About Aerial Beats…
Welcome to Aerial Beats, North Shields’ home for aerial circus training!
We offer classes in Aerial Silks, Hoop, Rope, and Sling for all ages and fitness levels, creating a safe, encouraging space where you can learn new skills at your own pace. Supported by professional coaches and high safety standards, our studio is built on inclusivity, body positivity, and step-by-step progress. Whether you are trying aerial arts for the first time or developing advanced techniques, Aerial Beats is here to help you build functional strength, trust your body, and achieve things you never thought you could.
Reviews…
“My daughter has been attending AB classes for about a year. They are genuinely the highlight of her week. We had her 7th birthday party with AB and she has also done a few of the holiday camps. The coaches are so wonderful. Kind, caring and passionate about what they do. The other children in the classes are supportive and encouraged to cheer for everyone. My daughters confidence has grown so much and she talks positively about her body and her strength which I think is a real testament to the way the coaches train and teach the children."
Olivia, Google Review
“Tina, Nicola, Kathryn and the team have created such a nurturing and supportive environment at Aerial Beats Youth. It is, without exception, my girls' favourite hour of the week. They've been coming now for over three years and I could not recommend it highly enough. They absolutely love it!”
Anna, Google Review
“My daughter has been going to aerial beats for around 3 years now and absolutely loves it, one of her most favourite things to do. All the coaches are amazing and so helpful and has made some lovey friends. It’s lovely they do an end of year show so we get to watch what they get up to and it’s always an amazing show, she loves all the other opportunities she gets such as photo shoots, holiday camps and even competitions, I would definitely recommend Aerial beats to anyone no matter what age you start, the improvements she has made in her time there is amazing and we cant wait for classes to start again in the new venue”
Joanne, Instagram
We have worked with…
What?
Aerial Beats specialises in Aerial Silks, Aerial Rope (corde lisse), Aerial Trapeze, Aerial Hoop and Aerial Sling (hammock). The facility has over 7m of height, allowing you to try big drops and which means there is lots of spaces to learn the skills required. There are 8 pulley points which makes the changing of equipment easy.
Who?
Aerial Beats was founded in 2021 by professional aerialist and coach Tina Kerridge. Tina loved every second of bringing aerial arts to her home town and is so proud to see that Aerial Beats has become an established aerial school in the North east. Aerial Beats is now directed by professional aerialist, performer and coach Nicola Sims.
When?
We run weekly after school and weekend classes for children. For full timetable click here.
We have evening adult classes and weekend aerial fitness classes. To see all of the class info, including times and prices please click here.
Why?
The benefits of participating in aerial…
It will make you functionally stronger and you will find a trust in your body that you wouldn’t believe
It is great for our mental well being and mindfulness as you can’t think of anything else while in the air!
It will improve your coordination and flexibility
The aerial community is welcoming, accepting and supportive. We celebrate all of the little wins and celebrate our differences!
Where?
The classes are based at Aerial Beats, Unit 26, Mandale Business Park, Wallsend Road, North Shields, NE29 7FN. Just an 8 minute walk from Percy Main metro station.
There is a small car park at the front of the estate which can be used if no spaces are available outside the studio.
How?
You will start with the basics of aerial and once these have been mastered the coaches will start to develop and add on harder skills at a rate you feel comfortable. The coaches will also push you, as it is sometimes the fear of the unknown that hold us back from our capabilities.
Core Values
1. Safety
Our number 1 priority is the physical and emotional safety of every student and instructor. Through proper training, teaching, rigging, spotting and body awareness, we have created an environment where growth and risk-taking can happen responsibly. The rigging was installed by professional aerial riggers and is checked every 6 months to ensure it is safe for human use!
2. Inclusivity
Aerial is for everyone! We welcome all ages, genders, backgrounds and experience levels in a supportive, judgment-free space where everyone can feel empowered, respected and seen. Through aerial practice, we promote self-confidence, body awareness and celebrate what our bodies can achieve!
3. Community
Our studio thrives on shared passion, encouragement, mutual respect and zero egos. We foster a collaborative, welcoming environment where students and coaches lift each other up, share knowledge and celebrate every victory together.
4. Joy & Creativity
Progress in aerial arts takes dedication, patience and consistent effort, but the journey should be full of fun! We believe in celebrating the process, embracing challenges, and finding joy in every small victory along the way. We encourage students' creativity and unique perspectives so that they can translate that into the air.
Meet the team
Nicola
Kathryn
Natasha
Freya
Alice
Becka
Tina McIlduff…
Tina founded Aerial Beats in 2021 upon returning home to the North East. Originally a professional dancer she retrained as an aerialist at My Aerial Home in London, her career includes performing alongside Hugh Jackman at the BRIT Awards opening in The Greatest Show and directed circus camps across the US with Camp America. Having started her own aerial journey in 2015, Tina experienced firsthand how a supportive community could turn the seemingly impossible into reality. She built Aerial Beats around this exact ethos, creating an empowering space where people can build strength, achieve new goals and have fun together.
Our Story…
Our Founder
Our Director…
Nicola Sims
Nicola began her career as a professional dancer before discovering aerial in 2018. She was hooked from her very first class and has been happiest hanging upside down ever since! She spent several years performing on cruise ships around the world before settling in the North East in 2022. Teaching has always been an important part of Nicola’s life, from assisting at her local dance school from the age of 12 to teaching alongside her studies and performing career.
She loves the mix of challenge, creativity and fun that aerial brings, but most of all, she loves seeing people surprise themselves with what they can do. From children taking their first steps into the world of aerial to adults discovering a new passion, Nicola is a big believer that you’re never too old to try something different.
She’s proud to be part of the AB community and loves creating a space where people can learn, have fun and celebrate their progress, however big or small. She can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us!