Discover how the practice of aerial dance, with its movements and balance, unites sports and art. Explore the main styles and techniques that combine strength and lightness.
I still remember the feeling of my first aerial dance move in yoga class. At first, my body and gravity seemed to conspire against me, but gradually, I felt the balance between strength and lightness. Furthermore, aerial dance has been a journey of overcoming challenges, with achievements in every turn, controlled fall, and pose. The beauty and challenges behind each movement in modalities like aerial ribbon dance and the fascinating suspended hoop dancing enchant me every day in my journey of self-discovery.
Main Types of Aerial Dance: Movements and Styles
Aerial dance has its roots in the circus, in contemporary circus worldwide, with performances that combine dramatic storytelling and athleticism. But the magic of aerial arts is not limited to the stage and doesn’t require a big top to experience. Moreover, it would be a combination of strength, flexibility, and creativity, allowing you to literally dance in the air. There are different types of aerial dance, which can be done with fabrics, hoops, poles, and ropes.
Although sometimes confused with aerial yoga, I emphasize that both have different purposes. In particular, aerial yoga focuses on stretches and poses assisted by fabric. Aerial dance, on the other hand, aims to create fluid and expressive movements. When I started, I opted for aerial yoga to get used to the equipment and gain balance. It was also a natural transition to aerial arts, allowing me to discover a new form of expression that combines strength and poetry. Starting your journey in aerial arts may seem challenging, but with the right guidance, it can be an exciting experience.
Aerial Ribbon Dance: Art with Aerial Fabric
In aerial ribbon dance, everything starts with the connection to the fabric. These aerial fabrics have long strips of fabric that allow you to climb, perform suspended poses, and create impressive falls. In fact, when I learned to do my first suspended movement, it felt like the ribbons had a life of their own. Especially one of the most striking movements was the “star fall”, where I slid from a great height but in complete control. Initially, I was a bit afraid, but it’s like an embrace from the ribbon, which envelops you at the right moment. Later, with more practice, I learned the “inverted star”, becoming one of my favorite poses.
Suspended Hoop Dancing: Elegance and Balance in the Suspended Hoop
The first time I got on the hoop was almost magical, suspended hoop dancing was a mix of grace and strength. My first movement I learned was the “mermaid pose”, which gives the impression that you are floating in a fairy tale. Moreover, it’s a classic that gave me lightness and confidence, besides, simple poses seem like sculptures in the air. With more experience, I tried the “back balance”, where the challenge is to find the balance point, which requires trust and patience.
Aerial Pole Dancing: Strength and Elegance
Aerial pole dancing was the style that demanded the most strength and technique from me. Learning the “flag pose” required absolute body control. However, in the techniques of the “jade split” and the “hanging dive”, I felt I was learning to trust the fabric and my own body. This modality of aerial pole dancing is an inspiration for those seeking to combine strength and elegance. In addition, there is the aerial net, especially for beginners, offering extra support to explore basic movements.
Aerial Rope Dance: Aerial Dance Move on the Aerial Rope
In aerial rope dance, the simplicity of the rope reveals the complexity of the movements, which are unique and powerful. One of my favorites is the “hip key”, a combination of strength and flexibility, my first step towards more advanced movements. In particular, each turn on the rope seemed like a conversation between the body and the air, as I learned to control each movement.
Finally, if you’ve ever thought about practicing aerial dance move, but felt intimidated, know that everyone starts from scratch. I myself was clumsy at first, but many beginners have doubts about their physical abilities. However, the learning process showed me that with each new technique, I identified physical skills that were being developed through practice.
This article reflects personal experiences and perceptions about the practice of aerial dance. The benefits described may vary from person to person and do not replace professional guidance.
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