Easter Aerial Dance Jams

Amy, Holly, Emma and James ran a taster session for people wanting to take part in aerial dance classes this Easter break. There was a two hour taster jam for people with no experience of aerial work, followed by a two hour jam for people with some experience. artsNK have specialist aerial equipment offering people a rare chance to try these exciting and new techniques. The dance team have been training in this art in order to offer these new classes and jams to people at different levels of experience.

The aerial rig consists of two silks, each one splits into two poles to use. Both silks are different; the orange silk is thicker and offers more stretch. The black silk allows for more grip and less material, making it easier to negotiate. The hoop can be attached to the rig or its own apparatus, for the purpose of the taster session it was fixed into its own apparatus allowing for two silks to be used. When the hoop is elevated higher, more positions are accessible and the technique of hoisting yourself onto the hoop can also be taught.

The dance team started the jam with a warm up followed by teaching techniques of how to use the specialised equipment. Participants learnt how to climb the silks and each had a go climbing as high as they felt comfortable to. Two types of climbing techniques were shown to give a variation. The next technique is the single foot lock; this allows you to create positions in the air with the ropes such as the cocoon and the swan. The swan technique is a beautiful position to hold and is created by locking one foot, placing your hands at the front of the ropes and sliding down them and then pointing your foot to your knee. Amy is in this position on the left using the black silk in the photo below.

Later the dance team taught the group how to tie a double foot lock, this position allows for more complex poses like the straddle back. The team taught various more positions using the single and double foot lock for the group to try out. The team then moved on to the hoop and started with the correct seated position and then the man on the moon position where you sit inside the hoop. The beginners jam tried out the mermaid position on the hoop when you hold on with one hand and tilt your pelvis over the hoop locking your ankles together. During the jam for people with some experience, the participants dared to go to the next level and use the hoop to create the stag position. The two photos of the hoops below show daring leg splits. Some of the group also had a go at the wine position and other advanced positions.

As soon as the team had finished teaching the techniques, the groups were invited to have a play on the equipment and practice the new techniques they had just learnt. During the jam for people with some experience, this was a chance for them to try new and complex positions and also practice any they had just been recapped on or taught. The jam sessions ended with a relaxing cool down to stretch out the muscles that had been used. Aerial work takes strength and uses many different muscles. The jam sessions ran successfully and the groups enjoyed their experience of using the aerial rig and hoop.

Today the artsNK dance team are taking part in a full day master class workshop with Viva aerial dance from London! This opportunity will help the team further develop their aerial skills and take them to the next level! Pictured is James with one of Viva’s team members developing aerial skills on the silks. 

Aerial workshops for young people aged 11-18 years old are due to start 22nd April! Why not come along and learn something new! £5 each class and you will have a chance to learn the basic skills of silks and hoops. Don’t miss your chance to dance through the air; classes will be in the squash courts based at North Kesteven Sports Centre in North Hykeham. Classes for adults and master classes are coming soon!

Leonie Harris, artsNK Dance Student Placement.