Circus Factory Cork is delighted to host an Aerial Hoop Workshop part of the Crosspollination Intensive Weekend with Julie O’Connell Kent and Chloe Commins!

Aerial Hoop Workshop Details

Looking for permission to move a little differently, a little freer, and a little more like yourself? In this creative workshop, we will look at accessing that ‘flow state’ and finding artistic expression that is unique to you.

We will focus on breath, guided improvisation and choreographic prompts, while exploring how intension, musicality, and emotion can add textures and layers to a piece of movement.

This workshop is ideal for aerialists looking to deepen their connection to movement, unlock creativity, and develop fluidity and authenticity in their practice.

Suitable for students with a basic aerial hoop foundation who are comfortable working through creative improvisation exercises.

Who is this workshop for?

Intermediate to advanced

Join the Aerial Hoop Workshop

Are there any prerequisites to attend?

Intermediate and up. If you have a basis in aerials, you’re very welcome to attend any of the workshops! Being ok to work through improvisation

Why You Should Join the Aerial Hoop Workshop?

1. Uncover your essence
This workshop will give yourself time to explore what feels natural, expressive, and uniquely you in the air.

2. Find confidence/grounding
This workshop centres on finding grounding with breath, rhythm and techniques. These techniques can be applied to performance, aerial training or even the day to day.

3. Unlock your creativity
I will share prompts that have really helped me in my own artistic journey and have helped myself and others with creative ‘blocks’. Finding your flow and opening creative pathways.

4. Layering
This workshop focuses on those details suc as emotion and storytelling that will really add texture to your performance work – helping you bring more depth and personality to your aerial practice.

5. Lean into Music
If like to throw on some chunes and have a JAM, this is right up your alley. We will spend time on musicality and pace, focusing on connection, fluidity and intentional movement.

What Should You Bring?

• Wear tight clothing and long sleeves
• Bring ginger for spinning
• Circus Factory has a microwave, kettle and small kitchen. The Marina Market Food Hall is also just across the road.

Location: Circus Factory
Day: Saturday, October 10th
Time: 6 PM- 8 PM

Suitable for ages: 18+
Price for Weekend: €200* if you book all four
Price for Single Workshop: €60 (no discount on single session bookings)

*10% Students and Unwaged Discount Code at checkout: CFCONC10%
10% Discount for Practitioner Members
20% Discount for Professional Members

About Chole Commins and Julie O’Connell Kent

JANAS is a circus theatre company composed of Julie O’Connell Kent, Eric Munday and Chloe Commins. These three artists formed the collective in 2024, funded by the EU’s Island Connect project.

In Sardinia they found their name, JANAS – which means ‘people of the fay’ or ‘fay folk’. Their time in Sardinia raised questions about the similarities between colonised islands, and how folklore and myth is used to make sense of the struggles of its peoples.

JANAS’s current project is a full-length aerial and acrobatic outdoor theatre piece built around the fundamental pillars of island life: the sea, the sun, and the land. The work personifies these three forces, following their journey. Using powerful aerial artistry and partnered acrobatic movement, JANAS offers an exploration of the struggle for culture and autonomy.

They will present their full-length show in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown in June 2026.

Julie is an aerial artist who loves to both perform and share her love of circus through teaching. She has been exploring aerial rope and silks for nine years. Her practice extends internationally across performing, mentoring, producing, coaching, and collaborating with fellow artists. She loves to explore the boundaries of what is possible in her chosen artform. Her areas of interest are in mythology, queer experiences and the occult – all through the lens of mindful movement.

Chloe is aerial performance artist, who has performed regionally and internationally, her performance work is inspired by generational stories and personal experience. Chloe has produced and curated a number of cabaret events, such as ISL Fest and Wild Roots.

In 2023 she presented RESONANCE. An aerial theatre piece with takes inspiration from her experience growing up CODA (child of Deaf Adult)and includes ISL (Irish sign language) physical theatre and aerial hoop. She has had the opportunity to show this at the Scene & Heard festival Dublin, Festival of Fools Belfast and as  a full length solo show at Dublin Fringe festival.

In 2024, she travelled to Vienna, Berlin and Italy as part of research and development for JANAS company. She was invited to partake in the judging panel for Dublin Fringe Festival. She also worked with companies such as Dead Centre, Amanda Coogan and the Dublin Theatre of the Deaf, and acted as an aerial advisor the show ‘The Race’ at the Ark theatre Dublin.In 2025, She performed for Lunar New Year festival, Hi Pony Beyond the Pale, RDS Christmas event and Teelings Whiskey.

In 2026, She was selected to be an Axis Assemble artist while working with Extaordinary bodies, Rock and Roll Circus in the UK and successfully launching her own youth program with the Holy Family School of the Deaf.

She frequents the Dublin Drag scene as a resident artist with Haus of Wig. She has completed training with The Gaeity School of Acting, Theatre Lovett and Youth Theatre Ireland. She is fluent in Irish Sign Language and holds a degree in Chinese and Business from DIT

Previous Aerial Hoop Workshops

Image Credits: Monika Palova