Aerial Silks & Slings

AERIAL SILKS & SLINGS

Float, wrap and hang upside down in long ribbons of colourful fabric. Aerial silks and slings make everyone feel like a circus star.

What are aerial silks and slings?

Aerial silks and slings are circus arts performed on long pieces of strong, stretchy fabric hanging from above. You climb, wrap and twist the fabric around your body to hold poses, hang upside down and spin. It looks graceful and a little magical, and beginners can start with simple moves close to the ground.

What's the difference between aerial silks and a sling?

Aerial silks, sometimes called aerial fabric or tissu, are two long lengths of fabric hanging side by side from a single point. Aerialists climb them, wrap them around their legs and body, then unroll in smooth, controlled drops.

A sling, also called an aerial hammock, is one piece of fabric looped so both ends are fixed above you. It hangs lower, a bit like a swing or a hammock, so you can sit, lie and balance in it. It's a gentle way for beginners to get used to being off the ground, and it's the same kind of fabric used in aerial yoga.

What happens at a beginner aerial silks session?

Your Activity Leader starts with a warm-up and shows everyone how to hold the fabric safely. Then you try some beginner basics. A foot lock wraps the fabric around one foot so you can stand on it. Simple sits and hangs in the sling help you feel secure, and when you're ready, you can try going upside down with your Activity Leader guiding you. Everything happens low down over soft mats, so you build skills and confidence one step at a time.

Are aerial silks good for kids?

Yes. Children often take to the fabric quickly, and it's a lovely one for parents to try alongside them. You don't need to be super strong to begin, because beginner moves are adapted to suit. You do need to support your own body weight and have some upper-body strength to climb and wrap. It builds balance, coordination and confidence, with plenty of proud upside-down moments to share.

What should we wear for aerial silks?

Leggings or jogging bottoms, as bare legs can get friction burns from the fabric. Avoid clothes with zips, buckles or anything sharp, which can snag or tear the silks. A fitted top works best. Take off jewellery and watches, and tie back long hair.

FAQ

DO WE NEED ANY EXPERIENCE?

No. Beginner sessions start with the basics, and your Activity Leader adapts every move to suit each camper.

ARE AERIAL SILKS SAFE?

Aerial silks and slings is a high-risk activity. Falls can happen while you're hanging in the fabric or upside down, and friction from the fabric can cause skin burns. Only climb or invert when your Activity Leader says so, and always work over the crash mats. Do not try a drop or wrap you haven't been shown, and do not wear anything with zips, buckles or sharp edges.