Circus Fit for Older Adults (60+)

Explore circus in a fun, supportive space designed for all abilities and fitness levels. Build balance, coordination, confidence, and strength through accessible aerial and ground-based skills, including trapeze, hoop, hammock, juggling, and more.

This class is suitable for all levels of fitness and physical ability. Please let us know if you have any conditions or physical restrictions that you would like the tutors to be aware of so they can best accommodate the class for you.

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 Circus Fit for Older Adults in Christchurch

Circus Fit for Older Adults is a fun, welcoming and supportive class for adults aged 60+. Designed for a range of abilities and fitness levels, the class offers an accessible way to explore circus skills while building balance, coordination, strength and confidence.

Whether you’re completely new to circus or have previous movement experience, you’ll be encouraged to explore different skills at a pace that works for you. The focus is on participation, discovery and enjoying movement in an inclusive environment.

What to expect

Classes introduce a range of accessible aerial and ground-based circus skills, which may include:

  • Trapeze – explore movement, balance and strength on the aerial apparatus
  • Aerial hoop – develop coordination, control and confidence while exploring the hoop
  • Hammock – experience aerial movement and learn skills using the fabric apparatus
  • Juggling – develop hand-eye coordination, focus and rhythm
  • Ground-based circus skills – explore different movement and circus activities

Skills and activities are adapted to suit different abilities and experience levels. You don’t need to be strong, flexible or particularly fit to participate — the class is about finding ways to engage with circus that work for your body.

Movement, fitness and confidence

Circus offers a unique combination of physical activity, creativity and play. Learning new skills can support balance, coordination, strength, body awareness and confidence, while the supportive group environment provides opportunities to connect with others.

For older adults, Circus Fit provides a chance to stay active, try something new and enjoy the social and creative aspects of circus without the pressure of a traditional fitness class.

There is no expectation that everyone will achieve the same skills. You’ll be encouraged to explore, practise and progress in ways that are appropriate for your own abilities.

Who is this circus fitness class for?

Circus Fit for Older Adults is for people aged 60+ and is suitable for a range of physical abilities and fitness levels.

No previous circus experience is required. Whether you’re completely new to aerial circus, returning to movement or simply curious to try something different, you’re welcome to join.

If you have any health conditions, injuries or physical restrictions that you’d like the tutors to be aware of, please let them know so they can best support and accommodate you during the class.

Circus Fit for Older Adults in Ōtautahi Christchurch

MOVE offers circus, dance and movement classes at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre in Christchurch, creating opportunities for adults of different ages and abilities to stay active, learn new skills and connect with their community.

If you’re searching for Circus Fit for older adults in Christchurch, circus classes for seniors, circus for 60+, senior circus classes, accessible circus fitness or active ageing activities in Christchurch, this class offers a fun and supportive way to explore circus, build physical skills and keep moving.

What to wear: comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is recommended. For aerial activities, clothing that covers the legs and torso is generally most suitable.

Requirements:

For participants aged 60+

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

Timing and location:

Mondays @ 1:30-2:45pm & Wednesdays @ 11:00am-12:15pm

No class on Monday 28 September, Wednesday 30 September, Monday 5 October or Wednesday 7 October

Movement Studio 2,

Level 2, Parakiore

Price:

$15 (on-line booking or payment on the day)

Your tutor

Valentina Piasente & 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.

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