HAir Suspension:
The Unique Circus ACT

Trellis Arts provides PERFORMANCES and INSTRUCTION in this extraordinary and rare discipline.

 
 

  • A circus discipline with a limited but rich history in traditional circus. The artist hangs from a ring secured in their hair to perform this act. Trellis Arts’ approach to hair hang includes dance, acrobatics and theatrical elements for special events, private functions and for stage productions.

  • Hair hang is a “specialty act” similar to an aerial performance but extremely novel and a kin to a stunt. Our take on hair hang includes dance, swings, spins and acrobatics. Our act is best experienced with “flying”, i.e. a trained professional to pull the artist up and down, and a venue with ample floor & smooth space. This act is performed in a 3-5 minute routine, choreographed to music.

  • We do! We are the only company run by experienced and insured professionals in Canada to offer extensive training. We offer an introductory course (see below for details) and private lessons to students who have taken our course.

  • Hair must be arm-pit length, but longer is recommended. Hair must be healthy and not prone to breakage or fall-out. Not recommended for chemically treated and thin hair types and hair prone to shed. Email us to fill out our questionnaire to determine if you meet our ADDITIONAL criteria. Please note that this criteria is used as a preliminary assessment to determine if hair hang is suitable for you and your body - we want to keep you safe!

  • It is important to understand that practicing hair suspension involves significant risk. Participants must have strong body awareness, a healthy spine and great overall health, as well as a willingness to commit extensive and detailed training to prepare for- and continue hair hanging. Participants should also be able to braid their own hair with proficiency or have someone they trust learn and execute the hair knot alongside them. Patience, caution and diligence are imperative.

  • Please reach out to Nicole at trellisentertainment@gmail.com for grant and funding opportunities through municipal, provincial and federal sources. Join our newsletters for updates.

Intro to HAIR SUSPENSION: A Holistic Course

February 15-17, 2025
Artists Play, Toronto, Canada

Course Includes:

  • 3 days - 22 hours live instruction

  • 3 instructors/specialists

  • Theoretical Learning: Anatomy, Mobility, Postural Health, Hair Health, Sensory ManagEment & Hair Hang History

  • Applied Training: physical preparation, Hair knot preparation, Progressions for Hair Hang and Rigging Foundations

  • All Supplies provided

  • Take-home handbook + Illustrated Hair Knot Guides

  • 1 hour private follow-up session

  • Access to private lessons with Nicole

Please note that registration is by application only. SPOTS ARE LIMITED.

To register, please email Us at trellisentertainment@gmail.com

Meet your instructors

NICOLE MALBEUF - Hair Hanger, Aerialist, Physical Theatre Artist, Aerial & Acrobatic Coach

OPHÉLIE DAVIS - Personal Trainer, Pelvic Floor & Core Specialist

LAURA GRIFFIN - Physical Education Teacher, Anatomy Specialist, Personal Trainer, Aerialist, Dancer, Circus Coach

 
 

Nicole’s Hair Hang Journey

Hello! Nicole Here. I am proud to say that I am Ontario’s first hair suspension artist. Originally self-taught, I pursued this discipline after seeing Cirque-du-Soleil’s Volta in 2017. Mesmerized by the unique approach and potential for dance, spinning and free movement, I sought out instructors in hair hang. There were very few, none locally, and my inquiry was met with a lot of resistance. With piece-meal research findings from historic literature, the internet and community connections in combination with trial and error, I arrived at Hair Hang technique I could training and perform with.

In 2021, Ingrid Esparenza (Mexico) offered an online workshop in hair suspension technique. I jumped on the opportunity to learn from an experienced hair hanger who was generous to share her extensive knowledge and experience. This is where I refined the hair knots I use today and rely on with confidence. in 2023, I received the incredible opportunity to train one-on-one with Danila Bim (Brazil) where I developed my skills, style and approach to creation under her mentorship. I have performed hair suspension for companies such as Femme Du Feu Creations (Welland), Wonderbolt Circus (St John’s NFL), Hercinia Arts Collective (Toronto), Balancing on the Edge (Toronto) and Cirque Revolution (Mississauga), and was seen on Canada’s Got Talent (season 2). I am currently on Cirque-du-Soleil’s Talent Roster as a hair suspension artist. My most recent hair hang project is a full-length production A Hen Called Freedom thanks to the support of Canada Council for the Arts, PUblic Energy and Theatre Trent.

my progression in hair suspension, however mostly linear was not without minor injury, moderate concern and lots of doubt. These have all been incredible learning opportunities for me but nerveless ones I had to experience alone. Seeking out varied expertise in physical therapy, strength training and hair science has contributed to tremendous growth and confidence in my practice. My unique journey has solidified my philosophies around practicing and teaching for long-term sustainability and health. I Believe in an approach to hair suspension that has a foundational understanding of the body, an awareness of one’s own individual body, its cues and its needs, and with an extreme focus on stability and attention to detail. Motived by the desire to see those interested in hair hang learn in a safe and supported environment & community, in 2023 I created the Intro to hair suspension: A holistic Course with collaborators Ophélie Davis and Laura Griffin (see above). I am eager to continue the respectful dissemination of this art form in a comprehensive and HOLISTIC format to see the the circus sector in Ontario and the hair hang community at large grow and connect.

- Nicole