Today we’d like to introduce you to Darla Day.
Hi Darla, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was a performer, dancing and singing with an agency in Texas. I did a show that involved cirque du soleil performers and fell in love. I asked my agents to find their trainer and it so happened that down the street from where I was living was a generational Mexican circus family. I trained in their tents and eventually became a performer with their circus which led to other performance opportunities with various circuses, cirque du soleil, and private events for companies like Dallas Cowboys, Celebrity Superbowl, Sony, MTV, Music Tours, TV shows, and more. Eventually, the pull came that this talent wasn’t just for me, it needed to be shared and I started an aerial school. We now have over 400 students and 2 locations in Utah. Aeris Aerial Arts in Kaysville and Sandy.
Our performers got so good we wanted to provide performance opportunities and started Aeris Events. An Entertainment company that provides singers, dancers, aerialists, models, and more. We have provided events all around the country as well as in Japan, Philippines, Mexico, cruise ships, etc.
We also saw the impact that the arts can have on mental health and began a non-profit, 90&9, in the name of mental health. The mission is to bring healing through the arts. We created a Cirque Style Theatrical Production called Fighter, about a Phoenix who Rises from the ashes depicted through original music written by my husband, Nik Day, singers, dancers, acrobats, and aerialists. It has been showing for 5 years now and has begun touring.
My goals are to spread the message of Hope and Light through the arts.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road worth traveling is ever smooth. The natural twists, turns, potholes, and detours continue to show up. But it always has been worth it. I went through a time in my life where anxiety, depression, my unchanging situation, and addiction overcame me. All that I do is a product and result of my own rising from the ashes. And if I could do it, so can anyone else.
Mine is a fighting spirit. I will continue to fight for light, goodness, and love in this world and try to spread it to as many as possible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I was a professional aerialist for 12 years. I performed all across the country and internationally. Upon the last few years of that portion of my life, I took to directing and realized that companies across the country valued my visions and storytelling. I have now dedicated most of my life to not only directing my studios, their shows, and the shows for my nonprofit but shows for other companies and conventions. I love creating. I love telling stories through the arts. Sometimes words aren’t enough. My proudest work are my 3 children. They are amazing. But besides those amazing creations, Fighter, that I created alongside my best friend and husband, is my proudest creation.
What were you like growing up?
I was very energetic. I was social. I didn’t love school except for the social aspects. I loved eating tacos, getting slurpees. I was on student council and my job was creating events! Dances, assemblies, etc. It totally prepared me for what I do now. I noticed the underdog and felt like one myself. A misfit. That’s why I am drawn to the circus!
Contact Info:
- Website: aerisaerial.com 90and9.org aerisevents.com fightershow.com
- Instagram: @aerisaerial @90and9events
Image Credits
Nik Day
