Aerial silks in Eagle Rock

All photos by Ellie Cole-Calderon

You might know aerial silks from Cirque Du Soleil, but this art form is so much more, like aerialists performing acrobatic art while suspended in mid-air. This article will specifically cover silks, or aerial contortion, as some call it. Aerial silks are unique and extensive, and most people don’t know the specifics. 

What is aerial silks?

There are many different aerial apparatuses, like lyras, hammocks, and ropes. Silks are two pieces of fabric strung from the ceiling. Aerialists climb the silks and perform intricate shapes, drops, and combinations of movement. Most people know about trapeze and silks from circus shows, but there are also yoga classes that use hammocks, gyms and dance studios that teach this special skill. 

Personal experiences

I asked Josie Winninger, an aerialist who goes to the same studio that I do, about her involvement with silks. Here’s what she had to say.

How long have you been doing aerial?

“I’ve been doing aerial arts for about 5 years.” 

What is your favorite part of learning?

“I get to show off my flexibility and discover new tricks. It was hard to learn how to control my center and make my moves more controlled instead of flailing. In my first aerial lesson, I couldn’t control my core so I was very noodly. When I practiced more, I could do it with more technique and control.”

What is your favorite apparatus?

“Definitely the silks, you have more variety and more space to do cool drops. I really like star drops and chandelier drops. The lyra is really painful to do drops on, and it’s very limited. Hammock is for beginners.”

Would you recommend doing aerial silks?

“Yes, I think it’s really fun! I would recommend taking dance classes in addition to it because aerial requires core strength and flexibility.”

Where to learn

Because of its recent popularity, there are a lot of great places to practice your skills, or to learn this art form as a beginner. One of these locations is Daurden Arts, a dance and theatre conservatory in Eagle Rock. They teach aerial silks up to four levels and have a unique approach to performance; incorporating the silks into their musicals. 

I recommend aerial silks if you’re looking for your next hobby that meets your weekly exercise levels but feels fun and creative. Learning new skills, practicing improvisation, and increasing flexibility, are just a few benefits of this dance form.

Here’s a collage of some silks moves done by artists in an aerial silks class.