How to Become an Aerialist (Skyward Bound Skills)
If you’ve ever dreamed of performing high above the crowd or wondered what it takes to become an aerialist, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll explore the EXACT steps you need to take to launch your career as an aerialist. We’ll talk about:
- The skills you need.
- The training that can help you soar.
- How to land a job as an aerialist.
So, whether you’re a newcomer to the world of performance or an experienced performer looking to reach new heights, stay tuned.
We’re about to unravel the blueprint to become an aerialist.
Let’s take flight!
Steps to Become an Aerialist
Step 1: Research the Aerial Arts
Before beginning your journey to become an aerialist, it’s important to thoroughly research and understand the profession.
Aerial arts encompass a wide range of performing arts, including trapeze, aerial silks, aerial hoop (lyra), pole dancing, and more.
Find out what type of aerial art appeals to you the most and suits your physical abilities.
You could visit local circus performances, watch online videos, or read up on the different forms of aerial arts to gain an understanding of the variety of skills involved.
Understand the physical demands and risks associated with aerial arts.
They require great strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Regular workouts, cross-training, stretching, and good nutrition are crucial for an aerialist’s health and performance.
Also, research the training options available in your locality or online.
Look into the qualifications and reputation of the instructors.
The safety standards of the training facility should be a priority, as aerial arts involve potential risk of injury.
Lastly, research the career prospects.
Many aerialists work as freelance performers, so it’s important to have an understanding of how to navigate the entertainment industry.
This could include marketing yourself, finding gigs, and networking with other artists and professionals in the industry.
Step 2: Begin with Basic Fitness Training
An aerialist needs to be in top physical condition, so your journey begins with basic fitness training.
This includes regular cardiovascular exercise to increase endurance, strength training for muscle toning and power, and flexibility exercises to enhance your range of motion.
It’s also crucial to work on your core strength as it will help in maintaining balance and control while performing aerial maneuvers.
Activities like yoga, Pilates, or gymnastics can provide a good foundation for enhancing flexibility, strength, and balance.
Remember, each person’s body is unique, so you should tailor your fitness program according to your personal needs and abilities.
Seek the advice of a professional fitness trainer or a physiotherapist to ensure you’re training safely and effectively.
Keep in mind that becoming an aerialist is a process that requires patience, persistence, and dedication.
Your initial fitness training period is not only about physical preparation but also about developing a disciplined mindset, which is essential for your future as an aerialist.
Step 3: Take Beginner Aerial Classes
As an aspiring aerialist, your first practical move should be to take beginner aerial classes.
This will give you a basic understanding of the discipline and help you build the necessary strength and flexibility required for the job.
Different studios may offer various types of aerial arts classes, including silks, trapeze, hoop (lyra), rope (corde lisse), and hammock (aerial sling).
In these classes, you will begin to learn the ropes, quite literally.
You will learn how to climb, wrap, and maneuver yourself around the apparatus safely.
You will work on your flexibility, strength, and endurance which are vital for aerial performance.
Even if you already have a background in gymnastics or dance, understanding the unique aspects of aerial arts is crucial.
Remember, patience and persistence are key in this phase.
Progress may seem slow, but it’s important to build a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced moves and sequences.
As you continue to improve, you can move onto intermediate and advanced classes where you will learn more complex tricks and sequences.
Safety is paramount in aerial arts.
It’s crucial to listen to your instructor, follow their advice meticulously, and never rush your learning process.
Everyone’s pace of learning is different.
So, always go at your own pace and never compare your progress with others.
Step 4: Choose a Specialization
Choosing a specialization is a significant step in your journey to become a professional aerialist.
There are multiple specialties within aerial arts, such as silks, trapeze, hoop (also known as lyra), rope, pole, straps, and more.
Each discipline has its own unique requirements in terms of strength, flexibility, and technique.
As you’ve been learning the basics of aerial arts, you have likely been exposed to many of these specialties.
Reflect on your training so far, and consider what you enjoy most.
Are there certain apparatuses or moves that you prefer?
Are you drawn towards the elegance of silks, the daring of trapeze, or the power of straps?
Your chosen specialization will shape the rest of your training and career.
Once you’ve chosen a discipline, you should seek out more advanced training specifically in that area.
You might choose to take specialized classes, attend workshops or retreats, or even work one-on-one with a coach.
Remember, choosing a specialization doesn’t mean that you can’t continue to learn and perform other disciplines.
Many aerialists enjoy the variety and cross-training benefits of practicing multiple specialties.
However, having a primary specialization can help you to focus your training and develop a unique, personal style.
Step 5: Invest in Professional Training
As an aspiring aerialist, this is the stage where you need to start investing in professional training.
This could be joining a dedicated circus school or hiring a private coach for more focused guidance.
Such training programs offer comprehensive courses that cover various elements of aerial artistry, including safety procedures, strength and flexibility training, and specific aerial apparatus techniques.
Remember that each aerial apparatus such as trapeze, aerial hoop, silk, or rope has its own unique techniques and safety measures.
Therefore, it might be beneficial to select one apparatus to start with before venturing into others.
A good training program will give you an opportunity to learn from experienced aerialists, build your strength and flexibility, and acquire the necessary skills to perform complex maneuvers safely.
Furthermore, it can also provide you with valuable advice on how to develop your unique style and create mesmerizing performances.
Keep in mind that becoming an accomplished aerialist is not a quick process.
It requires dedication, discipline, and consistent training.
Regular practice is essential to improve your skills, build confidence, and enhance your performance abilities.
Be patient with your progress and make sure you are training in a safe and supportive environment.
Step 6: Practice Consistently
As an aspiring aerialist, it’s crucial to keep practicing consistently.
Being an aerialist is physically demanding and needs a high level of fitness, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Regular practice can not only help you maintain and improve your physical capabilities, but also allows you to refine your techniques and master new skills or tricks.
Aerialists often perform on various types of equipment such as aerial silks, hoop, trapeze, hammock, and rope.
Each equipment requires different skills and techniques, so it’s advisable to practice on a variety of equipment to become a well-rounded aerialist.
Remember to always practice under the supervision of a professional or in a reputable circus school to avoid injuries.
During your practice sessions, it’s important to be patient with yourself.
Aerial arts can be challenging and progress may seem slow at times.
It’s important to respect your own pace and not rush the process.
Over time, regular and consistent practice will help you become more confident and proficient in your aerial skills.
In addition to practicing your aerial skills, it’s also important to take good care of your body.
This includes eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of rest, and doing other forms of physical exercise like yoga, pilates, or weight training to supplement your aerial practice.
Finally, remember that becoming a skilled aerialist takes time and dedication.
While it may seem challenging at times, the joy and satisfaction of performing in the air are well worth the effort.
So keep practicing, stay motivated, and always strive for improvement.
Step 7: Develop an Act
As an aerialist, one of the most critical steps is developing your unique act.
Your act is what sets you apart from other aerialists and can significantly impact your success in the industry.
Your act will demonstrate your skills, creativity, and individuality.
It should be a combination of your strongest aerial feats, coupled with your unique style and storyline.
It should also take into consideration your target audience – whether it be a cirque-style theatrical audience, corporate events, or street festivals.
Start by considering the apparatus you want to use, such as silk, hoop, trapeze, or rope.
Each apparatus has its own strengths and allows for different types of movement and tricks.
Next, consider your theme or storyline.
What story do you want to tell with your act?
This could be anything from a traditional circus theme to a modern, abstract concept.
Your theme will guide your costume, music, and choreography.
Once you have decided on your apparatus and theme, start creating your choreography.
Make sure to incorporate a variety of movements, including climbs, drops, spins, and poses.
Remember, developing an act is an ongoing process.
You should constantly be learning new skills, refining your technique, and updating your act to keep it fresh and exciting.
It’s also important to practice your act regularly, not only to perfect it but also to ensure that you can perform it safely.
Finally, consider seeking feedback from experienced aerialists or coaches.
They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your act further.
Keep in mind that your act will change and evolve over time as you grow as an aerialist.
Step 8: Perform in Local Shows and Events
As you continue to progress in your aerialist training, it is important to start gaining real-world performance experience.
Look for opportunities to perform in local shows, events, and festivals.
This can often involve community theaters, local circuses, music festivals, or even parties.
Performing in front of an audience helps you to improve your stage presence, and it can also help you build a reputation in the field.
This experience also gives you an opportunity to experiment with your own personal style and storytelling within your aerial acts.
Remember, every performance is a learning experience.
Use audience feedback and self-assessment to identify areas that need improvement, and continuously refine your performance skills.
In addition, performing in these smaller shows can often lead to opportunities in bigger, more prestigious venues, so always give your best performance.
Step 9: Create a Portfolio and Showreel
Creating a portfolio and showreel is a critical step for an aerialist seeking to showcase their skills and talent to potential employers, producers, casting directors, or even a talent agent.
This compilation of your best work acts as a visual CV that can highlight your proficiency, versatility, creativity, and uniqueness as an aerialist.
Your portfolio should include high-quality photos and videos of you performing various aerial acts.
It’s essential to include a range of routines, styles, and apparatuses to demonstrate your versatility.
Be sure to include photos that highlight your strength, flexibility, and showmanship.
For your showreel, focus on creating a short, engaging video that showcases your best performances.
It should ideally be 2-3 minutes long and include different types of performances – from live shows to studio rehearsals.
Make sure the video is clear and well-edited, with good lighting and sound.
Remember, the goal of the showreel is to captivate the viewer’s attention and leave them wanting more.
It’s also a good idea to maintain a digital portfolio that you can easily share via email or social media.
Update your portfolio and showreel regularly with new performances or skills you’ve learned.
This helps to keep your content fresh and allows potential employers to see your progress and growth as an aerialist.
Step 10: Network with Aerial Performers and Companies
As an aspiring aerialist, it is crucial to network with other aerial performers and companies.
Getting your name out there and making connections is a key step to gaining opportunities in the industry.
This could involve attending aerialist events, joining online forums or becoming part of local aerial arts communities.
Try to build relationships with established performers and trainers.
They can provide valuable advice and mentorship, and may even help you find job opportunities.
Show interest in their work and ask insightful questions about their career journey, performance techniques, and experiences with different companies.
In addition, you should also aim to connect with aerial companies.
Follow them on social media, attend their performances, and engage with their content.
Look out for auditions or job postings, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly expressing your interest.
Remember that everyone starts somewhere, and many experienced aerialists are happy to offer advice or assistance.
Networking not only helps to open the door to job opportunities but also allows you to learn from the experiences and challenges of those who have been in your shoes.
It’s a chance to gain insights into the industry, stay updated with trends and opportunities, and form relationships that can help you throughout your career.
Step 11: Take Care of Your Physical Health
The role of an aerialist is highly physical and requires exceptional strength, flexibility, and stamina.
It’s important to prioritize your physical health to ensure you can perform the demanding stunts and routines required in this role.
Regular physical activity, including strength training and flexibility exercises, is a must to maintain peak physical condition.
In addition, a balanced and nutritious diet can provide the energy you need to perform.
Remember to always warm up before training or performances to prevent injuries.
Regular health check-ups can also help detect any potential physical issues early on.
Should you sustain any injuries, it’s important to give your body the rest and care it needs to fully recover.
Remember, preventing and treating injuries is key to a long and successful career as an aerialist.
Lastly, it is beneficial to incorporate activities such as yoga, pilates, or meditation into your routine to maintain flexibility, core strength, and mental wellbeing.
These activities not only improve your physical health but also enhance your focus and mind-body connection, which are crucial for aerial performances.
Step 12: Expand Your Skillset
As an aerialist, it’s important to continuously develop and expand your skillset.
This not only helps you to stay competitive in your field, but also opens up opportunities for you to explore different styles and techniques in aerial arts.
Look for workshops, seminars, or training programs that focus on specific aerial disciplines such as silks, trapeze, lyra, or rope.
By learning and mastering different apparatus, you can become more versatile as a performer.
Additionally, consider learning related skills such as dance, gymnastics, or acrobatics.
These not only complement your aerial skills, but also help in enhancing your overall performance.
Training in acting or theatrical skills can also be beneficial in conveying stories and emotions effectively during your performances.
Keep in mind that the world of aerial arts is always evolving, with new techniques and apparatus being introduced regularly.
Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques by attending aerial arts festivals or conventions, joining online forums or communities, or subscribing to relevant magazines or websites.
Remember, the key to being a successful aerialist is to never stop learning and pushing your boundaries.
By expanding your skillset, you can create unique performances that captivate and inspire your audience.
Step 13: Attend Workshops and Aerial Retreats
Attending workshops and aerial retreats is a crucial step in honing your skills as an aerialist.
These events provide a unique opportunity for you to learn new techniques, refine your existing skills, and get exposed to a variety of aerial arts styles.
Workshops are usually conducted by expert aerialists and they can offer a fresh perspective on your craft.
Aerial retreats, on the other hand, are immersive experiences that combine training, performance, and leisure.
These retreats typically last for several days and provide intensive training sessions.
You can learn from and network with other professional aerialists from around the world, which could potentially open up new opportunities.
In these workshops and retreats, you have the chance to not only develop your physical abilities but also your performance skills.
You can learn how to captivate an audience, how to convey a story through your performance, and how to handle equipment safely.
In addition, attending these events shows potential employers and collaborators that you are committed to your craft and are always looking to improve, which can help you stand out in this competitive field.
Make sure to take notes and practice what you’ve learned once you return home.
This will help cement your new knowledge and skills and prepare you for future performances.
Step 14: Consider an Agent or Manager
As your career as an aerialist progresses, you might want to consider hiring an agent or manager.
Having a professional who understands the industry and has connections can be extremely beneficial.
An agent or manager can help you navigate the often complex world of contracts, negotiate fees, and find suitable performance opportunities.
They also have the advantage of being able to promote your talents and skills to a wide array of potential employers, which can be very beneficial especially if you are aiming for high-profile performances.
While this might seem like an unnecessary expense early in your career, as you gain recognition, an agent or manager can help you take your career to the next level.
However, it’s important to carefully select an agent or manager who aligns with your career goals and vision.
It can be helpful to speak with other professionals in the field for recommendations or to conduct your own research on potential agents or managers.
Remember, this is a partnership, so you must feel comfortable and trust the person managing your career.
Step 15: Audition for Professional Gigs
After you’ve honed your skills, built a powerful performance portfolio, and gathered ample experience, it’s time to put yourself out there in the professional arena.
Start by researching and looking for auditions for aerialist gigs.
Make sure to keep your performance portfolio updated, including the most recent and best performances.
This will be a crucial part of your application.
Include a variety of routines and skills to showcase your versatility as an aerialist.
In addition to this, a professional headshot and a resume detailing your training, skills, and past performances are necessary.
Prepare extensively for each audition.
This includes rehearsing your routine multiple times, warming up adequately, and ensuring your costume and props are in order.
Remember, in this competitive field, your performance needs to stand out, be unique, and leave a lasting impact.
Finally, professionalism is key.
Be punctual, courteous, and confident during auditions.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your commitment to the craft.
Getting professional gigs may take time and several auditions, don’t get disheartened by rejections.
Keep improving your skills and performances, and the right opportunity will come along.
Step 16: Continue Learning and Staying Current in the Field
As an Aerialist, it’s important to continue developing your skills and staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends in the field.
Attending workshops, seminars, and training programs can provide you with the opportunity to learn new tricks, routines, and aerial apparatuses.
Regular physical training to enhance your strength, flexibility, and endurance is also essential for maintaining your performance level.
In addition, engaging with the aerial community, such as through online forums, social media, and networking events, can provide you with valuable insights and advice from other professionals in the industry.
This can help you to keep abreast of any changes or developments in the field of aerial arts.
Furthermore, staying current with safety standards and protocols is paramount for an aerialist.
Regularly checking and updating your equipment, and learning about new safety measures will ensure your performances remain as safe as possible.
Lastly, consider diversifying your skills by learning related performance arts, such as dance, theatre, or acrobatics, or mastering new apparatuses.
This will not only make you a more versatile performer but also open up additional opportunities for work in the industry.
Aerialist Roles and Responsibilities
Aerialists are talented performers who showcase their skills high above the ground in various aerial apparatuses.
They perform at a variety of venues including circuses, festivals, events, and theatrical performances.
They have the following roles and responsibilities:
Performance
- Perform choreographed routines on aerial apparatuses such as trapeze, silks, hoops, and ropes.
- Engage and captivate audiences through performances.
- Portray characters and tell stories through movement and expression.
Safety
- Ensure safety measures are adhered to during performances and rehearsals.
- Inspect and maintain aerial equipment to ensure it’s safe and in good condition.
- Follow instructions from riggers and other safety personnel.
Physical Fitness and Health
- Maintain peak physical condition to perform aerial routines.
- Adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle to support physical demands of the job.
- Warm up and cool down properly to prevent injuries.
Rehearsal
- Learn and rehearse new routines under the guidance of a choreographer.
- Practice routines regularly to perfect movements and timing.
Choreography
- Collaborate with choreographers to create engaging and exciting routines.
- Contribute creative ideas for new performances and routines.
Teamwork
- Work closely with other performers, choreographers, and technical staff.
- Participate in group performances and coordinate timing and movements with others.
Training and Education
- Train regularly to develop and maintain aerial skills.
- Stay updated on new techniques, apparatuses, and safety measures.
- Participate in workshops, classes, and other educational opportunities.
Professionalism
- Adhere to the professional standards of the performance venue or company.
- Respect all members of the team including other performers, directors, and crew members.
- Show up on time for rehearsals, performances, and other scheduled events.
Public Interaction
- Interact with audiences in a professional and friendly manner.
- Answer questions about performances and engage with fans.
Flexibility
- Adapt to changes in performance schedules, routines, and venues.
- Be prepared to travel for performances at various venues.
What Does an Aerialist Do?
An Aerialist is a performer who specializes in high-flying, acrobatic feats while suspended in the air.
They often work in circuses, theatrical productions, or at special events.
Aerialists perform routines on various pieces of equipment suspended from the ceiling or a rig, such as hoops, trapezes, silks, ropes, or poles.
They must have great strength, flexibility, and balance to perform these acts.
Their job not only involves performing, but also includes creating choreography, rehearsing routines, maintaining their equipment, and ensuring their own safety and that of their audience.
Aerialists often work with a team of other performers, directors, and choreographers to create a cohesive performance piece.
They also work closely with riggers to ensure their equipment is safe and secure.
Training and staying in peak physical condition is an important part of an aerialist’s job.
They must also be willing to continuously learn new techniques and routines to keep their performances fresh and exciting.
Aerialists often need to adapt their performances to different venues and audiences, adjusting their routines based on the available space, height, and rigging facilities.
Some aerialists might specialize in a certain apparatus or style, while others might perform on a variety of equipment.
They might also combine their aerial work with other forms of performance, such as dance or acting.
Essential Aerialist Skills
- Physical Fitness: Aerialists require strength, flexibility, and endurance. Regular training and conditioning are crucial to meet the physical demands of the role.
- Balance and Coordination: Being able to maintain balance and coordinate body movements while hanging or spinning is essential for an aerialist.
- Aerial Techniques: Proficiency in various aerial skills, such as trapeze, silk, hoop, rope, and pole, is crucial. This includes climbs, inversions, drops, and wraps.
- Grace and Elegance: Aerial performances are not just about strength and technique but also about style and presentation. Aerialists must be able to perform with grace, fluidity, and elegance.
- Safety Awareness: Understanding safety procedures, proper equipment use, and risk mitigation strategies is vital to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Body Awareness: Aerialists need a strong sense of body awareness. Knowing how to control and move your body while in the air is essential for performing complicated routines.
- Creativity: Creating engaging and unique routines requires creativity. Aerialists must be able to think outside the box to choreograph impressive performances.
- Stage Presence: An aerialist must be able to captivate the audience, which requires strong stage presence, projection, and expressivity.
- Discipline: Aerial work requires regular practice and a high level of discipline to master techniques and routines.
- Adaptability: Performing in different venues and conditions requires aerialists to be adaptable. They must be able to adjust their performance to suit varying spaces and audience types.
- Teamwork: Many aerial performances involve working with other performers. The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively is essential.
- Resilience: Aerial performance can be physically and mentally challenging. The ability to persevere, recover from mistakes, and cope with pressure is key for an aerialist.
- First Aid Knowledge: In case of accidents, having basic first aid knowledge can be beneficial. This includes being able to perform CPR or treat minor injuries.
- Understanding of Music and Rhythm: Aerial routines are often performed to music. Being able to move in time with the rhythm and understanding musical cues is crucial.
- Passion: Last but not least, a genuine love for aerial arts and a passion for performance can motivate an aerialist to continuously improve and excel.
Aerialist Career Path Progression
The Foundation: Amateur Aerialist
The first step in your journey as an aerialist is often as an Amateur Aerialist.
At this stage, you’ll be learning the basics, honing your skills, and getting accustomed to the rigors and discipline of the profession.
Your responsibilities may include practicing routines and gaining strength and flexibility.
Here are some tips for success in this role:
- Physically Fit: Ensure you are physically fit to handle the demands of the job. This includes regular workouts, stretching, and maintaining a healthy diet.
- Find a Mentor: A seasoned professional can guide you, provide valuable tips, and help you avoid common mistakes.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with the routines.
The Ascent: Professional Aerialist
After gaining sufficient experience and skill, you’ll transition into the role of a Professional Aerialist.
Here, you’ll perform in front of audiences, showcasing your talent and hard work.
You may also start to specialize in certain apparatus or styles.
Here’s how to thrive at this stage:
- Perfect Your Craft: Take the time to perfect your routines, ensuring fluidity and grace in every movement.
- Develop a Unique Style: Differentiate yourself by developing a unique style that captures the audience’s attention.
- Network: Building relationships with other professionals in the industry can lead to opportunities and collaborations.
Reaching New Heights: Lead Aerialist
As you continue to develop your skills and reputation, you may progress to the role of Lead Aerialist.
At this level, you’re not just performing, but also leading and choreographing routines.
Your experience and expertise will be vital in guiding others.
To excel as a Lead Aerialist:
- Leadership: Be a role model and mentor to less experienced aerialists, sharing your knowledge and experience.
- Creativity: Choreograph innovative and exciting performances that captivate audiences.
- Resilience: This career is physically demanding, so it’s important to stay fit, recover properly, and handle stress effectively.
Beyond the Horizon: Director of Aerial Performance
With years of experience under your belt, you may transition into a leadership role such as Director of Aerial Performance.
In this role, you’ll oversee performances, manage aerialists, and make strategic decisions about shows and tours.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Artistic Vision: Use your experience to create captivating performances that delight audiences.
- Management Skills: Lead and manage your team effectively, providing guidance, support, and feedback.
- Business Acumen: Understand the business side of performances, including budgeting, marketing, and negotiations.
Pinnacle of Success: Artistic Director or Owner of Performance Company
At the highest echelons of the aerialist career ladder, you may become an Artistic Director or even start your own performance company.
Here, you’ll shape the artistic vision of the company, manage large teams, and make key decisions that affect the direction and success of the company.
Aerialist Salary
Entry-Level Aerialist
- Median Salary: $20,000 – $30,000 per year
- Entry-level aerialists typically have 0-2 years of experience and may hold certifications from accredited circus training institutions.
Mid-Level Aerialist
- Median Salary: $30,000 – $45,000 per year
- Mid-level aerialists have 2-5 years of experience and often perform more complex routines, and may begin training others.
Senior Aerialist
- Median Salary: $45,000 – $60,000 per year
- Senior aerialists possess 5+ years of experience and are often lead performers in shows, contributing to choreography and routine development.
Lead Aerialist / Circus Director
- Median Salary: $60,000 – $80,000+ per year
- These roles require significant experience and often involve creative direction, choreography, and leadership within a circus or performance group.
Principal Aerialist / Artistic Director
- Median Salary: $80,000 – $120,000+ per year
- These high-level positions require extensive experience, a high level of skill, and often involve setting creative strategies for a circus or performance company.
Aerialist Work Environment
Aerialists often work in environments such as circuses, theater productions, concerts, and special events.
These environments require the availability of rigging for aerial performances and space for practicing and rehearsing routines.
The work schedule of an aerialist can be incredibly varied, depending on the type of show or event they are a part of.
They may have late-night performances, weekend shows, and spend a significant amount of time traveling if they’re part of a touring production.
The work environment can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous, given the nature of their work performing high above the ground.
Safety measures and precautions are a critical part of an aerialist’s work environment.
With experience, an aerialist may transition into choreography, training, or even open their own circus school or aerial performance company.
FAQs About Becoming an Aerialist
What skills do I need to become an aerialist?
To become an aerialist, you need a combination of physical strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance.
Core strength is particularly important as you’ll be required to lift and control your body in various positions.
Additionally, you’ll need a high degree of body awareness to move gracefully and safely.
Other important skills include rhythm and timing, creativity for choreography, and the ability to work well in a team for group performances.
Prior training in dance, gymnastics, or acrobatics can be beneficial.
What type of training is required to become an aerialist?
Aerialists typically start training in basic gymnastics or dance before moving on to specialized aerial classes.
These classes will teach you the basic climbs, grips, and maneuvers used in aerial performances.
Over time, as your strength and skill improve, you’ll learn more complex moves and sequences.
Training should be supervised by a qualified instructor to ensure safety.
In addition, aerialists often cross-train in areas like Pilates, yoga, or weightlifting to improve their overall fitness and performance.
Is it dangerous to be an aerialist?
Aerial arts can be risky due to the heights and physical demands involved.
However, with proper training, safety precautions, and supervision, the risks can be significantly minimized.
Aerialists need to maintain their equipment properly, follow safety protocols, and listen to their bodies to avoid overuse injuries.
It’s also essential to warm up thoroughly before practice and performances and to cool down and stretch afterwards.
Can I become an aerialist if I’m afraid of heights?
If you’re afraid of heights but are interested in becoming an aerialist, you might still be able to pursue this path.
Many people find that their fear diminishes over time as they gradually increase their height during training and become more comfortable and confident in their skills.
However, it’s important to communicate your fears with your instructor so they can provide appropriate guidance and support.
What are the career opportunities for an aerialist?
Aerialists can find work in a variety of settings including circuses, theater productions, music festivals, and corporate events.
They may also perform in aerial dance companies or do freelance performances.
Some aerialists combine their performing career with other roles such as teaching aerial skills, choreographing performances, or working as a stunt double.
Conclusion
There you have it!
Launching your journey to become an aerialist is no easy task, but it’s unquestionably exhilarating.
Equipped with the right physical strength, flexibility, and unwavering perseverance, you’re all set to make a remarkable splash in the world of aerial arts.
Bear in mind, the journey may be demanding, but the vistas are limitless. Your creativity could give rise to the next breathtaking performance that redefines how we perceive art and entertainment.
So, take that initial leap. Immerse yourself in training. Connect with fellow aerialists. And above all, never stop practicing.
Because the sky is not the limit – it’s your stage.
And if you’re looking for personalized advice on starting or advancing your career as an aerialist, make sure to check out our AI Career Path Advisor.
This complimentary tool is designed to provide customized guidance and resources to help you effectively navigate your career in the aerial arts.
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