'I feel like it’s meant to be': Eight-year-old Emirati acrobat finds her feet in the air

Eight-year-old Jawaher Essa Sharafi has discovered a passion for aerial acrobatics, performing on suspended hoops and hammocks at Aerial Lab in Arjan, Dubai. Having already competed internationally, she became the first Emirati to do so at the IAAA Grand Open Cup in Belgrade, Serbia, in September. Only two years into formal training, Jawaher's enthusiasm for the sport is evident as she twists, twirls, and drops from the hoop, describing it as "the best" due to its challenge and uniqueness among aerial equipment.

Her mother, Fatma Almadani, has been instrumental in her daughter's journey, introducing her to aerial arts at a young age and eventually enrolling her in classes at Aerial Lab when she was six. Initially, Jawaher watched her mother teach and train, gradually developing her skills and confidence to join her mother's classes. The transition proved difficult at times, particularly when learning moves that required her to turn upside down, but Jawaher's mother encouraged her to push through the uncertainty.

One particular challenge was developing the discipline required to keep her toes pointed, a skill she learned through karate but found challenging in aerial acrobatics. Jawaher attends aerial classes on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with more training sessions scheduled as competitions approach. Despite the challenges, she maintains a positive attitude, telling herself, "I can do this, no need to be worried, my teacher is here. She'll protect me, she knows what's right for me."