JASMINE PAPPRILL - AERIALIST

Aerialist and St Mary's Bay local, Jasmine Papprill is a “friendly, driven” performing arts/fitness professional with a great sense of humour.


Aerialist Jasmine Papprill is a “friendly, driven” performing arts/fitness professional with a great sense of humour.

She is family-focused and loves being a mother to her seven-year-old son. Jasmine enjoys a fine balance of country and city life, saying, “You can’t beat a good swim in the ocean or seeing a fantastic live theatre show!” Jasmine’s desire is to spread awareness of aerial silks and the great benefits the discipline has on overall mind-body wellbeing, around New Zealand.

How did you come to be an aerialist?
Four years ago I came back from a week-long silent meditation retreat and wanted to make some changes in my life. My aim was to get fit whilst one day being able to fulfill my dream to perform again. I remember seeing aerial silks being performed in a show and decided that’s what I wanted to take up! I didn’t even know what it was called but eventually I found out and sourced a class in East Auckland.

What do you love about your job?
My job is so varied! It ranges from fielding enquiries to performing in front of 15,000 people. What I love most is the creative aspect: pulling together a costume, music and theming for a performance at an event. Creating art with my body to inspire others feels pretty good too!

What do you find challenging?
One of the most challenging things is teaching multi-levelled students at one time. As aerial silks is so one-on-one, class sizes are small and we can have an absolute beginner along with a more advanced student. You do learn to adapt while trying to keep an eye on everyone. Another challenge is maintaining high fitness levels and regular flexibility training around a busy life.

How do you differ from other aerialists?
I went on a trip over to the New England Centre for Circus Arts in the United States at the beginning of last year for a seven-day intensive aerial silks teacher-training course. The techniques I learned in this course were so valuable and I got to meet some amazing circus teachers and artists. I have not been a gymnast/dancer all my life as many aerialists are. I am a business woman with a corporate background who turned her passion into a fun job.

Can you share an anecdote about one of your performances?
I would have to say the most exhilarating performance was being in front of a huge crowd at Christmas at the Bowl, New Plymouth in 2014. That venue was just breathtaking! I was performing at a height of approximately 5m which is higher than normal. The crowd had all their candles lit and I just felt like I was there all by myself because I couldn’t see anyone in the dark. I had a GoPro on my head, which was a bit of a pain as I did have to make sure it wasn’t going to fling off when I did a drop!

What do you do to care for yourself?
My life is all about balance - being a Libran this is so important to me. I eat a normal diet consisting of meat, veg and plenty of water. I ensure I spend quality time with nature and family and friends. I believe a life based on rewards for hard work is the key to happiness.

What’s your advice to people seeking to learn aerial silks?
Just come and try it! I run new student intake classes every fortnight on a Sunday. If you love aerial silks you can sign up for a 10-week term which is run on a Wednesday evening. You do need to start building your strength and flexibility on the ground as you learn aerial silks, but this can be done at home, in the gym or even at your local park.

ARACNATION AERIAL FITNESS + ENTERTAINMENT, 20 St Marys Road,
T: 09 845 1182, www.aracnation.co.nz