La Vertical – Escola d’Aeris del Penedès

La Vertical is an aerial circus school located in Vilafranca del Penedès, in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia. It presents itself as the first school specifically dedicated to aerial arts in the Penedès region.

The project combines training , creation , and performance around the aerial disciplines of contemporary circus and conscious body work. The school welcomes different ages and levels, from discovering aerial disciplines to advanced practice.

Progression levels

The training courses are organized according to several levels of progression.

• Beginner students can join a first level of initiation .
• The progression then continues through several intermediate levels .
• An advanced level is intended for practitioners with more than seven years of experience.

This organization allows for the building of technical progression over several years.

The aerial disciplines taught

Acrobatic fabrics

Aerial silks are one of the main disciplines taught. They allow students to work on static figures , sequences , falls and aerial choreography .

The fixed trapeze

The fixed trapeze is also among the apparatus offered. Students develop figures, dynamic movements and choreographic sequences on it.

The aerial hoop

The aerial hoop allows you to work on figures, rotations and movements in suspension.

The smooth rope

The smooth rope complements the aerial offering. Its practice allows for the development of dynamic movements, jumps, and aerial sequences.

Ground acrobatics

Floor acrobatics also plays a significant role in the training. Students can practice dynamic techniques, pirouettes, and various balances. The school notably uses an AirTrack and a mini-trampoline for certain acrobatic exercises.

Aeroyoga

Aeroyoga complements the disciplines offered. This practice combines elements from yoga with suspended work, allowing exploration of mobility, stretching, and body awareness.

An educational approach

La Vertical does not consider technique as an isolated end in itself. The teaching team combines physical learning with educational values .

• Teamwork is one of the important elements of this approach.
• Empathy is encouraged in relationships between students.
• Creativity accompanies technical progress.

The school aims to create an environment based on trust , safety , and harmony . Physical, artistic, and psychosocial skills are developed together. This approach allows students to progress technically while building their own relationship with movement and creation.

Courses, internships and activities

Regular classes form the core of the school's activities. These are complemented by intensive workshops dedicated to various disciplines. Guest instructors may participate in these workshops. These sessions allow students to discover new approaches and deepen their understanding of specific techniques.

Vertical also organizes intensive activities during the summer. Children and teenagers have access to a summer program combining aerial arts, circus arts, acrobatics, dance, games, and recreational activities. These activities offer a chance to discover the circus in a context different from regular classes.

The educational dimension of the project also extends to schools. La Vertical organizes workshops for schools and various organizations in the area. These workshops introduce circus arts and aerial movement to new audiences.

A multidisciplinary team and adapted physical preparation

The school works with a team that brings together professionals , educators , and artists . This complementarity allows for the simultaneous exploration of the technical, physical, artistic, and pedagogical dimensions of the practice.

Physical preparation is also part of the support offered. The school focuses on physical training specific to aerial disciplines. Particular attention is paid to the prevention and management of injuries related to the sport. This approach helps to support sustainable technical progress adapted to the physical demands of aerial circus.

Verticaleres Artistic Creation and Company

Artistic creation is another aspect of the project. La Vertical is developing its own company, Verticaleres . This company presents shows in various cities in Catalonia. The presence of an artistic company within the project creates a direct link between teaching, practice, and performance. Students thus develop in an environment where the disciplines they learn are also used in a professional stage production context.

The Vertical Today

Today, La Vertical is a place specializing in the transmission of aerial disciplines in Vilafranca del Penedès.

• Beginners can discover the basics of aerial circus there.
• Intermediate practitioners have a structured progression over several years.
• Experienced students can progress to advanced groups.
• Children and teenagers also benefit from specific activities during the holidays.
• Schools can access tailored workshops.

This combination of regular training, internships, physical practice, educational activities and artistic creation makes La Vertical a space specializing in the development of aerial arts in the Penedès.