Aerial silks
Aerial silks — also called aerial fabric or aerial tissue — is a circus art performed on two long lengths of fabric hung from a high point. You climb, wrap the fabric around your body to hold poses and, with practice, unroll from the wraps in controlled drops. It is taught in small groups, with the coach close by to help and to catch you if needed.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Real strength in the hands, arms, shoulders and core — you lift your own weight.
- Flexibility, especially in the shoulders and hips, and for the splits.
- Coordination and memory: each sequence is a chain of wraps done in a set order.
- Courage and focus, as you work step by step higher off the ground.
- Performance: many studios hold shows where students present a routine.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- The studio provides the silks, the rigging and thick crash mats beneath them.
- Leggings that cover the legs and a fitted top that covers the armpits — the fabric can burn and pinch bare skin.
- No zips, buttons, jewellery or long nails. Tie your hair back.
- No lotion or oil on your skin, as it makes the fabric slippery. Some studios use a grip aid; ask before you bring your own.
- You train barefoot. Bring water.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- 60–90 minutes, in small groups so that everybody gets time on the fabric.
- A warm-up and conditioning on the floor — shoulders, grip, core — then work on the silks.
- Beginners start low: basic holds, a foot lock, the first way to climb, and poses a short way above the mat.
- Each class adds a new element or links elements into a short sequence. Drops come only when the coach says you are ready.
- It ends with stretching. Bruises and sore hands after the first classes are common and ease as your body gets used to the fabric.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- People who want to try something acrobatic and beautiful. You do not need to be strong to start; strength comes with practice.
- Dancers, gymnasts and climbers.
- Children and teenagers — many studios run separate classes for them.
- Anybody who has tried Aerial yoga and wants to go further; the Aerial hoop is another way in.
- It is less suited to anybody with a shoulder, elbow or wrist injury, or in pregnancy — ask your doctor first and tell the coach. If you are afraid of heights, say so: you can stay low for as long as you need.