What to Expect and How to Get Ready
We're thrilled that you've scheduled an intro to aerial silks class. In the class you'll get into the fabrics to learn more about this amazing circus art. You'll learn simple poses, how to climb, and even how we use the silks in conditioning exercises designed to build the strength and flexibility required for more advanced movements.
Before Class...
Wear comfortable, form fitting clothing that covers the midriff and the knees (t-shirt or tank top and leggings are a great choice.) You will be barefoot. Avoid using heavy lotions on your hands and feet prior to class. Remove any large earrings, rings, or bracelets that could tear or get tangled in the fabrics.
Be on time! Do yourself a favor and arrive a few minutes early. We begin class with an important warm up that gets your body ready. Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late will have to reschedule their class.
Can I do this?
The short answer is YES! Silks is hard. For many of our students, it's the most challenging strength building workout they've ever done. It's also the most fun they've ever had building strength and flexibility.
Bring any previous experience you have and a great attitude. There are many movements that you won't be able to do at first - don't worry! We have never seen a student who was willing to keep at it fail to learn to do silks.
Am I too old? No! We have adult students from 16 to 65.
What Next? Are There More Classes Available?
Yes! Mountain Shadows Aerial silks is proud to have Colorado Springs larges progressive aerial silks program for ongoing students.
New students begin in a Level 1 program and work through a 6 month curriculum that builds basic skill and the strength required for advancement to Level 2. Classes meet twice a week. Most new students can expect to advance to Level 2 in 4 to 6 months, depending on their attendance and work in class.
With consistent practice and hard work, students advance to Level 3 for even more challenging movements and performance opportunities.
Do You Offer Drop In Classes?
Many aerial studios offer drop in classes, but at Mt Shadows Aerial Silks, we don't believe drop ins best serve our students. Building the strength and developing the appropriate technique to learn aerial silks safely and successfully requires regular practice. We require all ongoing students to train at least twice a week. We even offer additional open gym times for free for current students to do additional practice on their own schedule.
Drop in students tend to slow down the progress of the existing class and require the instructor and other students to back track while the drop in student is "catching up." Because we ask for a little more commitment from our students, our students progress more quickly and build good technique faster than in a program that allows drop ins.
Performance Opportunities...
As a new student you may not be even thinking about performing just yet - but once you develop basic skills, preparing for a public performance can really focus your training and be an exciting, confidence-building experience.
Level 2 and 3 students have two opportunities each year to prepare for and perform silks routines: one at the informal annual student "hang out" where students perform routines for each other with family and friends as guests, and also at the more formal annual student showcase.
We are so proud of our students when they get to the level that begin performing as aerialists!