Class Descriptions

This class builds on the skills learned in our Intro to Split Silks class. It’s a step above Intro, but a bit easier than Intermediate. We will continue to condition on the mat and silks, work on climbing, and drill common movements and poses. Variations within familiar poses will also be introduced, as well as beginning to string moves together. This class is also great for any higher-level students wanting a deeper dive into and a reminder of the basics (sorry, they never go away!) and for those with some previous aerial experience who may have taken a few months off.  

PRE-REQUISITES:

A MINIMUM of 4-5 consistently attended Intro to Split Silks classes (or the equivalent of private lessons) and the ability to tie a knot in the fabric, and execute the following with control:  

• Straddle back (invert) in knot 
• Gazelle  
• Trapeze seat 
• Cartwheel/roll through from trapeze seat 
• Put on a single closed footlock (fabrics are together as if they’re one piece) from the mat.  

This class will work on full body mobility using the hammock as a prop along with on-the-mat strengthening and drills that will lead to a fun peak pose. There will be plenty of airtime. As always, pictures and videos are encouraged! 

PRE-REQUISITES:

A MINIMUM of 4-5 Aerial All-Levels Hammock Stretch, OR Introduction to Split Silks, or some combination of the two (or the equivalent of private lessons). Students should be able to execute the following with control:  

• Straddle back (invert)  
• Gazelle  
• Trapeze seat 

This class will focus on creating a sequence in the hammock. We will work on components of the sequence, learning one piece at a time, and end each class combining the shapes and flowing through the sequence to music. Different components for more/less difficulty will be offered whenever possible, and students may choose to leave out any components that do may not suit them that day. Song requests are encouraged! 

PRE-REQUISITES:

A MINIMUM of 4-5 Aerial All-Levels Hammock Stretch, Introduction to Split Silks or a combination of the two (or the equivalent of private lessons). Students should be able to execute the following with control:  

• Straddle back (invert) 
• Gazelle 
• Trapeze seat  
• Cartwheel down from trapeze seat 
• Hip key  

This class will continue to condition students and begin moving through more challenging skills and wraps. Class will include warm up and conditioning on-the-mat and on the silks. Students will work in the knot and footlocks, finding fun shapes and movements and begin to develop choreography from shape to shape. As students progress, they will build muscle and continue to fine tune their climbing skills. A select few drops may be explored depending on students’ abilities. 

PRE-REQUISITES:

A MINIMUM 4-5 Intro to Split Silks classes AND at least 4-5 Half-Level Split Silks classes (or the equivalent of private lessons). Students should be able to execute all pre-requisites from the Half-Level class as well as the following with control:  

• 3 second balance in hip key in the knot.
• Be familiar with Basic and Russian climbs
• Be able to set single and double footlocks from the mat
• At least 3 skills/poses in a single, closed footlock (meaning the silks are together as if they’re one piece)
• At least 3 skills/poses in double footlocks 

INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION REQUIRED. Students will continue to work on more challenging conditioning skills, climbs, combining skills into sequences, and drops. As always, students are expected to pace themselves, respect where they are at and how their body feels on any given day.  

PRE-REQUISITES (students should be able to execute all pre-reqs from Intro, Half-Level and Intermediate Split Silks as well as the following without assistance): 

• At least 5 different climbs to the top of the silks 
• Straddle up from the mat, and working on straddle-ups from or air (bent arms/knees, and foot tagging ok) 
• Rebecca split pose 
• Candy cane roll-up 
• At least 2 kinds of belays 
• Air locks (be able to put on footlocks from the air) 
• Hip key from mat – bent arms/legs okay- need to be able to maintain the starting height of the hip key with minimal sliding. 

These are set times for current students to come in and either use the studio weights/props for their personal strength practice or to review what you’ve been learning in aerial class on the apparatus that you’ve been working with during classes.  

• Aerial students wanting to attend open gym must have completed a MINIMUM of 4-5 Intro to Split Silks, 4-5 All-Levels Aerial Hammock Stretch, or 4-5 Intro to Trapeze/Lyra classes. Although an instructor will be present for safety, there will be no formal instruction other than a brief warm up. Open Studio is held for students to practice skills that they have been working on in class. While we recognize experimentation is a valuable part of learning, we ask you to limit experimentation to those general shapes/skills that you have learned from formal instruction and not from videos on social media or from other students. If there is a move/pose/skill that you would like to try or play with, please discuss it with the instructor on duty. If that requested move/pose/skill is deemed too involved for an Open Studio session, please email the studio to see if it would be an appropriate inclusion for a future class or private session.  

• Students teaching other students is strictly prohibited. Although we encourage students to chat while they’re both on the ground about how different moves feel and work for them in their own bodies, we request that you refrain from instructing other students. While it is most likely well-intentioned advice, it can lead to unsafe habits. Please leave teaching to the instructors! Repeated incidents will result in dismissal from future Open Studio sessions.