The Roots of Pole & Aerials

CEAPAC acknowledges that pole and aerials are bound in origins of sex work and non-western cultural practices. The Pole dance and Aerial Arts industries continue to appropriate and profit off of the work sex workers and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.

We are committed to educating all who walk through our doors about the origins of aerials and contributions of sex workers and BIPOC to these industries. We honour our roots and will work with the community to make sure space is made available for those whose practices have been appropriate and profited off.

Our Inception

Central Edmonton Aerial Performing Arts Club (CEAPAC) is a unique space brought together by disenfranchised aerial community members who were unhappy with the options available for practicing aerial arts in Edmonton.

Due to issues to systemic racism, colourism, and queerphobia members felt established studios did not have the safety and best interest of Black, Indigenous and other Aerialists of Colour or queer folk in mind. We felt it was necessary to create an alternative space run by marginalized individuals with community, activism and involvement at its core.

Today CEAPAC is one of the very few aerial spaces in Canada operated by BIPOC & queer folk.

Mission

CEAPAC is a Non-profit organization that exists to promote diversity and inclusion in aerial performing arts by providing a training space for aerialist, dancers and performers.

As an organization it is our goal to provide a community oriented space for dancers, physical artist, and performers. Through this space we hope to encourage wholistic well-being by providing opportunities for community engagement, education and physical fitness.

CEAPAC strives to foster a welcoming space predicated on conflict resolution, trauma informed care, and social activism.

Community

CEAPAC works with local and visiting instructors to curate class offerings for the general public. While we understand the importance of class offerings for students we believe first and foremost in workers rights and fair compensation. We strive to empower freelance instructors to develop their own movement practices on their own terms.

We collaborate with instructors that align with our core values. We strive to work with instructors from various disciples to foster a diverse dance & movement community in our space.

Our little space continues to grow as we head in to our second year of operation.

If you would like to join our space head over to our Studio Rental page.