A 'huge' year lies ahead for Macclesfield's original pole fitness and aerial hoop studio.

Kiera Leigh, owner of Cosmic Aerial Arts, is looking forward to a jam-packed 2026, with a busy calendar of workshops, showcases and community events.

The 24-year-old has been teaching for over five years now and is hoping to help others unlock their inner performer.

She said: "I began my aerial journey with hoop. It was something that I had always found fascinating but just never thought would be something you could find in Cheshire! I had been a dancer for my entire life but it didn't quite scratch the itch I had. 

"Growing up, my great grandfather used to tell me all about how my ancestors were circus folk and I always dreamed about being able to do the things you see there for myself one day. 

"When I stumbled across my first aerial class, everything just seemed to fall into place!"

Explaining what pole fitness and aerial hoop involves, Kiera continued: "They are full-body workouts that combine strength, flexibility and fluidity, but honestly, they're so much fun that you forget you're even exercising!

"You can think of them as part dance, part acrobatics, part circus arts.

"You don't need any prior experience, a particular body type, or a special level of fitness to get started either. 

"Just come along to a class with a willingness to try something a little different and learn something totally unique!"

History of Cosmic Aerial Arts

Cosmic first opened its doors in 2018 as the first and only business of its kind in the Macclesfield area.

Middlewich resident Kiera joined as a student the following year, when the studio she had previously attended in Congleton closed down.

" I found Cosmic when searching for a new studio and fell in love immediately," Kiera said.

Within a year, the owner of Cosmic had asked Kiera if she had any interest in teaching.

Keira said: "I was only 19 at the time but I was so excited by the opportunity that I took it.

"Teaching very quickly became my biggest passion. I loved everything about it and particularly loved the community we were building at Cosmic."

Some unfortunate events in the previous owner's personal life led to her deciding to close the studio.

"At just 21, I wasn't at all sure how to go about running a studio, but I loved the place so much that I knew I had to try!" Kiera added.

"I poured my heart and soul into the place, in the hopes of keeping the studio that means so much to me alive. And here we are, so many years later!"

Today, Kiera works full time alongside running the studio.

Inclusivity

Inclusivity is key at Cosmic.

Kiera describes it as the core foundation of what they are and what they do.

She said: "I, myself, am a queer, disabled and neurodivergent person, so finding somewhere that feels safe and welcoming is of the utmost importance to me.

"Across my other instructors, we represent several races, body types, sexualities and health conditions. We want to show the world that aerial is for everybody and that Cosmic is a safe space for all."

Kiera continued: "Beyond inclusivity, our values really come down to community, confidence and happiness.

"We want every single person who trains with us to leave feeling stronger, not just physically, but in themselves.

"We pride ourselves on lifting each other up, celebrating every win no matter how small, and making sure that every class feels as much like a safe social space as it does a workout.

"Cosmic is more than a fitness studio, it's a community, and that means everything to us!"

Cosmic offer a wide variety of classes to suit all abilities.

• Pole Fitness - mixed ability and beginner level classes
• Aerial Hoop - mixed ability and beginner level classes
• Heels & Flow - classes aimed at learning pole dance rather than fitness
• Hoop Flow - classes aimed at learning full routines on the hoop
• Stretch & Flex - classes aimed at helping you develop your flexibility in a safe way
• Strength & Conditioning - classes aimed at helping you build strength on and off of the apparatus
• Conditioning & Mobility - classes combining the two above
• Tricks In Heels - classes combining pole fitness with heels dance
• Open Training - classes for students to attend and train whatever skill and/or apparatus they want, with the assistance of a trained instructor
• Cosmic Juniors and Cosmic Teens - classes combining pole, hoop and general acrobatics for children aged 6 and up!

Cosmic will be offering workshops and miniature performances at MaccPride in July (Credit: Supplied)

Plans for 2026

Kiera said: "Where do we begin? 2026 is a huge year for Cosmic!

"We will be continuing to run monthly workshops with incredible aerialists, burlesque artists and drag queens from across the UK and beyond. 

"In May, we will be running our biannual showcase for the community and the public at large to show off our incredible students.

"The theme this time is 'To The Movies!' and will be running on the 16th May 2026 at 7pm! Tickets will be available on our website soon!

"In July, you can catch us at MaccPride for the second year running! We will be offering workshops and miniature performances for anybody to watch and join in on.

"You can even catch us at the Treacle Market, starting this month!"

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