Integrating art therapy and creative practices into aerial performances

Abstract

This article examines how art therapy and creative processes can be integrated into the development and production of aerial acts, an art form that combines high physical risk with the need for emotional stability, psychological safety, and long-term creative freedom. The study used secondary data (2018-2024) based on curricula, program and residency practitioner descriptions, peer-reviewed articles, and professional repositories, using a combination of documentary, comparative, and content analysis along with descriptive aggregation of practice frequency. A review of academic sources demonstrates the increasing use of improvisational movement, somatic awareness, visual journaling, and structured group reflection to promote self-regulation, cognitive flexibility, group cohesion, and innovation. Three levels of integration are defined: light (infrequent modules), moderate (frequency of sessions related to choreographic content) and deep (systemic implementation and facilitation by a specialist and evaluation of results). A high degree of integration refers to the greatest return in the originality of the production, self-regulation capabilities and joint coherence. The conceptual novelty is the typology of integration models, the introduction of the parameter of depth of integration and the consistent correspondence of the logic of pedagogical and therapeutic modeling into one system of aerial creativity processes. Spatial and procedural conditions include - lighting, spatial rhythm, reflective rituals and the role of the facilitator, are considered to be of practical importance for improving positive outcomes in terms of safety, creativity and well-being of performers. The results can be used to form a methodological basis for the development of personnel in aerial arts, rehearsal procedures with some reflective and somatic activities, as well as for further research into mixed methods regarding the potential impact of combining methods on the quality of performance, psychological stability and sustainability of artistic careers. The author has established indicators that can be used to measure the effectiveness of higher education programs and guide the development of curricula.