Your studio is closed (again!) and although you are doing all the Zoom and Instagram Live workout classes you can handle right now, you miss being in the air!
It’s a tough time to be an aerialist right now that’s for sure.
If you have decided to take a break from aerial training and focus on another creative pursuit during the pandemic, that makes total sense. If however, you find yourself hungrily climbing trees in the park, hanging from door frames and tables just to get a little taste of your former aerial life, well, read on you crazy fool, we gotchoo!
3 Creative Ways to Access an Aerial Point During COVID-19
1. Find a Studio that is Open
This one is obvious (is it tho?). Although many aerial studios in the US, Asia, Australia and parts of Europe are currently closed due to the pandemic. Some are still open. Do your research, ask other aerialists if they know of any studios in your area that are currently open. You will want to find out what kind of safety precautions are in place to mitigate risks, whether there is an indoor/outdoor component (research shows that there is less risk of COVID-19 infection outdoors). You may need to travel further then usual to get to an aerial class at a reputable studio that is open but you will be able to get in the air, relatively safely and it sure beats hanging on your bedroom door!
2. Invest In a Free Standing Rig
If you live in an apartment with low ceilings this one might be a bit challenging BUT there are a number of mini-rigs out there and plenty of people creating and training diligently on them right now. Do a quick Google search and you will find a number of reasonably priced Yoga-Inspired freestanding rigs (be sure to read the reviews berfore you purchase) that have a reasonably small footprint.
If you are lucky enough to have access to a backyard space, weather permitting you can set up a freestanding portable rig.
In our experience, the X-Pole A Frame is a safe bet (currently out of stock) as is Up Flying Yoga’s Aerial Yoga Stand (pick up only in Los Angles area)
If you have a large enough backyard then a Ludwig rig might be perfect for you
If you are in the California area you may want to consider a custom aerial rig from the incredible Chobi Gyorgy (our personal recommendation).
Whether you are setting up a small indoor rig or larger outdoor one, we suggest you hire an experienced aerial rigger in your area to set up/sign off on your rig install.
3. Rent Training Space
While your own personal rig set up may not be a possibility right now, you likely know of someone, somewhere in your area with access to a safe aerial rig. While the global pandemic certainly makes things more difficult, there are ways to mitigate the risk (use your own equipment, train outdoors, sanitize before and after training) for all parties involved. Consider reaching out to an aerial-rig-owner contact and see if she would be open to renting her rig/space for an hour or two. Be clear about the ways you would be willing to ensure safety such as wearing a mask, ensuring social distance, bringing your own equipment etc. It may seem like a long shot but you never know until you ask!
We know times are tough right now and it’s impossible to know when this pandemic will be over. But it will end.
Don’t forget to keep your creative fire burning, no matter how irrelevant it might seem right now or how small the flames.
Your artistry and your passion are deep, rich, spiritual parts of YOU and you owe it yourself and the world to express them.
Aerial Art, Aerial Dance, Aerial remedies, aerial rigging, Aerial Silks, Aerial Tips, Aerialists, Covid-19, Safety in aerial arts, Womack and Bowman
