Aerial Silks or Aerial Tissues have become a beloved category of Aerial Acrobatics, but do you know their fascinating history? In this article, we will delve into the origins and evolution of aerial silks, tracing their beginnings in a French circus school to their current global popularity.
The Origins of Aerial Silks
Aerial silks, also known as aerial tissues, emerged in 1959 at a French circus school where students were encouraged to create unique performances. One innovative student introduced a long piece of fabric into her act, marking the unofficial birth of aerial silks.
Although details about this pioneering performance remain scarce, the concept gradually gained traction. Between 1959 and 1998, numerous artists experimented with aerial silks, leading to the development of the dual-fabric design we see today.
Isabelle Vaudelle and Isabelle Chasse: Pioneers of Aerial Silks
Despite older experiments, the art of Aerial Silks became widely known by Isabelle Vaudelle and Isabelle Chasse. It was in 1998 when the two artists presented their Aerial Silks moves during a performance called Quidam, as part of Cirque du Soleil’s show. It is worth mentioning that Isabelle Vaudelle also took part in Mondial du Cirque de Demain in 1995 and presented an absolutely impressive act.
Global Expansion of Aerial Silks
By the mid-1990s, aerial silks began spreading across the world, thanks to British and French acrobats influenced by Vaudelle and her mentor, Gérard Fasoli. The art form gained widespread media exposure in 2002 when it featured in the BBC TV Aerial Silks Ident, captivating viewers for over five years.
The Controversy Surrounding the Founder of Aerial Silk
There is, however, an opposing argument regarding the founder of Aerial Silk. It is supported that the founder is Andre Simard who had specialized in the research and development of acrobatic moves of Cirque du Soleil since 1987. It was at that time when he was in charge of inventing new, innovative ways of showing acrobatic moves to impress the spectators. He transformed the acrobats from athletes to real performers by persuading them not only to use facial expressions but focus on body movements to express their inner feelings to the spectator uniquely and impressively. Soon, Simard’s techniques became widely known and they were used in every acrobatic performance worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who invented aerial silks?
While the first recorded use was in 1959 at a French circus school, André Simard and Isabelle Vaudelle played significant roles in its development and popularization.
2. Is aerial silks safe for beginners?
Yes, with proper training, equipment, and safety precautions, aerial silks can be safely enjoyed by beginners.
3. What equipment do I need to start aerial silks?
Essential equipment includes aerial fabric, a rigging system, and safety mats for practice.
Aerial Silks Today: A Global Phenomenon
Today, aerial silks have evolved into a mesmerizing art form practiced worldwide. Whether performed in theaters, fitness studios, or outdoor festivals, aerial silks offer a unique blend of strength, grace, and self-expression.
If you’re inspired to begin your aerial journey, having the right equipment is crucial. At Vertical Wise, we provide high-quality aerial silks designed for both beginners and professionals. Use code AERIAL10 to enjoy 10% off your first purchase!
Reference: https://www.firestormtalent.com/post/a-brief-history-of-aerial-silks
What’s your experience with aerial silks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Thanks for finally talking about >History of Aerial Silks (Aerial Tissues) |
Vertical Wise <Loved it!
And physics
NO WAY IT IS THAT RECENT????????????????????? Is there a chance there is some older instance of this discipline? I guess if there were it would have continued to evolve and we would be able to trace it back, unless it cut off in its tracks for some reason.
Hi Sara! I agree with you! Aerial silks has its roots in circus, dance, gymnastics. All things that have been around for a long time, somebody must have done it sooner!
Does anyone know where I can find the original French article?
I worked on the original touring show of Quidam, and recall Isabelle Vaudelle originating and doing the act on her own for several cities before they brought in Isabelle Chasse to trade off performances with her. I remember vividly the first night Chasse performed her version of the act, and a visibly upset Vaudelle (quietly weeping) watching from the back of the tent in the audience. They were both brilliant performers, and many praised Chasse’s powerful, quicker movements, but I always preferred Vaudelle, who was heartachingly soulful in her performance. She was so beautiful in that act that a male friend who was in town visiting and came to see the show, became completely smitten with her and flew cross country again the next weekend just to see her act again. Unfortunately, Chasse is in all the videos of the act. But Vaudelle was definitely the original on Quidam and only shared it with Chasse later.
Thank you for sharing your personal experience and insights into the original touring show of Quidam. It’s fascinating to hear about the performances of Isabelle Vaudelle and Isabelle Chasse and the different qualities they brought to the act. It’s understandable how each performer’s unique style resonated with different audience members. Thank you for sharing your personal perspective on this memorable experience!
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I’m very surprised to hear that aerial silks only originated in the 90’s! I would like to hear more about the student who allegedly created aerial silks back in 1959, I feel like there weren’t a lot of credible sources used in this article to support your claim. But having a bit of light shed on aerial fitness is very helpful.
So how do i know what kind of Aerial Silk size I need?
Thank you for your comment! Determining the right size of aerial silk for your needs can depend on a few factors like height, skill level and purpose of the training. it’s always a good idea to consult with your aerial instructor or an experienced professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and goals. They can guide you in choosing the most suitable size for your aerial silk.
I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Happy silk training!