Someone hangs upside down in the silks, looking as if gravity is optional. That's aerial acrobatics — and it's more accessible than you think.
Here you'll learn about the different disciplines, how to learn aerial acrobatics, what equipment you need, and what makes the right clothing. Whether you're just starting out or planning your own rig for home.
Key takeaways
- Aerial acrobatics includes all artistic disciplines in the air: aerial silks, aerial hoop, trapeze, aerial straps, and more
- Start with classes in a studio — no circus experience needed
- Equipment for home: rigs from ~€300, ceiling mounts from ~€100
- Never train without a load-bearing ceiling or a certified rig
- Clothing: tight-fitting, no zippers, skin contact in the right places
What is aerial acrobatics? Disciplines at a glance
What is aerial acrobatics? The term — also called aerial arts or circus arts — describes all artistic disciplines performed in the air on various apparatus. What used to be reserved for the circus is now an independent aerial sport that combines strength, flexibility, and artistic expression. Aerial fitness and aerial dance have also made the discipline popular as a recreational sport in recent years — in studios, gyms, and increasingly at home.
The most popular disciplines of aerial acrobatics:
Aerial Silks — Two long fabrics that you climb, wrap yourself in, and hold figures in the air. The most versatile discipline and the most popular entry into aerial acrobatics. You can find everything about material, rigging, and figures in our Aerial Silks Guide. There are also special silks classes for children — aerial acrobatics silks for children is a growing area that more and more studios are offering.
Aerial Hoop — A steel ring hanging in the air. Figures, poses, and choreographies on the hoop combine strength with elegance. The aerial hoop is more compact than silks and requires less ceiling height. All about it in our Aerial Hoop Guide.
Aerial Trapeze — The most classic circus discipline: a horizontal bar suspended by ropes. From static trapeze for beginners to flying trapeze for advanced practitioners — trapeze aerial acrobatics is a universe of its own.
Aerial Straps — Two fabric straps with loops, where you primarily work with arm strength. Aerial straps are the most strength-intensive discipline and more for advanced practitioners.
Aerial Rope — A single rope that you climb and hold figures on. Aerial rope requires more grip strength than silks because you have less material to wrap yourself in.
In addition, there are disciplines like Aerial Yoga — a calmer variation with a low-hanging fabric. More about this in our Aerial Yoga Basics for Beginners Guide.
Learning aerial acrobatics: Getting started and classes
Do you want to learn aerial acrobatics and wonder where to start? The honest answer: in a studio, with an aerial acrobatics class. Online tutorials and YouTube videos give you an idea, but you only learn the basic techniques — safe climbing, correct wrapping, controlled descent — under professional guidance. Good studios offer taster courses for adults and children and provide equipment, so you don't need to bring anything but sportswear.
Basically, aerial acrobatics is accessible to everyone. You don't need a circus background, the splits, or pull-up strength to start. You build strength and flexibility during training. Most classes start with aerial silks or aerial hoop — both are beginner-friendly and quickly enjoyable because you learn simple figures in the first few sessions. What many underestimate: the hands and forearms need time to get used to the strain at the beginning. Two sessions per week are ideal for starting, more would be too much strain for the skin and grip muscles at first.
Find a studio that offers various disciplines. This way, you can try out whether silks, hoop, or trapeze suits you best before specializing in one direction.
The right clothing for your aerial training
Maximum grip. Perfect fit. Designed by dancers for dancers.
To the collection →Aerial acrobatics equipment: Rig, frame, and accessories
Anyone who wants to train at home needs a safe suspension. There are two options for this: ceiling mounting or a freestanding aerial acrobatics rig. Before you hang anything, it must be clear: the ceiling must be a concrete ceiling and be able to bear at least 300 kg of dynamic load. Plasterboard, unreinforced wooden beam ceilings, and suspended ceilings are taboo. If you are unsure, have a structural engineer check it.
An aerial acrobatics rig — i.e., a freestanding aerial acrobatics frame or aerial acrobatics stand — completely solves the ceiling problem. It stands on its own legs and does not need to be attached to the ceiling. Good rigs cost from ~€300 for simple models and up to €1,500+ for professional outdoor rigs. The height should be at least 3 meters, for aerial silks preferably 4 meters. Building your own aerial acrobatics frame is a topic much discussed online — but it is strongly advised against, because self-built constructions generally do not pass the load tests required for dynamic movements. Safety takes precedence over frugality.
Aerial acrobatics accessories include, in addition to the apparatus itself: carabiners (minimum load 25 kN), swivels for rotating apparatus, crash mats for fall protection, and grip aid for sweaty hands. When purchasing, it is worthwhile to opt for certified equipment — an aerial acrobatics shop focusing on aerial equipment usually offers tested carabiners and suspension systems, while hardware store solutions can pose a safety risk.
All aerial acrobatics equipment must be certified for dynamic loads. Static load capacity is not enough — during training, forces can briefly occur that are many times your body weight. No DIY for suspension.
Aerial acrobatics clothing and costume
The right aerial acrobatics clothing is just as important as the equipment itself. Basic rule: tight-fitting, no loose parts, no zippers or buckles that can get caught in the fabric, rope, or hoop. Depending on the discipline, you need skin contact at various points — for aerial silks, especially at the armpits and back of the knees, for aerial hoop at the hips and thighs.
For beginners, leggings and a tight-fitting top are sufficient. For advanced training, short shorts and tops with strategic skin contact are better because you get more grip on the apparatus. Bodysuits are the most versatile option — they combine coverage with skin contact in the right places and don't slip when inverting.
An aerial acrobatics costume for performances and shows follows different rules than training clothes: here, appearance is at least as important as function. Sequins, mesh inserts, and striking cuts are typical — but even here, nothing that can get snagged. Many performers use bodysuits as a base and complement them with skirts or accessories that are securely fastened. For clothing that works both in training and performances, you can find pieces with us that combine grip and aesthetics — designed by a dancer who performs herself.
Clothing for every aerial discipline
Grip, fit, freedom of movement — developed in the studio, made for your flow.
Discover now →- Aerial acrobatics includes aerial silks, aerial hoop, trapeze, straps, rope, and more
- Start with classes in a studio — no prior knowledge needed
- Training at home: ceiling mounting only for concrete, otherwise freestanding rig
- No DIY for rigs and suspensions — only certified equipment
- Clothing: tight, no loose parts, skin contact for grip depending on the discipline
"The air is for everyone — you just have to get up there."
