Perth teenager Natalia Ciffolilli, 14, will represent Australia at the International Aerial Arts World Championships in Aruba next month, the only Western Australian selected for the inaugural Team Australia.
National Success Leads to Invitation
The Chisholm Catholic College student received an invitation from the Australian Aerial Arts Organisation after a standout year, including winning national titles in three sections—lyra, silks, and acrobat—at the Bend the Air Championships on the Sunshine Coast in January. This achievement earned her a place on the nine-athlete team heading to Aruba for the championships on August 22.
Rapid Rise in Aerial Arts
Natalia had been training in lyra—aerial manoeuvres on a suspended hoop—with Kinetica Circus for only 10 months before claiming the national title. Australian Aerial Arts Organisation president Litton Battersby praised her technical ability and dance background, saying, "Her story is pretty incredible. For me, it was her lines, her execution and her technique, which you can see a lot of in a gymnast or dancer."
Pushing for Olympic Recognition
Battersby handpicked the team through an invite-only selection, hoping this is the beginning of a broader push to have aerial arts recognised as a competitive sport. "We are hoping that in a couple of years, or even 10, we can apply for this to be an Olympic sport," he said.
Natalia's Perspective
Natalia described being the only athlete selected from Western Australia as "an incredible honour." She said, "It’s a rewarding reminder of what hard work, dedication and commitment can achieve in a short period of time. I’m excited to represent both Western Australia and Australia on the world stage."
She expressed gratitude to her parents, coach Madeleine Stuckey, and The Performance Company owner Raquel Muia, who have supported her journey. "My parents have always believed in me and have given me every opportunity to develop my skills," Natalia said. "My coach, Madeleine Stuckey, and The Performance Company owner, Raquel Muia, have been with me since the beginning of my aerial journey."
Coach's Praise
Raquel Muia, creative director of The Performance Company and Perth Wildcats Hall of Fame inductee, has watched Natalia grow over 12 years. "She started with me as a little toddler and now has grown into this wonderfully artistic performer," Muia said. She noted Natalia's commitment, training at least five days a week with around eight hours of aerial training plus intensive dance classes. "She’s really dedicated and once she sets her mind to something, that’s it. That’s where she’s headed," Muia added.
Goals for the World Championships
Natalia said her biggest goal is personal growth. "My biggest goal at the World Championships is to become the best version of myself that I can be. 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."
