Sideline Stories: Danielle Hirsh, Maine Aerial Arts Founder

Building a Home for Aerial Arts in Maine

Aerial arts sit at a unique intersection of sport and art. It requires strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, discipline and technical training while giving athletes the opportunity to tell a story through movement in the air.

Maine has a growing community of talented aerial athletes, educators and organizations, creating an exciting foundation for the sport. Maine Aerial Arts and the competition were created to bring that community together, expand opportunities and strengthen Maine’s presence within the broader aerial arts world.

Aerial arts is an umbrella term for disciplines performed while suspended on an apparatus. Some of the most recognized include aerial silks, also called tissue, lyra or aerial hoop, hammock or sling, trapeze, straps, rope, cube and aerial pole. The sport attracts athletes from backgrounds including gymnastics and dance because it combines athletic ability with creativity and performance.

I’m the founder of Maine Aerial Arts and was discovered by members of the Cirque du Soleil cast, who referred me to Orlando Circus School. Through these experiences, I gained insight into professional aerial productions and saw how aerial arts could be incorporated into educational settings, including schools and colleges throughout Florida.

I have since continued my education with Los Angeles based Aerial Physique, now a sponsor of the Maine Aerial Arts Competition, reinforcing the event’s commitment to continued education.

My role also includes serving as a national aerial arts judge; I’ve reviewed more than 100 performances by aerial athletes from across the country, with another 20 to 50 anticipated this winter. This experience provides a broader perspective on athlete development, competition and the continued growth of the sport. The goal is to build upon what Maine already has and create even more opportunities for its athletes.

Now entering its second year, the Maine Aerial Arts Competition provides a statewide gathering place for aerialists representing different studios, communities, ages and apparatuses. Additional levels, apparatuses and awards have been introduced so athletes at different stages have meaningful opportunities to participate, challenge themselves and be recognized.

Competition is only one piece of the larger vision.

Maine Aerial Arts aims to create a recognizable hub where athletes and families can discover reputable programs, connect with the broader aerial community and understand pathways that include recreation, performance, competition, teaching and professional opportunities.

Aerialympics, a national aerial arts competition and supporter of the Maine Aerial Arts Competition, further supports this vision by helping connect Maine athletes to competitive opportunities beyond the state.

Safety and education naturally belong within that structure. Public instructional programs promoted through Maine Aerial Arts are expected to operate with appropriately trained or certified aerial instructors, current CPR training and appropriate insurance. These expectations support an environment where athletes and families can pursue aerial arts with confidence.

The Maine Aerial Arts Competition brings athletes together, connects organizations, encourages continued education and creates opportunities for Maine aerialists to showcase their talent.

Maine already has the talent. Our goal is to build the infrastructure around it.

We want Maine aerialists to know they can train here, perform here, compete here and grow here, with a community prepared to support whatever comes next!