Berger Performing Arts Center draws aerial athletes from across the country
The Berger Performing Arts Center in downtown Tucson became the stage this weekend for the U.S. Pole Sports National Championships, a gathering of more than 100 competitors who brought aerial silks, hammocks and pole work to local audiences. The multiday event showcased routines that mix dance, gymnastics and theatrical presentation while judges score athletes for technique and artistry.
One of the competitors, Quinn Smith, is better known for teaching partnered, grounded ballroom dance in Fort Worth, Texas. She traveled to Tucson to perform a mermaid-themed routine that combined dramatic splits, leg waves and expressive movement. For many competitors, the meet is both a performance opportunity and a stepping stone toward international assignments and Team USA consideration.
What athletes are competing for
Top finishers at the championships are in contention for spots on national teams and international competitions. The event also highlighted disciplines beyond pole work, including aerial hammock and related aerial arts, pointing to the sport’s growth and its ambitions for wider recognition.
- Participants: More than 100 athletes of varied ages and specialties
- Venue: Berger Performing Arts Center, Tucson
- Disciplines: Pole sports, aerial hammock and other aerial arts
“This is the biggest thing on my calendar all year,”
Smith described the championships in those words, explaining that while podium placements matter, personal progress is equally important. She said she hoped to see improvement in her scores from the prior year as a measure of athletic growth.
Local impact and larger trends
Events of this scale bring competitors, coaches and fans into Tucson for several days, which generates business for hotels, restaurants and venues. The championships also reflect a broader trend: athletes and organizers in aerial sports are pushing for more mainstream recognition, including conversations about inclusion in larger multisport events.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of athletes | 100+ |
| Host venue | Berger Performing Arts Center |
| Notable disciplines | Pole sports, aerial hammock |
For Tucson audiences, the championships offered something different from the city’s usual sports fare: a high-skill, performance-driven competition that pairs athletic demand with theatrical presentation. As the sport gains followers and athletes move between disciplines like pole, hammock and silks, Tucson’s role as a host city underscores its capacity to stage varied national events beyond the region’s traditional sporting calendar.
Competitors at the Berger center left their mark both on the stage and in the conversation about where aerial sports are headed next, from national team selection to international appearances. For many of the athletes, the weekend was a measure of how far they’ve come and what they still aim to achieve.
