DUMBO Performers Let Holiday Spirits Soar

By: Stephanie Simon

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With the popularity of Cirque du Soleil and other airborne shows, aerial work has certainly evolved into it's own art form in recent years. NY1's Stephanie Simon filed the following report.

At Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO, it's not just the stockings that are hung by the fireplace with care: the performers are hanging too. From ropes, bars, hoops and more, the local aerial troupe "Suspended Cirque" is getting ready for its new holiday show "Under The Tree."

"'Under The Tree' is about a bunch of toys that come to life under the tree and they have their own sets of neurosis and predilections and interact with each other. We have a snarky candy cane and a rag doll who kind of gets into the whisky all kinds of things," said "Suspended Cirque" performer Angela Jones.

Despite the whisky, it's a family friendly show; a holiday story told through aerial work, hand balancing, singing dancing and more.

"The show is a fun mix of The Nutcracker and Toy Story and all of our favorite parts of Christmas and not so favorite parts all tied together in a nice little bow," said "Suspended Cirque" performer Joshua Dean.

Of course, this time of year on many a young girl's holiday list is a brand new Barbie -- something you'll find at the show.

"Barbie comes to life or the classic doll comes to life on the hoops spinning around having fun for the Christmas season, spreading a little cheer and joy to all the people out there," said "Suspended Cirque" performer Kristin Olness.

"Suspended Cirque" was founded about two and a half years ago by a group of performers who wanted to perform here in the city and create something very theatrical, very intimate and very New York.

"The intimacy of the space. Here at Galapagos we perform literally right here in the aisle just feet away, you could reach out and touch us," said "Suspended Cirque" performer Ben Franklin. "So instead of seeing the grand spectacle you really get to see us up close and become part of the show."

The show runs from December 22 - 23. Tickets are $20.

For more information, visit www.suspendedcirque.com.