AERIAL ARTS & ACRO

Classes for Kids and Adults

WELCOME TO

AERIAL ARTS & ACRO

Ages: 6 & up


Our Aerial Arts and Acro program at Kids First offers a one-of-a-kind experience for students to explore the captivating world of aerial silks, lyra (aerial hoop), and acrobatic arts. We combine athleticism, strength, flexibility, and artistry while offering challenging and fun learning opportunities. Beyond the physical benefits of Aerial Arts and Acrobatics, our coaches provide an environment that supports and encourages students to have the confidence to take flight!


Aerial Arts is a rapidly growing art form thanks to the popularity of entertainment companies like Cirque du Soleil.  Throughout the year, we will have a series of awe-inspiring performances, where students showcase their incredible skills through aerial and acrobatic routines.


Nice to Know Info

  • The silk will rub against arms and legs and could result in friction irritation if the skin is not protected. We recommend fitted clothing (sleeves, high-waisted leggings, or pants).
  • Hair must be pulled back away from the face to prevent interference with movement on the apparatus.
  • Jewelry must be removed.
  • Clothing with zippers is prohibited.
  • We recommend no lotion/sunscreen/etc use before the start of class, as it interferes with the grip ability on the apparatus.

Aerial Arts & Acrobatics

CLASSES OFFERED

Introduction to Aerial Arts and Acrobatics

Length: 1 hour

Ages Groups: 6-9 year olds & 10 & up

Price: $141 per month

Introduction to Aerial Arts is perfect for every new student. Students will learn the basics of climbing, spinning, and becoming inverted while in the air. The foundational skills learned in our Introduction class are the key to being safe and progressing their skills.


Beginner

Teacher/Coach recommendation

Length: 1 hour

Ages: 6 years & up

Price: $141 per month

Beginner aerialists work to master fundamental skills, base-level combinations, and begin to explore their artistic style. Floor work and drills become equally important as airtime at this level, allowing the aerialist to develop strength, flexibility, and performance technique.


Intermediate

Teacher/Coach recommendation*

Length: 1 hour

Ages: 6 years & up

Price:  $141 per month

Intermediate students work to develop advanced techniques and skills with increased flexibility and strength training. We build confidence in sequencing, transitions, and artistry in freestyle.


*The aerialist’s willingness to work hard and eagerness to learn are taken into consideration before advancement to this level.


Advanced

Teacher/Coach recommendation

Length: 1 hour

Ages: 6 years & up

Price: $141 per month

This class focuses on all aspects of performing aerial arts. The aerialists learn advanced sequences and drops as well as strengthen their personal style and artistry. Advanced students have demonstrated dedication to their training, technique, and artistry, and must demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and the ability to work at an accelerated pace.


Beginner Performance

Beginner Level or Higher

Length: 1 hour

Ages: 7 years & up

Price: $214 per month (both skills class and performance class)

Must be enrolled in a skills class along with this performance class.


More Info coming soon.



AERIAL ARTS SHOWCASES


Show off your skills in this unique Showcase Experience

Students are to attend the three rehearsals and be present for their class the two weeks prior to the showcase. All conflicts must be communicated and approved. Missing class or rehearsal may result in less time on the stage in order to maintain a safe environment for all.

Intermediate and advanced students must be enrolled for the upcoming showcase 2 weeks prior to the previous showcase date to participate. Beginner students will have 4 weeks post showcase and Introduction students have 6 weeks post showcase to enroll.



WINTER 2026

FEBRUARY 14, 2026
"Love is in the Air"


Rehearsals:

Saturday, February 7
4:30 show time: 2:30-4:00
7:00 show time: 4:00-5:30


Friday, February 13
4:30 show: 2:30-4:00

7:00 show: 4:00-5:30

SIGN UP NOW!

SPRING 2026

MAY 9, 2026
"Flying Without Wings"


Rehearsals:


Saturday, May 2
4:30 show time: 2:00-3:30
7:00 show time: 3:30-5:00


Friday, May 7
5:30-7:30

SUMMER 2026

AUGUST 1, 2026


Rehearsals:


Saturday, July 25
4:30 show time: 2:00-3:30
7:00 show time: 3:30-5:00


Friday, July 31
5:30-7:30


FALL 2025

NOVEMBER 1, 2025
Theme:
  Heroes + Villians


Registration closed

AERIAL ARTS PARTIES

Enjoy learning basic lyra and silk skills!


- Give your child the gift of excitement and grace as they experience the thrill of floating and twirling in the air.

- Create memories that will last a lifetime with a celebration that is as unique as your child!


More info on Aerial Arts Parties at Kids First >>


BOOK PARTY NOW!

AERIAL ARTS STAFF

Grace Ridge

Department Leader
Grace Ridge

Grace Ridge grew up in Cincinnati and is a former Queen City Gymnastics and Queen City Storm athlete. 


In 2014, Grace attended Northern Kentucky University to study sculpture. That same year, she also began her aerial silks career.


Upon graduation with a BFA in Sculpture, Grace followed her sculpture carrier to St. Petersburg, Florida. From there, her sculpture carrier relocated her to Idaho and Wyoming, where she taught ceramics at the Teton Arts Council (Idaho) and at the Art Association of Jackson Hole (Wyoming).

 

Grace returned to Cincinnati in 2019. In the summer of 2022, she returned to Kids First, this time as a coach, in the Aerial Arts and Acro Department. In early 2023, Grace added Department Leader responsibilities to her role as a coach and, in early 2024, was officially named the Aerial Arts and Acro Department Leader. 


Grace’s leadership role is directly related to her experience and development as a part of the Kids First community as a student athlete. Grace recognizes her opportunity to positively influence the next generation of Kids First students, as well as being an example of our Unifying Principle of Perpetual Growth. “This place has always been a home to me, and I am so blessed to be back.”