INTO THE ORB

Kaitlyn Klepsch Aerial Arts Community Spotlight

Meet Kaitlyn Klepsch, an aerialist with a passion that soars just as high as the silks she dances upon. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Kaitlyn trains at 3Sixty Dance, where she continues to refine her skills and push the limits of what’s possible in aerial arts. Her journey is one filled with childhood wonder, personal challenges, and unshakeable dedication—an inspiring story for anyone curious about the world of aerial silks.

Growing up, Kaitlyn’s fascination with aerial arts began in the most magical of ways: through the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. “As a kid, I was in love with Cirque du Soleil,” she recalls. “I always watched it in awe of the talent and beauty.” This sense of awe never left her, and it blossomed into action when, at ages 14 to 16, she attended summer camps to try aerial silks for the first time. The experience was challenging, but Kaitlyn loved it. "Silks was the first apparatus I tried, and though it was tough, I liked it a lot," she shares.

The Beauty of Aerial Silks

Today, silks remain Kaitlyn’s favorite apparatus. “I’ve always been a silks girl,” she says. “I love how challenging yet beautiful it looks, and the combinations are endless.” There’s something uniquely mesmerizing about the way aerial silks combine strength, grace, and artistry, creating fluid movements that appear weightless, despite the intense physical effort required. Silks is an apparatus that demands both creativity and endurance, which is why it’s beloved by so many aerialists like Kaitlyn.

When asked if there are any particular aerial artists who have influenced her, Kaitlyn names two exceptional talents: Mizuki Shinagawa and Veronica Fontanella. Their styles and performances have helped shape her approach to aerial silks, pushing her to find her own rhythm in the air while taking inspiration from their grace and control.

Finding Strength in the Basics

Like all athletes, Kaitlyn’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Recently, she’s been focusing on strengthening her basics due to a rotator cuff injury. “I’ve been working on pull-ups and getting better at keeping my spins more controlled,” she explains. “I think it’s great to go back to basics so that when it comes time for bigger skills, they happen much easier.” This return to the fundamentals is a testament to her patience and perseverance—qualities that make her an even stronger artist in the long run.

As any aerialist knows, the basics are the building blocks of spectacular performances. Mastering the small, seemingly simple movements allows for greater ease and safety when executing complex drops, wraps, and sequences.

The First Performance and the Next Big Step

One of Kaitlyn’s proudest moments in her aerial career came this year when she performed in her first-ever showcase. “I only started taking aerial classes again in 2022, so getting back into it was definitely a challenge, but the showcase was the icing on the cake for all the hard work,” she says. That feeling of exhilaration and accomplishment solidified her desire to keep performing, pushing her to dream bigger and fly higher.

What’s next for Kaitlyn? She’s got her sights set on competing in aerial silks. “I think it’s a great next step for me,” she shares. “I love the creative process of making a routine come to life.” The prospect of blending artistry with competition fuels her excitement, and it’s clear that her passion for aerial silks is only growing stronger with time.

The Allure of Aerial Silks

Aerial silks, as Kaitlyn has shown us, is more than just an art form—it's a way of life. It challenges you to push your limits, builds strength and grace, and invites you to dance in the air. The journey is filled with twists, spins, and falls, but every step upward (literally) is a reminder of the beauty that comes from perseverance and creativity.

Words of Wisdom for New Aerialists

For anyone just starting out in aerial arts, Kaitlyn’s advice is simple but powerful: "Give it a try and keep at it! Consistency is key. It took me a full year before I could lift my body off the floor.” She emphasizes that progress takes time, and even when the road seems tough, the rewards are worth it. “Even if you’re not perfect, it takes time to build the skills, and eventually, it gets easier—and it’s so worth it.”

As Kaitlyn reflects on her journey, it’s clear that aerial silks have given her more than just physical strength and artistic expression; they’ve also taught her resilience, patience, and the importance of enjoying the process. Whether she’s working on mastering the basics or creating breathtaking routines, Kaitlyn’s passion for aerial silks shines through in everything she does.

Kaitlyn finishes on a positive note, saying, "I'm very excited to see what the future will bring." Everyone in the aerial community stands behind her, cheering her on as she continues to rise, knowing her journey will inspire and elevate others along the way.

@Kaitlyn_Klepsch is professionally photographed by Timpossible for all the photos using Orbsoul's Enchanted Emerald Aerial silk.