Aerial silks is a beautiful vertical apparatus that allows performers to appear as if they are dancing on air. Often, we see performers wrap themselves up in the fabric, unwind quickly, or drop with great force. While we commonly call them “aerial silks,” they’re also known as tissu, fabrics, or ribbons.
Silks are soft, right?
Aerial silks may feel soft and malleable, conforming to the shape of the performer, but that doesn’t mean they won’t hurt! The tension created by your body weight inside the fabrics can feel quite “squeezy,” so we often warn students before they try certain skills and condition their bodies to prepare for it.
What’s the upside?
Despite the initial discomfort, aerial silks lend themselves to beautiful shape-making, fun spins, and stunning sequences. Once you get used to the squeezing sensation, you’ll feel majestic and powerful. For thrill-seekers, drops can provide quite the adrenaline rush!
What are aerial silks made of?
Aerial silks are made of a four-way stretch nylon tricot blend. You might wonder why it’s called “silks” when they’re made from nylon. The answer lies in nylon’s high heat resistance, durability, and just the right amount of stretch. If the fabric were made from actual silk, it would have no stretch, making dynamic skills difficult and more painful. Silk is also less textured, which would make it harder to grip.
Typically, the fabrics are either 96″ or 108″ wide, with varying lengths based on the rigging space height.
Where should I start?
We recommend starting with either our 3-Week Beginner Series or our Foundations classes.
Our Beginner Series is perfect for those who want a slower, more gentle introduction to aerial. Everyone in the class will be at the same level, learning the same skills. This series runs on the same day and time for all three weeks and is capped at 8 students.
Foundations classes are often mixed-level, catering to the students in each session. These classes have no commitment, and you can attend as often as you’d like. You’ll likely learn 1–2 new skills per class and work on building strength. These classes are also capped at 8 students.
I’m loving aerial silks and want my own! Where do I get them, how do I care for them, and what else will I need?
When should I get my own apparatus?
We think it’s fantastic that you’re in love with aerial silks and want your own apparatus! However, please don’t rush into purchasing one. The studio you train at likely has plenty of silks available for everyone, and they handle all the upkeep, saving you money and hassle. Once you’re ready to perform in nightclubs or set up a home rig, that’s a good time to buy your own. (Note: home rigging can be dangerous and requires more than just a simple ceiling attachment—please reach out if you have questions.)
Where should I buy my silks?
We recommend the following reputable companies:
Circus Gear
Circus Concepts
Aerial Essentials
These companies are widely trusted, though there are others out there. When purchasing, remember to double the height of the space you’re filling and add a couple of extra yards for the tail on the floor.
What else will I need?
It’s not just about buying the silks! You’ll also need rated hardware for safety. Rated hardware is tested to ensure it can handle dynamic loads, giving you peace of mind about its strength. We purchase most of our hardware from Circus Gear, but Petzl is another popular brand in our industry. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rescue 8
2 carabiners
1 swivel
How do I take care of my aerial silks and hardware?
Proper care is essential! Each time you use your silks, inspect them thoroughly for holes, runs, or tears. Catching small issues early can prevent bigger problems down the road.
Wash your silks with fragrance-free, natural laundry detergent—chemicals in regular detergents can break down the fabric and make it brittle, leading to tears.
Additionally, inspect your hardware before each use to make sure there’s no significant wear (ideally, no more than 10% metal-on-metal wear).
If you have any questions about hardware, rigging, or apparatus care, feel free to reach out!