What to expect
This retreat is designed for aerialists who want to explore movement with intention, curiosity, and creativity. Over the course of a week, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into both the technical and expressive sides of aerial silks, guided by experienced instructors in a supportive, playful environment.
Leah will guide you through the spaces between tricks, studying transitions, pathways, tension, and balance—inviting you to unravel why certain movements feel effortless, experiment with unconventional routes, and refine your artistry through wraps, grips, and flow.
Meanwhile, Fallon will lead workshops in choreography, creation, and games designed to spark inspiration and bring personal expression to your aerial practice. Through structured exercises and playful exploration, you’ll leave with a toolkit for improvisation, creative problem-solving, and approaching aerial work with curiosity and joy.
Like the branches of a tree, the retreat offers multiple pathways for growth—attendees can dive into technical refinement, explore creative expression, or develop a personal piece if they wish. By the end of the week, you’ll leave with new insights, fresh ideas, and a deeper connection to your aerial practice and community of fellow artists.
Apart from the training there will be a day off with planned excursions to explore Umbria!
About the Instructors
Fallon Voorheis-Mathews is the founder and artistic director of In the Wings. Born and raised in Colorado, she has been moving since childhood—first through gymnastics and dance, and later through the discovery of aerial dance. After injuries shifted her path away from gymnastics, she studied dance under Tony Coppola at Mesa State College and was introduced to aerial in 2010. She instantly fell in love with the art form as it combined her love of acrobatics and dance.
She began her training at Frequent Flyers as a member of the apprentice company and went on to spend six years with Iluminar Aerial, where she wore many hats including Assistant Director. In 2018, Fallon launched In the Wings with a mission to build community through aerial dance. The debut production, Divine: A Celebration of Women, premiered on International Women’s Day and was followed by multiple productions, including virtual shows during the pandemic that highlighted connection and shared creativity.
Fallon has studied with artists and companies across the U.S. and abroad, including Tanya Burka, Annabelle D’Artois, Daniel Sullivan, Ukoiya Mastin, Elsie Smith, TSNY-LA, Fly Mile High, Hanne Coeckelberghs, Justine Arden, and most recently Rachel Strickland.
Teaching aerial since 2012, Fallon’s favorite part of coaching is helping students find their own voice in the air. “How can we make you look like you and not anyone else? That’s where it gets interesting.” Her workshops center on creativity, exploration, and self-expression as much as technique.
Outside the studio, Fallon works as a GI nurse, sneaks away to Paris whenever possible, and enjoys French Bulldog and Cane Corso cuddles (and drool), plus murder mystery nights with friends.
Leah Grandstaff (aka LeahTard Wedgie) began pushing her boundaries and exploring strength and grace through aerial acrobatics in 2013. Discovering herself through this modality inspired her to share this movement art with others. Leah completed her first teacher training through Aircats in Boulder, CO in 2016 & continues to develop professionally with trainings, mentorships, & intensives. Her teaching philosophy is founded upon the conceptual understanding of aerial movement as well as encouraging her students to identify strengths, challenge limitations & have fun in their journeys. She teaches aerial classes at Aerial Cirque over Denver, Gravity Aerial Arts, Aircat Aerial Arts, & offers private lessons at LeahTard’s Creative Sanctuary in RiNo. She has been a cast member of the Phantom Circus since 2016 & In the Wings aerial dance company since 2020! Leah specializes in fabric & duo-trapeze, but also enjoys exploring sling, lyra, & dance trapeze. Leah spends her free time catching sunsets, spending time with her son & daughter, & enjoying palate-pleasing food!
Information:
Prerequisites:
all levels
Accommodation:
single beds in shared room (see accommodation section on website for more information)
Price:
Super Early Bird: €1,550 Ends March 15, 2027
Early Bird: €1,650 March 16 – May 31
Standard: €1,800 June 1 – Aug 31
Final Call: €2,000 Sept 1 onwards
Payment:
€500 deposit
Payment made in full €50 off
Payment plans are available
Price includes:
All meals, classes, transportation to and from train station and group excursions, and including planned meals out
Additional costs:
Any souvenirs, any additional snacks, drinks or gelato during excursions or spare time, flights to and from Italy, transport to local train station, and massages
Volunteer Opportunity:
We’re offering one volunteer spot for someone who would like to participate in the program in exchange for helping us during the retreat.
You’ll only need to cover the workshop fee — accommodation and meals are included free of charge.
Additional Information:
