Ashes and Iron

Overview

Ashes and Iron is a solo aerial show that tells the story of a community that refuses to be erased. Set in Kensington, Philadelphia—one of the most resilient but misrepresented neighborhoods in the city—this powerful piece combines aerial silks, hammock, and Lyra to explore themes of struggle, survival, and collective strength.

Through six full-length songs and spoken word interludes, performer Daisie Cardona brings the emotional landscape of Kensington to life. Each piece reflects a different chapter in the community’s journey: the weight of generational scars, the heartbreak of watching loved ones leave or fall, the fierce love that binds neighbors together, and the ongoing fight to reclaim joy and dignity.

From the wreckage, something beautiful rises.

Told through fluid movement and striking visuals, Ashes and Iron honors the people who stay, who fight, who rebuild. It is both deeply personal and widely relatable—an offering to all who’ve ever had to hold hope in hard places. Whether you’re from Kensington or somewhere far away, this show invites you to witness, reflect, and believe in the power of community.

Created and performed by Daisie Cardona, Ashes and Iron is part of the Cannonball Festival’s Performances for Young Audiences Cohort. Suitable for youth and adults alike, the show blends storytelling and circus arts in a performance that is as moving as it is mesmerizing.

About the Artist

Daisie Cardona is an Afro-Indigenous Latina aerialist, storyteller, and community organizer from Kensington, Philadelphia. A first-generation Puerto Rican and Honduran artist, she creates work rooted in justice, healing, and the power of collective resilience. Daisie specializes in aerial hammock, Lyra, and silks, using movement and narrative to honor the stories of people often overlooked. She trains and performs with Rebel Arts Movement and works as a studio assistant, performer, and youth mentor. Daisies art centers community voice, challenges stereotypes about her neighborhood, and aims to inspire young people to take pride in where they come from. Ashes and Iron is her first full-length solo show

Credits