The World of Circus Performance

            As more people in America are looking to get fit in unique ways that engage people and change, workout and dance class registration has start to spike. It seems that women these days want to do something engaging, different, sexy and fun. Recently, people have started to look at circus fitness as not just for the pros; Aerial silk and lyra classes are taught in a lot of pole fitness studios and circus classes.

            Aerial silks refer to two pieces of fabric, often made out of chiffon or other synthetic nylons that hang from the ceiling and vary in width by the person performing with them. People twist themselves in upside splits and flips in the air, and it requires a great deal of flexibility and balance. Lyra, or aerial hoop, involves the same amount of strength and grace as aerial silks, but is performed on a large metal hoop in the air. Both of these art forms were made popular by the human performing circus: Cirque Du Soleil. 

 http://www.dusolproductions.com/aerialsilks.html

http://gravityplanet.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/aerial-hoop-sabrina-aganier/

          Studios have created a tiered workout system where anyone can try his or her hand at these acrobatic styles without any previous experience. A person starts at a beginner pace and works his or her way to actually performing in the air. Helpful tips and reading, like a blog post titled Welcome to the Circus! Aerial Silks as a Workout by Bry Jensen, let readers know that on the path to strength and success, one might find themselves with a lot of bruises from the rubbing and tightness of the silk hangings. Jensen is an avid workout guru and is sponsored by fitness programs such as MAGNUM, and stated, “You must TRUST the process! Patience is a virtue, you will not reach your goal overnight, in three days, not even a month, and things take time!”