Q&A for How to Do Aerial Silks

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  • Question
    How long will it take to learn these skills?
    Community Answer
    If you have previous experience with aerial tricks of any kind, then it shouldn't take long. However, if you're new to aerials or you don't have a strong core, it will likely take several months of consistent practice.
  • Question
    How much room do I need to do silks?
    Community Answer
    You don't need a whole lot of room. You just need enough room so that your head won't hit the wall if you're swinging back and forth.
  • Question
    How tall does the ceiling need to be to mount my silks? What bolts are suggested in a large room with 20-feet ceilings? Do I need wrestling mats over my carpet for safety?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    Every time I've seen silks, the ceiling was more than 30 feet high. But you can hang silks at any ceiling, you just can't do much under low ceilings. If you're not sure how to attach your silks, consult the manufacturer of every piece of hardware you use. Check the ceiling, too. You may have industrial-grade bolts, but if your ceiling is low-grade brittle concrete, you'll still fall. Above a certain height, no matter how many mats you put down, you'll still get hurt. Use the mats you feel safe with, but don't go higher than your comfort zone.
  • Question
    Is it possible to learn to do this at home without a teacher if I have previous ballet, yoga and acrobatic experience?
    Community Answer
    No, it isn't possible. To make sure that you are progressing, you need a professional to make sure you are making progress. If you are already a professional, then just get some people to support you.
  • Question
    How do I do a falling split?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    The key to a falling split is that it's a wave, not a block. First, obviously, you need to be able to do a regular split. Next, practice the falling split on gym mats, the cushiest you can find. Progress to landing on a springed floor for acro gym. When you're in a static split, consider all the points of your body that touch the ground. These points will also touch the ground in a falling split, just one by one, from your ground foot to the air foot. With practice, you can make the wave motion imperceptible.
  • Question
    Can I get one of these silks in my home?
    Community Answer
    It is not a safe idea to hang silks inside your home, unless you have worked with your instructor, and are sure that you can be safe on your own.
  • Question
    I have never done aerial silks before and don't know what to expect at the first practice. Any advice?
    Ninjawarrior
    Community Answer
    For beginners, the first practice would probably be learning to climb the silks and if that goes well, the single foot tie-in. Your teacher will explain and demonstrate everything first.
  • Question
    Can you hang the silks in a basement?
    Growbigzen
    Community Answer
    Aerial rigging loads are high as they need to be safe, and that's not an easy thing to do with what's in your house. Bottom line: It is typically not safe to rig silks into any room or from any structure of your house.
  • Question
    Can you use the silk just to sit in and relax with no experience?
    Curelle Myles
    Community Answer
    As long as you are comfortable with doing that and have a sturdy ceiling, then you should be fine.
  • Question
    Can you hang silks from a tree?
    oliver
    Community Answer
    Probably not because if i has rough tree bark, there is a serious risk it will tear a hole in the silks if it gets caught in the tree.
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