10 things I wish every new aerial student knew

 1. Aerial silks is really hard - but don’t let that stop you!!

 Experienced aerial teachers can introduce you to silks with exercises and moves that you can achieve on your first lesson. Yes, it will be a real challenge when you realise that your teacher is asking you to hold on tight and lift your feet off the mat; please know that with practice and patience this will become easier.

2. Bring your goals to class and share this with your teacher

People learn silks for soooo many different reasons; fun, fitness, for a challenge, to socialize, to try something different, take some nice photos, even simply for a novel experience. Your teacher will take this into account as they deliver your lesson. Especially important is to let your teacher know how much to push you; many aerial teachers are keen to really push students for strength building. We do this for the students’ benefit so please let us know how much is enough. Also we totally get it if you’re needing an easy day, just say so.

3. Your attitude is 100x more important than however “strong/flexible/coordinated/good” you may be.

Everyone begins aerial silks with different prior learning, experiences, and physical abilities. As a silks teacher with over 10 years experience my most valued quality in my students is a positive attitude and a willingness to try things more than once; most silks moves and exercises require several attempts to get on the right track.

4. Aerial silks hurts. Yep it does. Quite a lot…

When you see professionals perform up in the air they may fool you into believing that they’re rolling around in clouds. It’s all lies. When you do your first locks on your feet and wrists the fabric will pinch and squeeze you skin. The good news is that your nerves will adjust and over a relatively short time (few weeks) these wraps will be much more comfortable. And with new moves will come new pains…

5. But still tell your teacher if you’re in pain!

You’ll learn to distinguish between “normal” or expected pain, and “bad” or potentially damaging pain to be avoided. Burning, squeezing, and tightness on your skin is generally up to you to persevere through as much as you can. A lot of people quickly adjust to this as they’re super excited about learning a cool silks move. Things to watch out for: joint pain, muscle twisting pain or anything unusual which is deeper than your skin; don’t push through it! Find a safe way back to the mat and ask your teacher about the pain. They may well correct your technique and fix the problem straight away.

6. Repetition is key to success

Use your class time wisely to mindfully repeat moves your teacher has taught you in class. In the moment you may feel your brain has a handle on your foot locks and split rolls; but the more repetition your muscles get, the more your muscles will help you next time you come back to remember the move.

7. Take notes and video yourself in class

Write down what you learn in a note book and/or take videos. This should significantly improve your ability to recall what you learn. This gives your brain a chance to process the information you’re learning in a different format which is proven to assist with learning. Further reviewing this information a couple of times before your next class is an excellent way to further consolidate what you are learning. So read through your hasty notes or watch your video of new wraps in your down time before you return to class.

8. Learn the names of the moves.

Seriously just learn the names. It will be worth it I promise. Ask your teacher why moves have certain names; often this will result in a silly back story to the name which will help you remember it. The names of some moves need no explanation; “thumb up the bum” being a particularly descriptive name. These kind of ridiculous ideas can actually be super helpful to remember how moves go.

9. NO ZIPS

Zips can damage the silks and make your teacher cry. NO ZIPS. Check your leggings for secret hidden evil zips that you didn’t realise were there. Also it’s advisable to cover backs of knees, midriff, and occasionally arm pits to protect your skin from silks friction burns. You can wear your zip hoodie for warm ups and some moves like wrist locks as long as the silk isn’t touching the zip. Silks are very strong but can snag and rip surprisingly easily, even a jagged toe nail can make a large hole.

10. Let your silks journey unfold at your pace and prepare to be amazed.

Trust your teacher when they have you repeating basics; this will build a strong foundation for you to excel. Your progress after 3 months on to 1 year will absolutely astound you. You will look back at beginning moves and struggle to remember the difficulty or amount of energy required when you started. Every student has what it takes to achieve their goals with the right attitude, support, time and dedication.

Rebecca Bilyard

is an aerial arts performer and teacher with over 10 years of experience. She is a member and the Lead teacher of the Aracnation Collective.