Circability – Accessible Circus for Adults and Youth

This class is designed for participants who attend with a caregiver, with flexible options to suit different bodies, energy levels, and ways of moving — from a chair, with mobility aids, or moving freely.

A sensory-friendly space where we will explore a variety of circus skills:

Juggling & Object Play — Low-pressure activities that encourage focus, rhythm, and collaboration. 

Aerial Exploration — Supported time on hammocks and low aerial equipment to build confidence, body awareness, and safe risk-taking. 

This Circability class strengthens connection, playfulness, and shared creativity.

Find out more about what else Circability does in our community at Circability.org.nz

If you’re having any trouble making a booking, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at [comms@move.org.nz](mailto:comms@move.org.nz) – we’re here to help!

Explore Accessible Circus with Circability in Christchurch

Circability – Accessible Circus is an inclusive circus class designed for participants who attend with a caregiver or support person. The class offers flexible ways to participate, with activities that can be adapted to suit different bodies, energy levels and ways of moving — whether you’re using a chair, mobility aids or moving freely.

The session takes place in a sensory-friendly and supportive environment, where participants can explore circus skills, play, create and connect at their own pace.

What to expect

Each session offers a variety of accessible circus activities, with participants encouraged to choose how they engage.

Juggling & Object Play
Explore low-pressure juggling and object-based activities that encourage focus, rhythm, coordination and collaboration. Activities can be adapted to different abilities and ways of participating.

Aerial Exploration
Experience supported movement on hammocks and low aerial equipment, providing opportunities to explore suspension, balance and movement while developing body awareness and confidence.

Activities are introduced gently, with a focus on safe exploration and positive risk-taking. There is no expectation that everyone will participate in the same way.

Movement, play and connection

Circus can provide opportunities for people to explore movement, creativity and connection in ways that are different from traditional exercise or sport.

Circability focuses on playfulness, shared creativity and participation, creating space for participants and caregivers to explore circus together.

The class recognises that people have different energy levels, communication styles, physical abilities and ways of moving. Participants can take breaks, change activities or engage in ways that feel comfortable for them.

Who is Accessible Circus for?

Circability – Accessible Circus is designed for anybody of any ability and is suitable for people with a range of physical and sensory needs.

Flexible participation means you can explore activities from a chair, with mobility aids or through free movement, depending on what works for you.

The sensory-friendly environment and adaptable activities make this a welcoming opportunity to experience circus without the pressure of traditional performance or fitness environments.

Accessible circus in Ōtautahi Christchurch

MOVE works with Circability to provide accessible circus opportunities in Christchurch, supporting people with different abilities to experience movement, creativity and community through circus.

If you’re searching for accessible circus classes in Christchurch, inclusive circus, adaptive circus, disability-friendly activities, sensory-friendly activities, accessible aerial classes or inclusive movement classes in Christchurch, Circability offers a supportive space to explore circus in ways that work for you.

Find out more about Circability and its wider community work at Circability.org.nz.

What to bring: Please bring any mobility or support equipment you normally use, along with anything that helps you feel comfortable and regulated during the session. Caregivers and support people are welcome to participate alongside you.

Requirements:

Timing and location:

Fridays @ 11:00am-12:00pm

Movement Studio 2,

Level 2, Parakiore

Price:

$15 (on-line booking only, bookings essential)

Your tutor

Valentina Piasente, Emma Mackey & Jenny Ritchie

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.

Jenny is a multidisciplinary circus and visual artist specialising in aerial choreography, act development, and aerial equipment design.
Over the past 24 years, Jenny has worked across contemporary circus, live performance, opera, and film, both internationally and throughout Aotearoa. Her career includes working as a movement artist with Robert Lepage’s Ex Machina for the Metropolitan Opera, New York, touring internationally with Cavalia, and creating and performing with Zurich-based contemporary circus company Rigolo.
Jenny is currently in her fifth year as Aerial Director for the World of WearableArt (WOW) and a core artistic member of Movement of the Human (MOTH). She is also a costume designer and textile artist, with recent projects including Twelfth Night at The Court Theatre, as well as costume work for several international film productions over the past decade.
Now based back home, Jenny is passionate about sharing the world of circus with others and supporting the next generation of movement artists.


Emma is a passionate circus and hula hoop instructor who loves helping students explore confidence, creativity, and joy through movement. With a warm and encouraging teaching style, she creates a fun and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome to try new skills, express themselves, and shine. Emma’s classes celebrate curiosity, play, and connection, inspiring learners of all abilities to enjoy movement, build confidence, and discover the joy of circus and hoop arts.

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