Press Release
ABOVE THE BELT – TAKING AERIAL ARTISTRY TO NEW HEIGHTS
New York’s Finest Aerial Performance Showcase
New York, NY (January 2009) – Things continue to “look up” for Above the Belt – a pioneering showcase that continues to redefine what can be achieved in aerial art. Now entering its fourth year in New York, Above The Belt has received critical acclaim and an ever-growing audience by featuring a dazzling and dynamic display of the most cutting edge in aerial artistry from every corner of the world.
A first-of-its kind showcase, each performance of Above The Belt is a once in a lifetime event. Not only does each show feature a fresh new lineup of the world’s best aerial artists, performers are also required to design and perform original choreography – for one night only!
Above The Belt is a unique and intimate opportunity to watch as the world’s preeminent aerial artists collaborate and cultivate their craft. The audience sits close to the performers while an emcee discusses each apparatus and its history — including silks (fabric), static trapeze, lyra (steel hoops), corde lis (rope), Spanish web (rope with hand loop) and even apparatus invented by the performers themselves.
Set to music, this amazing display of exceptional aerial talent is a must see for all ages. Producers Britt Nhi Sarah and Alexander Rea provide an incomparable platform to display the most talked about performance in New York and are committed to the city’s reputation as the most innovative stage on earth.
“Above the Belt was born from a simple, yet incredible idea of aerial art in a living room setting. No bells and whistles – just an artist suspended above a stage. The audience is part of the drama, witnessing the rigging, the choreography and movement suspended just a few feet above them.” – Britt Nhi Sarah
Rea says, “With the prevalence of aerial in the community the time is right to take the show to the next level. Above The Belt is a great showcase for aerial talent in the greatest city in the world.”
Download Above the Belt photos and artwork:
http://flickr.com/photos/alexanderrea/collections/72157609622197455/
Download Above the Belt poster:
http://www.abovethebeltentertainment.com/2008/09/09/media/
ABOUT PRODUCER, BRITT NHI SARAH:
Britt Nhi Sarah trained as a competitive figure skater winning the bronze medal at the Canada Winter Games at the age of 12. At 16, she became a professional dancer.
For the next ten years, she performed her original choreography with ensemble company Do Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, touring shows through Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany, and festivals in Austria and France.
In 1997, Britt Nhi settled in New York City working with Ice Theatre of New York and other noted performance troupes. She began to train as an aerial artist with Chelsea Bacon in 2000. A year later, she wrote and produced an aerial ice show; Numana – A Journey On Ice. www.brittnhisarah.com
ABOUT PRODUCER, ALEXANDER REA:
Alexander Rea is a local producer, percussionist and artiste. As a percussionist you can find him performing around town in both musicals and cabarets along with studio recording projects. He has worked with singers and songwriters including Suzanne Fiore and Jeremy Schonfeld, as well as lyricists and composers including Ryan Scott Oliver, Andrew Edwards, Micah Bucey and Peter Mills (Winner of 2007 Freb Ebb award), and theater companies including many shows for Prospect Theater company including The Pursuit of Persephone which was nominated for two 2006 Drama Desk Awards for both outstanding music and outstanding orchestrations.
His producing and development credits to date primarily include advertising and marketing projects. Working on brands such as Orbitz, Sam’s Club, Estée Lauder and BMW. Including online stores for MTV Networks companies MTV, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central and Logo. Above The Belt is his first theater producing credit.
www.alexanderrea.com
NOTES TO EDITOR:
• Group discounts available.
• Running time approx 90 minutes.