Competition Team
'26-'27 Team Registration Open!
For current students Level 1+ and at least 8 years old!
About Aerial Competition Team
The ACOD Youth 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! We have a lower level Team (level 1 & 2) and an upper level Team (level 3 & 4). The 2 sections practice separate days but come together for Team events and competitions!
The season runs from August 29th, 2026 through April 9th, 2027. The student cost will be $2,798 for the 9 month season (Aug-April), which is inclusive of Competition Team class (intensive + post-intensive), the competition fees, & a shared portion of the Coach travel cost. Please note this price does not include student/parent travel or costume. Want to learn more? Join us for our Parent Info Session, Friday May 8, 6-6:45pm. Event sign up below!
Requirements & Audition
- Audition: Attend mandatory level placement auditions (click links below to register):
- May 2, 3PM Centennial (YPC & Comp)
- May 3, 12PM at Denver (YPC & Comp) FULL!
- June 14, 12PM at Denver (Comp Only)
- Commitment/First payment: Required by June 28th, 2026
- In addition to the Team, be enrolled in one technique class during both the Fall and Spring semesters (minimum 80% attendance).
- Commitment and availability to travel (parent & child) to two in-person competitions, generally scheduled in Jan and March/April.
Team Structure (Schedule)
The Intensive Phase (10 weeks, 2 hours per week) runs 10 consecutive Saturdays starting August 29th, 2026. Lower level Team starts at 230pm, upper level Team starts at 430pm. 10/31 (Halloween) rescheduled. During the 2-hr intensive 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) 11/3 through 4/9/2027. Lower level Team rehearsals are Fridays at 530pm. Upper level Team rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7pm. Following the 10 week intensive, weekly classes will be just 1 hour and focus on drilling & rehearsing!
This Season we are introducing a free open gym, which will be Fridays from 630 – 725pm. Although complementary, advanced registration will be required! This will run 11/6 through 4/9/2027.
Competition Info & Details
- We will participate in three 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 1 Aerialympic “In the Wild” competition, a virtual competition in which we will host a “competition” at the studio on 11/14 and record all performances. The video recordings are sent to Aerialympics be judged against other virtual competitors and receive feedback.
- We plan to participate in two in-person competitions in the 2026-2027 season. Our targeted dates are Jan 2027 & March or April 2027. Exact dates TBD (have not been released yet).
- Our regular season will conclude in April; however, if any students qualify for the Aerialympic Finals and wish to attend, we will explore extending training for qualifying individuals.
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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 & 2 students will have general input on their “coach-created” act.
- Level 3+ 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 Lead Coach!
- Coach Tess is the Lead Competition Team coach! She will be assisted by Coach Katherine 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!
