Aerial silks is one of the most beautiful and exciting forms of movement, combining strength, flexibility, and grace. While it may look advanced or intimidating at first, aerial silks is something beginners of all ages can try, especially when guided by a supportive and progressive class environment like the one at Elevate Sports Center.
Whether you’re a parent wondering if this is right for your child or a student interested in trying something new, this blog will walk you through the basics of what aerial silks classes are, what to expect in your first class, and how Elevate helps students grow safely from their first grip on the fabric to more advanced movements.
You don’t need any prior experience in dance, gymnastics, or fitness. Aerial silks is built on trust, exploration, and personal progress, and it all starts from the ground up.
What Are Aerial Silks?
Aerial silks is a type of aerial art where students use long pieces of fabric, called silks, suspended from the ceiling to perform climbs, wraps, poses, and eventually more complex tricks. Unlike traditional gymnastics or dance, aerial silks is vertical. Students move up and down the silks using grip strength, core control, and body awareness.
Silks classes at Elevate are beginner-friendly. They start low to the ground so students can build strength and confidence before moving into higher-level work. The program is designed to be non-competitive and progressive, helping each student grow at their own pace.
In each class, students learn how to hold the silks, wrap them around different parts of the body, and practice simple poses and drops under the close supervision of trained coaches. It’s a workout and an art form all in one, and it is accessible for beginners who are excited to try something new.
What to Expect in Your First Class
Before your first aerial silks class, all new students are required to complete a Safety Class. This one-time session covers the fundamentals of working safely with the silks, spotting basics, and how to prevent common injuries. It’s $15 per class, or $10 for current members, and must be taken before enrolling in regular silks sessions.
Once you’ve completed the safety class, your first aerial silks class is all about exploration and learning the basics. Here’s what a typical beginner experience looks like:
Warm-up and Stretching
Each class begins with a full-body warm-up to increase flexibility, activate muscles, and prevent injuries. Expect a mix of stretching, conditioning, and light cardio, often focused on core strength and shoulder mobility.
Silks Familiarization
Coaches will introduce students to the silks themselves, including how to grip them, how to practice different positions, and how to use them safely. You’ll also learn terms like “foot lock” or “wrist wrap,” which are the building blocks for future skills.
Low-Height Practice
Beginners start close to the ground, practicing poses and wraps just a few feet off the mat. This allows students to build strength and technique without fear or risk.
Guided Coaching and Support
Coaches provide hands-on spotting and step-by-step instruction. Students are encouraged to ask questions, take breaks when needed, and move at their own comfort level.
Above all, the first class is about having fun, trying something new, and discovering that silks is much more approachable than it may seem.
What Should You Wear or Bring?
Aerial silks is best done in form-fitting, flexible clothing that allows full range of motion while protecting the skin.
Here are a few basic recommendations:
- Wear leggings or tight athletic pants that cover the backs of the knees.
- Choose a fitted top with sleeves, either short or long, to help avoid fabric burns or pinching under the arms.
- Avoid zippers, jewelry, or anything sharp that could damage the silks or cause discomfort.
- Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated. Silks is a full-body workout.
No shoes are needed. Students participate barefoot to allow for better grip and connection with the fabric.
Safety and Progression: How Students Grow Over Time
Safety is a top priority at Elevate. Every aerial silks student is first required to complete a Safety Class before joining regular sessions. This introductory class ensures students understand the basics of safe movement, equipment use, and injury prevention.
Once enrolled in silks, all classes are taught by trained instructors who guide students through skills that match their age and ability. Beginners start on low-hanging silks with crash mats underneath and plenty of hands-on support. As students build strength, body awareness, and confidence, they gradually begin learning skills that take them higher off the ground.
Progression is a key part of the program. Students learn new techniques only after demonstrating control and readiness at earlier levels. Skills are taught in a structured sequence, so students develop the necessary strength and safety habits before attempting more complex movements.
Instructors also weave conditioning into warm-ups that support silks development, including grip strength, shoulder stability, and core control.
Because the program is non-competitive and self-paced, silks is a great fit for kids who may not enjoy team sports but still want a challenging, creative, and rewarding physical activity.
Benefits of Aerial Silks for Beginners
Aerial silks is not just fun. It is also incredibly beneficial for the body and mind.
Some beginner-friendly benefits include:
- Improved grip and upper body strength
- Increased flexibility and body awareness
- Boosted confidence through trying new challenges
- Enhanced focus and coordination
- Stress relief and creative expression
It is also a great way for kids to develop patience and perseverance. Mastering even simple skills in silks can take time and repetition, which helps students build mental resilience along with physical ability.
Plus, it is just plain fun! Many students are surprised at how much they enjoy the feeling of wrapping, hanging, or inverting, especially when they get to see their progress from week to week.
Who Is Aerial Silks For?
Aerial silks is open to a wide range of ages and abilities. At Elevate, silks classes are available to beginners with no prior experience in gymnastics, dance, or fitness.
It is ideal for:
- Kids who love climbing, swinging, or creative movement
- Students looking for a fun, non-competitive outlet
- Anyone who enjoys building strength and flexibility through engaging activities
- Kids or teens interested in performing arts or aerial arts
Because classes are leveled and beginner-friendly, new students can join at any time and start at their own comfort level.
Conclusion
Aerial silks may look dramatic and complex, but getting started is easier than most people think. At Elevate Sports Center, beginners are supported every step of the way in a fun, encouraging, and safe environment.
From learning basic poses close to the ground to progressing through wraps, climbs, and inversions, silks offers a creative and challenging path for kids and teens who want something different.
If you or your child are curious about trying it out, join us for a beginner-friendly aerial silks class at Elevate. No experience is required, just the willingness to try something new and discover what you can do in the air.
Try it FREE!
We offer one free trial class to all students who are interested in our programs. From NinjaZone to Tumbling, give one of our classes are shot. After all…. it’s FREE!