Jess O’Connor is a talented, dynamic and versatile circus artist. Following a successful career in gymnastics, she studied at The National Centre for Circus Arts in London where she specialised in swinging trapeze. She has also undertook extensive training in a range of other circus skills including aerial hoop, silk, rope, static trapeze, spanish web & acrobatics.

Jess’ versatility as a performer is reflected in her work, ranging from large scale corporate events, festivals and parades, to music videos and nightclubs. She has performed all over the world as both a soloist and as part of an ensemble. An experienced tutor in a multitude of aerial and acrobatic disciplines she has shared her knowledge with people of all ages. 

Jaine is a passionate circus educator, having designed curriculum and resources for safe and inclusive circus pedagogy. She loves working with students of all levels to facilitate creativity, community, and a space for people to build a positive relationship with their bodies. Additionally, she coaches at a high technical level in her specialty disciplines, contributing to multiple studios in her home city of Tāmaki Makaurau. She is a contemporary circus performer with a rich artistic portfolio, touring both Aotearoa and internationally. Jaine specializes in dynamic aerial silks, straps, and hula hoop and has enjoyed the opportunity to apply her skills to a diverse range of projects, developments, and shows

Tess approaches circus with curiosity and creativity and invites students to do the same. She will help you find your own unique way of moving in the air, through exploration, expression and excitement. With over a decade of experience in performing and teaching aerial dance, she offers classes in Aerial Silks, Lyra and Dance Trapeze with Aracnation.

For Rebecca, 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.

Gaby began her aerial journey in 2016 full of curiosity -and a whole lot of fear. Initially she fell in love with aerial silks, and in the past few years that love has expanded to other apparatuses like aerial straps, dance trapeze, hammock and most recently Lyra. Gaby’s background in yoga, and her passion for body awareness and therapeutic movement are an integral part of the way she learns and teaches aerials. With a focus on exploration and joy, Gaby hopes to inspire people of all ages, abilities, and sizes, to join her in the self-discovery adventure of aerial arts.

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 Aerial 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.

Nomes stumbled on aerial in 2019 after a back injury, and aerial seemed like more fun for core strengthening than the gym. After 3 months, they finally managed to invert, and haven't looked back! 

Nomes' main apparatus are dance trapeze and dual corde. They enjoy experimenting with  pathways and exploring different ways to use an apparatus to tell a story. 

They love creating and facilitating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to find joy in movement, to explore ideas, and to create and share their own stories. 

Annabelle started learning aerial silks in 2015 at Aracnation. 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. While aerial arts has become a passion, Annabelle also enjoys the inclusive and inviting community that Aracnation embodies. 

Teaching intro and beginner classes since 2021, Annabelle is excited to help new students discover circus arts and begin their aerial journey. She also continues to progress her own aerial knowledge in Aracnation's advanced classes.