Stilt-walking trapeze dancer who embodies positivity and rainbows

Ask a Sloth

Name?
Annie Piatt aka Porcelain Poppy

When did you find yourself first pulled into the worlds of aerial dance and circus arts?
In 2009 I attended a Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance show called Swing into the Holidaze. I was mesmerized at how seamlessly the performers combined swing dancing on the ground, acrobatics in the air, and even climbing on scaffolding to change rigging. It was all the things I enjoyed and more (dance, gymnastics, rock climbing and theater) all rolled into one. The next month I signed up for low flying trapeze classes, and that was nearly a decade ago. 

Connection to the goth community?
I was introduced to the goth community through several dear friends, and I continue to find that this eclectic group of wonderful folks accepts me for all of who I am. As I continue to shed stories or patterns that no longer serve me, I’m finding folks on the fertile fringes of society (in the kink, poly and queer groups I belong to as well) crave authenticity like I do. What beauty to see people show up as their full selves and be encouraged to do the same. So I loving adopted the term goth adjacent to name my connection to this lovely community.

Sloth qualities?
Takes napping to a whole new level, and enjoys long slow hugs

Most memorable gig?
Performing with four other aerialists accompanied by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in a 25 minute fabric piece set to the music Appalachian Spring. That or dancing at the Rose Bowl as a kid.

Other movement modalities, favorite activities outside aerial?
Dabbler in social partner dancing (Lindy, east coast swing, salsa, tango, blues); Rock Climber for 20+ years, leading trad routes from Yosemite to Joshua Tree 

Jobs or hobbies outside of circus?
Working to build relationships in higher education, and promote the creation and cultivation of truly diverse and inclusive spaces. Social justice, intercultural communication, career development

What motivates and inspires you?
Authentic connection with people. Exploring the fullness of humanity (joy, grief, beauty, learning). Staying curious about the world and cultures and ways of being different than my own

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