Aerial Silks

Climbs, wraps, poses, inversions, and controlled drops on suspended fabric.

Usually solo; doubles silks exists.

Showcased in circus and aerial competitions/showcases rather than a single governing sport.

Global studio practice; rooted in European contemporary circus.

The dramatic 'drops' are pre-wrapped, controlled releases of the fabric—not free falls or improvised danger.

Aerial silks (also called aerial tissu, aerial ribbons, or aerial fabric) is a form of performance in which an acrobat climbs, wraps, suspends, and drops on two lengths of specialized fabric hung from a single high point. The apparatus is a low-stretch or moderate-stretch fabric — the amount of give changes how climbs, "locks," and drops behave — and the artist builds sequences from three core skill families: climbs, poses/wraps, and drops (in which a pre-set wrap is released so the body falls a controlled distance before the fabric catches it). Because there is no net, silks demands significant grip strength, core control, and precise memory of wrap sequences.

The discipline grew out of the modern and contemporary circus of the late 20th century and was propelled into mainstream visibility by companies such as Cirque du Soleil, becoming a staple of circus schools, galas, and stage shows worldwide. It also crossed into popular music: violinist-dancer Lindsey Stirling has incorporated aerial silks into her live performances, combining the apparatus with choreographed violin playing.