Aerial silk is the name used to classify a certain type of performance art. This practice may be called several other names, including aerial acrobatics and contortion. The artists who do this hang from silks that have been suspended high up in the air. They are skilled and trained enough to do these acts without the security of safety lines.

The performers start by climbing the suspended fabric. This is then used to swing, wrap, suspend, spiral and fall into an assortment of positions. These artists are known to strike figures and poses on these silk fabrics as they fly through the air. Some professionals will apply rosin on their feet and hands to ensure that they have a better grip of the fabric, and in an effort to increase the friction.

The fabrics that are employed for this practice are strong but offer some give and flexibility. They vary in width depending on the type of routine or the preference of the acrobat. Usually they are long enough to permit rigging, which is the hanging of hammocks and silks. This fabric is a two-way polyester lycra that has stretch that is medium or low. Most beginners use kinds with low stretch and professionals use fabric with medium stretch.

These acts are centered on a variety of tricks. Climbs, drops and wraps are the main classifications used when referring to aerial acrobatic tricks. The climbs may be efficient or elegant, and practical or athletic in style. French and straddle climbs are commonly done by these performance artists.

Wraps are the static poses in which the aerialist wraps the fabric around various parts of the body. Usually, the more complex the wrap is, the stronger the friction and less power that is required to hold oneself in position. When it comes to drops, these performers wrap themselves high up on the silks and then allow fall into a lower position on the silk. This kind of trick demands strength and control, among many other skills. It is also considered very dangerous.

These performers tend to be very strong, limber and flexible. There is a lot of practice that goes into gaining skill in this art form. Flexibility, strength, power and courage are musts. People must be confidence in their abilities and their routines because they could be badly injured if they fell from the silks.

Many of the people who do this kind of performance art have a position on a circus or are involved in the entertainment industry. They might also be part of companies that are hired to do special performances for carnivals, large parties, festivals and more. Some of these acrobats enjoy doing silks just as a hobby and are not professionally involves. The prices to book these performers will vary based on the performance type, event, acrobats and company.

Aerial silk is becoming a more common type of entertainment in modern times. This type of performance art includes aerial acrobats suspending themselves high up on special fabric. These performers do not wear safety lines and carry out a variety of climbs, drops, wraps and other tricks while on silks.