Multi-disciplinary Aerial + Burlesque Performer based in Portland, OR
Neo-Classic Burlesque
From Hollywood starlet to wicked succubus, Sara James dazzles and delights audiences of all sizes. Most acts can be performed as stage acts or floor acts, depending on the venue.
Dance Trapeze
Sara James loves the versatility of the trapeze - interacting with it from the floor, creating shapes below and above the bar, and twisting and tangling in the ropes. This makes it a great option for venues with lower ceilings.
Silks
With infinite creative possibilities of wraps and pathways, Sara creates fluid sequencing with dynamic, expressive movement. Their versatility makes silks a beautiful choice for an ambient backdrop or highly choreographed act.
Pole Dance
Award-winning pole dancer Sara James began poling in 2015 as a way to reconnect with her body, her sensuality, and her love of dance. She is known for her silky flow, powerful movement, and captivating musicality.
Chair Dance
Chair dancing can be performed on the smallest of stages, which makes it a perfect way to bring dynamic, acrobatic movement to your next event!
Lollipop Pole
Lollipop pole is a freestanding apparatus that blends aerial hoop with pole dance, resulting in something truly new and unique.
PRIVATE EVENT INFO
AERIAL + POLE
Aerial dance highlights Sara’s graceful, liquid movement, as well as her powerful strength and flexibility. The spinning of the apparatuses allows for viewing from all sides, which makes it suitable for a dynamic stage act or for ambient sets while attendees roam. Sara James is particularly drawn to using the entire vertical field available, creating a visually commanding act and providing depth and interest to a venue. Aerial acts can be quickly and easily adapted to the theme of the show or event. Aerial acts range from contemporary to sultry, frequently merging the two ends of the spectrum to create visually compelling and impressive performances.
BURLESQUE
Sara James fell in love with the art of tease after seeing a burlesque show in 2015. She was enthralled by the strength, grace, flexibility, and confidence, and she knew she had to try it for herself - and so she did! Drawn to the glitz, glamor, and sensual empowerment, Sara brings a contemporary freshness to her neo-classic burlesque acts. Sara’s burlesque artistry runs the gamut from comedic to sensual; she is proficient at morphing from a classy Hollywood beauty to a fiendishly sexy beast, sometimes in the same act! From stunning costuming to jaw-dropping choreography, Sara crafts and refines each performance to suit the needs of the venue or event.
STAGE ACT vs AMBIENT SET
A STAGE ACT is a dynamic act, highly choreographed to the artist’s selected music and 4-6 minutes in length. A STAGE ACT is a focal piece of an event and are more acrobatic in nature than an ambient set. STAGE ACTS can be chosen or adapted from previous acts or created anew for a particular theme or event.
An AMBIENT SET is decorative backdrop to whatever music is already playing, “living wallpaper” if you will. During an AMBIENT SET, the artist will move fluidly through poses and can stay in the air from 8-12 minutes, at the artist’s discretion. AMBIENT SETS can use costuming already owned by the artist, provided by event, or designed and manufactured for a new event.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Sara James is an insured perfomer in Portland, Oregon, willing to travel between Eugene, OR and Tacoma, WA.
Burlesque can be performed on a large stage or in a smaller space as a floor show. No specialty equipment is needed. Artist will need a private, climate-controlled space for changing and warming up, and a sound system to play music.
Artist’s equipment:
Freestanding aerial rig (up to 20 ft), courtesy of Regional Arts and Culture Council
Freestanding X-Pole (10+ ft) with lollipop attachment
Gold corde lisse trapeze or purple dance trapeze
Black aerial hoop/lyra
Pink floral silks or purple silks (additional colors available for a fee)
Safety and Rigging Gear
Additional technical requirements available upon request.
