Aerial Foundations (12 – 18 years)

A welcoming introduction to aerial circus for teens who are new to the air.

Explore silks, trapeze, rope, hoop, and hammock while building strength, confidence, and body awareness through playful, guided classes that support safe technique and encourage trying something new.

(Image: Ian Hutchinson | Warren and Mahoney)

Explore Aerial Foundations for Teens in Christchurch

Aerial Foundations – Teens is a welcoming introduction to aerial circus for young people aged 12–18 years who are new to aerial movement. Through playful and guided classes, students explore a range of aerial apparatus while developing strength, coordination, confidence and body awareness.

Whether you’re curious about aerial silks, trapeze, rope or hoop, this class provides a supportive place to try something new and build strong foundations in aerial circus.

What to expect

Students are introduced to a variety of aerial apparatus, including:

  • Aerial silks – explore climbing, shapes, wraps and foundational movement in the fabric
  • Trapeze – develop strength, balance and confidence while learning foundational skills
  • Aerial rope – discover movement and basic techniques on the rope
  • Aerial hoop (Lyra) – explore shapes, balances and movement on the hoop
  • Hammock – experience supported aerial movement and develop confidence in the air

Skills are introduced progressively, with an emphasis on safe technique, body awareness and building confidence before moving on to more challenging movements.

Building strength and confidence in the air

Aerial circus is a great way for teens to develop physical and creative skills. As students explore different apparatus, they can build strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, body awareness and confidence.

The class encourages students to try new things without pressure to be perfect. Learning aerial skills takes practice, and students are supported to work at an appropriate pace while celebrating their individual progress.

Who is this teen aerial class for?

Aerial Foundations – Teens is for young people aged 12–18 years who are new to aerial circus.

No previous aerial experience is required. You don’t need to already be strong, flexible or experienced in dance, gymnastics or circus — just bring a willingness to try something new and explore movement in the air.

The class provides a strong foundation for young people who may want to continue developing their aerial skills through more advanced circus training in the future.

Teen aerial classes in Ōtautahi Christchurch

MOVE offers aerial circus, dance and movement classes for children and young people at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre in Christchurch. Our youth aerial programme provides opportunities to build physical skills, confidence and creativity in a supportive community environment.

If you’re searching for teen aerial classes in Christchurch, aerial circus for teens, aerial silks for teenagers, teen trapeze classes, aerial hoop for teens, beginner aerial classes for 12–18 year olds or youth circus classes in Christchurch, Aerial Foundations – Teens offers a welcoming place to discover aerial circus and build your skills.

What to wear: comfortable, close-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely is recommended. Clothing should cover the torso and backs of the knees for aerial work. Remove jewellery before participating.

Requirements:

Please bring or wear leggings to protect your skin from the aerial apparatus and bring a long sleeve top to put on for certain aerial skills

Please make sure your clothes don’t have zips as they can damage our aerial fabrics

Timing and location:

Term 4 (from 12 October): Thursdays @ 5:15-6:15pm

Movement Studio 2,

Level 2, Parakiore

Price:

$20 (on-line booking or payment on the day)

$170 for the 10-week term


Your tutor

Cat Gilchrist - Profile Picture - Aug 2025

Cat Gilchrist

Cat has been teaching aerial arts and flexibility for over a decade, bringing skill, care, and encouragement to every class. She is passionate about helping students achieve their goals safely and sustainably, building lasting strength and technique. Across a range of disciplines, Cat inspires each learner to discover and develop their own unique style, whether for personal growth or performance, fostering confidence, creativity, and joy in every movement.

@catortion (instagram)

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