The cirque-style entrepreneurs have been instrumental in the inclusion of injury prevention training for aerial silks and all circus arts. Fred Deb’ is also the organizer of the French Aerial Dance Festival.Įlsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion are identical twin sisters as well as the founders and artistic directors of the New England Center for Circus Arts, or NECCA, widely known as one of the best circus schools in the U.S.

Her work incorporates contemporary dance, theatre, and music, with a touch of whimsy. Her highly popular aerial workshops are a treat for any aerialist and include creative inquiries into movement.

Her inventive collaborations impart lofty inspiration to audiences everywhere. Whether André Simard invented the actual apparatus or not, he was undoubtedly an early contributor to the discipline in the late 1980s and 1990s.Īs a gifted teacher and artist, Fred Deb’ pioneered many aspects of the art form in the early 1990s after graduating from The National Center for Circus Arts. The former gymnast is often credited as the inventor of aerial silks, but this claim has been disputed in some circles. Simard’s alchemy between fine arts and athleticism created a compelling storytelling element in which performers narrated with their entire bodies. This was a mere three years after the company’s inception. The original founder of aerial silks remains somewhat of a mystery, but there are many key players who helped establish and develop what’s now one of the most incredible forms of performance and circus arts.Īndré Simard joined the now world-famous Cirque du Soleil in 1987, hired on as a creative movement researcher with the aim to capture the attention of spectators. The French word tissues also used in many places. Some refer to the form as aerial fabric or simply fabric or silks. Aerial ribbon is another romantic term to describe it. In some circles, it’s known as aerial contortion or aerial contortion in silk, although not all silks artists present contortion-style movements. The term aerial silks refer to a form of gravity-defying creative movement featuring a column of fabric rigged overhead as the performer’s dance partner, on which she demonstrates acrobatic movements and poses.Īerial silks are known by many names around the world. With the correct gear and knowledge, practicing aerial arts at home can be super safe and satisfying.

Practitioners want convenience and privacy along with their daily dose of adrenaline. In the last several years, the massive growth in popularity of aerial silks has even landed the art form at home - in living rooms, backyards, and other open areas of living spaces throughout the world. Athletes of all kinds are drawn to the majestic column of silk, from gymnasts and acrobats to aerial fitness enthusiasts. The form persists as one of the circus world's most alluring and captivating apparatuses. Whether you are just getting started in the field or if you’re an old pro, we hope to offer some helpful information to enhance your career as an aerial silk artist.Īccording to many, aerial silks emerged from the creative cauldron of the now world-famous Cirque du Soleil in the 1980s. This article will cover the art of aerial silks. With its grace, beauty, and astounding demonstration of strength, it’s no wonder that so many people have discovered their passion through a practice that balances exacting demands with high rewards. In recent years, this art form has rocked both the performance and circus arts, steadily collecting countless practitioners and fans. All About Aerial Silks - The Art of Fabric Acrobatics

Aerial silks