Rachael Lincoln Elevates Dance with Innovative Low Fly Techniques

Movement artist Rachael Lincoln is redefining the boundaries of dance through her innovative technique known as Low Fly. This method incorporates harnesses and ropes, enabling dancers to perform on vertical surfaces, such as the sides of buildings. Since her introduction to vertical dance in her 20s, Lincoln has collaborated with BANDALOOP, an Oakland-based company recognized for its captivating performances in unconventional spaces.

Lincoln, who has a background in both dance and diving, joined BANDALOOP after spotting an audition notice shortly after relocating to San Francisco. Her acceptance into the group marked the beginning of a transformative journey that expanded her approach to movement and choreography. Today, as an associate professor of dance at the University of Washington (UW), she integrates this groundbreaking technique into her curriculum.

Making Dance Accessible

Much of BANDALOOP’s work is designed to be accessible to the public, taking place in locations such as bridges and high-rise buildings. Lincoln emphasizes the importance of this accessibility, stating, “Dancing isn’t publicly accessible to everyone, unless you purchase a ticket.” She believes that performances in public spaces can surprise and engage passersby, making dance an experience for everyone, not just theatergoers.

In 2020, Roel Seeber, a BANDALOOP member and graduate student at UW, approached Lincoln about incorporating Low Fly classes into the dance program. With certified rigging points available in one of the department’s studios, they collaborated to develop a course that has since made a significant impact on students. Lincoln notes that Low Fly challenges dancers to adapt continuously and make real-time decisions, highlighting the unpredictability of gravity and momentum in the art form.

Students gain a new perspective on falling and risk taking, which can enhance their expressive abilities. Hannah Wiley, a founder of the UW dance program, advocates for Low Fly as a core requirement for dance majors, citing its ability to broaden creative range and encourage experimentation.

A New Performance on the Horizon

Lincoln is set to showcase her Low Fly technique alongside long-time collaborator Leslie Seiters in an upcoming performance at On the Boards. The show, titled “In Tandem: A Trio of Duets,” will take place from December 18 to 20 and will feature a rope-and-harness duet inspired by BANDALOOP’s Amelia Rudolph and the novel “Orbital” by author Samantha Harvey. This performance reflects Lincoln’s belief in the power of storytelling through movement, as she seeks to transport audiences into imaginative realms.

“I love being transported by someone else’s imagination,” Lincoln shares. “I want to make dances that do that.” By merging the physicality of dance with the nuances of narrative, Lincoln continues to push the boundaries of her art form, inviting audiences to experience movement in entirely new ways.