Aptly called "AEROS," the show is the first of a new kind of dance theater that brings world-class gymnastics into the realm of performance art.
The show has received rave reviews for its sold-out tour in Italy, and has been well-received in the United States as well. "AEROS" is coming to the UNC campus as part of the Carolina Union Performing Arts Series.
Gymnastics competitions feature only individual routines of athletic achievement. Throughout "AEROS," the audience watches a choreographed interweaving of dancing and tumbling that aims to entertain as well as awe audiences.
This combination of dance and gymnastics was unique to Mihaela Pohoata, 20, a performer in "AEROS" who has been training her body and mind for gymnastics since age 5.
"It's different doing this," she said. "In the beginning, it was hard because you didn't know how to have space for everyone, not just yourself."
"AEROS" is accompanied by live music, composed by Toronto's Two Tall Guys Music Lab specifically for this show. The score is designed to complement the integration of dance and gymnastics in a series of colorfully costumed minidramas.
The integration of dance, gymnastics and music was created by three of the biggest names in choreography -- Daniel Ezralow, David Parsons and Moses Pendleton.
"Just the choreographers' names really validate the show," said Jennifer Smith, marketing coordinator for the Carolina Union.
All three choreographers have received awards for their work in entertainment and dance. To produce "AEROS," they collaborated with Luke Cresswell and Steven McNicholas, the creators of the percussionistic Broadway show "STOMP."
