6/16/2013

What To Know About Aerial Silk

By Grace Daniels


Aerial silk, which is also commonly called aerial acrobatics or contortion, refers to a type of performance art. During these acts, one more multiple artists do aerial acrobatics. This is all done as they are hanging from special silk fabrics that are suspended from the ceiling. Performers rely solely on training or skill, as they are not harnessed by in safety lines.

The performers start by climbing the suspended fabric. This is then used to swing, wrap, suspend, spiral and fall into an assortment of positions. These artists are known to strike figures and poses on these silk fabrics as they fly through the air. Some professionals will apply rosin on their feet and hands to ensure that they have a better grip of the fabric, and in an effort to increase the friction.

The fabrics that are employed for this practice are strong but offer some give and flexibility. They vary in width depending on the type of routine or the preference of the acrobat. Usually they are long enough to permit rigging, which is the hanging of hammocks and silks. This fabric is a two-way polyester lycra that has stretch that is medium or low. Most beginners use kinds with low stretch and professionals use fabric with medium stretch.

Tricks are a major part of these types of performances. There are three main categories used for aerial acrobatic tricks: wraps, drops and climbs. The climbs can range from in practicality, efficiency, athleticism and elegance. French and straddle are two common types of climbs used by performers.

Wraps are the static poses in which the aerialist wraps the fabric around various parts of the body. Usually, the more complex the wrap is, the stronger the friction and less power that is required to hold oneself in position. When it comes to drops, these performers wrap themselves high up on the silks and then allow fall into a lower position on the silk. This kind of trick demands strength and control, among many other skills. It is also considered very dangerous.

Most of these performers have strong bodies. They are also flexible and limber. It takes a lot of practice and skill to master this performance art. Strength, flexibility and power are musts for this type of act. Furthermore, individuals must have courage and confidence in their abilities, as they could be hurt badly if they fall from the silks.

Many of the people who do this kind of performance art have a position on a circus or are involved in the entertainment industry. They might also be part of companies that are hired to do special performances for carnivals, large parties, festivals and more. Some of these acrobats enjoy doing silks just as a hobby and are not professionally involves. The prices to book these performers will vary based on the performance type, event, acrobats and company.

Aerial silk is becoming a more common type of entertainment in modern times. This type of performance art includes aerial acrobats suspending themselves high up on special fabric. These performers do not wear safety lines and carry out a variety of climbs, drops, wraps and other tricks while on silks.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment