Saturday 21 June 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.

For those simply wanting to dance or play with aerial scarves and other equipment, creating a home sky gym is one way to go. Each gym has different hooks on walls and ceilings from which different flying equipment can be installed. It is important to assure the ceiling and walls have the strength to hold the equipment and any individuals who plan on using same.

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 imperative to know, understand and use any guidelines with regards to height and weight on various flight equipment when used in the home. This is especially true when allowing others to use a home gym whether having solely fabric oriented or advanced equipment. If not, were an accident to occur, the homeowner could face court costs and legal issues.

Acrobats, dancers, performance artists and others who love to move are most likely going to love aerial equipment. Whether bouncing on a trampoline, swinging on a flying trapeze, or staging poses in mid-air while hanging on and swinging between different types of fabric, aerial arts have existed for quite some time. While trapeze acts are still popular, fabrics are often more colorful and can be used in both large performances such as a Circus as well as one-person shows.




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