We are a team of aerial artists and instructors passionate about bringing aerial arts to our community. We pride ourselves in providing fun and fulfilling experiences in a warm, friendly, and inclusive environment.

Originally from Mexico, Gaby has been calling New Zealand home since 2005.  A bit of a geek and definitely quirky, Gaby is all about collaborative work within and outside the organisation. She is passionate about trauma informed practice and, community circus and its principles which strongly influence her work. Gaby has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over twenty years. She is a certified Counsellor, aerial silks, somatic movement, and aerial yoga instructor, yoga practitioner, storyteller, performer, feminist, queer, mother, partner, friend, relentless student, and chocolate lover.

Alex has dreamed about running away with the circus since he was 9 years old. Obsessed with Cirque Du Soleil, Alex auditioned for the school choir by singing the theme song from Algeria, practiced competitive gymnastics and has visions of creating his own circus show. Alex discovered Aracnation in 2019 and began learning Ariel’s silks and has had so much fun we haven’t been able to get rid of him! Alex joined us as a new teacher in 2022 and he is thrilled to get others hooked on the circus arts the same way he is, while continuing to learn and grow his own skills.

Mitchell is a renowned international acrobat, entertainer, and ringmaster who began his professional career in 2008. He has performed at major events such as the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup, and worked with world’s best known DJ’s at Australia's prestigious nightclub, Pacha at the Ivy Lounge. Mitchell also founded his own agency, Strongman Circus Entertainment, and taught aerial acrobatics at Lee Academy. He has received numerous accolades, including being nominated for "Best Ringmaster" and "Top Male Artist" at the 2017 Australian Circus Awards. Mitchell now resides in New Zealand full time as an Event Coordinator and Producer.

Emi started aerial silks training at Aracnation in 2017. Her love for defying gravity soon transferred to the trapeze, an apparatus with which she is best able to embody a dramatic, temperamental personality best described as ‘Might and Magic’.

Dedicated to strength training, Emi spends much time on the ground powerlifting. When she’s not over, under, or on a bar, Emi might teach the occasional beginner class. She is especially interested in developing personalised strength and conditioning programmes for aerialists.

Her work with Aracnation lies in the geeky domain of software and digital content management, and dabbling in creative production.

Meet Lee, a student of Aracnation with a passion for Aerial arts and marketing. Lee took her first step into the fascinating world of Aerial arts during her search for a fitness activity (one where she doesn't need to go to a gym!). 

Was she initially nervous? Yes! Does she regret it? No! Her sincere hope is to see others enjoy Aerial arts, as she does. 

Fun fact: Till this day, she's still scared of heights

Getting aerial fit was a side necessity to her dream of performing. Over the years she’s learnt so much about the physical and psychological approach to aerial arts; learning the right way we can get better results from our hard work. She wants her students to learn in a safe and supportive environment, and feel a sense of achievement. Nothing is instant in circus arts; but with patience and dedication we can amaze ourselves with what we can accomplish.

Annabelle started learning aerial silks in 2015 at Aracnation when it was based at the Leys Institute gymnasium. She found it encouraging that most of the students had started silks well into adulthood. It wasn't long before she realised it was her favourite way of keeping fit (while having fun!), and practised at every opportunity.

Annabelle is part of the marketing team, she is our communications and publicity coordinator.

Tess is a storyteller who creates intimate and innovative art in the air. Raised in Auckland and schooled by the world, Tess has spent her circus career collaborating and creating in almost every continent. From cabaret to contemporary, her work likes to wander between the worlds of circus, dance and theatre and she has teams up with artists of all kinds to bring her visions to life; from spoken word poets, to NASA engineers, to tesla coil musicians. She has developed shows with aerial dance and theatre companies in North America and performed in some of Europe’s biggest big tops. She loves the community she finds in creative danglers everywhere and is passionate about developing circus arts practice in Aotearoa