Aerial Arts
Aerial classes are strength training disguised as circus, and beginners are always surprised by how much of the first session happens close to the ground. You do not need to be strong or flexible to start — you need to be willing to hang there while your grip gives out.
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.
If it's your first time, book this one
Hammock or lyra, not silks. Silks first is how people decide they are "not strong enough" and never come back.
Before you go
What to wear
Leggings that cover the backs of your knees, and a top that covers your armpits — the fabric grips skin and it genuinely hurts otherwise. No zips, no jewellery.
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.