Aerial training builds strength and confidence
When most people picture aerial silks, they think of bedazzled performers effortlessly twisting through the air. Although it may look effortless, performers need to build strength, trust in their abilities and the ability to conquer fear.
Rebecca Fox, junior at Westlake High School, has been doing aerial for nine years. Her training routine includes practices three times a week, rotating between different apparatuses. She also incorporates ballet, conditioning and stretching. “It’s helped [my strength and fitness] a lot,” Fox said. “I had a back injury in eighth grade, and since then I’ve regained a lot of my strength and flexibility because of it.”
Fox prioritizes believing in herself as a crucial role for performing well. “Having confidence in your ability and yourself is very important,” Fox said.
Watching her students achieve new skills never gets old for Alyssa Villasenor, who has taught aerial for over a decade. “My favorite part of teaching is when a student has that aha moment and unlocks a new skill. Watching their excitement and confidence grow is incredibly rewarding,” Villasenor said.
One of Villasenor’s students, Jasmine Bailey, sophomore, has enjoyed the process of acquiring these skills over her six years of training. “Learning combos and full dances [require] a lot of practice, [but I love] getting to spend time with my friends,” Bailey said.
Villasenor started aerial when she was 11 years old after years of watching the circus with her family. She now trains three times a week while also teaching students. Her training includes weightlifting, floor conditioning and aerial conditioning. “The hardest part of aerial is building strength and stamina. Everyone’s journey looks different in the beginning, but the more consistent you are, the stronger you become,” Villasenor said.
Lee Wittinghofer, sophomore, started taking her training to the next level a year and a half ago. “[The hardest part is] getting over your fears of doing the scary thing,” Wittinghofer said. “Drops really high up or dynamics where you let go.”
Performing an aerial routine takes immense confidence in addition to strength. “I get super nervous, but I tell myself no one knows what’s supposed to happen, so if I play it off, no one knows,” Wittinghofer said.
Whether it is climbing the silks, memorizing choreography or trusting your body in midair, aerial artists balance fear and freedom in performances. Their ability and success prove that courage and determination are just as important as strength. “It’s really fun to hang out with my friends and learn new tricks,” Fox said. “I just love the adrenaline rush of it.”
