Our Team
Cristiana Matos - Founder/Coach
You can find her teaching Hoop, Hammock, Silks and Flexibility Classes.
Cristiana was born and raised in Portugal, having moved to Dubai – UAE in March 2016.
Originally came to work as an Emirates Cabin Crew and very soon finding her passion into Aerial Arts and Flexibility/Mobility Training.
With no previous background, specifically in dancing or gymnastics, what started as a hobby and a way to cope with the lifestyle, became very quick the most beautiful journey of her life.
After years of training and studying, in late 2019 Cristiana decided to leave the Airline and become a Freelance Coach.
She had the opportunity to Coach numerous of people, feeling inspired and always more passionate about her job. With the purpose to break limiting mindsets, her favorite quote is “The body achieves what the mind believes”.
After 2 Years of Freelancing, with the support and encouragement of her family, friends and students, she finally decided to adventure herself in fulfilling the dream to open her own place and bring her vision to life – and that’s how Aerial Lab Studio was born.
Ksenia Klubova - Coach
You can find her teaching Contemporary Dance, Hammock and Flexibility Classes.
Ksenia was born and raised in Russia having moved to Dubai, UAE in 2018.
Dancing was always her passion and first love and as a child she was trained as a ballroom dancer and did figure skating. After getting a degree in international relations and while working for the United Nations in Vienna, Ksenia slowly and unexpectedly discovered her love for pole. Starting first as a student, she soon accomplished her first teacher training and started to teach beginner classes.
In 2018 teaching in Dubai she gradually got offered more classes in various studios. In 2020 she became a freelance coach and artist.
In 2021 she discovered a new dance programme opened in Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, got a scholarship and became one of the first 11 dancers professionally trained in the Middle East. Meeting new amazing people from all possible backgrounds, seeing them grow and challenge their limits is what inspires her on this journey.
You can find her teaching Hoop, Silks and Straps/Loops Classes.
Maria Moore - Coach
Maria is from Ukraine and she is a professional circus coach and artist with years of experience in aerial gymnastic, handstanding on canes and contortion acts.
You can expect to be mesmerized by Maria’s skills and abilities, and of course by her knowledge and passion that are reflected on her teachings. She will inspire and assist you on every step of your journey. Expect elegance, strength, professionalism, artistry and an always easy-going/friendly vibe in her classes!
She also has a bachelor degree of circus arts, circus gymnastics, aerial gymnast from Kiev Municipal Academy of Variety and Circus arts.
Christine Valencia - Coach
You can find her teaching Silks Classes.
Christine is mostly passionate about and specialized in Aerial Silks. She is known within our community to be very friendly, supportive and cheerful. She loves to help her students, guide and encourage their progress and celebrate all the wins and achievements. Her wish is to share what she loves the most while having fun and building strength and flexibility in the process.
She's from the Philippines and has been living in Dubai for more than 30 years. She has been a student at AL and her willingness to learn, develop and talent, paved her way to become a coach.
She is also currently training and completing the course:
- "Master the Silks", Womack and Bowman USA
Djakirri Crater - Coach
You can find her teaching Flexibility, Handstands and Conditioning Classes.
Djakirri is from Australia and she specializes in flexibility, calisthenics and pre/post natal training/rehabilitation.
She has a background representing Australia in trampolining. She has also competed in several Pole Dance competitions, and has years of experience training and coaching.
Her passion is to help people reach their goals while gaining strength/flexibility along the way.
Aleja Gaitan - Coach / Kids Coach
You can find her teaching Hoop, Flexibility and Kids Classes.
Aleja, originally from Colombia, is a Circus Artist and performing arts coach. She moved to Dubai, UAE, in 2022, bringing with her a deep passion for both coaching and performing. Aleja has honed her skills in various techniques, including physical theatre, floor acrobatics, acrobatic duos, aerial gymnastics, roller dance, stilt walking, and stage dramaturgy.
Currently, she is studying a dance program in Dubai, where she continues to grow and evolve.
Aleja is passionate about sharing her creativity with her students, helping them build confidence and pushing them to achieve their aerial dreams. She is committed to providing the support and challenge needed to turn those dreams into reality.