By: Mitchell Stafford
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Black Hills region will once again become a hub for high-flying artistry as the Black Hills Aerial Cup, presented by Live It Up Studio, returns Feb. 27–March 1, 2026, at the Box Elder Events Center.
In an interview with the Rapid City Post, Anna Starenkova, Cofounder of Black Hills Aerial Cup and Program Director of Live it Up Studio, shared how the competition has grown into one of the Midwest’s premier live aerial arts events.
A Platform Born From Challenge
Launched in 2021, the Black Hills Aerial Cup emerged during a pivotal moment for the aerial arts community. As performers began recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for live performance and competition were scarce.
“The Black Hills Aerial Cup was created to give youth and young athletes a reason to keep training,” Starenkova said. “At a time when there were little to no opportunities for artistic growth, this event became a platform for them to continue developing.”
Unlike many competitions that rely on video submissions, the Black Hills Aerial Cup is a fully live, in-person event. Competitors perform on stage before a live audience and are evaluated in real time by experienced industry professionals.
“That real-time energy and feedback elevates the entire experience,” Starenkova said.
Since its inception, the competition has expanded significantly. The 2026 event will feature approximately 200 performances representing 15 aerial studios and circus schools from across the United States.
More Than Medals
Support from sponsors and community partners has allowed the event to offer meaningful prizes that go beyond traditional awards. Grand prizes include specialty aerial equipment designed to support continued training and artistic development.
“It’s not just about recognition,” Starenkova said. “It’s about investing back into the athletes and helping them continue their journey.”
The Electric Stage Experience
For competitors, stepping onto a professionally lit stage transforms months of preparation into a defining moment.
“It’s electric,” Starenkova said. “Professional lighting and sound don’t just elevate the performance — they transform it. For many competitors, this is the first time they truly feel like a professional performer, not just an athlete.”
The competition features aerial silks, lyra, hammock and specialty acts, each blending athletic precision with artistic storytelling.
Preparation and Performance
Preparation often begins nearly a year in advance. Athletes select music that resonates emotionally, build choreography that highlights their strengths, design costumes and refine every detail.
“What truly stands out to judges isn’t just difficulty,” Starenkova said. “It’s musicality, originality, costuming, personal charisma and confidence. The strongest performances are the ones where skill and artistry blend together.”
A Community That Soars Together
While competition is central to the event, community is equally important. Every competitor receives recognition, with names displayed on a large screen as they take their spotlight moment on stage.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s their first competition or their tenth,” Starenkova said. “Each athlete has their moment. Studios cheer for studios. Athletes connect backstage and build real relationships.”
The event’s age range reflects its inclusive spirit. The youngest competitor this year is 7 years old, while the oldest is 76 — a testament to aerial arts as a lifelong pursuit.
Growth Beyond the Weekend
Beyond trophies and applause, participants leave with professional feedback, renewed motivation and stronger portfolios that can help launch performance careers.
Looking ahead, Starenkova envisions expanding the Black Hills Aerial Cup into a week-long celebration of aerial arts, featuring workshops, retreats and educational programming that attracts performers from across the country and beyond.
“The bigger vision is for the Black Hills Aerial Cup to become a destination, a true gathering place and celebration of aerial art, athleticism and innovation,” she said. “If aerial is someday recognized on an Olympic stage, I hope the Black Hills Aerial Cup will be part of that history.”
As the 2026 competition approaches, the Black Hills Aerial Cup continues to position Rapid City and the surrounding region as a vibrant center for creativity, courage and community, one performance at a time.
