What are Silks?
Silks are special fabrics which are used in acrobatic performances. Performances with silks are known as aerial silks, aerial ribbons, aerial tissues, aerial contortion, and tissu, depending on regional preference. A silks performance can be quite a sight to see with skilled acrobats, demonstrating flexibility, athleticism, and immense control. Because it is very easy to rig silks, this circus art is also extremely flexible and mobile, and you can see silks performers in an astounding number of places.
Performers use their silks to suspend themselves as they perform aerial acts, with the silks acting both as supports and props. During the performance, acrobats may twirl, contort themselves, swing, and perform other tricks with their silks, and the overall impression is generally one of flowing, continuous movement. Performers may work alone or with partners, with group silks acts often featuring daring physical feats.
Silks are among the more dangerous of aerial acts, because they are often performed without a safety harness. This is because the flow of the silks and the act would be disrupted by a safety line, and the safety line could even endanger the performer as he or she went through the silks routine. As a result, performers on silks need to be extremely well trained, confident, and strong, and safety nets or mats may be installed below the silks in case of a fall.
The fabrics used as silks are incredibly strong with some give and flexibility. The width varies, depending on the routine and the acrobat, and the fabric is usually quite long, as it is doubled for rigging, giving the acrobat two strips of fabric to work with as he or she performs. Many silks are brightly colored, with multiple acrobats coordinating their colors for their act. The rigging for a silks performance generally doesn't take long, and silks can be hung in a variety of places, from interior beams to specially designed frames to trees, making silks performances very versatile.
Many circuses feature a silks performance with one or more acrobats, and silks may also be displayed at corporate events, festivals, and other large public gatherings, with the acrobats periodically ascending for their performances. The beauty and grace of silks has captivated many people, leading it to be featured in films and at a growing number of events.
Written by S.E. Smith
