Soaring to New Heights

TCDA's 2025 Senior Aerialists

TCDA's Aerial Program and the Power of Mentorship

In the captivating world of aerial dance at Tamworth City Dance Academy, a powerful tradition of succession and mentorship has taken flight. As audiences have witnessed over the years, our aerial performances offer breathtaking displays of strength, artistry, and courage. Behind these mesmerizing moments lies a carefully cultivated system of training and leadership development that embodies TCDA's core philosophy: excellence through mentorship and community.

The Changing of the Guard: A New Generation Takes Flight

Last year marked a significant transition in our aerial program as we bid farewell to Amber, Jess, and Jaydah—three exceptional aerialists who had consistently dazzled audiences with their remarkable prowess and gravity-defying performances. Their departure created space for a new generation of aerial artists to step into the spotlight and continue this tradition of excellence.

This evolution was neither sudden nor unexpected. At TCDA, we believe in intentional succession planning—preparing tomorrow's leaders today through consistent mentorship and progressive skill development. Mia and Ruby, who had already gained valuable stage experience performing alongside our graduating aerialists, now step confidently into their roles as senior performers. Having worked closely with their predecessors, they absorbed not just technical skills but also the mindset, work ethic, and artistic sensibilities that define our aerial program.

Joining them are Evie and Halle, who served as understudies during last year's major production. This apprenticeship model provided them with invaluable insights into the demands of performance at the highest level. Positioned as "seconds"—ready to step in if needed—they gained a profound understanding of both the spotlight and the significant preparation it requires.

Beyond Technique: The Holistic Approach to Aerial Development

What sets TCDA's aerial program apart is our commitment to developing the whole artist. Under the exceptional guidance of Program Coordinator Miss Lily, our approach balances rigorous physical preparation with artistic expression. The aerial disciplines demand extraordinary strength, flexibility, and body awareness—qualities that must be built systematically through dedicated conditioning and training.

Miss Lily has masterfully structured a program that develops these physical attributes while simultaneously nurturing creative expression. This balance ensures our aerialists aren't merely executing impressive tricks but telling stories through their movements, connecting emotionally with audiences while suspended in air.

Recently, we welcomed back former student Miss Jaydah as a teacher, completing a beautiful full circle in our mentorship model. Having progressed through the ranks herself, Jaydah brings firsthand experience of the journey from student to performer to educator—offering current students a living example of this transformative path.

The Power of Partnership: Learning Through Collaboration

A distinctive element of our aerial training involves partner work—a practice that develops far more than just physical skills. Working in pairs or groups requires our aerialists to develop acute awareness, focused attention, and implicit trust in their fellow performers. These partnership exercises build communication skills that extend far beyond the studio.

When one aerialist supports another in flight, they learn lessons about responsibility, timing, and mutual respect. They discover that the most spectacular moments often depend on seamless teamwork rather than individual prowess. This collaborative approach mirrors TCDA's broader educational philosophy: we rise higher when we lift each other up.

Building the Pipeline: Nurturing Tomorrow's Stars

The success of our current senior aerialists represents just the visible peak of a comprehensive development system. Below them, multiple levels of younger students work through the same progressive training model, each cohort learning from those slightly ahead of them while serving as role models for those who follow.

This tiered approach creates a continuous pipeline of talent, with each student understanding not just what they're working toward but also the process required to get there. By witnessing their slightly older peers achieve new heights through dedication and practice, our younger aerialists develop both realistic expectations and unwavering motivation.

An Inclusive Approach to Taking Flight

While our performance program represents the most advanced expression of aerial arts at TCDA, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of defying gravity. Our foundational classes welcome juniors just beginning their aerial journey, introducing them to basic techniques in a supportive, safety-focused environment.

For adults seeking the unique combination of artistry, strength training, and exhilaration that aerial disciplines provide, our casual "Fly Gals" classes offer an accessible entry point. These sessions demonstrate our commitment to making dance and aerial arts available to our entire community, regardless of age or previous experience.

The Results: Confidence That Transcends the Studio

What we've observed through our aerial program reinforces what we've always believed at TCDA: when young people—particularly young women—are given tools, training, and trusting mentorship, they develop extraordinary capabilities. The confidence gained through mastering aerial skills translates into all areas of life, creating individuals who approach challenges with both determination and creativity.

Our aerialists learn to trust their own strength, to calculate risks intelligently, to overcome fear through preparation, and to present themselves with poise under pressure. These are qualities that serve them well whether they pursue dance professionally or carry these lessons into entirely different fields.

Experience the Magic

We invite you to witness the breathtaking results of this mentorship model in our upcoming performances. When you see our aerialists soaring overhead, remember that you're observing not just technical skill but the culmination of a thoughtful developmental process—one that values personal growth alongside artistic achievement.

For those interested in beginning their own aerial journey, we welcome you to explore the various entry points into our program. From foundational classes for our youngest aspiring aerialists to adult sessions that combine fitness with artistic expression, there's a place for everyone to experience the unique joy of flight.

To learn more about TCDA's aerial program offerings or to register for classes, visit www.tamworthcitydance.com.au or contact our Principal directly at kellie@tamworthcitydance.com.au.

Join us as we continue to reach new heights, building strength, artistry, and community—one flight at a time.