Aerial Circus
Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks, Aerial Rope and Flying Pole in Bristol
Aerial is a group term for acrobatics but in the air! You may have had a sneak peak at aerial if you have been to a Cirque Du Soleil show. At our studio we specialise in teaching aerial hoop, silks, rope and flying pole! Collectively our circus instructors have been doing aerial over half a century! Not only are they brilliant instructors and teachers but they are also some of Bristol’s most unique, renowned performers too.
Similar to pole, aerial attracts all types of people and bodies! You don’t have to be a certain stereotype to fall in love with these circus disciplines. Aerial will increase your upper body strength, your body awareness and your flexibility whilst getting a similar rush of adrenaline that you would get at a theme park!
Our purpose built aerial studio is a huge 100 sq m of soft gymnastic flooring. We have a purpose built, engineered and load tested aerial truss, which has 2 bays for aerial. It is 15m long and 5m high with 4 drop in lines, which means equipment can be rigged and changed easily and hard rigged equipment too for training dynamics. Drop in lines are perfect for professional circus performers rehearsing of gigs.
Aerial Hoop / Lyra
Aerial hoop is a steel ring suspended in the air which you can spin on, roll in and perform drops and shapes on! We have single point hoops at the studio all on drop in lines (adjustable heights) and one hard rigged hoop. We have a variety of sizes for adults and children. Our hoops are taped and painted in high quality acrylic paint giving them a smooth but grippy finish. We recommend wearing moveable sports clothing that covers the backs of your knees and stomach for your first hoop class. Our hoop classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays (day time) & Thursdays with our instructors Alexa & Suzy
Aerial Silks / Tissu
Silks are a long piece (20m) of continuous fabric, folded and rigged in half to make 2 pieces of fabric to climb, split, roll up, pose, transition and perform drops on. It is truly a majestic discipline to learn and watch! We recommend sports clothing that covers the legs and stomach, but the ability to have the ankles/shins out to help with climbs! Silks classes are with Rach on Tuesdays 6:15pm
Aerial Pole
What is aerial pole? Also known as Flying Pole, aerial pole is a ‘Chinese Pole’ aerially suspended. A Chinese pole is usually rubber coated, made out of wood and metal internally. Flying Pole is such a beautiful aerial apparatus, and when used well it spins so beautifully and fast creating mesmerising performances. Not only does it look beautiful it also helps build strength and flexibility very quickly! We recommend wearing durable, mid stretch sportswear that covers the legs, arms and stomach. Bendy Kate is head of Flying Pole at Bendy Studio and teaches a mixed ability class on Mondays at 7:45pm.
You can find out more about our aerial instructors; Suzy Pegler, Rach Mayes, Alexa Gibbens, Suzi Rai, Bendy Kate, Saskia Collyns & Jack Rees via our instructor page. Each instructor has a totally different repertoire and teaching style but all of them will make you feel welcome and badass in the air!
For flying pole & hoop flow head to our timetable to book. To book onto other aerial classes contact your instructor directly, but be quick as classes tend to sell out.
The Aerial Studio
Top Tips for your first aerial class or course....
- Remember - you don't have to be strong already to take up aerial. Getting strong is one of the aims of aerial classes
- Make sure you feel comfortable and safe in the aerial studio chosen and with the instructor
- Wear leggings, a long sleeved top and make sure you can tuck it in. Aerial equipment can bruise/burn skin sometimes if not covered!
- Remove rings and jewellery, this will hinder your grip and can damage the equipment
- Plan plenty of time to arrive before your class incase you find it hard to find on the day. When coming to us always check googlemaps to check there isn't a match on as we are right by Ashton Gate Stadium
- Feel free to ask your instructor as many questions as you want - which muscles to use for each movement or the weight limit of the rigging point etc
- Don't forget to tell your instructor about any health conditions or injuries you have at the beginning of the class. If you do have any health conditions always speak to your medical provider first
- You might experience some muscle soreness the next day. This is completely NORMAL when taking up a new sport and should settle within 2 days
- Enjoy your new addiction and take up as many aerial activities as you like!
- If you fall in love with aerial, cross training is always a good shout! For example take flexibility or pilates classes to supplement your training
Why Do Aerial? What is it good for?
Aerial has many physical benefits like improving strength, flexibility, balance and muscular endurance. It also increases your muscular awareness & proprioception. It improves grip strength and core strength. It also gives a sense of euphoria of being able to fly of course!
Now mentally it has just as many benefits – it can help improve your confidence, determination, self esteem and reduce stress. Whilst getting to meet and hang around with lovely likeminded people every single week!
