Gianluca Gerlando Gentiluomo
(VERTICAL ROPE, AERIAL SILKS & STRAPS)
Four specialized workshops exploring technical mastery in aerial rope, silks, and straps.
Registration deadline: February 15, 2026
If minimum capacity is not reached, the workshop will be cancelled with full refunds provided.
SESSION 1: TECHNICAL FOUNDATIONS & AERIAL PROPRIOCEPTION
Building a solid foundation begins with understanding our body in space. This session focuses on aerial proprioception – seeking balance in the air by activating specific body parts and exploring support points with the apparatus.
- Preferably at least one year of training on fabric or rope
- Ability to invert in straddle (even with bent arms)
- Ability to enter belly key (even with bent arms)
SESSION 2: DYNAMICS & MOVEMENT FLOW
Moving from static positions into dynamic sequences requires proper preparation and understanding of oscillations. This session explores how dynamic movements transform our vocabulary into fluid, expressive sequences. Dynamic work on both rope and fabric is similar yet different at the same time, allowing for a more complete understanding of dynamic aerial movement.
- Preferably several years of rope or fabric practice with solid control
- Ability to invert in straddle (ideally with straight arms)
- Ability to enter belly key (ideally with straight arms)
- Previous experience in aerial dynamics not required, but recommended
SESSION 3: ROLL UP
The technical work of rolling up and down increases one’s spatial self-awareness by using gravity as a physical force to play with. The study of roll ups and roll downs is extremely detailed and specific, allowing practitioners to better master any aerial apparatus.
- Preferably several years of rope or fabric practice with solid control
- Ability to invert in straddle (even with bent arms but straight legs)
- Ability to enter belly key (even with bent arms but straight legs)
- Prior experience with S-wrap roll downs is preferred
SESSION 4: STRAPS
This workshop is open to all levels and is an opportunity for discovery for some and deepening for others who already practice. During the class, the group will be divided by level.
I began studying aerial straps alongside rope as a complementary and at times similar discipline. I recommend this apparatus to anyone who practices aerial arts, as it develops a physical preparation that benefits any apparatus. Part of the work will be dedicated to a detailed study of correct posture and which body parts to activate to conserve energy and navigate effectively in the air.
Advanced level: Study of back flag and one-arm work
- Prior experience with straps (even minimal) is preferred if the participant already practices aerial acrobatics on other apparatuses
- Ability to invert in straddle (even with bent arms but straight legs)
GIANLUCA GERLANDO GENTILUOMO
Born 1984, Gianluca specializes in vertical rope, aerial silks, slack rope equilibristics, and juggling. Based in Italy, he has been teaching circus arts since 2013, working with both professional and amateur schools internationally.
- University Degree Course “Contemporary Circus Artist” – Fondazione Cirko Vertigo/DAMS (2023)
- Specialization Course – Cirko Vertigo (2014)
- Arc en Cirque Professional Circus School, France (2011-2013)
- Cirko Vertigo Professional Circus School, Turin (2009-2013)
- Contemporary dance with M.Maggipinto, N.Vallebona, E.Donaque, G.Rossi
- Physical theatre & clown with L.Tamiello, G.Dall’Orso, A.Casaca, R.Bories
- BIAC (Brevet d’Initiateur aux Arts du Cirque) – FFEC/FEDEC certified
- “Wonderland, la versione di Alice” – Festi Group, Italy (2023)
- “Leila, the land of imagination” – Balich Wonder Studio, Saudi Arabia (2019/2020)
- Circus Nalda Factory – South Korea (2017)
- Vertigo Suite Studio – BlucinQue/Cirko Vertigo (2013-2017)
- Solo show: “Sale – spectacle de cirque, musique et cordes d’amour” (since 2014)
- Collaborations with Festi Group, Balich Wonder Studio, Nalda Factory, BlucinQue
- Professional schools: Cirko Vertigo (IT), INAC Oporto (PT), Kataklò (IT), Die Etage Berlin (DE)
- Festivals: Trobada de cuerda (ES), Confluence Rope meeting (FR), Air Arts Austria, Bliss circus (IN)
- International venues across Italy, France, UK, Germany, Greece, Austria, India
Gianluca’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the maieutic approach – helping students give birth to their own ideas and develop personal training methods through open communication between teacher and student.
Languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish
“I imagine the workshop as a laboratory where everyone is given different stimuli than their level; I work for years with amateurs and professionals of all ages and technical and artistic levels and more and more I believe that everyone thinks to have a different level from what he really has or otherwise he has already learned everything you should know about an aerial tool! After 15 years of teaching, I can say that I still learn things, sometimes from my own students and I hope that this Research never ends!”