8/14/2013

Basic Information Regarding Aerial Silk

By Andrea Davidson


Aerial silk refers to a type of performance art. It might also be referred to as aerial contortion or acrobatics. During these performances, one or many artists will engage in aerobatic acrobatics. All of the positions that are done are carried out while hanging from a special fabric known as the silk.

Performers start by climbing up on the fabric, which is attached and hanging low. Most people do not use safety equipment or lines and so it is crucial that they are properly trained and skilled so that they can stay safe while performing. Fabric is used to swing, fall, spiral, suspend and wrap the body in numerous positions. On silks, performers might do various poses and figures while in the air. Some use dried rosin or spray on the feet and hands to help with grip and to increase friction levels.

Fabrics used for this purpose are flexible and provide some give but are very strong. Width of such silks will vary and is usually based on the routine and the artist. Usually these have enough length to permit rigging, which involves hanging of silks and hammocks. The material employed is made from polyester lycra, which often has some stretch. The amount of stretch may range from low, which is mostly for beginners, and medium, which is mostly used by experienced artists.

A major part of these performances is doing special tricks. The categories that these tricks are placed in includes wraps, climbs and drops. Climbs will vary. They may be practical, efficient, elegant or athletic. Straddle and French climbs are examples of some popular choices.

Wraps are static poses that are done when the aerialists wrap silks around the various body parts. Usually wraps that are complex create more friction, which means less power and strength is necessary to hold a person up. When it comes to drops, performers wrap up high on the silks and fall lower. This trick demands more skill, control and strength than any other kind of trick. It is also quite risky.

Performers are generally very flexible and strong people. It takes practice to master this form of art and become truly skilled. Power, strength, courage and flexibility are necessary traits of these kinds of performers.

Many of the people who do this kind of art end up working for the circus or a similar entertainment group. They might be part of companies that are hired to perform at events, such as carnivals, large parties, weddings and festivals. The price to book these entertainers is expected to vary and may depend on the acrobat, performance, company, or event.

Aerial silk is type of performance that is becoming more common in the modern world. It involves using special fabrics that are known as silks to do an assortment of drops, climbs and wraps while suspended in the air. Typically there is no safety equipment that is used by these performers so it is very important that they are on top of their skill. Those who do these acts are strong and flexible. Many find work as entertainment acts at various events.




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