Monday, June 30, 2014

Flying Like A Eagle On An Aerial Silk

By Sherry Gross


Performance artists of all type use flight and streaming materials to perform aerial silk. When creating or selecting these fabrics for a routine, it is important to select those which are both lightweight and heavy duty. Dress rehearsals are essential before a performance to assure that all ties remain tied and that all other equipment, performers and audience members will be safe during the production.

Performers entertain audiences with acrobatic and artistic movements in concert with these hanging fabrics. Each artist also uses these hangings as a basis for different movements. These movements may include basic swinging, or more advanced movements like flips, jumps, spirals twists and turns.

Many use dry spray or resin on different body parts to help increase the friction between skin and material. This is something anyone working with flying equipment may want to consider. Whether for friction, safety, or both, resin has always been a staple among acrobats, dancers and performance artists.

As performers are often required to climb these fabrics without any safety lines or nets, it is also advised that each individual performing these type stunts carry personal liability insurance. As the aerial fabrics are used to swing, spiral, fall and suspend oneself in mid-air, it is generally a necessity. Most performance venues are going to require any production to carry at the least, liability insurance in case of accident or injury to cast, crew or audience.

Creating a sky gym in the home can also be a great experience. A home gym is a great tool, whether looking to compete, perform, rehearse, or just want to do aerial movement as hobby. As a home gym removes the drive time from home to gym, many individuals whom work with equipment related to flight are now becoming more intrigued by these home based gyms.

When planning on sharing any flight fabrics or equipment, it may be good to get individuals to sign a release or to obtain insurance which covers all members of the exercise group. So, while a home sky gym can be fun, it can also be dangerous and expensive. Individuals living in areas in which no homeowners is required or carried on a home may definitely want to check on obtaining the minimum amount of liability coverage when installing a home sky gym.

It is important that when hanging any fabrics in which individuals are going to actively use in a performance, that each fabric be attached securely to a base whether that is on hooks bolted to a wall or floor, or suspended from the ceiling or upper levels of the performance arena. Height and weight are also important factors in knowing how and where to place bolts, hooks, or other methods to secure any and all equipment.

Most movement enthusiasts are going to love aerial movement. As fabric can be hung at many different levels, it is also an art form that can be used to help individuals overcome fear of flight and height. This is because if the individual can sit low to the ground and swing back and forth gently, then slowly kick out and go higher a bit at a time, it is believed possible to overcome both phobias.




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