The first time I went to an aerial silks class, I will admit, I was skeptic. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. My friend and I had seen some aerialists perform at the Renaissance Fair so we thought, hey that might be cool to try. That's how we ended up at our aerial studio. I can tell you that I am so glad I decided to give it a try. It is a sport that is unique, and not many people have thought about trying, but it is the most fun I've ever had.
Aerial silks includes a silk hammock hanging from the ceiling, in which you complete many tricks, while building endurance and strength. It is very hard in the beginning, to be honest. I thought I was going to die for a while. However, once you get past that initial shock of hanging upside down and using all your strength, it is one of the most rewarding things.
I am now a complete addict. I want to be practicing every second that I can. When I go to a class, I automatically feel more complete. I want to keep pushing myself and growing to the fullest of my ability. It is a sport that once you start, you never want to stop.
These are a few moves that aerial silks includes:
1. The Invert.
This is the first thing you will probably learn at a silks class. It includes leaning back against the silk and letting it support your waist while you hang upside down.
I know, it's not the best name in the world. This move is done from an invert. You crochet your legs up the silk and do a big sit-up, while pulling yourself up into a sitting position.
3. Tinkerbell.
Tinkerbell is done from a stand. You stand upright in the hammock, bringing your shoulders forward and your hips back behind the silk. You then lower yourself down to a sit, while bending your knees out to the side.
4. The Scorpion.
This move is done similarly to the Diaper. You start the same way, by going into an invert and crocheting your legs up the silk. Instead of pulling yourself up from there, you are going to wrap one foot around the silk, pushing it outwards behind you.
5. The Dragonfly.
The Dragonfly is done from a stand. You lift one knee up out of the silk and lean back, arching your hips up to the ceiling and bringing your free leg up towards your chest.
These are a few beginning moves that you would be likely to see at an intro to silks class. Aerial silks is an amazing skill that is both enjoyable and challenging. I have continued to do silks for a long time now, and I will never give it up. It is something that is a part of my life and I identify with. I highly suggest giving it a try.
