Meet Lisa-Marie Burnside of elevAtion Aerial and Rock Circus LA

When I moved to LA at 18, my life was very different than it is today. I had different goals, different ideas of what I wanted, and a different vision of what would make me happy. No matter what I tried, I felt like something was missing. Being physically active has always been a keystone in my life – I don’t feel whole unless I’m moving. So I always prioritized working out, running, and other forms of physical activity.

Something was still missing, andI knew I needed to find a career that would keep me moving. The truth is, Aerial dance found me.

I started taking aerial dance classes six years ago, and from the moment I started, I knew I was on a path to happiness. I quickly realized that aerial dance in all of its forms checked every box; it’s physically challenging, creatively expressive, unique, and so rewarding. I realized that it helped my brain and my heart as much as it did my physical body. I went through teacher training in 2016, and I saw my life shifting away from the 9-5 ‘pay the bills’ jobs to the ‘this is your life path’ choice of aerial dance.

In 2017, I took the plunge and bought my own aerial rig so I could focus on teaching clients on a more personal level than large group classes offered. Owning my own rig also allowed me to train at any time of the day, and I threw myself full time into becoming both an aerial teacher and aerial performer. Later that year, my business was born – elevAtion Aerial becomes a reality. I now teach private and semi-private lessons in aerial hammock and silks, and I also offer customized and curated workshops for the dedicated aerialists in our community. I also recently hosted a kids aerial summer camp, which was a huge hit.

My main focus is performing. I live to fly. I perform at amazing venues in the Los Angeles area, including Scot Nery’s Boobie Trap, Bootleg Theater, Clifton’s Republic, Fais Do Do, and many more. I also produce shows under the umbrella of Rock Circus LA, which combines Aerial dance with live music. It’s exactly what it sounds like: Rock Music + Circus. Our shows are high energy, lots of fun, and something you have to experience to believe.  Our next show is August 10th and you can check it out at rockcircusla.com.

To sum it up, I have discovered my philosophy. Just like the Circus, the more unique you are, the better. I want my performances and my students to stand out. I embrace my weirdness fully.

It has not always been smooth or easy. Transitioning from a traditional job to a job that combines teaching, training, and performing in a very niche market was stressful! Finding ways to keep the bills paid while balancing my own growth and training while still having the time and energy to teach was tricky, but ultimately, I managed to find that balance. Performing in LA is not always easy – there are so many amazing aerialists in LA and not a huge number of venues that offer us opportunities to perform. That is part of why I co-created Rock Circus LA with my partner, to offer other performance opportunities to the aerial community.

I am an aerial performer first and foremost. I pride myself on character-driven and physically challenging routines. I am not a traditionally trained dancer – I didn’t take dance classes growing up. I think people enjoy my performances because I throw myself completely into the character, and I have built strength and flexibility to be able to do non-traditional routines and choreography that are unique. When I’m not dancing solo, I do events that I produce through elevAtion Aerial and/or Rock Circus LA.

elevAtion Aerial brings Aerial dance to private parties, pop-ups, corporate events, weddings, and even summer camps. We also offer aerial bartending at events where our aerialists pour drinks from the sky to our guests.

With Rock Circus LA, I produce live shows that combine live rock bands with aerial dance. It’s the Circus 2019 style. You have to see it and experience it to really get it!

I am so thankful to have had mentors, guides, visionaries, and peers in my life to guide and inspire me. First and foremost, my mom has always modeled the importance of physical fitness and health. She continues to do so today as a high-intensity workout class teacher. My first aerial teacher Jacqui Kreisler really introduced me to the world of aerial dance, and I trained as both a dedicated student and eventual teacher with Kim at Up Flying Yoga. Many peers, including Jordann Baker have inspired me to train hard along the way, and my partner Stuart has always encouraged me to take the next step in my aerial journey, even when it has seemed impossible.