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Misc. 2005 Covers

by Craig J. Peterson
February 21, 2005 (c) TrueAggies.com

Logan, UT - Half-time shows during Aggie basketball games range from basically nothing to a professional show. Fans remember a few and choose to forget others. According to Kevin Dustin, Associate Athletic Director - External Operations, the athletics department tries for a variety of shows, "we try to get a variety of acts that can appeal to a wide audience."

One show that everyone will enjoy is the aerial tissu show by Ramsi Stoker. Everyone, that is, who dare watch an awe-inspiring, aerial ballet performed on a red fabric (tissu is French for fabric) suspended high above the basketball court as Ramsi demonstrates a perfect balance of strength and flexibility. Those who can't watch might find other things to keep them occupied during the show on February 26.

This isn't your average half-time show. Sure, jump-rope team members might get caught in a jump-rope or fall doing a trick. Trampoline performers might fall from the apparatus or fall attempting a flip. Jean's Golden Girls might twist and ankle. None of these compare to performing high above the arena floor without a net or safety padding. (Caution to those with weak hearts: make sure you are up on your medication before the half-time because this could be more exhilarating than watching Utah State get beat by one point with 2.4 seconds on the clock.)

Performing is nothing new to Ramsi Stoker, a senior marketing major at Utah State and former Aggiette. She has performed her unique aerial tissu show two other times in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum and performed countless half-time shows as an Aggiette.

Ramsi has performed this specific type of show professionally for many years and can be seen in Salt Lake City performing in Odyssey Dance Theatre's "Let It Be" production this coming March. Her specific performance has received great reviews in the Salt Lake area.

Ramsi spent three years in Orlando, Florida performing in the Disney production of "Tarzan". By the time she finished with Disney she had won the role of Jane. Ramsi taught herself how to do aerial tissu routines and found freelance work at conventions and theme parks while working in Florida .

How does one teach themselves aerial tissu? It helps if you have the gymnastic and dancing background of Ramsi and definitely her upper body strength. She started in gymnastics at age three and decided to trade that in for dance at age 12. It helps to watch the best in the world and learn from them as well. Cirque du Soleil is regarded as some of the best in the world today. Many of their shows incorporate aerial tissu in their performances including: Nouvelle Expérience, Quidam, "O", La Nouba, Dralion, Zumanity, and Mystère.

"Everyone who does aerial tissu learns something from Cirque du Soleil," Ramsi explains. "You watch their aerial tissu routines in slow motion to see how they do particular elements." That, along with many hours of practice and experimenting, allows Ramsi to create her routines. "I practice and develop elements on the tissu," she said. "Later I mentally combine the elements with music, then practice to make sure they work together."

It isn't often we get to experience something as spectacular as this in Logan, Utah. For those who think they are up to it, make sure you mark your calendar for February 26. Purchase your popcorn and drinks early because you will definitely want to be in your seats at the beginning of half-time for this event. Sit back, relax, and try to prevent your jaw from dropping to the floor during Ramsi's performance. This will be one half-time show Aggie fans choose to remember.