Aerial hoop

The aerial hoop, also known as the lyra, is a spectacular circus art form. The apparatus is a metal hoop suspended in the air, which has the option of being rigged vertically on a single point or double point or horizontally to create a tippy hoop. The hoop is taped to give a better grip and often rigged with a spinner to make the hoop rotate.

Beginners start by learning tricks on the bottom bar and within the hoop. With time these individual tricks are linked to form sequences. In the intermediate level we start doing more tricks on the top bar and also adding a level dynamism with drops and rolls. Progressing up to advanced level students will work in the strop, flipping the hoop as well as significant drops and stunts.

Trapeze

The trapeze is a classic piece of circus apparatus. It consists of two ropes and a bar. We teach the static trapeze and dance trapeze (rigged to a swivel) in our classes. Flying trapeze can be done at larger circus schools in London and Bristol.

When students begin on the trapeze there will be work on the bar and upright tricks in the ropes. As students progress the tricks in the ropes get more involved, with wrapping the ropes and dropping plus going upside down in the ropes.

Pole

The pole has a 40mm or 45mm circumference and is made from metal, sometimes with a chrome or powder coated finish. The pole can be static or on a spin.

To start on the pole, the student will learn spins and basic upright moves on the static pole. As confidence grows, these skills can be transferred onto the spin pole. With increasing strength the student will learn inverts and counter balances. Tricks can be joined together to create sequences.

We also have the flying pole, which is a pole suspended from an aerial rigging point and has a greater degree of movement, adding a different element to pole sport.

Silks

The silks, also known as fabric and tissue, are a wonderful, dramatic circus art form. The silks are a long piece of slightly stretchy fabric, knotted to form two silk pieces. Note the silks aren't actually made from silk.

Silks requires a lot of strength, so are a great option if you want to build strength as your main aim. As a beginner you will learn fundamentals like climbing, foot locks and working in a hitch knot. As you progress, tricks will involve lots of wrapping with drops and rolls which can be exhilarating.

Sling

The aerial sling is a long piece of fabric, similar to that of the silks but wider, and is rigged at each end to create a hammock. The sling is often attached to a swivel to make it spin.

Sling is a great entry for those new to aerial, but with time the student will get the same level or thrill as the silks with drops and rolls.

Acrobatics

Acrobatics is a floor based circus art with gymnastic elements. Acrobats work individually, in partners and larger groups to perform balances, lifts and dynamic tricks.

Classes will have a conditioning element to build strength and tumbling to get students used to going upside down and spinning.

Workshops and other apparatus

At Luna we also run workshops in doubles hoop, tippy hoop, rope, family including adults with children and unusual aerial apparatus such as the aerial moon, lollipop and wheel.