Aerial Silk, also known as tissu, ribbon or fabric, is an apparatus used in aerial acrobatics where a performer or performers hang and perform acrobatics while suspended by a special fabric. The performer climbs the suspended fabric without the use of safety lines, and rely only on their training and skill to ensure safety. The performer/acrobat uses the fabric to: wrap, suspend, fall, swing, and spiral their body into and out of various positions. Aerial silks may be used to fly through the air, striking poses and figures while flying. Routines are an exciting display of athleticism, coordination and flexibility.
The following information is for academic reference purposes only. Any physical activity taking place off the ground carries a high level of risk of injury or death if not practiced with proper training and supervision.
Rigging
As with any kind of technical rigging, it is crucial for reasons of safety and liability that only professionally trained personnel set up and rig acrobatic apparatus.
Selecting Fabrics
Fabric under the name of 'tricot chiffon' is most commonly used by performers, though fabrics which have this name do vary. Another common choice is polyester interlock. When selecting fabric, there are a number of issues one must take into account.
Stretch
Low stretch fabrics. Low stretch fabrics provide a high degree of control for precision choreography. With the spread of motorized rigging and sophisticated shock absorbing hardware, low stretch fabric is used in most modern professional productions.
Medium stretch fabrics. Medium stretch fabrics are becoming less common, as they do not have many of the advantages of lower stretch fabrics. Primarily Russian artists and those who trained in the early-mid nineties use low stretch fabrics.
Width. Fabric width is mostly a personal choice. The thickness of the fabric when gathered is also influenced by the "denier", or technical thickness of the fabrics weave. 40 denier is a common choice. The using 40 denier nylon fabric, the following is true:
60" - Narrow when open, thin when gathered. fairly common simply because the fabric is widely available.
72-84? - Average for adults. A good place to start.
96" - Wide when open, thick when gathered. Best for adults with large hands.
108? - Very wide and thick. Recommended for adults with very large hands, or specialty acts.
Length
Length is a function of the height of the space available.
For beginners, it is beneficial if the fabric comes down past the ground, allowing them to practice wraps at a lower level where they can be spotted.
For intermediate users and above, it is sufficient if the fabrics to come down to the ground.
For all users, the space required is usually between 20 and 30 ft. There are a great many tricks that can be done on a 12 to 15 foot ribbon and a few drops require more than 30 feet but for the most part 20 to 30 feet is best.
Additional Information
Some silks performers prefer to use dried or spray rosin on their hands and feet to increase the friction and grip on the fabric.
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