Why Aerial Arts is the Fastest Growing Performance Art

In various performance venues audiences have been delighted to see aerial artists flying around on silks or hoops. When seeing this, almost everyone is in awe and amazed at the skills and expertise that these people have while they dance through the sky. Many people want to know what it's called, how you get training, where do you start, and what else is needed to learn these skills and to be able to perform in this incredible artform. For over 7 years, students at South Coast Conservatory, in Laguna Niguel, have been thriving in the art form known as "Aerial Arts". And now it is the fastest growing art form internationally.

Before we go any further, let's answer the common question,"what is aerial arts?" Aerial Arts is a type of practice or performance in which one or more artists perform aerial dance and acrobatics while hanging from a fabric, hoop, span sets, and other apparatuses.

Aerial Arts is a complete full body discipline, using arms and legs to climb while maintaining core stability during the numerous poses, reversals and falls. Daily conditioning and stretching is recommended outside of the aerial arts class. Aerial dance originates from circus arts and ballet and also requires the technical expertise of dance taught in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance.

Aerial Arts appeals to both dancers and "yogis"

Aerial arts has gotten the attention of students of dance and yoga and now many dance and yoga studios offer aerial classes. However, the focus in aerial arts is quite different for a yoga studio versus dance studio.

First let's discuss the most common confusion “ the difference between aerial yoga and aerial dance. 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.

For many beginners, they start with an aerial hammock. This gives students a chance to gain a better understanding of what aerial arts is before practicing with Aerial silks and hoops.

Aerial Arts appeals to different skill levels

Aerial arts can be enjoyed by a multitude of skill levels. This is made possible through different types of fabrics and the way they are hung. Fabric for aerial silks and hammock are very similar, although the material may differ across different sellers. Some fabrics may be stretchy, some may be rougher. The fabric changes as your skills increase. And you can hang these fabrics differently based on the skills you are working on or performing. For example, one of the main differences between aerial silks and aerial hammock is the way you hang it. If you tie the ends of the silk and hang them up to anchor points, then you have a hammock. Or you 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 in a low ceiling environment you may need to make it shorter. Some people use silks as a conditioning apparatus to practice climbing and building a strong foundation for aerial arts.

Aerial Hoop

The Aerial Hoop, also known as a Lyra hoop, is a circus apparatus used to perform beautiful movements, tricks and shapes in the air. Aerial Lyra hoops are perfect for everyone, from beginners following an instructor in a class to professionals performing in large settings. Aerial hoops are typically made with hollow stainless steel wrapped in specific aerial hoop tape.

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. You can practice aerial on a spiral, cube or sphere.

Some competitions require candidates to perform on an untaped hoop, which some aerialists prefer. But some aerialists prefer the fraction from the tape because it makes them feel safer, especially when they start sweating. Taping your hoop can make it quite sticky right after taping though.

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, in the right learning environment you can learn to face your challenge and discover the beauty and joy of Aerial Arts.

Many students, regardless of age, may feel weak or clumsy before they begin training. But this is precisely what attracts and motivates people to learn aerial arts. Some students love it so much they continue to train and advance to a professional level and start performing. Other students simply train because it makes them feel happier and healthier.

How To Start Aerial Arts

Aerial arts can be dangerous, especially if you don't have any experience. If you don't know what you are doing, you can get seriously injured.

To start aerial arts, take an in-person lesson. While it'll be easier if you already have a background in dance or gymnastics, it's not necessary. If there isn't a studio near you that offers in-person lessons, you can try taking aerial classes during your travels, like in LA, Las Vegas, Europe, etc. Taking master classes can also provide students new perspectives on ways to improve skills.

Our beginning students start their lessons on the hammock because it's what most students feel the safest doing. Then students grow into skills on hoops and silks. All classes require conditioning and stretching to prepare the body. Students also enroll in classes, such as ballet, acrobatics, stretching and conditioning. After taking group lessons, you may want to start training privately to work on your individual skills and tricks unique to your strengths and goals.

While you build up your confidence, strength, and flexibility, you may want to see how you can extend your practice at home. Talk to your professional instructor about which rigging and apparatuses are safe for use in your home. Then follow consistent exercises to increase your flexibility and strength. DO NOT practice new tricks at home! New tricks should be taught by an experienced professional with the additional safety equipment needed when learning new skills.

After you have considered all factors for your child it's time to choose your school, enroll, and watch your child grow. Join our award winning school, voted Best Studio for 15 years in a row, and CHANGE YOUR LIFE THROUGH AERIAL ARTS!