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My secret passion: Aerial Silks

Me training in a circus

One of my favourite passions which combines dance with acrobatics, is called "Aerial silks".

Wikipedia helped me with a definition:

“Aerial silks (also known as aerial tissues, fabric, or ribbons) are a type of performance in which one or more artists performs aerial acrobatics while hanging from a fabric. The fabric may be hung as two pieces, or a single piece, folded to make a loop, classified as hammock silks. Performers climb the suspended fabric without the use of safety lines, and rely only on their training and skill to ensure safety. They use the fabric to wrap, suspend, fall, swing, and spiral their bodies into and out of various positions. Aerial silks may be used to fly through the air, striking poses and figures while flying.”

I would also add that is an “art” taught in circus school together with aerial trapeze and aerial hoop.

Nowadays, yoga centres or pole dance schools have started to open courses of aerial silks, trying to let it know to a broader public. Normally, such structures have a place where is possible to hang the tissue and its support in a safe way.
Otherwise, when the weather outside is beautiful, I like practising silks outdoor. For doing this, I go to a park and I choose a big tree with strong branches, with a diameter of 15-20 cm minimum.

Me doing "amaca position"in a park

Sometimes people asks me which are the skills that are useful to practice such a “sport”(Yes, sport, because it is really energy consuming and require you to be fit). I always reply to them: strength, flexibility, and coordination.

I would also add that Yoga, Pilates and muscle training can help you for stretching your body, increasing core (abdomen and back), strength, and flexibility.

I must say that is a complete sport, since there is no muscle or part of your body which is not solicited.
Personally, it gives me a sense of freedom, it is like I am flying and dancing at the same time.
It makes you challenge the law of gravity and express your creativity with your body.

To have a better idea on what i feel while I m doing Aerial Silks check my video:


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