This field guide was created for a class project. I wanted to pick a subject in which I was interested in learning about (gymnastics classes offered in Eugene), and that would also benefit others that might want to take a class. When I began going to studios to take classes and gain information, I realized that the gyms do not offer the traditional gymnastics classes, but instead offer circus trapeze/aerial arts classes. Gymnastics and Aerial arts have a lot of similarities, such as flexibility, strength, similar movements, but most of all, are both beautiful art forms.
In class we talk a lot about participation and connection. Generally we think about gymnastics as an art form that you have to begin as a child, that you can not participate in as an adult unless you have prior experience. Well this field guide proves that idea is not true. That any adult, regardless of experience or age can participate in aerial arts classes. As an arts administrator and advocate, it is our responsibility to get everyone excited and involved in the arts community. Good advertising, word of mouth, and offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere is key to gaining a stable cliental participation. Participation by the residents of Eugene is pertinent for these classes to exist. This site was created to show the importance of a specific art form in our community’s cultural life. This project also forced me to go outside my comfort zone, and participate in all of the classes around town. In the article Culture is Ordinary, Raymond Williams writes, “Every human society has its own shape, its own purpose, its own meaning, so that work, observation, and communication are possible…a culture has two aspects, the known meanings and directions, which its members are trained to, and the new observations and meanings, which are tested.” Aerial trapeze is a widely used arts culture, performed in circus’s around the world. Most people wish that they were able to do the mind blowing routines that they see on stage. Well even if you get a late start, as an adult, it is possible to be able to perform the same incredible moves that you see on stage. The transmedia planted through out my field guide allows the interested party an inside view of what the classes look like, and the teachers and students involved in them.
Becker talks about the art world and reputation, and what is considered art. And while creating this field guide I thought about that; is beginning adult trapeze art? I believe it is. Becker talks about how how art worlds vary in size from small local groups, to big international companies. In his chapter entitled Reputation, he states, “Art Worlds, in a variety of interwoven activities, routinely make and unmake reputations of work, artists, schools, genres, and media.” He discusses the theory of reputation including gifted people, works of exceptional beauty, expresses profound human emotions, and the works reveal the makers expressive qualities. I believe that beginning adult gymnastics does not have the most fabulous reputation in the art world, but then after experiencing some classes, I see the beautiful art forms that can come from a person’s body after just a few classes.
References
Becker, H. S. (1982). Art worlds. Berkeley: University of California Press.- Reputation
Cavendish, R. (2014). The First Flying Trapeze is Performed. Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/first-flying-trapeze-performed
Williams, R. (2000). Culture is ordinary. In G.Bradford & G. Wallach (Eds.), New York, NY: The New Press.
(Local Gymnastics Websites used throughout the entire research)
http://www.kipstersgymnastics.com/adult-classes
http://www.naag-gymnastics.org/recreational-gymnastics/adult-classes/