FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I try an aerial class?

There are so many reasons! (If you ask me…) Aerial arts classes aim to be fun, social, inclusive; a physical and mental challenge and an all ‘round a great experience. Some students join primarily for exercise related reasons but quickly realise that aerial arts classes have so much more to offer. Personally, I saw an aerial circus performance at 15 years of age and thought THAT! - I must do THAT! But you can start at any age. The exercise aspect of the task was irrelevant to me as a pursued learning moves, building strength and stamina so that I could do my first performance. We try to offer opportunity for artistic expression in every class experience and have opportunities for all our students to perform if they wish; ranging from beginners to students who have been with us for many years and even joined our teacher team. Obviously I could go on for days about why you should join us in the studio, and wish everybody to feel welcome to do so.

What do I wear to class?

1. Think Comfort

The aerial silks, hoop (lyra) trapeze or any apparatus you are trying can cause scrapes on bare skin. Therefore we recommend covering the backs of your knees and your midriff. Generally a form fitting top as when you go upside down gravity will move your clothes but if you are more comfortable in a loose T-shirt this works if you can tuck it into you leggings or track pants. A more supportive sports bra is helpful for your comfort and if you are unsure, chuck a spare t-shirt and track pants in your bag.

2. Think Safety!

Please please please take off your rings, necklaces, earrings, watches or any loose items or clothing which could become tangled.

Please do not wear zips or abrasive textures. Even a small hidden zip, which many leggings have, can rip our precious silks or damage the lyra.

 3. Don’t need to think Style (but you can if it makes you feel good)

Some days you might wear your favourite leggings and on other days you might be in track pants, no make up and simply existing in a natural state of comfort - both extremes and everything in between is acceptable. Please wear whatever is safe, comfortable and feels right for you.

An aerial students’ greatest asset is a positive attitude, not their outfit.

What ages are circus classes for?

Our adult classes are aimed for 16 years and over and there is no upper limit. The oldest student in our community to this date, who I know began aged 68 years, is now a teacher and frequent performer and we would love love LOVE you to outdo him. If you have any concerns related to your age or ability please do not hesitate to contact us. Our goal is to be as inclusive as we possibly can.

Our Kids & Youth classes are for ages 8-15 and teenagers are encouraged to join “Youth” instead of a general adult class as our kids & youth classes are more supportive. However we do generally accept ages 13+ in our general adult classes. If your child is interested and is younger than 8, please contact us and we can explore options.

We can offer age specific classes on the upper or lower end of ages, please get in touch for group bookings.

Does the equipment have a weight limit?

There are no humans too heavy for our equipment; the silks or aerial hoop can lift a small car. Our strict safety standards require our rigging equipment to be rated to 2000kg and aerial silks can safely carry 100s of kg. Due to the nature of aerial arts, students who have more weight to lift will use more muscle to do so. This means that plus size aerialists can experience a steeper learning curve, especially at the beginning. Our team at Aracnation is dedicated to supporting all students to fly, and we encourage you to join us sooner rather than later.

Do I need to be flexible try this?

Not at all! Everyone has to start somewhere right? At Aracnation Collective we tailor each class to the individual needs of the students no matter what level you're at. General circus classes increase flexibility in a functional way. Students specifically interested in flexibility are encouraged to join one of our periodic flexibility workshops to learn more about this specific area. Please feel free to register your interest for flexibility workshops, they are open to all levels and no aerial experience is required.

Do I need to be strong to try this?

There are no strength related prerequisites! Aerial arts will assist with building strength. Many students who join us can only hang from their hands for a few moments or not at all when they begin. Everyone makes progress at their own rate but with consistent practice you will be amazed with what you will achieve. For students who have the goal of rapidly gaining strength we recommend practicing aerial arts 2-3x per week or, if practicing aerial arts once per week, to add one or two other similarly intense strength workouts such as hanging from arms and knee raises at the local play ground monkey bars. Also too much of a good thing can be unhelpful; if you are significantly increasing your exercise regime is always recommended to be done in a gradual manner. Please contact us or chat to your aerial arts coach or another exercise professional for more information about this.

I have an injury or physical health condition, can I start aerial arts?

Usually the answer is yes, however this will need to be assessed on a case by case basis. If your doctor or physio has cleared you for strenuous exercise such as a gym workout or team sports then generally that will mean that aerial arts will be suitable for you. Aerial Arts places somewhat similar stress on the body as for example rock climbing in a harness; this can be a helpful descriptor for your doctor or physio who is assisting you to manage your injury but doesn’t know what aerial arts are. It is generally not recommended to start aerial arts during pregnancy although exceptions can be made for very active pregnant people in first trimester. Experienced aerialists can continue practicing during pregnancy if cleared for exercise.

Is aerial arts only for women?
There are no gender restrictions. All genders are welcome. Circus in New Zealand has a reputation for celebrating diversity and at Aracnation Collective inclusion is one of our core values.

I feel very anxious about starting, what should I do?

As I teacher with many years of experience I want to tell you that you are welcome at our studio. If there are any specific concerns you have which have are not been addressed in this FAQ please contact us directly. While we do not offer one off casual classes, in special circumstances we may be able to invite you to observe a class before joining an intro course. This is to offer you some assurance of the environment you can expect in your intro course.

What payment options do you have and can I try one class?

The reason that we offer an “Intro to aerials” 4 or 6 week short course rather than casual drop in sessions is because starting aerial arts can be challenging and there are important techniques and safety considerations to learn. We require a brief but consistent commitment of 4 or 6 weeks from you to learn the basics before you can join a beginner class. If you miss a session or two you can still join a beginner class, sometimes some students choose to repeat intro. The intro course is extra supportive and can be repeated as many times as desired. There are still mixed levels in a beginner class, you will likely be very impressed by the things your beginner class mates can do, and with a few months of dedication and practice, you will be the student impressing the “fresh from intro” new aerialists. Progression with aerial arts does require a consistent commitment; we guarantee if you put the time in you will achieve, but it doesn’t happen in a only a couple classes. This is why joining our classes is on a term by term basis. We commit to providing a class for you every week, unfortunately, if you cannot attend for any reason we do not provide a refund. Once per term you can book and redeem a missed class during a different scheduled class, subject to availability of space within that class.

If finances are a significant barrier to your participation please do get in touch as we occasionally have scholarship funding available.

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. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.