Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
A Perth teenager will represent Australia on the world stage after becoming the only West Australian invited to join the inaugural Australian team competing in the International Aerial Arts World Championships in Aruba next month.
Fourteen-year-old Chisholm Catholic College student Natalia Ciffolilli, will join nine other athletes from across the nation in Aruba at the International Aerial Arts World Championships on August 22 after receiving an invitation from the Australian Aerial Arts Organisation following a standout year in competition.
Natalia claimed the national title in three sections — lyra, silks and acrobat — at the Bend the Air Championships on the Sunshine Coast in January, an achievement that helped earn the teenager a place on the inaugural Team Australia.
Natalia had been learning lyra — aerial manoeuvres on a suspended hoop — with Kinetica Circus, for only 10 months before taking out the national title.
Australian Aerial Arts Organisation president Litton Battersby said Natalia had long been on his radar as one of Australia’s emerging aerial athletes.
“Her story is pretty incredible,” he said, citing Natalia’s technical ability and dance background as making her stand out.
“For me, it was her lines, her execution and her technique, which you can see a lot of in a gymnast or dancer.”
Mr Battersby said that because it was the first time they have ever sent a team from Australia, he handpicked the team through an invite-only selection.
He hopes it is the beginning of a broader push to have aerial arts recognised as a legitimate competitive sport, and that establishing a national team was an important step towards future recognition.
“We are hoping that in a couple of years, or even 10, we can apply for this to be an Olympic sport.”
Natalia said being the only athlete selected from Western Australia was “an incredible honour”.
“It’s a rewarding reminder of what hard work, dedication and commitment can achieve in a short period of time,” she said.
“I’m excited to represent both Western Australia and Australia on the world stage.”
Natalia said she feels “incredibly lucky” to be surrounded by so many supportive mentors and inspiring people who have shaped both her aerial journey and who she is as a person.
“My parents have always believed in me and have given me every opportunity to develop my skills,” she said. “I’m so grateful for their constant support.”
“My coach, Madeleine Stuckey, and The Performance Company owner, Raquel Muia, have been with me since the beginning of my aerial journey.
“Their guidance and encouragement have helped me achieve everything I have so far. I’m also very thankful to my other teachers at TPC and Kinetica Circus, who have all contributed in some way or another to my achievements.”
The Performance Company creative director and Perth Wildcats Hall of Fame inductee Raquel Muia has watched Natalia grow from a toddler into an elite performer over the past 12 years.
“She started with me as a little toddler,” Ms Muia said.
“And now has grown into this wonderfully artistic performer.”
Ms Muia said Natalia’s commitment had been key to her rapid rise in the sport.
“She’s very committed and very dedicated to her art,” she said.
“So nice to see her being acknowledged and achieving this level.”
Ms Muia said Natalia trains at least five days a week, balancing intensive dance classes with around eight hours of aerial training.
“She’s really dedicated and once she sets her mind to something, you know, that’s it. That’s where she’s headed,” Ms Muia said.
Natalia said that while a strong result would be rewarding, her focus remains on performing her best.
“My biggest goal at the World Championships is to become the best version of myself that I can be,” Natalia said.
“For me it’s not just about medals or trophies, but about recognising how far I’ve come and being proud of everything I’ve achieved.”
