Aerial Arts

Tissu – Beginning
Tissu (also known as Silks) is a circus art consisting of a long stretch of hanging fabric that is climbed and manipulated by an aerialist to create striking displays of physical artistry, such as spins and falls. This Beginning-level class explores basic introductory skills and conditioning, and fosters aerial awareness for those who are new to the apparatus. Students will learn climbs, inversions, how to safely tie footlocks on the ground and in the air, as well as some basic aerial tricks.

No previous experience necessary, but some existing flexibility is helpful, and students should be prepared for a real upper body workout. It is highly recommended to take our Aerial Conditioning and/or Stretching classes to support one’s successful development on this unique apparatus.

Tissu – Intermediate
*Instructor approval required for this Intermediate Class*

The Intermediate class is for aerialists who have mastered basic and Russian climbs, single and double footlocks, inversions, and single rotation drops. Students will learn intricate wraps, climbs, sequences and transitions, and will stay in the air longer now that their endurance has increased beyond Beginner level.

Previous Tissu training is required. Students must be able to straddle up in the air, hip key in the air without dropping, hold the body with single knee hook and one hand, and be comfortable performing single rotation drops.

It is highly recommended that all our intermediate aerial students take Stretching/Flexibility and/or Aerial Conditioning classes to help master skills taught in this class.

Aerial Conditioning
Anyone who has participated in any aerial arts class knows what a difference one’s degree of strength and flexibility makes on this apparatus. So come join our Aerial Conditioning class to up your game as you pursue your aerial discipline! In this offering, you will achieve full body toning, power, and flexibility, while reviewing the fundamentals of aerial skills to get you off the ground in a fun and supportive environment. No previous aerial experience necessary.

NOTE: This class may train on a variety of equipment, including static trapeze, pull up bars, men’s gymnastic high bar, russian bars, training silks, and aerial rope.

Lyra/Sling – Beginning
Introductions to both the lyra (a heavy, metal hoop suspended from the aerial rigging) and the aerial sling (a “loop” of fabric from which an aerialist can suspend) are included in this beginning-level aerial class.

On the lyra, students will learn basic mounts, dismounts, poses, transitions, and some basic maneuvers within the hoop. The sling – which can be static, spin, or swing like a hammock – is a great starting point for anyone who wants to engage in the aerial arts, as it exercises the whole body, including the core. Students will explore finding balance in front supports and back support, learn various poses with the sling open and closed, as well as some basic drops.

No previous experience necessary, but some existing flexibility is helpful, and students should be prepared for a real upper body workout. It is highly recommended to take our Aerial Conditioning and/or Stretching classes to support one’s successful development on this unique apparatus.

Lyra-Intermediate and Advanced
*Instructor approval required for this Intermediate Class*

For the aerial lyra lover! These classes focus on building combinations, finding transitions within the hoop, working on spinning, as well as holding strength and flexibility poses. Previous Lyra experience and training is required. Contact AcroSports for help in determining your appropriate placement.

It is highly recommended that all Intermediate/Advanced aerial students take Stretching and/or Aerial Conditioning classes to help support and reinforce their higher-level skill development.

Trapeze-Intermediate
*Instructor approval required for this Intermediate Class*

This intermediate class offers a further exploration of trapeze trick vocabulary for intermediate students on both static and spinning trapeze. Movements in this class will include rolls, pops, flares, single knee hangs, toe and ankle hangs, as well as movements in the ropes. Don’t forget fun spins on the spinning trapeze!

Previous experience is a must.

Appropriate Aerial Attire:

• Students must wear tight fitting clothing that covers their legs and torso (no bare midriff) for safety and comfort on all aerial equipment. Suggestions are: leggings, tights, tank top, form- fitted t-shirt, or unitard.
• No jewelry, zippers, buttons, sequins, or anything that will catch and rip fabric or the tape on aerial apparatus.
• If training Trapeze or Lyra (Hoop) socks or leg warmers are suggested for ankle protection. If training Tissu or Sling bare feet are suggested.