From the ashes to the stars—your donation empowers artists to tell stories of loss, growth, and wonder through aerial dance. Help bring Embers, Petals, & Stars to the stage.
Embers, Petals, and Stars is a new In the Wings production unlike anything we’ve done before. Featuring three distinct acts—each with its own story, theme, and choreographer—this show will take audiences on an immersive journey that captivates from start to finish.
Our first act, "Fire. Ashes. Rebirth.", choreographed by Artistic Director Fallon, reflects on the events of December 30, 2021—the day the Marshall Fire swept through Boulder County.
The second act, "Under This Tree", choreographed by Naomi, Core Company Member and In the Wings Instructor, is inspired by a cherry blossom tree. This piece explores different perspectives on the impermanence of life.
The third act, "This Is the Way", choreographed by Assistant Artistic Director Ashley, brings the magic of Star Wars to the stage.
No matter your interests, Embers, Petals, and Stars has something for everyone—and promises to keep you on the edge of your seat!
It's been a while since we've produced a show. Our last show was September of 2021, just emerging from COVID and going back to live shows. We had a small house due to social distancing, but it felt so good to be back in front of a live audience again after over two years.
Then on Dec. 30, 2021, my whole life changed in an instant. My husband and I were spending a lovely two weeks away at our family cabin with my in-laws and all our fur babies. We celebrated Christmas and my husband's birthday and were getting ready to ring in the new year when we heard the news that there was a fire near Marshall. The winds hit 150 mph gusts that day, and in typical Colorado fashion, we didn't have a white Christmas. The odds weren't in our favor. The fire jumped a six-lane highway and destroyed everything in its path, including over 1,000 homes—one of which was ours.
I'm a Colorado native and grew up in a mountain town, so I'm no stranger to wildfires, but never did I think it would happen to me. I certainly didn't think that my house, which I can see Costco from, would burn to the ground. Nothing could ever prepare you for something like this, and nothing can really make it better, even though people will try—for better or worse. If you've ever experienced immense grief, you know what I'm talking about.
After more than two years of fighting to rebuild, we are finally back home. The process has been exhausting in every way, and even now, the work isn’t over. But being home again has allowed me to start finding pieces of normalcy—and for me, that means creating. It means being in the studio, surrounded by other artists, pouring our experiences into something meaningful. And so here we are.
Embers, Petals, and Stars was originally planned for 2023, but just as we were preparing to move forward, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to put everything on hold to focus on my health, but I never let go of the vision for this show. Now that I’m in recovery, I’m more determined than ever to bring this production to life.
Unfortunately, we recently lost our original theatre and had to secure a new venue—which is significantly more expensive. This has been an unexpected challenge, but I truly believe this show is worth fighting for.
In the Wings' mission has always been rooted in community and bringing art to those who need it. The creation of the first act of this show has been cathartic (albeit also triggering at times) for me, and I hope it will be for others who were affected as well. I want to give those who lost so much that day a chance to experience something bright, to feel the joy of doing something normal again—like going to a show.
I wish I could afford to give them all a free ticket, but I can't. Instead, we had an idea inspired by Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day. We've created an option for you to donate a ticket to a fire survivor. If you have the means, you can email me at info@inthewingsaerial.com, and we will make sure it gets into the right hands.
Our community has been nothing short of heroic during this recovery. The generosity I have witnessed and experienced has been overwhelming and humbling. I know we can never fully repay it, but if this show brings just one smile to someone who forgot how to, then we've done our job.
+ Funding +
This is our third larger scale In the Wings production!
We are very excited to have received fiscal sponsorship from Fractured Atlas for this production. Once we have fundraised $1000 we will be eligible to apply for grants and other funding.
These funds will cover 33% of our artist and production team fees and 29% of our production material costs.
Our artist and production team fees cover:
11 performers
One stage manager
One lighting designer One sound designer One certified rigger 2 crew members
One photographer
A team of of two videographers for the virtual option
Our production material costs include:
Costuming for performers for each act
Live Fly Pulley systems Rigging equipment Rehearsal space Performance space
What drew you to aerial/dance, and how did you get started?
I grew up as a gymnast and then turned dancer and I cam to aerial dance not only because it fused two of my passions but because the community is so much more inclusive for me. Every aerial class, festival, and retreat that I've done is filled with people cheering each other on and I love that part of it.
What’s your pre-show ritual or go-to way to get in the zone?
We have a company huddle before the house opens where we take some breaths together, repeat affirmations and then take our wings and fly about. My personal pre-show ritual happens just before the show starts while I'm waiting in the wings to take the stage. I take some deep breaths and say a little prayer or manifestation to the gods and goddesses that we stay safe, that our choreography pours through us and we are able to have an amazing show that allows us to connect with the audience.
Which act do you connect with most and why?
I think the obvious answer is Act 1—Fire. Ashes. Rebirth.—because it's my story. But throughout the creation process, I've found myself deeply connected to all of them. Under This Tree tells a beautiful story of people from different walks of life interacting with the tree, each grappling with the impermanence of life. And while I've never been a Star Wars fan, This Is the Way has completely captured my heart with its playfulness and exhilarating choreography. Each act holds meaning for me in a different way, making this show an especially personal and fulfilling experience.
Why do you think this show is important?
I think this show is important because art is essential, especially in unstable times. It gives us something to connect to—through its beauty, its heartbreak, and its excitement. It validates our emotions and challenges us to confront them. This show, in particular, tells stories that resonate deeply, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles or our joys. It invites us to feel, reflect, and find meaning in shared experiences, proving that art is not just entertainment—it’s a necessity.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would be able to communicate with animals. I want to know what my pets are thinking and tell them that they will always be taken care of.
If you could perform with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
What drew you to aerial/dance, and how did you get started?
I was a marine animal nerd and went to see a dolphin show, then quickly became a trapeze nerd after seeing a trapeze performance over the dolphin tank!
Tell us about a moment in your aerial/dance journey that changed you.
I think almost every time I perform and get to express the complex human experience through dance I am changed a little. 🥹
Which act do you connect with most and why?
Well, probably “Petals” considering it’s representative of my journey through grief and difficult transitions—but I also love how fun Star Wars is and how community based the fire act is. ❤️
What’s your favorite memory with In the Wings?
Probably all of the times rehearsal is stopped due to ALL of us laughing so hard.
What’s your dream performance venue?
Somewhere really beautiful in nature (like a state park or something).
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
Tell us about a moment in your aerial/dance journey that changed you.
My first silks solo in 2015 was definitely a pivotal moment in my aerial journey- realizing that I was brave enough to go on stage and in the air in front of a crowd- the make up, the lights, and the community of encouragement back stage was such an amazing experience that pulled me into circus arts even more.
What’s your pre-show ritual or go-to way to get in the zone?
Take some deep breaths, drink lots of water, wiggle out all of my nerves, and pee like five times more than I actually need.
Why do you think this show is important?
This show is important because it will bring our audience through an emotional journey, and the show feels cohesive, vs. seeing a showcase-style aerial show (which I love those too) this show is going to feel very different to be witness from the audience’s perspective, as well as to be on stage in.
What do you hope the audience takes away from this show?
I hope the audience has a deeper appreciation for circus, dance, and performing arts- seeing that we have dedicated a lot of time and effort into this show. I hope they experience joy, sadness, excitement, and wonder. I hope they have a wide range of emotions while watching the show.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. I wouldn’t have to drive so much for rehearsals 😂
If you could perform with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
I’d actually really love perform with Stars Stone in Denver- I love her combination of comedy and aerial/circus arts.
I love the adrenaline rush that hits right before you step on the stage and then the feeling of excitement and momentum once you're on stage.
If you could describe your movement style in three words, what would they be?
Quirky, Worm, Grounded
Why do you think this show is important?
This show is important because it is the heart of three incredible women and demonstrates the multitudes which in them lie.
What’s your favorite memory with In the Wings?
My favorite memory with In the Wings was when I got to experiment with movements in the harness. I had a ton of fun messing and swinging around!
If you could perform with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
I think it would be awesome to perform with the K-pop group Ateez. Their shows are complex and tell a story and the dancing, both from the artists and the back up dancers, is mind-blowing!
Favorite hype song before a show?
Run BTS by BTS, or This Is What Dreams Are Made Of by Hillary Duff (Depends on the vibe honestly).
My favorite part of performing is bringing up emotions for the audience through my art and movement. It's so fulfilling to hear from folks that a piece I performed made them feel something! My goal is always to create and move in a way that sticks with the audience and makes the audience feel like they witnessed something special. Humans are meant to FEEL, and I love facilitating that through performing!
If you could describe your movement style in three words, what would they be?
Joyful, flowy, and LEGGY
What excites you most about Embers, Petals, and Stars?
I am soooooo excited to be able to perform in one show with three entirely different themes and choreographers! It has been so fun to dive into different movement styles, emotions, and ways of storytelling. I think the combination of all 3 styles will make for a powerful show that has a little bit of everything!
Why do you think this show is important?
I think this show touches on so many shared human experiences and topics. It displays grief, beauty, intensity, connection, isolation, joy, and power in equal measure. I think it's important because it reminds us of the ups, downs, and spirals of life and how we all go through individual yet connected experiences. And all of these things inform who we are and how we interact with the world. Plus, it's got some amazing Star Wars content that will be sure to thrill all my fellow nerds out there! ;)
If you could perform with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
It would be amazing to perform with Hozier! I am always inspired by his music and drawn to creating acts to his songs. I also feel like aerialists would fit so well with his on-stage aesthetic and presence.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I fell into a manhole once like a real-life cartoon character. :|
What drew you to aerial/dance, and how did you get started?
I love climbing! Growing up I always loved climbing trees, and when we got to climb ropes in gym I did it until my arms wouldn't open any more. When I first experienced corde lisse (circus rope) I climbed it until I bled! 10 years later a circus school opened up in my town, and I signed up right away.
What’s your favorite part of performing?
I think it's more the camaraderie & less the wigs. The wigs are okay too I guess.
What excites you most about Embers, Petals, and Stars?
Performing in a new venue!
What’s your favorite memory with In the Wings?
Riding the scaffolding around a darkened stage for a shared stage performance
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
What drew you to aerial/dance, and how did you get started?
I took my first aerial class in 2010 and knew I had found my purpose.
Tell us about a moment in your aerial/dance journey that changed you.
I spent 2 years at The New England Center for Circus Arts PROTrack program and that experience really changed the way I train and perform. I learned it’s all about the technique. All the cool skills only come easy when you train the foundations repeatedly.
What excites you most about Embers, Petals, and Stars?
Nothing beats a group show. It’s so hard to have a cast of talented performers come together. So when it happens it’s special
What’s your favorite memory with In the Wings?
I loved being part of Bite and Other Bits
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would love to be able to fly. But I wouldn’t tell anyone and I’d be the best aerialist in the world.
What’s your dream performance venue?
I’ve always wanted to perform off the side of a sky scraper
What drew you to aerial/dance, and how did you get started?
When I was younger one of my best friends invited me to a ballet class and I instantly fell in love. Later in life when I learned about aerial it excited me how I could incorporate my dance background with this new type of performance.
What’s your favorite part of performing?
The adrenaline rush!
What excites you most about Embers, Petals, and Stars?
I'm excited that we will get to take the audience on such a varied journey of movement and emotion.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Be able to change sizes and become a giant or shrink to a tiny size.
What drew you to aerial/dance, and how did you get started?
I try to pick up a new skill every year, and Fallon took it upon herself to make it the rest of the crew's problem! I just love watching people do what they love to do, and it just evolved from there.
Which act do you connect with most and why?
Act 2. It is the reminder that there is so much to see in the world if you just stop and listen. I think that's a reminder everyone needs sometimes.
Why do you think this show is important?
This show gives a voice to so many struggles. From the complex, impossible situations we all find ourselves in that are out of our control. To the quiet moments that often pass us by. It is also a reminder to find the beauty in everything around you, and to learn to be a little silly some times.
What drew you to aerial/dance, and how did you get started?
Truth be told, I wanted to be just like my big sister, and that’s what got me started in dance.
What’s your pre-show ritual or go-to way to get in the zone?
A real nice warm-up and some feel-good music
What excites you most about Embers, Petals, and Stars?
This is my first performance doing aerial work—I can’t wait to have my first go at it!
What do you hope the audience takes away from this show?
Each act feels very personal and meaningful to the choreographers. I hope the audience feels moved by those connections and sees the intentionality in the artistic choices.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The superpower I would choose is flying! Ironic, huh?
What’s your dream performance venue?
Jacob’s Pillow—there is so much history there!
+ + +
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🌸Virtual Q & A with the Cast
Donate $25.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Go behind the scenes of Embers, Petals, and Stars with an exclusive Virtual Q&A! Join the cast and creative team for an intimate conversation about the inspiration, challenges, and artistry behind the show. Get a sneak peek at rehearsal footage, hear stories from the performers, and ask your burning questions about aerial dance, storytelling, and production. This is your chance to connect with the artists and gain insider insight into the making of this unique performance! Plus a digital shout out.
✨Signed Show Poster
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Amount over $5.00 is tax-deductible.
A show poster signed by the cast and crew + everything in the previous tiers
🎭Featured Thank You in Program
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You will be a thanked donor in all of our programs for the next fiscal year + everything in the previous tiers
🎟️ Ad Space in Program
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Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Featured ad space with ad of your choosing in our show program + everything in the previous tiers
👕 Show T-Shirt
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Amount over $35.00 is tax-deductible.
Exclusive Embers, Petals, and Stars t-shirt + everything in the previous tiers
💫 Attend a Dress Rehearsal
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Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Get an insider look at the show’s final preparations + everything in previous tiers
📹 Custom Thank You Video
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Amount is fully tax-deductible.
A personalized thank-you message from the cast + everything in previous tiers
🌟 2 VIP Tickets + Meet & Greet
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Amount over $70.00 is tax-deductible.
2 reserved seats to showtime of your choosing with a meet & greet with the cast after the show + everything in the previous tiers
🎪 $750 – Aerial Taster Class
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Amount over $400.00 is tax-deductible.
A private introductory aerial class for up to 8 people ($400 value) + everything in the previous tiers
🚀 $1,000 – Dedicate a Performance
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Amount is fully tax-deductible.
A performance in the show dedicated to a person of your choice + everything in the previous tiers
🎭 $1,500 – Sponsor an Act
Donate $1,500.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Your name (or business) featured as the official sponsor of one act + everything in the previous tiers
✨ $3,000 – Private Performance
Donate $3,000.00 or more
Amount over $1,500.00 is tax-deductible.
A custom aerial performance for your private event with 2 aerialists or aerial bartenders, for a showcase piece or ambient sets + everything up to $500 tier
