When pain and isolation take hold, many of us lack the presence to confront these discomforts. We yearn for instant relief, so instead of engaging in a healthy healing process, we collapse into behaviors that are harmful and addictive.  However, when we open up about our experiences to people who are strong and supportive, we learn how to be strong and supportive for ourselves.  Only then can we begin to grow in directions unimagined. “Ascension” invites its audience to reflect on their own personal stories by connecting to raw, emotional displays of aerial, dance and acrobatic movement.

The professional company at Kansas City Aerial Arts is made up of professional aerialists, contortionists, and performers who have individually worked throughout this city and the world.  These innovative artists are excited to collaborate on this work with the dancers of Kansas City Contemporary Dance to tell a common story through their artistic lens.  Ascension is a production full of raw emotion and honest portrayals of life; audience members will walk away having felt something.  Daniel Parks, director and owner, says “I wanted to tell a story that I knew well.  Something that I thought a lot of people could relate to and would benefit from us presenting.”  This production was written by Kansas City Aerial Arts’ Training Company Director, Kelsey Aicher, and will include Portland, Oregon based silks artist John Hernandez.