Aloft’s Mesmerizing Acrobatic Show Wows Audiences at Edinburgh’s Circus Hub
Edinburgh’s Circus Hub on the Meadows is currently hosting an awe-inspiring acrobatic show by US company Aloft, captivating audiences with their stunning talent. In an intimate setting, spectators of all ages, from toddlers to older individuals, gather in the hall-of-mirrors Beauty venue to witness this rapturously beautiful circus performance.
Aloft sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of trust and bringing people together. Shayna Swanson, ever-vigilant, guides the hour-long extravaganza, ensuring a seamless and mesmerizing experience for all.
The show begins with spectators encircling a giant white sheet, radiating a soft glow from within. As the all-female cast emerges from underneath, their presence is marked by a foot pointing or a nose protruding. With the aid of scaffolding poles, they construct a walking platform and then a pair of stilts. Overlapping chants and radio transmissions create an ethereal soundscape, in stark contrast to the acrobats’ inner serenity and unwavering focus.
Step by step, the audience becomes an integral part of building this makeshift circus tent where jaw-dropping tricks unfold. The white sheet transforms into a canopy, and within arm’s reach of the spectators, a captivating Cyr wheel solo seamlessly transitions into a breathtaking duet. The squeaking of the mat and the gentle breeze that brushes against the audience’s skin add to the sensory experience. Initially startled, the viewers quickly find themselves entranced by a four-hula-hoop act performed up close. With ease and humor, the acrobats establish direct eye contact, fostering a bond of confidence that swiftly blossoms between audience and performer.
The show’s emotional depth is augmented by plaintive songs, such as Low’s melancholic track, The Innocents. These musical accompaniments perfectly complement the increasing intimacy of the performance, even as the tent expands to accommodate more mind-boggling stunts. At one point, the audience is invited to lie on their backs, witnessing a duet on aerial silks accompanied by infectious smiles, while other performers rest among the spectators. A fleeting glimpse of the circus company’s close-knit camaraderie is provided as audience members are once again engaged to hold poles for the next act.
Zoe Sheppard, Hayley Larson, Natalie Abell, Linnea Ridolfi, Heather Dart, and Sarah Tapper deliver an exceptional and charismatic performance in ‘Brave Space.’ This astonishing hour leaves the audience feeling as uplifted as the talented Aloft company themselves.
Witnessing Aloft’s acrobatic show is a truly transformative experience that transports audiences to a world of wonder and awe. The incredible display of skill and artistry, coupled with the intimate connection established between viewers and performers, makes this a must-see event at the Circus Hub in Edinburgh. Prepare to be captivated and inspired by Aloft’s acrobatic mastery!
