When selecting activities for your kids, there are many important factors to consider: Do I think my child will enjoy this activity long term? Will it offer opportunities to grow and achieve new skills? Are there chances for them to perform or compete? These questions, among others, help guide parents toward activities that fit their child’s needs and passions. For families seeking something unique, fun, and full of potential, aerial arts might be the perfect fit.
What Are Aerial Arts?
Aerial arts involve performing acrobatic movements on suspended apparatus such as silks, hoops (also called lyra), trapeze, or straps. Participants climb, wrap, and pose while defying gravity, creating breathtaking displays of strength, flexibility, and artistry.
Originally popularized in circus performances, aerial arts have evolved into a dynamic recreational activity. Over the past decade, programs offering aerial classes have grown significantly, making this once niche art form more accessible than ever. Today, studios across the country provide opportunities for kids to learn aerial skills, participate in performances, and even compete. With new classes and programs launching each year, aerial arts continue to soar in popularity, captivating children and parents alike. For instance, according to IBISWorld, the circus and performing arts industry has seen steady growth in participation, with more studios introducing aerial programs to meet demand.
The Benefits of Aerial Arts for Kids
1. Physical Fitness
Aerial arts is a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, and coordination. Climbing silks builds upper body and core strength, while poses and transitions improve balance and agility. Kids also develop endurance as they practice routines and spend time off the ground. Often, kids don't realize they are getting a workout because the movements are fun and challenging.
Kids develop functional movements that increase flexibility and work toward splits and improved mobility. Aerial arts are an excellent complement to dance and gymnastics or a dynamic standalone sport.
2. Creative Expression
Through aerial arts, kids can express themselves artistically. Movements are set to music, and routines often tell a story or convey emotion. This creative aspect allows children to explore their individuality and develop their artistic voice.
Like gymnastics, kids choreograph routines to music that fit specific requirements. They can add their unique flair, expressing themselves through aerial dance.
Children can perform as a group or solo in studio showcases, competitions like the Dakota Aerial Championship, or at public events such as farmer's markets and local festivals.
3. Confidence and Resilience
Mastering a new skill, such as a challenging climb or pose, boosts confidence. Aerial arts require persistence and problem-solving, teaching kids to overcome obstacles and celebrate progress. They progress from feeling confident close to the ground in a knot or on a hoop to climbing and executing skills high in the air!
As they move through levels, they build on successes and learn endless skills, pathways, drops, and sequences. Learning new skills is challenging, and kids develop the resilience to overcome failure, celebrate classmates' successes, and build confidence in the air. Performing for an audience or participating in competitions further strengthens their self-assurance.
We have seen many students blossom from shy performers who were hesitant to perform solo to confident individuals capable of executing challenging tricks and engaging audiences.
4. Social Connections
Aerial classes foster a sense of community. Kids work together, cheer each other on, and share in the joy of learning. These connections help build teamwork and communication skills.
Students overcome challenges and achieve new skills together. Our community emphasizes partnership and teamwork as kids perform and work hard alongside one another. Many of our students form lasting friendships with their classmates and teammates.
Kids also learn how to communicate effectively with their coaches and receive constructive feedback to improve their skills.
5. Choose Your Path
Kids taking aerial classes can attend for fun or pursue performance and competition opportunities. Unique apparatuses like trapeze, aerial cube, or straps provide endless possibilities.
Children can choose how they prefer to perform aerial arts—solo or as part of a group—or simply attend classes to learn skills. For those dreaming big, career opportunities exist to perform in Cirque Du Soleil or other theater and performance productions.
Why Aerial Arts is a Flexible Opportunity
One of the greatest advantages of aerial arts is its adaptability. Unlike traditional sports with rigid schedules or competitive demands, aerial classes often offer flexible options. Kids can progress at their own pace, whether they attend for fun or aim to advance to higher levels. The diversity of apparatus ensures there is always something new to try, keeping the activity fresh and engaging.
Additionally, aerial arts cater to a wide range of skill levels and physical abilities. Beginners start with foundational moves close to the ground, while advanced students explore complex tricks and routines. This scalability makes it a great fit for kids of all ages and abilities.
At South Dakota Aerial & Arts, we offer flexible options. You can sign up for a session or choose a plan that allows you to attend any level-appropriate kids' class during the week. This flexibility makes it easy to work around conflicts and experience a variety of coaching styles.
How to Get Started
If you think aerial arts might be a good fit for your child, look for local studios that offer kids' classes. Many studios provide introductory sessions where kids can try out the equipment and see if it sparks their interest. At South Dakota Aerial & Arts, we offer single class passes and new member discounts, allowing you to try out a variety of sessions without committing to a full season. Look for programs with experienced instructors who prioritize safety and foster a positive, supportive environment.
When your child begins, they’ll start with basic moves and learn essential safety skills. As they gain confidence, they’ll progress to more challenging tricks and routines. Most importantly, they’ll have fun exploring the world of aerial arts!
Conclusion
Aerial arts is more than just a sport or hobby; it’s an opportunity for kids to grow physically, mentally, and creatively. With its mix of fitness, artistry, and fun, aerial arts provides a flexible and rewarding experience for children of all interests and abilities. Whether your child is looking for a new challenge or a way to express themselves, aerial arts might be the perfect activity to lift their spirits—and their feet—off the ground!
If you live in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area, check out all of our kids' classes and opportunities for children starting as young as four years old.
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