Everything you need to know about aerial acrobatics

Aerial acrobatics fascinates with its combination of strength, elegance, and apparent weightlessness. Whether aerial silks , trapeze , aerial hoop , or aerial straps – the various disciplines of aerial arts offer something for everyone. Here you'll learn everything about the world of aerial arts , how to learn aerial acrobatics , and which discipline suits you best.

Aerial acrobatics has its roots in the circus. Today, it has developed into an independent sport taught in specialized studios worldwide. Aerial dance combines artistic skill with dance elements, while aerial fitness emphasizes the athletic aspect.

Aerial acrobatics vs. Aerial yoga

Aerial acrobatics and aerial yoga are often confused. The difference: In flying yoga (aerial yoga), relaxation and stretching are paramount – you use a hammock as support for yoga poses. Aerial acrobatics, on the other hand, focuses on acrobatic figures, tricks, and often performance.

The disciplines of Aerial Arts

The world of aerial arts is diverse. Here's an overview of the most important disciplines:

Aerial Silk / Vertical Silk

Aerial silk – or aerial acrobatics, vertical fabric – is probably the best-known discipline. You work with two long lengths of fabric that hang from the ceiling. Through wrapping, knots, and body tension, spectacular figures and drops are created.

Aerial silks are well-suited for beginners because the material is forgiving and many moves are possible without extreme strength. If you want to learn more, read our comprehensive aerial silks guide .

Trapeze aerial acrobatics

The trapeze is a classic of circus arts . In trapeze aerial acrobatics, a distinction is made between:

• Static trapeze: The trapeze is fixed – you swing up and perform figures.
• Swinging trapeze: The trapeze swings – more dynamic and demanding
• Flying trapeze: The ultimate discipline with throws and catchers between artists

Aerial trapeze acrobatics requires a lot of grip strength and body tension. The apparatus itself is unpadded, which can take some getting used to at first.

Aerial Hoop

The aerial hoop – also called aerial hoop, lyra, or cerceau – is a steel ring suspended from the ceiling. Elegant poses and acrobatic figures are performed inside the ring.

The hoop is visually stunning and ideal for photoshoots and performances. Beginners might find the hard steel uncomfortable at first, but the body adapts over time. Special clothing designed for aerial hoops provides optimal grip and protection in key areas.

Aerial Straps

Aerial straps consist of two padded loops suspended from the ceiling. This discipline is particularly strength-intensive and technically demanding. You place your wrists in the loops and perform acrobatic maneuvers that require extreme upper body strength.

Aerial straps are traditionally a male-dominated discipline, but are increasingly being practiced by women as well.

Aerial Rope (Corde Lisse)

Aerial rope – or corde lisse in French – is a single, thick rope. This discipline requires extreme grip strength and endurance, as you hold onto the rope solely with your hands and feet.

Aerial rope is considered one of the most demanding aerial arts disciplines and is more suitable for advanced practitioners.

Learn aerial acrobatics: Here's how to get started correctly

Want to learn aerial acrobatics ? Good news: You don't need a circus background! Most studios offer beginner courses where you'll learn the basics from scratch.

The first aerial acrobatics course

An aerial acrobatics course for beginners usually lasts 60-90 minutes and includes:

• Warm-up: Warming up and mobilization on the ground
• Basics: First holds, ascents and simple positions
• Technique: Basic figures on your chosen device
• Cool-down: Stretching and relaxation

Requirements for learning aerial acrobatics

To learn aerial acrobatics , you need:

• Basic fitness: Some strength helps, but it's not a must – you build it up.
• No fear of heights: You'll quickly be a few meters above the ground.
• Patience: The first figures require practice.
• Suitable clothing: Close-fitting with freedom of movement

Which discipline to start with?

For most beginners, I recommend aerial silks or aerial hoop :

Aerial silk is ideal if you enjoy creative wraps and flowing movements. The fabric is soft and more forgiving of mistakes than rigid equipment.

Aerial hoop is for you if you love poses and balances. The ring's shape provides clear structure and is visually very impressive.

For trapeze acrobatics, you should have a bit more basic strength, as the bar is unpadded. Aerial straps and aerial ropes are more suitable for advanced athletes.

Aerial Fitness: More than just a sport

Aerial fitness is an effective full-body workout that trains strength, flexibility and coordination – and is more fun than almost any other sport.

What does aerial sport train?

Aerial sport trains your entire body:

• Upper body: Arms, shoulders, back and core are constantly working
• Grip strength: Your hands and forearms become extremely strong
• Core: Body tension is the basis of every figure
• Flexibility: Many characters require and promote agility.
• Coordination: Several body parts work together simultaneously.

Aerial Dance: Art meets Sport

Aerial dance combines aerial acrobatics with dance elements. It's not just about tricks, but about expression, flow, and choreography. Many aerial arts studios offer special aerial dance classes where you learn to link figures to music.

The right equipment for aerial acrobatics

You don't need much to get started in aerial acrobatics – the studio provides the equipment. The most important thing is the right clothing. You can find a complete overview of all the essential equipment components in our Aerial Acrobatics Equipment Guide .

Clothing for Aerial Arts

In aerial arts, the rule is: tight-fitting, but flexible. Depending on the discipline, you will need:

• Aerial Silk: Long leggings (to protect during wrapping), close-fitting top
• Trapeze/Ring: Short or long pants possible, stomach often exposed for grip
• Generally speaking: No zippers, no jewelry, tie your hair back.

Many aerial athletes wear special aerial clothing or bodysuits with strategic grip zones and an optimal fit for the different disciplines.

Additional equipment

• Grip-Aid: Powder or spray for better grip – especially for sweaty hands
• Tape: For sensitive skin areas during intensive training
• Crash mat: If you're training at home – safety first.

Aerial acrobatics is more than just a sport – it's an art form that combines strength, elegance, and expression. Whether you choose aerial silks , trapeze , or the aerial ring, getting started is easier than ever.

Conclusion: Is aerial acrobatics worth it?

Absolutely! Aerial acrobatics offers a unique workout that combines strength, flexibility, and artistic expression. Aerial arts are no longer just for circus performers – today, anyone can learn aerial acrobatics .

Start with an aerial acrobatics course at a studio near you. Try out different disciplines and find out if aerial silks , trapeze , rings, or another variation suits you best. Aerial acrobatics rewards patience and practice with spectacular moments in the air.