ABSTRACT

This chapter describes how each piece of equipment is used in relationship with one another and in conjunction with a professional rigger's set up. A professional rigger will be licensed and bonded, usually, through their certifying association. Certified riggers for aerial dance understand load and dynamics. This is especially important given the fact that aerial dancers move and swing. A professional rigger will be licensed and bonded, usually, through their certifying association. Rigging for aerial dance can involve anything from simple, single point, manual rigs to extremely complex, multi-person, motorized assemblies. While professional aerial dance companies generally have harnesses specially made for them that suit the specific needs of the dancer and/or choreographer, when teaching aerial in the university classroom, time and cost are large factors. There are two basic sorts of ropes typically used for aerial: static and dynamic.