Unchained

Unchained

by : Paper Doll Militia

January 4, 2019

Suspended on two spinning loops of steel chain, The Paper Doll Militia move with precise synchronization and impressive partner work, hanging from each others’ limbs from their inventive apparatus.

“You can count on me” Working with a circus p

“You can count on me”

Working with a circus partner is a WHOLE new level of trust and dependability. Yes, you are quite literally trusting each other with your lives. I know that sounds so dramatic....but it’s true! We all know the inherent risks we take in what we do.

And these types of relationships can be intense, and run the whole spectrum. Whether it’s coming together for one performance, or years of working in collaboration together...circus partnerships can be similar to romantic partnerships; it takes stellar communication, compassion and commitment.

Rain and Sarah, the co-artistic directors of Paper Doll Militia, have been working together as creative partners for 19 years! We’re also friends, business partners and sisters in-law. (Rain married Sarah’s brother 😜)

We’ve been through many phases of our art making, navigating changing goals / visions and big life changes along the way. We’ve had our fair share of ups and downs and found tools to get through the hard times. We’ve worked with many other artists, too and we’re always learning more about the art of collaboration.

So let’s come together! Tag your circus friends, partners, and collaborators (or future collaborators?) and tell them one thing you love about working with them!

Video by @rarebirdmedia
Cover Photo by Andy Catlin

🎭 “Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should

🎭 “Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society.” - Augusto Boal

Through embodied forms of art like theatre, dance, and circus, we access emotions that words alone can’t reach. It is in the moments of flight, balance, and tension that we confront our deepest truths—vulnerability, joy, struggle, and connection.

Come join us for an evening of stories of the heart, where we explore how art & movement help us to heal. Seen through the lens of aerial, circus, and dance.

Join our artists as they navigate our bodies’ natural survival responses; fight, flight, freeze and fawn.

💐Wildflowers - Presented by Elemental Arts and Selah Dance Collective

Homeostasis - Prequel by Paper Doll Militia & Circus with Purpose

An aerial sculpture & performance piece fusing the visual design of Shibari with contemporary aerial arts. The apparatus is a large-scale visual interpretation of the human nervous system, constructed entirely with rope. This tree-like apparatus becomes an elaborate structure for aerial performers exploring dysregulation and resilience on personal and societal levels.

🗓️ Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 8 PM
📍 Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, CA
🎟️ Ticket link in the bio!

🤩 We’re obsessed with finding new ways to mak

🤩 We’re obsessed with finding new ways to make a skill more accessible

Throughout the 9 years of developing our Teacher Training Curriculum we’ve gathered and created so many tools for teaching new wraps, movements, and techniques

This clip is from our Level 2 Silks curriculum, where the student learns the wrap for a Double Ankle Hang in a really supported way, so that they can focus on the wrap pattern in isolation before having to fully execute the skill in the air

As you can see...there are 2 levels to this progression. This is a great example of how you can really break something down into bite sized pieces instead of just throwing someone into the deep end.

Instructors...have you used this method? If this is new to you, try it out and let us know how it goes in the comments!

If you want to join our next Level 2 cohort, there’s still 3 more days to get your early bird discount (Ends Sept 8th).

Self-doubt can creep in to your creative process i

Self-doubt can creep in to your creative process in the most surprising ways. It’s most insidious when it stops you in your tracks, and keeps you in a freeze state. Stuck and able to move forward.

While it may look different for each individual artist, it’s something that so many of us creatives can relate to in one form or another.

👀 It can look like

Perfectionism
Comparison
Self-criticism
Obsessing over how your art is perceived
Unworthiness
Decision fatigue

These clips are excerpts from “Part 2” of my portrayal of The Mind in #TouchingTwoWorlds ….when the mind starts to unravel. If you missed part 1, just look a couple posts back in our feed to get full context of this story.

This post is not meant to solve your problems or even offer advice. It’s a mirror for anyone who wants to gaze into it, and see a reflection of yourself. To recognize that you are not alone. All of us artists face these gremlins at one point or another, in small & big ways.

It was an honor to use this performance as a opportunity to explore the multifaceted mindspace of a creator....the good, the bad, and the ugly.

A special thanks to @dr.sherrywalling and @lylunny for making it all happen

Photo credit: @clockworksteve

Hey there! We love sharing our passion for innovat

Hey there! We love sharing our passion for innovative aerial arts and we can’t wait to work with you. Here’s a quick overview to easily find the best ways to work with us!

All the information for these programs can be found in our linktree in bio, and we’re very responsive to our DM’s so if you have any questions at all, just shoot us over a message.

Join us on the Isle of Crete in Greece! Reinvigor

Join us on the Isle of Crete in Greece!

Reinvigorate your aerial practice with a Mediterranean adventure

📅 Week 1: May 7 - 14, 2025 - Silks & Vertical Theatre Method

📅 Week 2: May 17 - 24, 2025 - Sling & Vertical Theatre Method

Are you an intermediate or advanced aerialist looking for more than just a vacation? We get it. A “relaxing break” means challenging yourself, exploring new creative heights, and connecting with others who share your passion.

Ready to go all in? This immersive retreat brings you the perfect blend of high-octane training, breathtaking adventures and ample relaxation in the serene beauty of Crete.

Train with Paper Doll Militia’s Sarah Bebe Holmes and Rain Anya whose focus on technique and artistry will transform your aerial practice. Enjoy a fusion of traditional Cretan cuisine and contemporary fare, prepared by a local chef. Fill yourself up with hiking, shopping and swimming on our epic excursions.

With dedicated time to focus on your own skills and artistry, you’ll come home with a renewed passion for your aerial practice along with lifelong connections.

Public Registration Opens October 8th, 2024

Get on our Early Access List to get a full 24 hours of pre-registration time before public registration opens. This means you can snag your top choice room option. 😉

Link in bio 🔗

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Contact

info@PaperDollMilitia.com retreatsaerial@gmail.com pdmteachertraining@gmail.com