There’s something enviable about those who manage to find balance and flexibility in situations where it may prove difficult, especially when done with a sense of grace. Rachel Hipszer is both graceful and flexible in her strength, literally and figuratively. The senior marine science major and statistics minor is many things, perhaps most notably a professional aerial artist and performer.
Hipszer’s involvement with aerial arts happened organically, albeit somewhat unexpectedly. During an audition at a local theater while in high school, Hipszer was asked if she could climb rope, to which she promptly answered yes. Hipszer’s 10 years of experience as a competitive gymnast meant she had significant practice in this particular task. This led to her getting a role that involved aerial acrobatics, a skill of which neither she nor the theater had any background knowledge. After a couple YouTube videos, Hipszer was off to a running start, although she does not condone learning such a risky art the way that she did.
After taking some professional classes, Hipszer came to Columbia, where she decided to continue pursuing aerial arts. She got in touch with Columbia’s own alternative circus, Alternacirque (now Soda City Cirque) , and was able to join a troupe that fosters and supports her art. “Alternative forms of art are becoming a thing,” she says. “On top of performing throughout Columbia, I try to attend these events as much as possible, not only because I’ve made some incredibly weird and awesome friends, but because it’s great to give back to the community and show what Columbia has to offer.”
When she’s performing aerial acrobatics, Hipszer finds a natural high so unlike any other that even skydiving fell short. “I get so much more of a high every time I get on the silks or when I’m on the stage. Not saying skydiving was bad, but I definitely wouldn’t spend my money on it again,” she says. Although Hipszer favors performing from aerial silks, she’s also trained in handstand canes, basic juggling and unicycling.
This sort of diversity is present in almost every other facet of the acrobat’s life. Hipszer has three other jobs: gymnastics instructor at Allstar Gymnastics, Zumba instructor at Strom and Blatt and student worker at a USC lab. “I find everything as an opportunity, and thus, I don’t ever want to let one pass by,” she says.
Perhaps it’s Hipszer’s dedication that has enabled her to be such a force in the Columbia community. Soda City Cirque has performed in a variety of locations, ranging from the State Museum to Art Bar to sites in both Atlanta and Charlotte. There are a few especially exciting things in the works for the troupe, including its first adult-themed performance that debuts in January and annual show that opens in April.
Hipszer still drives hours away to continue her advanced training and hopes to go to New England Center for Circus Arts, a top-notch circus school, to receive her teaching certification. After graduation, Hipszer would love to travel with her circus while also working on ocean conservation.
