Fallon Voorheis-Mathews, Founder & Artistic Director

Choreographer for Act 1: Fire.Ashes.Rebith

What drew you to aerial/dance, and how did you get started?

I grew up as a gymnast and then turned dancer and I came 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? 

 Tough one... But Queen with Freddie Mercury. 

Ashley Sonnier, Asst. Artistic Director

Choreographer for Act 3: This is the Way

What’s your favorite part of performing?

It can be very therapeutic.

What’s your pre-show ritual or go-to way to get in the zone?

Meditate before leaving for the theater, then listen to show music in the car, eat a good meal or snack for fuel before call time.

Which act do you connect with most and why?

Star Wars - this one is for the nerds.

What do you hope the audience takes away from this show?

That art can be deep, interesting, and fun/nerdy.

What’s your dream performance venue?

Buell Theater DCPA

Favorite hype song before a show?

  Abracadabra - Lady Gaga

Naomi Graff, Core Company Member

Choreographer for Act 2: Under this Tree

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?  

I used to own 14 Australian Zebra Finches.

Julie Young, Core Company Member

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.

Christine Jackson, Core Company Member

What’s your favorite part of performing?

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. :| 

Al Firstenberg, Core Company Member

What’s your favorite part of performing?

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).

Leah Grandstaff
Company Member

What drew you to aerial/dance, and how did you get started?

Bearing witness to the bicep building of my bestie :)

What’s your favorite part of performing?

Bringing the audience joy!

What’s your pre-show ritual or go-to way to get in the zone?

Mental quieting & running my act in my head

What excites you most about Embers, Petals, and Stars?  

Seeing the segments come together!

What’s your favorite memory with In the Wings?

Greenroom shenanigans at the Arts Hub

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Flight

Bayard Wenzel
Company Member

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?

Like Magneto, only for bellybutton lint

What’s your dream performance venue? 

Someplace big with a for-real winch

Favorite hype song before a show?  

Wig in a Box, from Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Nicole Londraville
Company Member

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 

Emily Monks
Company Understudy

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.

Keegan Dunn
Company Understudy, Lead Puller

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.

Favorite hype song before a show?  

Too Much by Dove Cameron. Great energy builder.

Emily Scott Alea
Company Understudy

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!