Aerial Competition Team
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! The team will be split into a Lower level Team & an Upper Level Team. These Levels do not reflect ACOD Technique class levels. Rather, lower level Team represents competing at an “novice or Intermediate” level at Aerialympics, and Upper Level Team reflects competing at the "competitive, advanced, all-star, or elite" level. The 2 sections practice separate days but come together for Team events and competitions!
The season runs from August through April. Tuition for the 9 month season is inclusive of Competition Team class (intensive + post-intensive), the competition fees, & a shared portion of the Coach travel cost. Please note tuition does not include student/parent travel or costumes. Want to learn more? Join us for our Parent Info Session. Event sign up below!
Requirements & Audition
- Audition: Attend mandatory level placement auditions (click links below to register):
- Commitment/First payment: Required by end of June.
- 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/Feb and March/April but dates subject to Aerialympics competition schedule availability.
Team Structure (Schedule)
The Intensive Phase (10 weeks, 2 hours per week) runs 10 consecutive Saturdays starting August. 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) November through April. Following the 10 week intensive, weekly classes will be just 1 hour and focus on drilling & rehearsing!
Students also have access to a free open gym Nov to April, where they can work on their routines independently with coach supervision.
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 in November and record all performances. The video recordings are sent to Aerialympics be judged against other virtual competitors and receive feedback. This is the first competition of the Season.
- We plan to participate in two in-person competitions each Season. Our targeted dates are Jan/Feb & March/April. Exact dates are determined by the Aerialympics schedule and 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 CoachES!
- Meet Coach Tess
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Tess discovered aerial in 2012 and she earned first place in Advanced Silks at the 2023 Aerialympics Nationals! Her experience spans silks, lyra, trapeze, sling, and partner acrobatics.
With 17 years of dance training and two years of collegiate UDA competition experience, she brings a strong foundation in technique, choreography, and stage presence.
Tess is excited to help athletes refine their skills, build confidence, and create captivating competition routines!
- Meet Coach Andria
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Andria began her aerial journey in 2017 and has trained extensively in silks, lyra, sling, trapeze, straps, and numerous other apparatuses.
Her training spans respected aerial programs throughout Colorado and the Northeast, giving her a versatile approach to technique and creative movement.
As ACOD’s Programs & Productions Director, Andria brings a strong eye for artistry, choreography, and performance. She is excited to help competition team athletes develop their skills and bring their creative visions to life!
Want to train with us?
Join a youth or adult session and get into performing arts in Denver!
