YMCA Thessaloniki – Aerial Acrobatics

YMCA Thessaloniki – Aerial Acrobatics

The CHANTH , YMCA of Thessaloniki, is an association dedicated to education, sport, culture and youth development. Located in the heart of Thessaloniki, Greece, it offers numerous physical and artistic activities, including a regular aerial acrobatics program called Aerial Acrobatics – Εναέρια Ακροβατικά .

The courses take place in the central building of the CHANTH, located at 1 Nikolaou Germanou Street , in Thessaloniki.

The program welcomes teenagers and adults wishing to discover aerial disciplines or deepen their practice. It is based primarily on two apparatus: the aerial swing and the aerial hoop .

The teaching combines physical preparation, acrobatic technique, mobility, coordination and body awareness.

The sessions are led by Elina Ioannou , a teacher specializing in aerial arts and body practices.

An aerial acrobatics program within the YMCA

The CHANTH is a community center offering numerous sports, cultural and educational activities.

Aerial arts are part of its offering of dance and alternative physical practices.

The program allows participants to discover contemporary circus techniques in an environment dedicated to learning movement.

It is aimed at people wishing to engage in an activity that is physical, technical and creative.

Aerial acrobatics is considered there as a means of developing strength, endurance, mobility and body control.

The teaching method prioritizes a structured progression adapted to the abilities of the participants.

The aerial swing

The aerial swing, also called aerial hammock or aerial sling , is one of the main apparatus used in the program.

It is made up of a suspended fabric that creates a loop allowing for movements above the ground.

Participants learn to familiarize themselves with this equipment and understand its different points of support.

The exercises include entries, exits, hanging positions, and initial transitions.

Learning helps develop coordination and confidence in movements.

The aerial swing also offers possibilities for fluid and expressive sequences.

The aerial hoop

The aerial hoop, or aerial hoop , is the second main apparatus in the program.

This suspended circular equipment allows for acrobatic positions and balance exercises.

Students learn to use the different supports of the hoop.

The practice develops strength, stability, and body control.

The movements can be combined into short technical sequences.

The aerial hoop also allows for the exploration of an artistic dimension of suspended movement.

A gradual introduction

Beginner courses allow you to discover the basics of aerial disciplines.

Participants first learn about the equipment and safety rules.

They then discover the fundamental techniques of suspension.

The exercises are organized progressively in order to develop the necessary strength and coordination.

The learning process includes simple figures and adapted transitions.

This progression allows you to build a solid foundation before tackling more complex movements.

Intermediate level courses

The CHAN also offers an intermediate level for people who have already acquired the basics of aerial practice.

Students can further develop their mastery of the apparatus.

The work helps to improve the fluidity of movements and the precision of positions.

The exercises develop strength, coordination, and endurance.

Participants can gradually combine several techniques into sequences.

This organization allows learning to continue beyond the initial initiation.

Security

Safety plays a central role in teaching aerial acrobatics.

Participants learn the rules for using the equipment.

They learn to control their entry and exit from the equipment.

The exercises include appropriate physical preparation and a return to calm.

The teaching takes into account the physical capabilities of each individual.

This approach promotes a careful and progressive practice of suspended movements.

Physical preparation

Aerial acrobatics particularly engage the arms, shoulders, back and core.

The classes include muscle strengthening exercises.

This training helps develop the strength needed to maintain certain positions.

Work also helps to improve endurance.

The exercises are integrated into the technical progression on the apparatus.

Physical preparation is therefore an essential component of the program.

Mobility and flexibility

Joint mobility plays an important role in the sessions.

Participants discover exercises designed to improve the range and control of their movements.

The workout combines dynamic flexibility and muscle strengthening.

This approach allows for the development of functional mobility.

It also contributes to the quality of acrobatic positions.

Flexibility is thus developed in addition to aerial techniques.

Body awareness

The program pays particular attention to the perception of the body in space.

Participants learn to recognize their points of support and control their posture.

Suspended movements require precise coordination.

The practice helps to develop proprioception, that is, the ability to perceive the position and movements of one's body.

This skill helps to improve the precision of movements.

It plays an important role in aerial progression.

An approach accessible to different bodies

The program's pedagogy is based on welcoming participants with different abilities and experiences.

The exercises can be adapted to each person's level.

Teachers offer variations and alternatives when necessary.

The goal is to allow for personal progress.

Aerial practice thus becomes an activity accessible to people with varied physical backgrounds.

This approach values learning and confidence rather than comparison between participants.

Elina Ioannou, aerial acrobatics instructor

The program is run by Elina Ioannou .

She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in the fields of philosophy, pedagogy and psychology.

She also holds a postgraduate specialization in cognitive psychology.

Her background includes activities related to learning and psychosocial development in children and adults.

Since 2012 , she has been particularly interested in observing the body in motion.

She discovered aerial disciplines in 2017 and developed her practice on several apparatuses.

Experience in several aerial disciplines

Elina Ioannou has experience with aerial swing, hoop, rope and aerial silks.

This diversity contributes to his understanding of suspended movements.

His teaching also relies on the practice of yoga, muscle strengthening and dynamic flexibility.

She pays particular attention to anatomy and body alignment.

His approach aims to develop a conscious and progressive practice.

A pedagogy based on autonomy

The teaching encourages participants to understand the movements they are performing.

Students learn to observe their sensations and identify their progress.

The exercises promote concentration and independence.

Repetition allows for the gradual improvement of technical mastery.

Participants can develop their confidence through the acquisition of new skills.

This approach combines physical learning and personal development.

The collective spirit

The courses are also designed as spaces for meeting.

Participants discover aerial disciplines in a group setting.

Education encourages respect and mutual support.

Students can share their experiences and progress together.

Creating a community of practitioners is an important dimension of pedagogy.

This approach aligns with the educational values of the YMCA.

Classes for teenagers

The aerial acrobatics program is aimed particularly at teenagers.

Practice helps develop coordination, strength and mobility.

The young people discover suspended movements and fundamental techniques.

Teaching promotes concentration and perseverance.

The exercises are adapted to the level of the participants.

Aerial arts thus offer an original physical activity combining technical learning and bodily discovery.

Adult classes

Adults can also discover the swing and the aerial hoop within the CHANTH.

The classes help to improve physical fitness and body control.

The practice develops strength, coordination and flexibility.

Participants can progress based on their experience.

The teaching combines the discovery of the apparatus and physical preparation.

Aerial acrobatics thus constitute a leisure activity that is both sporting and artistic.

Ground acrobatics for children

The CHANTH also offers a separate acrobatic gymnastics program for children and teenagers.

This activity is based on exercises in balance, strength and flexibility.

Participants discover different acrobatic positions and movements.

Working together encourages cooperation and trust.

The exercises are presented in a creative and playful way.

This activity complements the YMCA's range of acrobatic practices.

Maria Skyvalaki and acrobatic gymnastics

The acrobatic gymnastics program for children and teenagers is run by Maria Skyvalaki .

She has training in the field of fitness, yoga and Acro Yoga .

His background includes several years of teaching acrobatics to children and adults.

She is also developing the Acromements project, dedicated to acrobatic practices.

His approach combines body control, cooperation, and creativity.

A renowned dance school

The central building of the CHANTH houses a dance school recognized by the Greek Ministry of Culture .

This facility offers several dance and movement disciplines.

Aerial acrobatics fit into this artistic and sporting environment.

Participants can thus discover a practice that complements dance activities.

This proximity contributes to the diversity of courses offered within the YMCA.

The 2026–2027 season

The CHANTH aerobatic program begins on September 28, 2026 .

It includes beginner and intermediate level groups.

Classes are organized on a weekly basis.

The teaching is provided by Elina Ioannou.

This schedule confirms the continuity of air activity during the 2026–2027 school year.

A sports and cultural center in the heart of Thessaloniki

The CHANTH is located at 1 Nikolaou Germanou Street , in the center of Thessaloniki.

Its building hosts numerous sporting, cultural and educational activities.

Participants can discover several physical and artistic practices there.

Aerial acrobatics courses are a specialty of this association's offering.

The program helps to raise awareness of contemporary circus aerial arts among teenagers and adults.

An accessible aerial circus practice

Through its Aerial Acrobatics program, the YMCA Thessaloniki offers a structured introduction to aerial disciplines.

The swing and the hoop are the two main learning apparatus.

The sessions combine safety, physical preparation, mobility and technical progression.

The teaching prioritizes accessibility, autonomy, and the development of confidence.

In addition to its acrobatic gymnastics activities for young people, the CHANTH thus participates in the transmission of acrobatic techniques in an associative, educational framework open to different audiences.