Blue Lapis Light

Specialties

BLL is a non-​profit aerial dance company focused on creating site-​specific performances and teaching aerial silks to students of all ages and skill levels.

Come see us fly in our performances of In Light, September 23^rd — 28^th, 2014 in downtown Austin. More info can be found on our website.

We were founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Sally Jacques and are based in Austin, Texas. Using aerial techniques informed by classical, interpretive and modern dance, Blue Lapis Light:

* Creates an annual site-​specific aerial dance performance

* Teaches aerial dance classes and workshops for all ages, including private classes, group classes and birthday parties

* Empowers of youth through partnerships with local foster care facilities and our Youth Taking Flight program

* Performs for events and schools throughout Texas

Our vision is to create transcendent works of beauty that are offered, without religious denomination, as prayers for the planet.

Plans for our new 3,000 square foot studio space to be used for classes, individual instruction and performances are underway. You can learn more by visiting our website.

History

Established in 2005.

Blue Lapis Light was founded by Artistic Director Sally Jacques in 2005.

BLL’s breakthrough production, «Requiem» utilized the abandoned Intel Building in downtown Austin, running for 33 performances, featuring 19 performers, 18 technicians, and drawing an audience of over 14,000. BLL’s repertoire expanded, leading to similar-​sized performances including: «Illumination» at the Seaholm Power Plant (2007),

«Constellation» (2007, 2008) and «Impermanence (2009), staged respectively at Austin’s J.J. Pickle and Thornberry Federal Buildings. Recent productions include «ONE» (2010) at the Long Center, and the innovative «Devotion» (2011), performed at Lady Bird Lake. BLL reached another milestone in 2012 with the critically-​acclaimed «Heaven~Earth~One» staged on the Long Center City Terrace.

BLL’s aerial classes for adults of all levels and week long Summer Aerial Creation Camps for children ages 6 – 12 have been offered since 2007 and continue to grow each year.

Meet the Manager

Nicole W.

Manager

Nicole Whiteside is Blue Lapis Light’s Studio Manager and an Aerial Silks Instructor. Her classical ballet training began at age two and blossomed into a life-​long love of dance. She has studied at esteemed studios including the Houston Ballet Academy, Austin School of Classical Ballet, and Marsha Woody Academy of Dance. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BFA in Dance and has continued dancing for Austin with many local companies, including Sharir+Bustamante Danceworks, Sheep Army/​Elsewhere Dance Theater, Little Stolen Moments, Austin School of Classical Ballet, and Cheryl Chaddick Dance Theater. She has been learning aerial silks since 2005 and began teaching in 2007. To further her knowledge, she has studied with great aerialists from the New England Center for the Circus Arts, Air Dance Bernasconi, Aircat Aerial Arts, House of Yes, and Tick Tock Dance. She loves learning and teaching and is eternally grateful for the unique beauty in all people!

Blue Lapis Light also recommends

Movin’ Easy Dancewear

12

reviews

Sports Wear

Nicole W. says,

«Wonderful, local supplier of dancewear.»

CrossFit Bullet Proof

10

reviews

Gyms

,

Trainers

Nicole W. says,

«Our fitness neighbors and temporary teaching location.»