welcome to bring their own mat to use that is approved ahead of time by the Festival, if they do not want to use the one provided.

  • A 3 m (10') inflatable air floor can be provided for floor acrobatics upon request. 

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