About Rebekah Leach
Hi! My name is Rebekah Leach and Aerial Dancing is a loved hobby of mine, as you can probably tell. This website serves as a great way to record some of the great fun I've had along my journey. Teaching means a lot to me because I value the position of honor to be an influence in someone else's life. (My day job also involves teaching, so I am always teaching something whether it be dance, math, physics, piano, etc.) When I teach, I do not feel as though I am simply showing someone how to do something, I feel I am awakening creativity and expression of the soul. Someone who inspires me is someone whose self expression not only comes with passion (and passion not for the sake of passion but passion from a purpose and a truth), it comes with expression of those deep and hidden truths of our lives. That is what I aspire to and want to pass on to others through both teaching and performing.
The story (long version - for when you're ready to sit for a while): I get asked a lot, "how did you get into it?" I don't have a short answer, and the story barely makes much sense. I was in the middle of a study abroad in Thailand, and was getting a lot of check marks on my bucket list. And I was thinking about what other things I wanted on my bucket list. I asked myself, "what do I have I always wanted to do?" And what kept coming back to a random flier that I saw years ago in a dance studio where I took lessons. The flier had a picture of dancers suspended on ropes and using that medium for artistic expression. I remember I felt such a longing to do that, and even though it had been years since I saw the posted, the image still stuck with me. Well, I decided to google things that would lead me to aerial dance (although I don't think I even knew those code words at the time). I saw that there was an Aerial Dance Festival happening in Boulder, CO that year, and I e-mailed my dad to sign me up. (Remember, I was in Thailand.) Fast forward to the day before the ADF that summer. Fred Deb, beautiful fabric artist, was performing with the Colorado Symphony. While watching someone on fabric so elegantly, I just fell in love! I went up afterwards and asked Fred Deb how long she had been doing fabric. She said 11 years. I also asked her how old she was. She was 33. Doing the math, she starting fabric when she was 22 and I was 22!! I told her that I was in her fabric class this week and SO EXCITED to start learning. During the week, Fred couldn't believe it was my first time on the fabric. She moved me into the intermediate class mid-week, so that I went home knowing the entire beginning course as well as the entire intermediate course. When I went back to California, there was no one doing aerial within a 100 mile radius, and that was fine by me because I'm a person who loves to self-explore with dance anyway. I only started taking official classes in college, and have always just loved to put music on and move. That's all I've ever done - and it's exactly what I did with the fabric. I would take my fabric out to Bishop's Peak, hang my fabric in trees and dance. I love teaching, and it was a natural next-step for me. It wasn't long before I started teaching in the area (which was on the Central Coast). I developed "knot theory" on the fabric to help teach students who didn't have the strength to start climbing and all that on the fabric. I taught classes and workshops solely in the knot for the first year. I taught at ECHO artspace in Grover Beach where people such as Linda Camplese, David Runnings, Laurie Hobbs and many others were a huge support to my endeavors. When I graduated from college (Cal Poly SLO), my husband and I moved to Ojai, CA for teaching jobs (we were teaching high school physics and math, respectively). I opened an aerial dance studio called A2J Studios out of my home. (A2J stands for addicted to Jesus to remind me of where my dance passion comes from.) In 2007, I began dancing with Aerial Experience Productions. My first production with them took me to Chicago where I got to dance to the music of Herbie Hancock at a benefit ball. Afterwards he told us how great we did dancing out there. It was a fun moment to have a star say those sorts of things to you, when it usually goes the other way around. I am not one to get star-struck; the way I look at this scenario is realize how blessed I am to be able to go and meet amazing people. Herbie's co-singer for the evening was Dianne Reeves, and her voice is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. People are famous for a reason. Sometimes it gets to people and ruins a part of what them great, but some are really able to maintain their coolness. It was great to hang around with such powerful God-given talent. It really does lift you up sometimes because of who they are, not because of how famous they are. I have been working with Aerial Experience ever since, meeting amazing, inspiring people all along the way. Another group I have had the pleasure of dancing with is Daughter of Zion Aerial Dance Company in Santa Ynez, California. Rina van de Kamp, the artistic director, came out of a stroke in her 20s, while traveling with Diavolo. Her story is incredible (you can read about here: http://www.independent.com/news/2008/jan/17/adventures-rina-van-de-kamp/), and makes you realize that prayer is a walk with God; while he heals you, it may take time, but he walks with you. Rina is an incredible Pilates trainer, with so much knowledge that I can just pick her brain for hours, and the great thing is that she lets you do that sort of thing. After my husband and I were both laid off from our jobs, we moved out to Colorado so that my husband could pursue an advanced degree in Physics; however, God had other plans. I joined the Navy (another long, but amazing story) and have been stationed to Charleston, South Carolina for my first post. In the meantime, at the request of my California aerial students, I have been writing books to help them remember all the things I have taught them. The project is blossoming into something bigger than I first dreamed, and that makes me excited. I am currently working on the aerial hoop and aerial rope, then I will move on to other apparatuses, and then I will return to my own work to meld both ground and aerial. All money that is being made from book sales, workshops, and performing is being collected into a fund that will one day be put into opening a fabulous dance studio, including aerial dance, but really focusing on dance overall. The dream is there; God is growing it, and I am enjoying the journey. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please feel free to browse my adventures on the archives page. If you have ever taken a workshop with me, perhaps you are in some of the photos! :) Another site that I have started is AerialDancing.com. I have been working for years on an enormous video catalog of all the aerial moves that I am also covering through the manuals. That video library is now available to paying members of AerialDancing.com! There are also tons of other resources hidden within the pages of AerialDancing.com. I hope you find great articles, information, and other ways to feel supported in your own journey exploring this beautiful art form of aerial dance. I feel entirely blessed by those of you who support me in mine. |
Testimonials for Rebekah's Teaching “It is truly rare when someone is both a great artistic performer and an exceptionally gifted teacher. Rebekah Leach is just such a ‘rare bird’. In her aerial dance and yoga workshops and classes, Rebekah imparts technical and artistic knowledge with such joy and ease, and her step-wise lessons are so easy to grasp, that I found myself doing things I’d never thought possible.” ~ Peggy LaCerra, aerial student "I think Rebekah's background as a mathematician comes out in two startling ways. First, we worked on breaking movement into statements, or "sentences" within larger paragraphs of movement. That phrasing centers around breathing patterns. Then we started analyzing the "endpoints" of vocabulary, and seeing how one can arrive at that point by following a different pathway. I thought of the different ways of getting into an X-back straddle, and it made sense. When we actually began down the path, though, I began to see the life-long discipline of this approach. It is utterly unique, and is at the heart of what makes Rebekah's work so breath-taking and so enjoyable to watch. One is less aware of the mechanics, and more aware simply of the DANCE. But there is, in me, a deeper desire simply to float and live without the stones, to feel the richer, wilder flow of the mountain stream....this seems a good hunger, a true thing in myself. And my sense is that Rebekah is one teacher who would hold the back of my head, dip me in the water, and take great pleasure watching me float away from the shore, to join her, and others, deep inside the flow." ~Jenn Kintner, professional aerialist "I came back to San Antonio so inspired. I couldn't wait to get back on my silks, which was convenient because I went straight from the airport to the gym to teach 2 classes! I actually felt comfortable enough to demonstrate your knot improv exercise to my students as they were warming up. All of my students were so impressed and said that they wanted to move like that too! I'm still brainstorming ways to teach your technique/theories to my beginning students. I absolutely love fabric theory since taking 2 theory classes at another circus school a few months ago. However, I spent 2 1/2 weeks there and I didn't change at all compared to how much I grew in 5 lessons with you. I love that you not only think about different ways to wrap, your theories come from "problems" aerialists face and you come up with a solution to fix them. Your solutions then lead you into an entirely new, creative sequence. It makes so much sense. Thank you for challenging me to think about silks in such an innovative way. I feel that I can finally move the way I've been trying to move in the silks for the past few years. I feel like a modern dancer again. As I improv in the air, I find that I want to move on the ground again. My transitions between the floor and the silks are much more fluid and everything seems to connect once again. I finally feel free! My limbs can extend and reach and my movement is no longer bound by the apparatus." ~ Julia Langenberg, professional aerialist Said of her performances: "A highlight of the evening was Rebekah Leach’s silk dance, 'Liquid Grace.' Leach navigated the airspace above the stage with exquisite grace and sensuality, her supple and expressive body entwined in two expanses of red silk. Her long, red-gold hair flowed free as she hung upside-down, creating a beautiful visual further accentuated by Chris Turner’s lighting." ~ Justine Sutton, Santa Barbara Independent |
Testimonial for Rebekah Leach:
"Since my first workshop last July, Rebekah has inspired me and the other students to continue our exploration of this amazing dance form. We now meet consistently to perfect the moves she shows us each month and to experiment further as we work toward performance routines. Rebekah has been a wonderful influence on so many of the dancers I’ve had the pleasure to come to know through ECHO Artspace and virtually everyone I’ve met has come away from her workshops inspired and eager to learn more."
- Linda Camplese, ECHO Artspace Director
"I am so thrilled to have been a part of your traincation these last two years! I love the theory work and learning a deeper line of thought around the apparatus and how to move and transition in different ways. The learning environment is so supportive and welcoming. I have really become a better aerialist after these trainings. I highly recommend the traincation program and look forward to being there next year! Thank you for finding a safe way to run the program this year!" - Lisa
"Great combination of content between sling theory and character building, and how to bring those together into a show piece. Just what I needed to move my routines to the next level. I applaud Rebekah in her creativity and innovation in having this workshop online through Zoom. It was a great week! Thanks!" - Judy
"The AerialWorks Traincations have provided a much-needed safe space for me to step outside my comfort zone and grow my skills technically as well as creatively, and I leave every year a far better aerialist for the experience. Whether you're a teacher looking for new ways to reach your students, a new aerialist that just met the prerequisites, or anywhere else on the spectrum, I highly recommend this as a way to challenge yourself and to discover so many amazing possibilities for your aerial journey." - Dori
"Rebekah is a talented teacher skilled at giving direction verbally. Even though we were working virtually, Rebekah was able to easily guide me through complicated moves. The traincation challenged my mental understanding of aerial hammock moves giving me a stronger sense of the base positions and how to move in and out of them in unique ways. I loved the character development part of the workshop. The specific steps and methods for developing a character helped me get around my creative blocks and create a routine that relied more on the character instead of the tricks." - Sheila
Random Quotes
"I don't want people who want to dance, I want people who have to dance."
-George Balanchine
"Dance is music made visible."
-George Balanchine
"I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself."
-Mikhail Baryshnikov
"To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak."
-Hopi Indian Saying
"Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made."
-Ted Shawn
"We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance."
-Japanese Proverb
"And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic... "I was dancing before the Lord, and I was willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy to the Lord."
- David in 2 Samuel 6
"True ease in writing comes from art, not chance,
As those move easiest who have learned to dance."
-Alexander Pope
"The young woman will dance for joy, and the men-old and young-will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing."
-the Lord in Jeremiah 31:13
"Since my first workshop last July, Rebekah has inspired me and the other students to continue our exploration of this amazing dance form. We now meet consistently to perfect the moves she shows us each month and to experiment further as we work toward performance routines. Rebekah has been a wonderful influence on so many of the dancers I’ve had the pleasure to come to know through ECHO Artspace and virtually everyone I’ve met has come away from her workshops inspired and eager to learn more."
- Linda Camplese, ECHO Artspace Director
"I am so thrilled to have been a part of your traincation these last two years! I love the theory work and learning a deeper line of thought around the apparatus and how to move and transition in different ways. The learning environment is so supportive and welcoming. I have really become a better aerialist after these trainings. I highly recommend the traincation program and look forward to being there next year! Thank you for finding a safe way to run the program this year!" - Lisa
"Great combination of content between sling theory and character building, and how to bring those together into a show piece. Just what I needed to move my routines to the next level. I applaud Rebekah in her creativity and innovation in having this workshop online through Zoom. It was a great week! Thanks!" - Judy
"The AerialWorks Traincations have provided a much-needed safe space for me to step outside my comfort zone and grow my skills technically as well as creatively, and I leave every year a far better aerialist for the experience. Whether you're a teacher looking for new ways to reach your students, a new aerialist that just met the prerequisites, or anywhere else on the spectrum, I highly recommend this as a way to challenge yourself and to discover so many amazing possibilities for your aerial journey." - Dori
"Rebekah is a talented teacher skilled at giving direction verbally. Even though we were working virtually, Rebekah was able to easily guide me through complicated moves. The traincation challenged my mental understanding of aerial hammock moves giving me a stronger sense of the base positions and how to move in and out of them in unique ways. I loved the character development part of the workshop. The specific steps and methods for developing a character helped me get around my creative blocks and create a routine that relied more on the character instead of the tricks." - Sheila
Random Quotes
"I don't want people who want to dance, I want people who have to dance."
-George Balanchine
"Dance is music made visible."
-George Balanchine
"I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself."
-Mikhail Baryshnikov
"To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak."
-Hopi Indian Saying
"Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made."
-Ted Shawn
"We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance."
-Japanese Proverb
"And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic... "I was dancing before the Lord, and I was willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy to the Lord."
- David in 2 Samuel 6
"True ease in writing comes from art, not chance,
As those move easiest who have learned to dance."
-Alexander Pope
"The young woman will dance for joy, and the men-old and young-will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing."
-the Lord in Jeremiah 31:13