Hair Hanging and Iron Jaw Performances
Rare circus disciplines that require years of dedicated physical conditioning and absolute precision.
Performing my hair hanging act for a live audience. The energy in the room is always incredible as I spin and move, suspended only by my hair. It's a powerful and unique circus art form.
This is not a trick, it's a demonstration of the iron jaw discipline. It's a testament to what the human body is capable of with slow, consistent, and careful training over many years.
Practicing spins and body positions while suspended by my hair. This type of training builds the specific neck and back strength needed to perform the hair hanging act safely.
A simple, long hang using the iron jaw apparatus. This is a foundational exercise for building endurance and getting comfortable with the unique sensation of supporting my body weight this way.
Even on vacation, I find a place to practice. A quick hair hanging session by the sea, working on rotations and core engagement in a beautiful setting.
Training the iron jaw with the ocean in the background. The key is consistent practice, no matter where I am, to maintain the conditioning for this demanding skill.
This clip from a live show features a dramatic duo performance combining aerial straps and hair hanging, creating a powerful visual for the audience.
About this collection
These disciplines are not simple tricks. They are the result of years of slow, deliberate conditioning of my neck, back, and jaw strength. Because of the nature of the rigging involved, I personally review your venue's structural anchor points before we proceed with any booking, as safety is the only way to perform these acts with control.
When you look at hair hanging or iron jaw, you are seeing the result of a long, often tedious process of training. Unlike silks or hoop, where you are working with an apparatus you can grip, these acts require me to use my own body as the point of suspension. For iron jaw, I have spent years training my bite strength and neck stability to manage the weight load. With hair hanging, the goal is not just to hold on, but to create fluid, spinning movements that look effortless to an audience.
Because these acts are physically demanding, they are shorter in duration, typically lasting 3 to 5 minutes. This is a technical limitation based on what my body can sustain safely at high intensity.
Logistically, these performances require more prep than standard aerial acts. I need a clear, certified rigging point rated for dynamic loads, and I will perform a pre-show safety check with your technical team to ensure everything is secure. I recommend using spotlights to highlight the technique, which helps the audience appreciate the control and stability involved. If you are looking for a high-impact, rare act, I am happy to discuss how we can adapt these skills to your specific venue requirements.
Dasha Fogel
I’m Dasha. I spend more time upside down than right side up, and these disciplines are the most demanding part of my practice. It takes years of consistent, often slow, conditioning to perform these safely. I love the intensity of it, but I am just as focused on the physics behind making it look fluid.
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Browse my other aerial performance styles and workshops.
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