Greetings! I’m Jess Clark, an aerialist and teacher based in Madison, WI. When I’m not in the air or teaching I love to spend my time enjoying nature, playing with my kiddos, and taking care of my back yard farm. I love what I do, and look forward to working with you. Thank you!
Link to Resume
Aerialist
Jess is an aerial dancer trained in many disciplines including: aerial silks, trapeze, lyra (aerial hoop), corde lisse (rope), aerial pole, harness, spanish web, aerial net, high flying trapeze and other created apparatus. She has performed for audiences big and small and is sure to have an act just right for your next event. She also currently dances as a company member with Cycropia Aerial Dance. She loves to perform and collaborates often with other artists.
Teacher
Jess is a certified yoga and aerial yoga instructor, and has completed teacher training in Aerial Fabrics, Trapeze, and Lyra through New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA), in Rope (corde lisse) through Born to Fly-Paper Doll Militia, and in aerial straps through Aaron Koz. She is a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance and completed advanced teacher training through Unnata Aerial Yoga. Additional training in high flying trapeze and high flying trapeze instruction through Madison Circus Space. Additional yoga training includes inclusive teaching practices, trauma informed yoga, yin yoga, and therapeutic yoga. She is passionate about safely bringing the expressive freedom of aerial dance and the transformative joy of yoga to all. She values continuing education and makes her personal training a priority, always striving to adapt and grow as an instructor and artist, and bring new and innovative ideas to her students. Her classes are inclusive and offer a supportive learning environment for every body. Instruction is adjusted to individual student needs so that each can safely build a strong technical foundation, progress through skills at a comfortable pace, and explore movement and artistic expression in new ways.
Costumer and Rigger
Jess creates custom costumes to fit any and all events. An experienced seamstress and costumer designer she delights in creating unique looks for all occasions.
Jess is an experienced aerial arts rigger, completing aerial rigging training through Delbert Hall and Fight or Flight Entertainment. She is currently working to become a Certified Rigger Level 1 through American Crane & Safety which meets OSHA safety requirements 1926.1404(r)(1) and 1926.1425(c). She has a B.S. in Physics and continues to expand her aerial rigging training and experience. There are currently no Aerial Rigging Certification programs recognized in the USA, so she is working with experienced aerial riggers and completing certifications in Theatrical Rigging (Certified Rigger Level 1).
Link to Hall Rigging Academy Aerial Rigging Safety Certificate.
Professional Mermaid and Character Actor
Jess brought mermaids into the air creating the first flying mermaid pod in Madison, WI. She has created unique flying mermaid performances throughout the Midwest and continues to amaze audiences with the magical flying mermaids. She soon discovered the world of underwater mermaid performance and has completed her Advanced Mermaid Free Diving Certification through PADI. She is a professional mermaid with underwater performance experience and professional certifications. In addition she is a character actor and performer in the air, in the water, and on the ground.