22 Oct Everything You Need to Know About Aerial Arts

Posted at 20:58h in Progress by Eunice

 

If you’re a beginner to aerial arts, you may be wondering “what is aerial arts?” In this post, I’ll share with you some basic background information on aerial arts and how a beginner can do amazing tricks in the air.

Everything I discuss today is based on my personal opinion of the craft. But I hope my humble experience will help you gain a better understanding of what aerial arts is and if it’s right for you.

What is Aerial Arts?

Aerial arts originates from circus arts, but you don’t need to be in a circus to get a taste of what it’s like to fly in the air. First let’s discuss the most common confusion – the difference between aerial yoga and aerial dance.

Aerial Yoga vs. Aerial Dance

Many dance and yoga studios offer aerial classes, but the focus of the two is actually quite different.

When you take out the word aerial, you’re left with yoga vs. dance. They’re not the same thing and the same applies to aerial yoga and aerial dance.

Aerial yoga is a branch of yoga that utilizes the hammock to aid in yoga practice, whereas aerial dance uses the hammock and other tools like aerial hoops to dance.

My first experience using an aerial hammock was when I took an aerial yoga lesson. At the time, I didn’t know what to expect in an aerial dance class, and yoga seemed less intimidating to start. Starting this way gave me the chance to gain a better understanding of what aerial arts was before I started practicing hammock dance and aerial sling.

On aerialpractice, I share aerial dance on the hammock, sling, and hoop, as well as stretching and fitness routines to enhance your practice.

Aerial Silks vs. Aerial Hammock

The fabric for silks and hammock are very similar, although the material may differ across different sellers. One of my sets is stretchy, but I’ve also used rougher fabric than what I have.

One of the main differences between aerial silks and aerial hammock is the way you hang it. If I tie ends and hang them up to anchor points, then I have a hammock.

Or I can add a figure 8 to hang it as silks.

The length of the fabric you need depends on how you plan to use it and how much space you have for it. Standard aerial silks are approximately 9 meters long. But I have a low ceiling environment, so the only set I can use as silks is my 7 meter long set.

Aerial Hoop

There are a variety of types of aerial hoops, as well as tools that are similar to aerial hoop but not quite the same. They all have different points and shapes that give you different possibilities for what you can do in the air.

I primarily use single point hoops because of the types of tricks I do.

 

Is Aerial Arts for You?

Keep in mind with any apparatus in aerial arts, it can be uncomfortable at first. But the more you practice, the more familiar you are, and the more you can explore.

Regardless of what you’re interested in trying, there will always be a reason not to. Whether you’re lacking strength or flexibility, or you’re simply afraid of being in the air, I believe you can learn to face your challenge if it makes you happy.

Before I started aerial arts, I was weak and clumsy, but this was my motivation! I’m not trying to advance to a professional level and start performing. I’m simply trying to do what makes me feel happier and healthier everyday.

 

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How to Get Started

Check out the 28 days morning stretch challenge to help you build up your beginner flexibility, Top10 stretch series for specific flexibility goals, and aerialist workouts to help you build strength.

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