CircusFit Deptford needs money to build two state of the art aerial fitness studios in the heart of Deptford, at Deptford Market Yard. This money will provide a unique indoor rig, gymnastic floor, aerial equipment, storage cupboards, ballet barres, mirrors, toilets and shower room, and kitchen. The unique space will have 60 timetabled classes per week including daily subsidised classes for families, young people, seniors and adults on low income: CircusFit Kids, Flyers, Sensory Circus Mums & Babies, Baby Massage, Pre & Post natal Aerial Yoga, Aerial Relaxation, Aerial Pilates, Dynamic Aerial Yoga, CircusFit Ninjas, Trapeze FIT, Ballet Barre, Mat Pilates, Mat Yoga. Aerial fitness health benefits include: joint & spinal decompression, stress relief, improved sleep, improved cardiovascular fitness, improved muscular strength & coordination, relief from joint and back pain including chronic pain conditions. CircusFit provides teacher trainings, mentoring & apprenticeships for 16-25 yr olds

What we'll deliver:

• Early morning and late evening classes for residents and businesses
• Flagship educational training space for CircusFit teacher trainings
• Meeting place for under 5s and their carers
• Professional development education space
• Affordable aerial fitness & holistic classes for all
• After school children's classes and holiday workshops
• Classes for people with disabilities & chronic pain
• Facilitate work placements twice a year and one apprenticeship
• Pioneer aerial arts workshops and performances in Deptford

Why it's a great idea:

Until now aerial fitness and aerial arts classes have been limited to individuals with mid to high incomes. Aerial arts studios charge between £15-£30 for a class. CircusFit Deptford's community classes will cost £5 for adults, £3 for children & seniors. CircusFit was created by Hester Campbell, Deptford resident, in 2013 when she was working as Group Studio Manager for Gymbox. Hester has always wanted to bring CircusFit home to Deptford. When the Deptford Project development began next to Hester's home (The Deptford Housing Co-op) she put in a proposal for the two largest commercial units to be home to CircusFit Deptford. In 2014 Hester launched CircusFit Aerial Fitness teacher training provider with ActiveIQ. 3 years later, Hester has trained almost 200 instructors in UK & Europe. The benefits that are being shared in numerous communities are yet to come home to Deptford, South London. CircusFit Deptford's purpose is to serve the community, and be a hub of inspirational activity!!

Steps to get it done:

• Architects designs of CircusFit Deptford have been drawn up and approved
• Current equipment inventory includes: 7 aerial hammocks, 6 static trapeze, 2 ropes, 1 silks
• The proposal for CircusFit Deptford has been accepted by Deptford Market Yard
• Two quotes have been sourced for the building of the aerial frame
• Mother and baby groups in Deptford and New Cross are waiting to book for the baby circus classes
• Parents and children from Tidemill Academy in Deptford are waiting to book into adult and children's classes
• The space is ready to start building the internal aerial frame, toilets, showers, kitchen and storage
• The tenancy lease agreement has been drawn up and is ready to sign
• There is a large mailing list of people wanting to know the opening date and to book on to classes
• There is a waiting list of students wanting to enrol on the next CircusFit Teacher Trainings

Hester has always been passionate about movement and art in the community. She studied dance at Lewisham College and then BA (Hons) Dance Theatre at Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Dance & Music. Whilst a student at Laban, Hester volunteered on numerous community dance projects including the magnificent production ‘Power & Passion’ performed by 200 London school children at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, choreographed by Royston Maldoom. She benefitted from youth dance apprenticeship and mentoring schemes with London Youth Dance. Hester was a regular visitor to The Deptford Project Train Cafe with her young daughter, and many other mums and toddlers in the area. The Train Cafe has been sorely missed. CircusFit will be a centre that can fill that hole. With activities and open mornings for mums with young children, after school activities, evening classes for adults, learning & work experience opportunities for students of local schools & college.