Weekend Immersion: Chinese Pole

Defying gravity. Floating transitions. Effortless power. These are hallmarks of the traditional circus art form that is now the highlight of many contemporary circus performances. In this three day Chinese pole immersion, you’ll hone your skills, clean your technique, build sequences, and work to find your unique style. Whether you’re learning the basics or throwing sick tricks, we’ll meet you at your level and give you the creative tools to develop new transitions and connections, help you find your flow, and embellish your movement quality. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the group atmosphere to move with others on the pole, developing skills essential to performing in duo or group situations. Each day will begin and end with proper warm-ups and cool-downs to help prepare your body for all the hard work and fun that awaits you.

Prerequisites

Participants with either Chinese pole or dance pole experience are welcome. You should have a current pole practice, with an understanding of basic climbs and static positions, and be able to climb several times in a row and invert in the air with comfort.

About the instructor

Will Underwood was born and raised in San Francisco California. He began training Chinese acrobatics when he was 8 years old with master trainer Mr. Lu Yi. Over the years, his love for training and performing grew. His passion for Circus eventually led him to Montreal, where he continued his training and broadened his knowledge circus skill at the National Circus School. He graduated in 2005 as a Hand to Hand specialist with his partner Heloise Bourgeois, and began touring with “The 7 Fingers”.

Will and Heloise eventually began working together on the Chinese pole, and won the gold medal for their Pole act at Cirque de Demain in Paris in 2012. They continued to have success in international festivals around the world, including gold and silver medals in France, Russia, China and Japan. Will now performs with various companies, cabarets, and festivals worldwide as a generalist and solo pole artist. He also works as a coach and acrobatic coordinator. He is especially inspired to expand his limits as a performer, collaborate with new people, broaden his knowledge and experience in theater and music, and share it on the stage.