Rope Manipulation is an approach to rope made of four core methods. Speaking Knots, Sensing,  Self Development, Altering and Adapting.

All these methods involve a series of improvisation tasks designed to create focused, confined spaces of research where practitioners can experiment freely on the aerial apparatus.

This method is the result of a process of deconstruction and re-introduction to the rope practice started during Covid. But really.. it has been there for me since I can remember.

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Born from my necessity to understand the rules and habits in order to break them. 

A need to consciously understand the fundamentals of movement - knowing tools, the body, and the apparatus deeply with the aim to move beyond rigid, machine-like techniques. To find my voice.

Understanding is knowing an object or instrument deeply to its core.

Understanding makes space to move in alignment with your body, your mood and your perception, free from imposed athletic regimes or conventional movement patterns. 

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This approach celebrates multiple virtuosities. Going beyond the athletic one of prowess and shifting to adaptive and listening skills, and as a consequence, encouraging diversity in aesthetics too. These intimate adventures foster skills in adaptability, awareness, and presence and they stimulate choice making, creativity, artistry, self-development.

 

The aim of this practice is simple yet profound: to allow myself, fellow practitioners and professionals to move on the rope with the same ease as when we walk.  Step by step, we acquire technique (= knowledge). And as we move, we create new pathways and develop body intelligence and intuition.

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With Rope Manipulation, my intention is to push the boundaries of creative, technical and artistic knowledge within rope work and, perhaps with time, other circus disciplines as well!

Rope and our ability to manipulate it are now in the spotlight, knots both conceptually and practically lead the way.

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To know more about the first steps into my research, check this site: https://gaiaandrope.wixsite.com/gaiasantuccio

​Or write to gaia.and.rope@gmail.com