25-year-old entrepreneur to open new dedicated aerial arts studio in Leeds city centre

A brand new performing arts studio dedicated to aerial arts, including aerial hoop and aerial silks, is set to open in Leeds city centre later this month.

The studio has been established by 25-year-old Lorna Mackinder, who has been teaching aerial arts since 2013 when she set up Leeds Aerial Arts after being awarded a £500 ‘Kickstart’ bursary for equipment by Yorkshire Dance.

Miss Mackinder, who has a degree in Dance with Aerial Performance and is due to complete a Masters in Dance Education with the Royal Academy of Dance, has previously utilised space at several dance studios across Leeds, including Yorkshire Dance and Leeds University.

She said: “I have built up a strong and loyal customer base but I have been limited by the availability of suitable studio space and the problem of not having a permanent base for my aerial rig.

“Having my own studio will enable me to offer more classes, in more aerial disciplines to more people. It’s going to take my business to new heights!”

A purpose-built aerial rig has been installed in the new 1000 sq ft studio, which forms part of a newly renovated former Edwardian Sunday School on Cross York Street in the Kirkgate area of Leeds.

The team of instructors at Leeds Aerial Arts, which opens on 24th June, will be offering classes, for people of all ages and abilities, in Aerial Hoop, Trapeze, Silks and Aerial Yoga Trapeze.

Miss Mackinder added: “There are six weeks fundamentals courses for people completely new to aerial and also youth classes suitable for children from as young as seven years old.

“We are also planning a daytime baby-friendly aerial course for new parents to get back into exercise with other new parents.”

She added: “Learning aerial skills provides a unique full body workout designed to build strength, muscle tone and improve flexibility. It is a great, fun way to improve fitness, work with others and push yourself to new limits. And you don’t need to have great upper body strength, this will improve along the way.”

Miss Mackinder has used crowdfunding to raise money for her new venture.