Aerialist Ella Webb, 11, looks for funding to support her nationals journey

Just two years into her circus art journey, an 11-year-old aerialist is no stranger to first place in competitions across the state. Now, her vision is set on becoming Australia’s best.

With just two year’s experience under her belt, eleven-year-old Ella Webb is headed to the national championships for aerial silks next year, a circus art performed on a long suspended fabric.

The Bells Bridge local’s obsession with aerial silks began when she saw it performed at a Christmas in the Park two years ago.

Ever since, she’s been training six days a week, sometimes four hours at a time, gracefully suspended above the ground on a long silk piece.

Ella won first place at the 2024 Regionals Solo competition, and first for both a solo and duo routine at Bend the Air regionals in 2025.

Ella Webb (right) won first place at place at the 2024 Regionals Solo. Picture: Heidi Webb

Now she has qualified for the Bend the Air nationals competition in the Sunshine Coast from January 13-18, 2026, for both a solo, and duo routine with fellow aerialist Kingsley.

Ella’s mother Heidi Webb, a kindergarten teacher at Parkside Early Learning, said Ella went to Victory College but is now homeschooling to focus on her aerial goals.

“It is a huge juggling act with 6am training, midday private coaching lessons and sometimes afternoon training,” Ms Webb said.

Ella has been selling plants, landscaping and fundraising to cover the cost of training, and her mother has started a Gofundme campaign to further support her journey to nationals.

Ella Webb said she is looking to add more routines to her circus act repertoire, including hoop and hammock. Picture: Heidi Webb

The young talent said she was also looking to add more routines to her repertoire, including hoop and hammock.

Ella said her circus school Aerial Dreaming is “the best in Australia”, and wished to thank her various sponsors for their support.

“I love this sport and I believe in this sport with all my heart,” she said.