Aerial Foundations – All Apparatus (8-12 yrs)

A fun and supportive introduction to aerial circus for young movers.

Students explore hoop, trapeze, hammock, and silks while building confidence, coordination, and foundational skills. Along the way, they develop teamwork, respect, and connection through shared movement, encouragement, and celebrating progress together.

Explore Aerial Foundations in Christchurch

Aerial Foundations – All Apparatus is a fun and supportive introduction to aerial circus for children aged 8–12 years. Students explore a variety of aerial apparatus, including aerial hoop, trapeze, hammock and silks, while developing foundational skills, coordination, strength and confidence.

The class provides a positive environment where young people can discover the world of aerial circus, learn new skills and celebrate their progress alongside others.

What to expect

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of working safely and confidently on a range of aerial apparatus.

Classes may include:

  • Aerial hoop – explore shapes, balances, movement and transitions
  • Trapeze – develop strength, coordination and confidence on the bar
  • Hammock – discover movement, shapes and simple aerial skills using fabric
  • Aerial silks – learn foundational climbing, wrapping and movement techniques

Exploring different apparatus gives students the opportunity to discover which skills and styles they enjoy while developing a broad foundation in aerial circus.

Skills are introduced progressively, allowing students to build confidence and control as they learn.

Strength, coordination and confidence

Aerial circus combines physical strength, balance, coordination and creativity. Through regular practice, students can develop body awareness, grip strength, balance, flexibility, coordination and movement confidence.

The class also encourages young people to learn from and support one another. Working together, sharing equipment and celebrating each other’s progress helps develop teamwork, respect, communication and connection.

The focus is on learning and exploration rather than competition, creating a space where students can feel proud of their individual progress.

Who is this aerial class for?

Aerial Foundations – All Apparatus is for children aged 8–12 years who are interested in exploring aerial circus.

No previous aerial experience is required. The class is designed as a foundation-level introduction, making it suitable for young people who are new to aerial circus as well as those who have had some previous exposure and want to strengthen their basic skills.

Aerial circus classes for 8–12 year olds in Christchurch

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

If you’re searching for aerial classes for kids in Christchurch, aerial circus classes for 8–12 year olds, children’s aerial silks, kids’ trapeze classes, aerial hoop for children, beginner aerial classes or youth circus classes in Christchurch, Aerial Foundations – All Apparatus offers a welcoming place to discover aerial circus and build strong foundations.

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

Requirements:

For participants aged 8-12 years

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

You’re welcome to book your child in under their own name by adding them to your Mindbody family account – keeping the whole whānau connected and ready to move together!

Timing and location:

Wednesdays @ 3:45-4:45pm & 4:45-5:45pm,

Saturdays @ 11:30am-12:30pm

Movement Studio 2,

Level 2, Parakiore

Price:

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

Your tutor

Valentina Piasente, Cat Gilchrist & Kate Litt

Valentina discovered circus in 2010 and hasn’t looked back. With a background in artistic swimming, she specializes in aerial silks, rope, and vertical dance. She co-founded the contemporary circus collective “Aria Alta Tessuti Aerei” in Venice and has trained with leading schools across Europe. Combining her Master’s in Social Work with her love of circus, Valentina has taught socially engaged projects worldwide. With over seven years of teaching across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, she inspires creativity, confidence, and connection in every student. Valentina is also a proud mum of two energetic boys who keep her grounded and inspired.

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.

Kate fell in love with circus over a decade ago and now specialises in aerial arts including silks, hoop and trapeze. Passionate about safe, sustainable movement, she supports students to build strength and mobility in ways that last. Kate creates a welcoming space where everyone can explore their limits while caring for their body, encouraging progress that feels empowering rather than pressured. Whether working with beginners or experienced movers, she shares her deep respect for the body and her belief that aerial arts can be both transformative and joyful.

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