Meet the Masters
Presenting the Judges of Davie's
2nd Annual South Eastern Regionals
We are honored to introduce the exceptional judges who will be joining us for the 2026 Aerial Arts Society Florida South Eastern Regionals! Each brings a unique blend of professional performance, coaching, education, and competition experience, ensuring every athlete receives thoughtful, constructive, and inspiring feedback.
Ruth Esther
Owner and Head Instructor of Forever Aerial, Ruth is an accomplished coach, performer, and competitor. Her experience on both sides of the competition floor gives her valuable insight into technique, artistry, and athlete development.
Kelly Mäeve
An internationally recognized cirque and aerial artist, choreographer, educator, and apparatus designer, Kelly is known for blending contemporary circus, dance, immersive theater, and innovative aerial artistry into her work.
Lynn Spins
Beginning her aerial journey in 2014, Lynn has spent years teaching, performing, and choreographing throughout the country. Specializing in aerial hammock, Lyra, stilts, and hula hoop, she is passionate about helping students of all ages grow in their aerial practice. Welcome back Lynn!
Courtney Marie
Returning to our judging panel, Courtney has been performing since 2017 and is celebrated for her strength, dynamic Lyra performances, and expertise in silks and flying pole. She continues to inspire athletes through both performance and coaching.
Brooke Taft
An aerial educator, movement specialist, and founder of Aerial Explained, Brooke is dedicated to advancing aerial education through technical excellence, instructor development, and safe, effective training practices.
Please join us in giving these incredible artists a warm Aerial Arts Society welcome!
We are grateful for the knowledge, passion, and expertise they’ll bring to our competitors and can’t wait to see everyone take the stage this September in Davie, Florida.
Help Shape the Future
of Florida Southeastern Regionals!
We’re exploring the possibility of expanding Florida Southeastern Regionals by adding a Spring event in Davie alongside our annual Fall competition—but before making any decisions, we want to hear from you!
Would you compete in both a Fall and Spring Regional if we offered two events each year?
Your feedback will help us determine if there’s enough interest to bring even more opportunities to Florida’s incredible aerial community. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, studio owner, or parent, we’d love your input.
Please take a moment to complete our short survey using the link below. Your response will help shape the future of Aerial Arts Society competitions in Florida.
Fill out the survey using the link below!
Who We Are
Aerial Arts Society was founded by two women of color, one an immigrant, the other a first-generation American, and lifelong performers who shared a vision: to create a platform where aerialists of all ages, levels, and backgrounds could come together to perform, grow, and receive professional feedback in an inclusive, uplifting environment.
Both founders come from families of immigrants who taught them the value of resilience, hard work, and community. Balancing full-time careers, creative pursuits, and a self-funded dream, they built this society from the ground up—fueled not by sponsorships or shortcuts, but by passion, persistence, and purpose.
Their artistic roots run deep. One began performing at five, exploring everything from accordion and choir to volleyball and theatre. The other started skating competitively at four, then transitioned into piano, singing, and stage performance. Though their mediums differed, their drive was the same: to create, express, and connect through movement.
In 2013 and 2018 respectively, both founders discovered aerial arts—an art form that demanded strength, grace, storytelling, and discipline all at once. What began as a personal challenge quickly evolved into a lifelong devotion. Through years of training, performing, and competing, they witnessed firsthand the joy and transformation that aerial arts bring—and also the need for more opportunities to showcase that work in a professional, supportive setting.
When their studio closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, they refused to let the dream end there. Drawing from their backgrounds in event planning, performance, and business, they reimagined what an aerial arts platform could be. Their mission became clear: to build an accessible, welcoming space where performers could take the stage, gain valuable feedback, and continue developing their craft—whether they’re seasoned professionals or stepping into the spotlight for the first time.
That vision came to life in November of last year, when the Aerial Arts Society proudly hosted its first official event. It was a celebration of courage, creativity, and community—bringing together aerialists from across disciplines to share their artistry in a professional theatre setting. Since last November, Aerial Arts Society has hosted competitions in Boston, Chicago, Florida, and now returning back to Southern California.
Today, Aerial Arts Society stands as a testament to what passion and perseverance can build. It’s more than just a competition or showcase—it’s a movement dedicated to uplifting artists, nurturing talent, and honoring the beauty of human expression.
Built with love, sustained by dedication, and inspired by every performer who dares to take flight—this is Aerial Arts Society.
