Aerial Silks for Beginners: What to Expect
Aerial silks are often the apparatus that first catches people's eye. Long ribbons of fabric, a performer climbing high and wrapping into a pose, then unrolling in a dramatic drop. It's beautiful to watch, and it's one of the most popular classes at InFlyte.
If you're thinking about trying silks, here's what to expect as a beginner.
How Silks Work
Aerial silks (also called aerial fabric or tissu) are two long panels of fabric hung from a single rigging point. The fabric has some stretch, which gives it a soft, flowing look, and the two "tails" can be used together or separately.
Everything you do on silks involves wrapping, gripping or locking the fabric around your hands, feet, legs and body so it can hold you in position.
Grip and Footwork
Your hands are your first connection to the fabric, so grip strength develops quickly in silks class. But footwork is just as important. Beginners learn foot locks, which wrap the fabric around one foot and use the other to secure it. A good foot lock lets you stand on the fabric and rest your arms.
Learning to trust your feet is one of the biggest milestones for new silks students.
Warm-Ups and Conditioning
Silks classes typically begin with a warm-up and conditioning segment. You'll prepare your wrists, shoulders and core and work on strength exercises that support climbing and inverting. This part of class isn't filler; it's what makes the skills possible later.
First Shapes and Climbs
Beginner silks work usually starts close to the ground. Common early skills include:
Basic climbs, using foot locks to move up the fabric.
Seated and standing poses in a foot lock or simple wrap.
Inverting from the ground, where you lift your legs over your head with your hands holding the fabric.
Hip keys and simple wraps once foundational skills feel secure.
Your instructor will demonstrate each step and help you find the right body position before adding height.
Friction and Fabric Contact
Silks work by friction. Fabric pressing against skin is what holds you, which means you'll feel it. Wraps can squeeze, and sliding fabric can cause rub marks on skin. This is normal and gets more comfortable with practice and the right clothing.
Why Drops Come Later
Drops, where a flyer wraps into the fabric and then unrolls or falls in a controlled way, are what many people picture when they think of silks. They're exciting, but they're advanced. Drops require precise wrapping, strength and body awareness, and they're taught only after students have solid foundations.
Patience here pays off. The flyers who build strong basics are the ones who eventually perform beautiful drops safely.
What to Wear for Silks
Cover your skin to reduce friction burns:
Fitted leggings that cover your knees and behind your knees
A fitted top that covers your underarms and won't ride up when you're upside down
No zippers, buttons, jewelry or anything that could snag or damage the fabric
Hair tied back securely
For more tips, see our guide on what to wear to an aerial class.
How Beginners Progress
At InFlyte, adult silks classes run from Intro through Beginner/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced. Youth flyers can take silks within our youth program levels. You'll build from basic climbs and poses toward sequences and, eventually, more advanced wraps and drops.
Silks is also the apparatus where our adult program currently offers an Intermediate/Advanced level, so there's plenty of room to grow.
Questions to Ask Before Your First Silks Class
Which level should I start in?
Do I need any prior strength or experience?
What should I tell my instructor about injuries or concerns?
How long until I'm likely to climb or invert?
Reach out to the InFlyte team at inflyteentertainment@gmail.com or (978) 618-7816 with any questions.
Ready to Try Silks?
Silks combines strength, grace and a little bit of fearlessness. Start at the beginning, trust the process, and you'll be amazed how quickly the fabric starts to feel like home.
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