For your first class of aerial silks, wear leggings and a tank top. Double-check the clothing for zippers or other abrasive decorations. If the clothing item you want to wear has a zipper, choose something else. Zippers and rings can get caught on the fabric, causing injury to you or the aerial silk (rips, snags, or holes in the silk can discontinue the use of that silk).
Running Away with the Circus in Pittsburgh
In 2017, I “ran away” to the circus in Pittsburgh by attending Iron City Circus Arts. That first class I didn’t know what to wear or what to expect, but I fell in love with aerial silks immediately.
What to Wear to an Aerial Silks Class
I chose to wear leggings and a baggy t-shirt. While that outfit worked, I know better now, and I’d suggest new aerialists wear cottony leggings and a fitted top.* A lot of sports leggings are slick and sleek, and while they look awesome, they’ll also be slippery against the aerial silks.
Can I Wear Socks for an Aerial Silks Class?
Sure! But unless you’ve been climbing your whole life, you’ll want your feet bare because your skin with grip the aerial silk better than socks. You’ll see top-level aerialists climbing with socks, and it takes a lot more strength to climb that way.
What is the Format of a Typical Aerial Silks Class?
Most classes will start with a warm-up that merges into class time on the apparatus and then may close with a cool-down or strength and conditioning exercises. However, every circus studio and aerialist teacher differs. At Iron City Circus Arts in Pittsburgh, we do a 15-minute warm-up with about 45-60 minutes of apparatus instruction, depending on the class, teacher, and time!
What Muscles are Most Important for an Aerial Silks Class?
All of them; however, with that said, you’ll find that your upper body strength and core are so essential. Many of the tricks require a strong core and upper body strength. I do want to note that I did aerial for 2-3 years before I could manage even a single pull-up. So you don’t have to be able to do a pull-up!
What Injuries Are Common in Aerial Silks?
While I’d prefer to ignore this side of aerial and circus, I think knowledge is power, and you can work to protect your body now as you begin aerial. Many believe that the most common injuries come from a scary fall, but most injuries tend to just be from use. While I’m not a scientist, I’ve observed that many aerialists have angry shoulders. Therefore, it’s important to pursue shoulder health with strength and conditioning. In some cases, it may be smart to work with a Physical Therapist in order to keep your shoulders healthy and happy.
Welcome to the wonderful activity of aerial circus! I hope you love it as much as I do!
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