A trapeze arts show by Down to Earth Aerials of Raleigh, N.C., is one of the scheduled highlights of Coastal Carolina University's Family Weekend. The performance, set for Friday, Sept. 23, at 9 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium, is free and open to the public, though tickets are required for admission. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Down to Earth Aerials features two aerialists who wear colorful costumes and give performances using aerial silks, best known as the acrobatic art form of Cirque du Soleil; the performers use trapeze arts and an aerial hoop called Lyra. Their balletic climbs, drops and turns demonstrate their strength and flexibility.

"Typically, we bring comedians and hypnotists to Family Weekend; however, we wanted to try a different dynamic this year," said Alaina McLeod, vice president of contracted events for the Coastal Activities Board at CCU. "Amanda Durnell, the lead aerialist, is excited about performing her first show at Coastal Carolina University."

Durnell attended the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) in Vermont, where she received her education in aerial fabric and static trapeze. She studied under Elsie and Serenity Smith, formally known as the trap twins of Cirque Du Soleil. Durnell says she has a genuine love and passion for performing, teaching children and helping other people pursue goals in acrobatic fitness.

Tickets may be picked up at the Wheelwright Box Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 108 Spadoni Park Circle on the Conway campus. Visitors may park in any of the non-gated parking lots near the auditorium.

Family Weekend is a CCU tradition held every fall. It a special time for students and their families to enjoy scheduled events together, including a tailgate, coffee with the University president, a tour of historic downtown Conway and more.

For more information, contact Sierra Hairston, associate director of student life, at 843-349-4165 or shairston@coastal.edu.