Learn to Hair Hang with Trellis arts

Canada’s only insured professional company offering public hair hang instruction.


Learn to dance, fly and express in ways no other circus discipline can. The world of movement possibilities opens up when your limbs are entirely free.

Intro to HAIR SUSPENSION:
a Holistic Course

Students of the 2nd annual INtro to Hair Suspension COurse

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

Course Location: Artists’ Play (388 Carlaw Ave unit 205, Toronto, ON)

ABOUT the COurse

  • 3 days - 22 hours live instruction

  • Theoretical Learning: Anatomy, Mobility, Postural Health, Hair Health, Sensory ManagEment & Hair Hang History, all with professional visuals

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

  • All Supplies provided

  • Take-home handbook + Illustrated Hair Knot Guides + HOW-TO Video TUTORIAL

  • access to follow up private lessons

our Teaching Philosophy

  • emphasis on safety

  • sustainability in practice minset

  • comprehensive understanding (the “why’s” behind what we do)

  • focus on overall health to improve performance

  • approaches that exceed the technical (ex. not just how to do perform the trick, but how to prepare for- and understand the trick)

  • belief in progressive learning strategies (manageable/incremental steps)

  • proponent of supportive & empathetic learning environments

Course Outcomes

  • confidence in a hair knot technique vetted by cirque du soleil entertainment Group Rigging standards

  • all tools to begin hair hang journey independently

  • an improved understanding of how to approach general movement practices for longevity and health

  • a deepened awareness of ones own body and its signals

  • A connection to community & support systems

your instructors

NICOLE MALBEUF - Hair Suspension Artist & Aerialist, Aerial Coach

OPHÉLIE DAVIS - Personal Trainer, Pelvic Floor & Core Specialist

LAURA GRIFFIN - Physical Education Teacher, Anatomy Specialist, Aerial Artist, Circus Coach

>>> Registration is by application only <<<

Must be 18 years of age or older. SPOTS ARE LIMITED.
email Us at trellisentertainment@gmail.com

early bird Sale!

Regular price - $1,875+HST

$1,500 +hst (25% off) until oct 1 - expired
$1,650 +hst (12% off)
until Dec 1

If this course is financially out of range for you, please reach out to us. We can offer resources for professional development funding. We also offer Payment Plans.

NEW! We offer one partial scholarship for an individual who identifies with the disability, trans and/or bipoc community.

Access Notes

  • Course is presented in english. There is no sign language interpretation.

  • Course is presented with a variety of very clear visuals and written descriptions, along with a follow-along handbook.

  • Students must be able to manipulate their own hair with precision or bring along a support person who will be involved in their hair preparation practice.

  • We will work to create a relaxed environment where people can be comfortable being themselves.

  • We will offer multiple seating options. Or Feel free to bring your own.

  • We welcome students to take breaks as needed.

  • snacks, ear plugs and menstrual products will be offered.

  • studio is wheelchair accessible.

  • LEt us know in your application what your access needs are and we will do our best to accommodate!

Nicole’s Hair Hang Journey

Hello! Nicole Here. I’m a hair suspension artist from Ontario. Originally self-taught, I pursued this discipline after seeing Cirque-du-Soleil’s “Volta” in 2017. When I sought out instructors in hair hang, There were very few coaches, none locally, and my inquiry was met with a lot of resistance. With piece-meal research findings in combination with trial and error, I arrived at a Hair Hang technique I could training and perform with. But this is not the end of my journey…

In 2021, I had the opportunity to learn hair knot technique from Ingrid Esparenza (Mexico) in virtual private lessons. in 2023, I received the opportunity to train one-on-one with performing artist Danila Bim (Brazil) where I developed skills and new approaches to creation. I have since connected with many hair hangers across the globe to consult on their process, technique and experiences.

my progression in hair suspension, however mostly linear was not without minor injury, moderate concern and ample doubt. These have all been incredible learning opportunities for me but nerveless ones I had to experience alone. Seeking out varied expertise in rigging, 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 saftey, long-term sustainability and health. I Believe in an approach to hair suspension that has a strong foundational understanding of the body and a commitment to stability and Balance.

With the desire to see those interested in hair hang learn in a safe and supported environment & community, I created the Intro to hair suspension: A holistic Course in 2023. I am eager to continue the respectful and responsible dissemination of this art form to see the hair hang community connect and grow.