NECCA students brings some awards home

BRATTLEBORO- The New England Center for Circus Arts is making its mark on the international performing arts scene.  NECCA announced that student Erika Radcliffe recently won several awards at the international VIVAFest competition in Las Vegas.
The competition, Vegas International Variety Artists Festival, was held from April 17 to 21, and drew almost 300 competitors from around the world including Costa Rica, Japan, Canada, and the United States.
Radcliffe, 28, has trained for several years at NECCA and specializes in aerial rope, also known as corde lisse.  NECCA is suited for high level training as its new building includes a safety pit filled with foam blocks where  Radcliffe could rehearse higher level release moves.  
The act that explored the integration of Radcliffe’s very long hair with a strenuous series of climbs, rolls, and drops stood out at the festival as a unique concept incorporating dance, theater, and physical feats.
Radcliffe competed in the emerging artist category where she won first place. She was also one of three artists from the festival invited to an audition for Cirque du Soleil. Radcliffe also received a special AIDA Stars Award for top artistry, sweeping the top categories for adults at the festival.
For more information about programs and upcoming shows call (802) 254-9780 or  visit www.necenterforcircusarts.org.