Aerial Arts
The techniques, and how they differ
Studios list all of these as “aerial arts”. They are not the same evening.
Silks (tissu)
Two long fabric tails you climb, wrap, and invert in.
Good for The iconic one. Hardest on the hands and the most grip-dependent.
Lyra (aerial hoop)
A steel hoop suspended from one or two points.
Good for Easier to get into than silks: the hoop holds you, so less pure grip strength is needed.
Hammock / sling
A loop of fabric that supports your whole body.
Good for The gentlest entry point, and the one used for aerial yoga.
Static trapeze
A bar with two ropes: sitting, hanging, and posing rather than swinging.
Good for Not the flying trapeze. Very different, and far less frightening.
Before you go
What to wear
Leggings that cover the backs of your knees, and a top that covers your armpits, because the fabric grips skin and it genuinely hurts otherwise. No zips, no jewelry.
What your hands do
Blistered and raw. Grip is the limiting factor in every beginner class.
Do you take something home
Bruises, which the whole community treats as a badge of honour.