our team

meet our dream team

OUR owners

Having been trained extensively alongside and by leading international aerial artists, Nicola Riddell brings a depth of knowledge and experience to the Aerial Academy. Her vibrant teaching style is detailed and focused 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. Known for her ability to blend power and elegance seamlessly. Lydia’s infectious enthusiasm and approachable teaching style create a fun environment where students feel empowered to challenge themselves.

our instructors

Our students are looked after by a devoted team of experienced instructors. Each of them is a performer and aerial artist in their own right and our staff are well-versed in multiple disciplines.

We choose teachers not only for their passion and skill in the air, but for their fun vibrant teaching style, exceptional coaching skills and genuine care for our students. Our instructors are also chosen for their amazing communication skills, commitment to our community and ability to work as a team player. We all go together, grow together and lift one another up along the way. We want to see community and belonging flourish not only within the wider Aerial Academy whānau, but are also adamant this be evident and regularly modeled and within our team.

All our instructors hold a First Aid certificate have been trained extensively on safe rigging practices so you can be sure you will be safe while in the air. We also try to offer continual up-skilling for our instructors so they are always adding to their repertoire of knowledge.

Our wonderful instructors are the heart and soul of our studio. We are grateful for each and every one of them and the gifts and skills they bring to the team - none of this would be possible without them.

Lydia Donaldson

Silks, Rope, Kids/Teens
Hi! I’m Lydia and I am a professional aerialist, instructor and co-owner of Aerial Academy. When not teaching or performing you’ll find me walking my dog Colin. My favourite apparatus is Rope, but I am skilled in all the main apparatuses.
My style of work is:
Dynamic, powerful, energetic and striking - I absolutely love big drops, beats and swings!
Nicola Riddell

Lyra/Hoop, Alternative App.
Kia ora I’m Nicola! I am an instructor, aerial artist and co-owner of Aerial Academy. I am married and have two boys who are 10 and 7 years old. Lyra will forever and always be my true love! I also enjoy Trapeze, Flying Pole, Contortion and Hand balancing.
My style of work is:
Creative, graceful, poised, fluid and captivating. I love twists, spins, rolls and expressive movement.
Joshua Dickson

Trapeze, Creative, Stretch
Kia ora I’m Josh! By day I work in the world of electrical solutions and I also love to play with and craft my own whips for ground peformances. My favourite apparatus is probably the Trapeze, but i also teach Hammock and Lyra/Hoop.
My style of work is:
Empowered, emotive, controlled and flow-focused.
Sarah Montgomery

Silks, Lyra/Hoop, Conditioning
Hi! I’m Sarah and I am a veterinary surgeon and passionate aerialist! My favourite apparatus is definitely Silks because I love the infinite possibilities and fluid expression of the fabric. I also train Straps, Rope, Lyra/Hoop, and Loops.
My style of work is:
Inventive, strong, powerful and dynamic. I really love exploring fresh ideas and unexpected pathways.
Josephine Marshall

Trapeze, Lyra/Hoop, Hammock
Hi I’m Jojo and I am a contract supervisor for the City Council. I have a cat called Buckley and a rabbit named Panther. It’s so hard to choose a favourite apparatus but I’d have to say Lyra/Hoop AND Trapeze! I also love Hammock and Aerial Chains.
My style of work is:
Passionate, fun and a little bit of everything! I love contrasting elegant shapes with strong dynamic movement.
ines holmwood

Lyra/Hoop
Hello I’m Ines! I have a background in molecular biotechnology but am now pursing a masters in business administration. I’m originally from Austria but now married with two little girls and living in NZ. Lyra is my favourite apparatus but I also train Silks, Hammock and Bungee.
My style of work is:
Graceful, fun, quirky and smooth.
samantha bramley

Hammock, Kids/Teens
Hi there! I’m Sam and I am a Practice Nurse and currently training to be a Nurse Prescriber. I live on a farm in Hawarden with my boyfriend Matt, my dog Monty and cat Ivy. My favourite apparatus is Hammock but I also love training and teaching Silks and sometimes even a little Lyra/Hoop!
My style of work is:
Controlled, intentional, confident and fun.
Aimee Anne Davis

Kids/Teens
Hey I’m Aimee! I live out in Pegasus with my partner Craig and baby girl Estella. I have worked in the beauty industry for years and own my own salon. My favourite apparatus is Lyra/Hoop but I also love Hammock and Silks.
My style of work is:
Fun and cheeky, soft and graceful. I enjoy both spinny flow and big dynamic drops!
Laura Holder

Aerial Yoga, Lyra/Hoop
Hi everyone! I’m Laura, I recently got engaged to my wonderful man and I’m an office worker by day. I can’t choose a favourite apparatus - if it dangles you will find me on it! I train Aerial Yoga, Trapeze, Silks, Hoop, Hammock and Rope.
My style of work is:
Lighthearted and contemporary. I love smooth controlled transitions, but also enjoy exhibiting strength and playfulness.
emma stevenson

Lyra/Hoop, Stretch
Hi I’m Emma! I recently got engaged to my partner Will and am a registered nurse at the Christchurch Hospital. My favourite apparatus is of course the Lyra! I truly love ALL the other apparatuses, but am currently also training Rope, Silks and Trapeze. I also enjoy Dance, Contortion, Hand Balancing and Acrobatics.
My style of work is:
Fiery, dynamic, powerful and entertaining.
Sam Law

Silks
Hi I’m Sam! I lead a marketing technology for a global NASDAQ-listed technology firm. I also have a handsome partner and a mischevious golden retriver. My first love is Silks but I now also train Aerial Net.
My style of work is:
Slow, focused and technical while giving the illusion of effortlessness. I enjoying teaching purposeful movement and “all-of-body” technique.
Anthea Bond

Aerial Yoga
Kia ora I’m Anthea. I have been teaching circus and yoga for over 7 years. I also create and sporadically sell art, clothing and jewellery and have just completed a Psychology and Māori and Indigenous Studies degree. My favourite apparatus is a mix between Silks, Trapeze and Hammock.
My style of work is:
Flowy, intentional, quirky and surprising. I love unexpected transitions and cute shapes.
Kamla Phal

Kids, Hammock
Kia ora I’m Kamla! By day I’m a loyalty and member engagement marketer. By night you’ll catch me with my fiance and dog Teep. My fave apparatus is either Hammock or Lyra, but honestly I love them all! You might also see me training Rope and Silks.
My style of work is:
A contrast between full energy and whimsical and soft.