Combining the artistry of dance with the drama of aerial acrobatics her dance company, Arachne Aerial Arts specializes in high impact duo performance for theaters, museums, galleries and events. The DC-based company performs from rafters throughout the region and has received praise from critics, clients and audiences alike, including awards from Metro DC Dance and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Co-directors Andrea Burkholder and Sharon Witting ’91 began flying together in 2000 and have continued their intensive training at the New England Center for Circus Arts with Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion, former members of Cirque du Soleil. When not on stage, the company offers special workshops and ongoing aerial instruction for students of all abilities.
Sharon Witting ’91 has performed professionally since 1992 with companies including Virginia Ballet, Carla & Company and Air Dance Bernasconi. She began her formal aerial training at the San Francisco School of Circus Arts and has fifteen years of experience as an event planner, museum educator and freelance costume designer. She holds a BA in anthropology from Washington & Lee University and an MAT in museum education from George Washington University.
(Photo by Karen Jackson)
