Student and master artists from all over the world perform original work on traditional and new aerial apparatus including, Trapeze, lyra, silk and more. Set to music, this amazing display of exceptional aerial talent is a must see for all ages.The Fall 2008 series of Above the Belt begins Sunday, September 14 and will be running once a month through December.

Producers Britt Nhi Sarah and Alexander Rea, in partnership with The Zipper Factory, provide an incomparable platform to display the most talked about performance in New York and is committed to the city’s reputation as the most innovative stage on earth and every show is new and fresh with a constantly evolving line-up of the most essential aerial artists.

"Above the Belt was born from a simple, yet incredible idea of aerial art in a living room setting. No bells and whistles - just an artist suspended above a stage. The audience is part of the drama, witnessing the rigging, the choreography and movement suspended just a few feet above them. Above the Belt was created as a showcase to support aerial artists 3 years ago with the incredible support of The Zipper Factory. We are alive and well in NYC!" - Britt Nhi Sarah

The Zipper Factory was once a zipper and belt factory in the heart of the fashion district but is now New York City’s premiere alternative and experimental performing arts venue. This raw and genuine setting was developed by owner Lee Davis into a theatre, now home to the city’s most invigorating new arts scene. The audience is ensconced in a comfortable car seat as the shows unfold.

Rea says, “With the prevalence of aerial in the community the time is right to take the show to the next level. Above The Belt is a great showcase for aerial talent in the greatest city in the world.”

Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children. Group discounts and promotions are available. For more information on Above the Belt, or to order tickets, please call 212-352-3101 or visit www.thezipperfactory.com and www.abovethebeltentertainment.com.

PERFORMANCE DATES:
Sunday, October 12 at 7p.m.
Sunday, November 2 at 7p.m.
Sunday, December 14 at 7p.m. (This performance will be next door at The Tavern.)

ABOUT PRODUCER, BRITT NHI SARAH:
Britt Nhi Sarah trained as a competitive figure skater winning the bronze medal at the Canada Winter Games at the age of 12. At 16, she became a professional dancer.

For the next ten years, she performed her original choreography with ensemble company Do Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, touring shows through Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany, and festivals in Austria and France.

In 1997, Britt Nhi settled in New York City working with Ice Theatre of New York and other noted performance troupes. She began to train as an aerial artist with Chelsea Bacon in 2000. A year later, she wrote and produced an aerial ice show; Numana – A Journey On Ice. www.brittnhisarah.com

ABOUT PRODUCER, ALEXANDER REA:
Alexander Rea is a local producer, percussionist and artiste. As a percussionist you can find him performing around town in both musicals and cabarets along with studio recording projects. He has worked with singers and songwriters including Suzanne Fiore and Jeremy Schonfeld, as well as lyricists and composers including Ryan Scott Oliver, Andrew Edwards, Micah Bucey and Peter Mills (Winner of 2007 Freb Ebb award), and theater companies including many shows for Prospect Theater company including The Pursuit of Persephone which was nominated for two 2006 Drama Desk Awards for both outstanding music and outstanding orchestrations.

His producing and development credits to date primarily include advertising and marketing projects. Working on brands such as Orbitz, Sam’s Club, Estée Lauder and BMW. Including online stores for MTV Networks companies MTV, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central and Logo. Above The Belt is his first theater producing credit.

ABOUT THE ZIPPER FACTORY:
Located on the site of a restored zipper factory in the heart of the garment district, The Zipper Factory houses a theatre, tavern and 3 bars/2 lounges, making it one of the city’s most unique entertainment and dining complexes. The Zipper Factory Theater, located in midtown Manhattan, is a renovated Factory with a unique and intimate feel. The audience seating is comprised of recycled car and theater seats, holding at capacity 240, and that is just the beginning of the unique personality of the space. The Zipper presents an eclectic lineup of theatrical events, music, cabaret, comedy, variety and burlesque. Since opening in 2001, the theater has become known as one of the city's preeminent entertainment destinations and a desired venue for the city's most gifted artists, both renowned and up-and-coming.

The Zipper Factory Tavern, recently added to the complex, is directly accessible to/from the theatre space. Inspired by London’s growing trend of mixing pub culture with playhouse art, The Zipper opened its tavern in April 2007. The tavern features a seasonal menu with an eclectic lineup. The factory’s bars feature seasonal specialty cocktails and 9 beers on tap including our very own Zipper Lager. The Zipper Factory Tavern and lounge is open from happy hour to pre-theater, through theater and into late night.

Group discounts available.
Running time approx 90 minutes.
The Zipper Box Office opens one hour prior to all scheduled events.
Venue hours are Monday – Saturday 5p.m. to close. Kitchen from 5p.m. – 10p.m.
The Zipper Factory Tel: 212-695-4600.
The Zipper Factory is located at 336 W. 37th street in Manhattan between 8th & 9th Avenues.