Competition Team
For current students Level 1+ and at least 8 years old!
About Aerial Competition Team
The ACOD Competition Team is designed for our Level 1+ students (age 8 and older with at least 1 prior session experience) who are interested in competing and taking their aerial skills to the next level. The season runs from August 23rd through March 17th, 2026. The projected student cost will be $2400-$2600 for the 8 month season (Aug-March), which is inclusive of Competition Team class (intensive + post-intensive), the competition fees, & a portion of the Coach travel cost. Please note this price does not include student/parent travel or costume. Prices will be finalized in June based on interest. Want to learn more? Join us for our Parent Info Session, Saturday May 3, 6-6:45pm. Event sign up below!
Requirements
- Express interest by June 2025 (final pricing will be determined in June based on interest.)
- Commitment required by Sunday, June 28th
- Be enrolled in one technique class during both the Fall and Spring semesters (minimum 80% attendance).
- Be enrolled in the competition prep class (minimum 80% attendance).
- Select a single aerial apparatus to compete on.
Team Structure (Schedule)
Intensive Phase (10 weeks, 2 hours per week) 8/23 through 10/25, Saturdays from 3:15 to 5:15pm. The first 10 weeks will be an intensive period with 2-hour sessions. Coaches will work with students individually and in small groups to develop their acts.
Post Intensive Phase (1 hr/week for the duration of the season) 10/28 through 3/17/2026, Tuesdays from 7 to 7:55pm. Following the 10 week intensive, weekly classes will be just 1 hour and focus on drilling, rehearsing, and recording the virtual competitions!
Competition Info & Details
- We will participate in four regional events, both virtually and in-person. Our objective is to give students ample opportunity to receive feedback on pieces and the opportunity to travel to competitions.
- We will be participating in three Aerialympic “In the Wild” competitions, a virtual option in which we will host a “competition” at the studio and send a video recording to the competition to be judged against other virtual competitors and receive feedback. Exact dates TBD (have not been released yet).
- We plan to participate in one in-person competition in the 2025-2026 season, De Leon Cirque Fest in San Diego in February 2026, exact date TBD (have not been released yet).
- Our regular season will conclude in March; however, if any students qualify for the Aerialympic Finals and wish to attend, we will explore extending training for qualifying individuals.
- Individual travel and accommodation for competitions are not included in the program cost. Parents are responsible for arranging these details and must attend with child.
Choreography:
- Level 1 students will have general input on their “coach-created” act.
- Level 2+ choreography will be co-created by the student and coach.
Music:
- Specific music requirements will be provided.
- Students (Level 2+) will come to the intensive with 2-3 music choices.
- A coach-provided list will be available for Level 1 students (first-come, first-served selection) which will be given to students/families after the first class.
Costuming:
- Students are responsible for finding and purchasing a costume for their act, this cost is not included in the season's pricing.
- Costuming must follow competitions guidelines & regulations.
About Your Coach!
- Coach Tess is the Lead Competition Team coach! She will be assisted by Coach Kara should we have the student numbers to necessitate two coaches.
-
Tess' journey in aerial arts has been driven by a passion and a dedication to honing skills. From discovering aerial in 2012 to achieving first place in Advanced Silks at Aerialympics Nationals in June 2023, she understands the commitment and focus required to excel. Her extensive training across various aerial apparatus – silks, lyra, trapeze, sling, and partner acro, mostly – provides her with a comprehensive understanding of movement and technique. Beyond her personal achievements, Tess' 17 years of dance training and two years of collegiate UDA dance competition experience have instilled in her a deep understanding of performance, stage presence, and the artistry that elevates a routine. She knows how to craft compelling choreography and guide athletes to deliver captivating performances. Tess is excited to bring her competitive experience, technical expertise, and passion for performance to this Team!
Want to train with us?
Join a youth or adult session and get into performing arts in Denver!
