all about us
hear our story-
community & care
At Aerial Academy it’s important to us everyone not only feel safe while in our studio, but also knows they are so welcome here. Aerials are for everyone!
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fitness & fun
Our classes are focused on our students having a good time. Achieving excellence is important, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time while getting there!
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growth & challenge
We want to be known as a studio who is always pushing towards excellence. We LOVE to see our students challenging themselves, creating goals and leveling up.
OUR vision
The circus and aerial arts community in Christchurch has been spread thin for many years across several small studios, with Lydia Donaldson’s former aerial studio Aerial3 being the largest overall. Nicola and Lydia both dreamed of building a place that could function as a hub for circus and aerial arts not only for the whole of Canterbury, but for New Zealand as a whole.
As an art form, aerials is often overlooked, underfunded, or treated as merely a complimentary practice in pole studios. Nicola and Lydia wanted to create a place where aerials and circus were catered to as the main event and celebrated in their entirety. While many studios have had to retrofit and renovate existing spaces, Aerial Academy stands apart. Every inch of our facility has been purpose-built with circus, aerials and movement practice, in mind.
At Aerial Academy, we believe deeply in the transformative power of aerial arts. It builds strength, supports physical and mental well-being, and offers a sense of belonging and community that has the power to changes lives. Here, we aim to offer that space and nurture that magic every single day.
Come fly with us!
our facilities
Our entire facility has been purpose-built for circus and aerial arts, from the ground up. Every detail has been fitted with the latest equipment and constructed to the highest possible safety standards. We worked closely with a team of meticulous engineers, pedantic builders, and highly experienced riggers to ensure every element was designed and installed to the highest possible spec. This build has taken us a long time, because we have wanted everything just right.
We have 4 spacious studio rooms, each with its own unique personality and specialised rigging to accomodate a variety of disciplines.
Our largest studio, Studio 4 has also been engineered to transform into a fully functioning theatre, allowing us to host showcases and competitions in-house and welcoming external production teams, companies and conferences hire the space as well.
Featuring:
Rigging points up to 10 metres high
2x Bathrooms - 8x toilets, 4x Showers
Bookable Sauna and Icebath in our “Recovery Room”
2x Wall gyms in two separate studios
Chilled filtered drink bottle refill station
Large student/parent waiting room with tea and coffee station
Customisable coloured lighting in our “Mood Room”
4x In-ground detachable pole stations
Student storage cubbies with charging points
Dedicated Stretch & Flex Training room
Studio4 Theatre, a built-in theatre seating up to 270 people and 12×8m LED backdrop
Forge Physio, our on-site Physiotherapist
Flow Studio, a 24/7 DIY Reformer Pilates space
OUR owners
With extensive training and experience in Lyra (aerial hoop), Nicola Riddell brings grace, strength, and a comprehensive understanding of spin dynamics to the Aerial Academy. An award-winning performer, Nicola weaves her passion for creative movement into every class, inspiring students to express themselves with confidence and artistry. Her vibrant teaching style is both detailed and comprehensive but also patient and supportive making her an excellent guide for both beginners and those refining their artistry.
Lydia Donaldson, an expert in vertical apparatus such as Silks and Rope, brings a strong dynamic energy to the studio and is known for her ability to blend power and elegance seamlessly. An experienced instructor and performer, Lydia’s infectious enthusiasm and approachable teaching style create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to challenge themselves. As a former owner of Aerial3 studio and a respected name in the New Zealand industry, Lydia brings with her a wealth of experience to every class and to Aerial Academy as a whole.
OUR backstory
Nicola Riddell and Lydia Donaldson are not only the co-owners but the heart, soul and driving force behind the Aerial Academy.
Lydia, a former owner of Aerial3, had been managing and running the largest aerial studio in Christchurch boasting around 250 members. However, by the end of 2023, it was clear Aerial3 was outgrowing its space. With only one studio room, membership continuing to climb and the fact that they were sitting right next to the rapidly developing Christchurch stadium, Lydia knew it was time to consider a major move to order to allow the community to continue to grow and thrive.
Nicola and Lydia had been friends and training companions for a number of years, often dreaming aloud about one day opening a studio that had multiple studio rooms, ideal rigging setups - everything purpose-built. In July 2024, they decided to take the leap. They pooled their skills, resources, and finances to purchase a building and create the studio of their dreams - the Aerial Academy.
(Photo from the former Aerial3 Studio on Tuam Street)
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