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Love,
The Wired Team
Here you will find a wealth of information about the origins of the company, our unique technique- termed bungee-assisted dance, and our centre for aerial excellence The Higher Space, based in the heart of Liverpool, Capital of Culture 2008.
The Technique
The Higher Space
Our History
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In 1998 a young dancer, fresh from London Contemporary Dance School and looking for work, bumbled into an audition for an aerial theatre show she'd never heard of. She was late, barefoot, and had no idea that over the next few days she would discover her true calling in life. Fearless, fervent and remembered as the bravest tiny powerhouse that looked so peaceful leaping from the rafters of the building attached only to a bungee cord- she lived the spirit of the show, and was chosen from amongst thousands to become part of the original cast of De La Guarda, the iconic Argentinean aerial theatre company. Her name was Wendy Hesketh.
At about the same time Ale and Tincho, two brothers and members of the founding creative team of De La Guarda, walked into Urban Rock, a climbing equipment shop which stands within London-based climbing centre The Castle. They were looking for the owner- mountaineering legend Sandy Ogilvie, for a spot of advice. The show they were about to put on at The Roundhouse in Camden, London, was going to need a team of specialist climbers with exceptional skill, and they wanted to know where to find them. Sandy thought of the best climber he knew, the partner who since the age of five had climbed with him all over the world, and told them- you need my son.
Jamie Ogilvie was at the end of his first year studying a degree in Outdoor Recreation when he came on board with De La Guarda, and after a matter of weeks had proven such innate talent and ingenuity that he became head climber, and never looked back.
It was here in this atmosphere of wildly passionate creative abandonment, that Wendy and Jamie found each other and began to shape their own aerial dreams- flight, dance in the air, freedom.
More than a decade later and they still have the same energy and determination that has truly become their hallmark. Now pioneers of their genre, and an almighty force for development and innovation, they advocate for their technique termed bungee-assisted dance; communicating the infinite possibilities of this art form to their peers, their audience, and the industry.
What Wired Aerial Theatre can offer is so much more than performers, choreographers, climbers or teachers.
We are dreamers, we are achievers...and we can fly.
Contrary to how effortless bungee-assisted dance looks in the air, its development has been neither effortless nor speedy. The process all began when Wendy and Jamie conceived the idea to better combine their two specialist areas of performing in the air and dancing on the ground. With Wendys expertise in contemporary dance and Jamies inventive aerial technical know-how, they began the painstaking process of trial and error to produce what we see today as bungee-assisted dance.
Their ultimate goal was to create a performance technique which had the ability to play with the audiences perception, subtly urging them to see the form of a suspended body, rather than a dancer dangling from a rope- heightening the aesthetic presence of dance to a level which would allow their audience to fully immerse in the performance, the story, and the beauty of a form unhindered by the laws of gravity.
Multiple prototypes of harnesses were created and discarded, as this seemed to be the first hurdle, to allow Wendy enough range of movement to truly be able to dance while attached to apparatus. Furthermore, to allow the flight of a performer a whole new technical process was designed; connecting a climber to the performer, to ballast and/or haul them into the air as and when the choreography designated.
As time went by they created a movement vocabulary and training regime, which conditioned the body in the areas most beneficial to perform this type of dance. No different from Cunningham, Graham or Limon, bungee-assisted dance is a technique all of its own, and has a specific set of exercises which prepares the body for its application. Our performers, or twirlies as they are known as in-house, are professional dancers who we then train with this unique skill set.
You may have already seen bungee-assisted dance at theatres near you. From the West Yorkshire Playhouse in a knock out production of Monkey, to major UK festivals such as Glastonbury, Greenwich and Docklands International Festival and Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) Wired have had no shortage of platforms to showcase their work- or for that matter, teach it to hundreds of enthusiastic dancers, many who travel from as far afield as the US.
Since Wired hit the ground running with their technique there has been much interest and a huge following with other companies then also eager to explore the technique. Wired are very proud to have inspired companies such as Motionhouse, Upswing Aerial and Stan Wont Dance to begin playing.
While aerial dance, as a genre, is largely undefined, Wired are steadily working to raise the profile of this under represented technique, through international conferences, courses offered at their centre for aerial excellence The Higher Space, and their high profile tours and bespoke performances around the globe.
Bungee-assisted dance is truly a labour of love, and it is that passion emanating from their work which has critics, performers and audiences alike, captivated the world over.
Like all good superheroes, Wired needed a HQ, a base of operations; or in our case, a centre for aerial excellence.
The Higher Space, is a converted industrial warehouse, standing adjacent to the Old Dock Road, minutes from the centre of Liverpool. With a rigging height of 7.5 metres tall, it houses our offices, changing rooms, kitchen and bathrooms, staff dormitory quarters, our beautiful semi-sprung dance floor, and our newest addition- a huge canvas vertical wall.
Not only the home of Wired, the Higher Space is a venue for all performance exhibitions, having played host to a number of company sharings and premieres since its official grand opening in 2007. The space is also available for hire, whenever the company are not in residence, and regularly offers master classes in skills ranging from circus to cheerleading.
Staff
News
Want to know what's going on at The Higher Space? Itching to find out who's coming to visit next month? Dying to discover which of the team prefers to warm up with no underwear on? (Just kidding!) Well, for all the latest news, workshop date releases, backstage gossip, and aerial chitchat from the Wired team this is the place to be. Here you'll find the feeds from our fantastic blog, and tweety tidbits from Twitter, so you can ride alongside us as we go! Longer posts may be abbreviated so for the full story follow the continuation link, or simply zoom to our blog here...
Go join the conversation!
Diary
To find out where we're performing this summer, or check when the next round of bungee-assisted dance and vertical wall workshops get underway, take a look at our calendar here.
Click through the weeks ahead using the navigation buttons, and if you have any queries feel feel to contact us.
We are already taking bookings for 2012, and our epic new show, As the World Tipped , directed by Nigel Jamieson- but dates are filling up fast!
Wired are currently touring three “off the shelf” productions. “Off the shelf” means that the show is self contained, tried and tested, ready and waiting to go for any event you’re planning. No unforeseen extra costs, no assistance necessary, we get in- perform- get out, providing you with a highly professional service and a show that’s second to none.
Below you’ll find links to our shows currently on tour; simply select the postcard from your chosen show for more information including video clips, photos and how to book. Our helpful admin team can answer any questions you may have, and can be reached on the details found on our contact us page.
Rosa's Bar
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Cheeky, charming and quick-witted, Rosa's Bar is a sublime combination of trickery and tango, wrapped up in a hilarious romp for all the family. Take a sneaky peak at one of our best-loved and well known shows.
For more information download our marketing PDF here...
Rosas Bar Marketing Pack.pdf
Straw Dog
This critically acclaimed collaboration between Wired Aerial Theatre and the award-winning Henri Oguike is more than a dynamic explosion of fight and flight; it's a stunningly beautiful fusion of bungee-assisted dance and pure contemporary.
For more information download our marketing PDF...
Straw Dog Marketing Pack.pdf
Glimpse
Arguably one of Wired's most beautiful and haunting shows. First seen back at the Greenwich and Docklands Festival 2006, Glimpse has lost none of its appeal or magic over the years. One of our most versatile shows for site-specific projects, Glimpse has a universal appeal that makes any event more than memorable.
Archive
coming soon...
Monkey! (2008)
Showing at the West Yorkshire Playhouse throughout Summer 2008 - A cast of experienced aerial performers bring the legendary Chinese and cult TV hero to life in a visual spectacular combining amazing new bungee dance techniques, trapeze, vertical rope and acrobatics. With a mischievous streak as big as China itself, Monkey is a modern hero who loves causing trouble and breaking the rules. Now, to escape imprisonment, hes got to help Tripitaka, a Buddhist Monk, on her sacred quest over the Himalayas to India.
And what a quest it is; Monkey and Tripitaka must battle tricksy Demons, false Kings and even Yama, King of Death himself. But they've got a flying cloud at their command and new friends Sandy and Pigsy to help them on their way, so the Western Heavens may just be within reach.
"excitingly staged, respectful and effortlessly funny version of the ancient Chinese tale[...] visually powerful production[...] epic and utterly enchanting, an all-round super show"
The Stage
Wishbox (2008)
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The aerial finale of the 'Feet First' Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, which took place along The Royal Mile, Wishbox is a celebration of the start of the year, and casts a positive gaze onto what the future holds in store for us.
This mesmerising aerial spectacular illuminates the sky high above our heads. Floating delicately on the cold air the mystery above begins to unfold. Stirring, peeking, bursting, swooping, Wishbox cascades gracefully to the ground and springs back into the air.
Accompanied by live vocals from Cora Bissett, an original musical score and stuffed with aerial magic, this is one present worth waiting for!
Fervorosa (2008)
35 minutes long and created in Argentina for the streets of The UK, Fervorosa is a skin-tingling collaboration between Wired and Brenda Angiel from Buenos Aires. Two world-famous aerial companies came together to get your hearts racing!
This high-tempo aerial spectacular spiraled amongst floating rose petals and twisted and lunged high above the crowds to an original tango sound score created by Argentinean composers.
Our lively musician played cupid with the audience as well as the dancers, escalating the true tango atmosphere from stage and into the body of the crowd. Chicas were tossed high and lowered slowly down to their partners. Vení aca en un tango con Alas!
Handmade Manmade (2008)
O2 Arena Opening (2007)
She Lies With Me (2006)
Choreographic Manoevers (2005)
Stuffed (2004)
Handmade Manmade at The Royal Opera House
Stuffed went down a storm with audiences and organisers alike at the 'Firsts' performance showcase event at the Royal Opera House in 2005.
The ROH liked the work so much that they commissioned Wendy to choreograph a piece performed in November 2006 as part of the ROH2 programme.
Lord of the Rings Premiere (2004)
Plaything (2002)
Metropolis (2001)
Wendy Hesketh-Ogilvie
Artistic Director
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With more than 32 years of dance experience, Wendy began dancing at the age of four and has dreamt of being able to fly for as long as she can remember.
Taking the long route to becoming a professional performer, Wendy choose to major in dance, gymnastics and trampolining throughout her four year teaching degree at Brighton University. Upon graduation she hot footed it to London Contemporary Dance School for a one year Diploma in Contemporary Dance and Choreography. As soon as Wendy graduated she began working professionally for various companies such as Motionhouse, Sirens Crossing, Dream Engine and the critically acclaimed De La Guarda with whom she then spent 4 years touring Worldwide.
Wendy teaches dance and bungee-assisted dance nationally and internationally, she worked as Associate Director of Circus at the Contact Theatre in Manchester between 20072008 and is currently devising a strand of aerial dance for Edgehill University due to be delivered in September 2010.
Wendys passion for aerial performance lies not only in its form but in its history, its place within the performance world as a whole and within appropriate and intellectual approach to teaching it. She has spent many years researching dance techniques to compare and contrast her own findings and is highly motivated to push this genre forwards to allow both aerial performers and audiences to access information, terms, definitions and knowledge that will allow everyone to understand, critique, form opinion and converse in a common language.
Jamie Ogilvie
Technical Director
At the age of 5 Jamie started climbing with his dad, travelling around the world conquering some of the hardest and most serious climbs that exist. His interest and love was in high altitude mountaineering which is where he learnt the importance of safety and the correct use of equipment, which he has now adapted and transferred to the aerial industry. He became Southern Indoor Bouldering champion 2 years in a row, represented Great Britain at the Commonwealth Youth Festival and had accomplished many successful climbs.
Combining his experience and knowledge of climbing with his experienced gained through working with a variety of aerial companies he is now considered one of the most accomplished aerial display specialists.
As Technical Director Jamie works closely with Wendy to create all aerial movement and design for their rehearsals, training and productions. He is responsible for designing all aerial set-ups and ensuring safety throughout the company. He believes that the technical aspect of the performance is as important as the artistic and it is the unique blend of both of these that results in enjoyable, emotive and spectacular work.
Matthew Reynolds
Head Climber
Matt started working for Wired Aerial Theatre after answering an advert at the local climbing centre; two days after being offered the job he was in Buenos Aires creating Fervorosa. Could be worse.
Matt has now been working with Wired for three years and has travelled to many other exotic locations such as Norwich and Stoke-on-Trent.
Matt also works as a Rigger and a Rope Access Technician and is IRATA level 1.
Robert Guy
Head Twirly
Robert started his training as a gymnast at a young age and started his dance training in contemporary dance with Devon Youth Dance Company. He then went on to train at London Contemporary Dance School from 2003 to 2006. In 2005 he was awarded The Robert Cohan Prize for outstanding potential. After graduating Robert joined Transitions Dance Company (2007) touring both nationally and internationally, working with Jenni Kivela; Azure Barton (New York) & Henri Oguike. Since then he has gone on to dance for “Made by Katie Green”, Flat Feet Dance Company, Retina Dance Company, Wired Aerial Theatre Company, amongst others.
He has also been working with Dance United on several projects since 2009 including Destino at Sadler’s wells, where he was the assistant choreographer working with the company’s Artistic Directors Tara-Jane Herbert, and Susannah Broughton; he has since been invited back to choreograph several new pieces for the company Including “Prelude” for the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Robert is an experienced freelance teacher and has taught in various places nationally and internationally, including The Place, where he also delivers repertoire workshops on behalf of the Richard Alston Dance Company.
Robert has been working with Wired since 2008 performing in Fervorosa, Glimpse, Rosa’s Bar and Straw Dog to name a few. As well as this he teaches Bungee-assisted dance and vertical wall workshops to the general public on behalf of Wired, and consulting and delivering the aerial dance module for Edgehill University alongside Wendy.
Joshua Ogilvie
Climber
Whilst studying Music Technology and Event Management at University, Josh first began operating sound for the show Fervorosa.
Now with 3 years experience as a Rope Access Technician and IRATA level 1 qualified, he is in his second year with Wired Aerial Theatre. As occasional Stage Manager he is keen to take on any and all challenges our engagements demand; even if its sweeping the stage- but is more likely to be spotted scrambling up and down staging scaffolding as a climber.
Having just returned from travelling around the world, Josh is looking forward to another exciting summer with the company.
Blaise Harvey
Blaise Harvey has been rock climbing for several years and found Wired Aerial through a poster in a climbing centre. As The World Tipped is her first project with Wired and has been, so far, an amazing experience. She has previously worked with The Inishowen Carnival Group as a drummer, dancer, fire performer, costume maker and general circus freak for a number of years, she is also currently involved in making costumes for Manchester Day Parade. Aside from this she also has a degree in fashion, likes to bake and has a fantastic bicycle.
Daniela B Larsen
Twirly
Originally born in Italy, Daniela grew up in Lincolnshire. She graduated from London Contemporary Dance School in 2006, and then went on to join EDge (LCDS Post-graduate Performance Company) for 2006/7 performing and touring works by Steven Petronio, Stacy Spence (formerly Trisha Brown), Charlotte Boye-Christensen , and Rick Nodine .
Since then Daniela has been working with choreographers and companies such as Katie Green ( Made by Katie Green ), Chisato Minamimuram and also Marc Brew Company , touring and performing as part of the Greenwich & Docklands International Festival, Liberty Festival (Trafalgar Square) and the Street Arts Consortium, Without Walls.
Most recently in late 2010, Daniela graduated from LCDS with her Masters Degree in Performance.
Daniela is a freelance dance teacher, teaching at various schools across London including the Royal Academy of Dance and for The Place's Learning and Access department.
In addition to this, she also co-choreographs and creates her own work alongside Robert Guy (Wired Aerial Theatre).
Daniela joined Wired Aerial Theatre in early 2010, performing and touring as Rosa in 'Rosa's Bar'. She is very excited to don her wings again this year, returning to the company for it's 2011 adventures.
Stuart Waters
Stuart was born and raised in the beautiful fishing village, Appledore, north Devon. Stuart attended Exeter college where he started his journey in dance and theatre (A levels), which then lead him to Leeds where he trained at the northern school of contemporary dance (BA)
On graduating from N.S.C.D, Stuart based himself as a local artist in Leeds, being a founder member of Ascendance, and working with local dance artists such as Turvey World productions, Phoenix Dance and Stuarts first touring experience with Interplay Theatre Company.
Stuart then followed work where it took him touring for companies such as Attik Dance working with Lois Taylor and Mike Ashcroft (Plymouth) Dansconnect (Swindon) working with choreographers Banksy, Michelle Gaskell, Scott Ambler and Kenneth Tharp.
Stuart then joined Motionhouse dance theatre. Three and a half years of touring and outside performances. This connection with the West Midlands stayed as Stuart left Motionhouse and joined bare bones working with Rui Horta and David Massingham; Stuart has also worked creatively with Sarah Michelson (New York) Garry Stewart (A.D.T) and Richard Alston.
Stuart then left the midlands for London to start a part time M.A. at The Place, during that time Stuart has started a working relationship with Luca Silverstrini (Protein Dance) performing at Choreodrome, Touch Wood, G.D.A Cabaret and Bulgaria.
Stuart also has a keen interest in teaching, teaching all areas of education and community centre for advanced training and teacher training. Stuarts passion for dance and teaching had taken him as far as Oslo and Ethiopia in search for new perspectives on his work.
Stuart has also been involved with the research , creation and national/international touring of L.O.L including the edinburgh festival. Stuart has also been studying in post graduate studies (MA) at London contemporary dance and been touring Norway, Sweden and the Middle east with Panta Rai Dance theatre (Oslo).
Stuart joined Wired over a year ago and has enjoyed very much watching the company grow and develop and loved being involved in "Shopped" and "Rosas Bar"
Amanda Hesketh
Freelance Media Manager
Amanda graduated from Roehampton University, London in 2007 with a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing. Since leaving full time education she has worked as a freelance writer for internationally based web magazine companies, as an online English tutor, and as a mentor for the Young Booker Prize candidates. With over a decade of administration experience under her belt, Amanda has edited, emailed, filed, faxed and photocopied for everyone from distance learning companies to Persian rug cleaners. Since gaining her certification as an Apple Level 2 End User, she has been putting her skills to good use- overhauling and taking control of all of Wired's media and marketing. Working in her capacity as Director for her own company, littleBIGdoor, most recently she has been responsible for producing a documentary short of "The making of; As the World Tipped" and the design of the project website.
Amanda has been working on and off for Wired for years, ever since she went along with her sister Wendy to take notes about this weird bouncy dance thing she was experimenting with at the local sports hall. She's loving how many new skills she's acquiring from working for the kind of company thats so individual, innovative and special, plus shes pretty chuffed that they actually pay her now too.
Every day is a new challenge, every day is a chance to design or create or dream, and every day she finds herself more proud and amazed at what can be accomplished by her big sister and her bungee.
Laura Clarke
Administrator
Originally from a small town in North Yorkshire, Laura moved to Liverpool at the tender age of just 18 to study for a degree in Applied Psychology. Having graduated in 2005 with a BSc (Hons) from Liverpool John Moores University she decided student life was just too good and returned to study for her second degree, this time in History of Art and Museum Studies. Graduating in 2008 with a BA (Hons) and finally leaving student life behind her, she entered the frenzied world of arts administration.
Laura has worked at Merseyside Dance Initiative (MDI) in an administrative capacity since 2008. In February 2011 she joined Wired Aerial Theatre as administrator alongside her job at MDI - bringing along with her 3 years experience of working in the dance sector in Merseyside, as well as a huge need to organise!
Outside of her work as an administrator Laura has a passion for all things vintage, particularly 1950s costume jewelry and enjoys creating new things out of broken gems which she shows and sells at craft fairs around the region. Laura's other passions in life include contemporary art, cooking, films, music & Agatha Christie.
Since joining Wired in February Laura has been amazed at what a truly spectacular company she has joined and is very proud to be able to say she is a member of the team that produces such spellbinding performances.
Hannah De Cancho
Aerial Performer
Hannah is a dance performer, teacher and choreographer, having completed her training at London Studio Centre gaining a BA in Dance and Theatre Art five years ago. Since then she has performed and choreographed throughout the UK with various companies, specialising in Contemporary, Dance Theatre, Tap and Physical Theatre.
She dances and choreographs with Swerve Dance Theatre Company, recently choreographing Wanderlust performed at Bristol Harbourside Festival, Oxford Carnival, Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Dance. She is also currently performing and choreographing with the O’Biscuits Collective based at Pegasus Theatre. Other recent performing credits include Seven Sisters Group, Fiona Millward, Mark Brew with Velcro, Marie-Louise Flexen, Curious Company and Yael Flexer as part of Bedlams South West tour.
In 2009 Hannah was awarded the Alpha Associate Award from Swindon Dance and Bath ICIA to develop her choreography and in 2010 The Exuberant Scholarship to produce Routed and perform at The Burton Taylor. She recently founded Sole Rebel Tap, who have performed this year at Pegasus Theatre, Swindon Dance and Oxford Castle.
Hannah is also passionate about education work and works with Dance United on projects with young people, teaching for various projects, youth companies, adult performance groups and classes with Dancexchange, Swindon Dance, Gloucestershire Dance, Anjali, Foot in Hand and Velcro.
Hannah is so excited to join the Wired team in the air, and to become part of such a powerful show.
Sebastian Gonzalez
Sebastian grew up in Muswell Hill in North London and from an early age began training and working with Chickenshed with whom he continues to perform and teach.
After graduating from University of Brighton in 1995, gaining his B.A hons in Visual and Performing Arts (Photography, Sculpture and Theatre), he worked with Brighton Dance Agency performing in ‘I Puritani’ working with Josef Nadj. He then furthered his Dance training attending the one-year diploma course at the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance and shortly after graduating worked with Lea Anderson and Now You See It Productions dancing in ‘The Reverse Effect’ at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Having been performing professionally for over 20 years, Sebastian has many Acting, Dancing, Musical Theatre and Aerial Performance credits to his name. He first learnt to ‘fly’ playing Peter in Peter Pan in 2000 and 2004, appeared in several t.v programmes, commercials and music videos, working with organisations such as L.W.T, B.B.C, Factory Films, Ridley Scott Associates, E.M.I. and C.B.B.C. He has toured throughout the UK, parts of Western Europe and Central Brazil with companies such as Divas Dance Theatre (Liz Aggiss/Billie Cowie) and A.S.Q Cia de Danca (Luciana Lara, Brasilia). He performed in ‘STOMP’ in Paris 2001-2002 and in 2006 he performed with The English Stage Company at The Royal Court Theatre in ‘Piano/Forte’ by Terry Johnson.
Sebastian also delivers visual, performing and creative arts workshops in schools, colleges and organizations to groups of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. He has over 10 years experience in Playwork and Youthwork and has taught for the past 5 years on the Foundation Degree in Inclusive Performing Arts for Middlesex University and Chickenshed.
Sebastian auditioned for Wired Aerial Theatre in 2007, successfully becoming part of their ‘dream team’. He performed for the first time with Wired in Ireland on the site specific project ‘Shopped’ in 2008 and continues his training with ‘Wired’ to the present day. He is delighted to be a part of the ‘As The world Tipped’ cast and is looking forward to the adventures ahead.
Ryan Harston aka LoGisTic
Ryan Harston also goes by the name LoGisTic. Starting his dance career in Contemporary, modern and jazz, Ryan changed course in 2002 when he began working with one of the most established Break Dance crews in the UK, winning tournaments in UK, France & Germany. Known for his untouchable style and flair, LoGisTic has received numerous awards and has travelled the world working with well known artists like Kelis, Mario, Jonzi D & Ken Swift, and has also showcased his works at Dance London, Breakin Convention and Apollo Theatre London. He has recently worked with New York based choreographers Kwikstep and Rokafella, on breakin and hip hop theatre, and has recently arrived back from working in New York City on an off Broadway show. With a collaboration of skills and creativity LoGisTic was awarded Arts achiever of the year 2008, Innovative Artist of the Year 2009, and was also invited to number 10 Downing Street to meet PM Gordon Brown in recognition for his achievements in the arts. Most recently working with “Hip Hop International” as a head judge and affiliate of the “iDance UK Hip Hop Championships”, and teaching workshops and master classes around the UK, Ryan is excited to now be performing with Wired.
