Want to try an aerial practice but nervous about showing up as a complete newbie? Fear not, we love beginners and can’t wait to get you flying! Here are some tips on what to expect and how to prepare for your first aerial class.
Aerial is extremely fun, challenging, and an awesome workout and creative outlet. It is open to all, and everyone is welcomed and encouraged. Aerial is an art that celebrates differences and unique strengths, so there’s no reason to wait in order to try your first class. Read on and then sign yourself up!
Aerial Etiquette
- Sign up ahead of time for the your first aerial class! Aerial classes are intentionally kept small, so simply showing up will not guarantee you a spot.
- Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early for your first class. There will be paperwork for you to fill out, and a safety orientation that all first-timers must go through before class starts. Besides, the instructors would like a few minutes to meet you before beginning the class.
- Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that covers the back of your knees and armpits. Do not wear anything with zippers, sequins, stones, or anything sharp on it. You won’t need shoes. Remove all jewelry. Avoid wearing any perfume or lotion as it can linger on the apparatus.
- Wait for the instructor’s permission before moving past the entry area and into the practice space. There are many times you will need to remain in the waiting area until class begins.
- Do not touch any apparatus until you receive permission from the instructor. If you are permitted in the practice space early, feel free to gently stretch on the floor.
- Leave your cell phone on silent, and leave it in the cubbies with the rest of your stuff. If you’d like to take photos, ask the instructor if you would be able to do that at the end of class, not during.
- Be ready to help out! Students are in charge of moving the crash mats, partnering together for certain exercises, and generally respecting each other’s space as they practice. You will be amazed at how supportive aerial students are of one another…join into that energy by encouraging your fellow classmates.
- Follow the instructor’s instruction, and ask as many questions as you need to in order to understand. The instructor will be watching to see how you respond to cues, and building trust in your ability to absorb multiple instructions at once. Always err on the side of caution in an aerial practice, there’s plenty of time to build a strong foundation which will allow you to progress higher and higher each time. Trust the process!
- Be supportive of others! Everyone is challenged in an aerial practice, and aerial studios are known for cultivating a supportive, positive atmosphere among their students. This is the ultimate non-competitive activity!
Good studios strive to maintain a safe environment so that students are able to have fun and be challenged. Tuning into an aerial studio’s etiquette simply requires that you keep your eyes open, wait for the instructor’s permission, and respect the space, equipment, and other students. If your first class is different from what you expected, give yourself time to adjust to the unique challenges of an aerial practice and know that you’ll be supported every step along the way. Happy flying!