Body Neutrality in Aerial Arts
Aerial arts can seem pretty intimidating at first—graceful flows, effortless strength, and those stunning, gravity-defying shapes. If you’ve ever looked at aerialists and thought, “That looks amazing, but I could never do that,” you’re not alone. The truth is, aerial isn’t just for a certain type of body. It’s for every body.
There’s no size, shape, or background that defines who “should” be in the air. You don’t need to be ultra-flexible, super strong, or fit a particular mold to get started. Aerial is about discovering what your body is capable of—without judgment, without comparison, just movement.
Aerial Adjusts to YOU
Aerial isn’t one-size-fits-all. The way a move feels or looks will be different for everyone, and that’s part of what makes it so cool. Rather than forcing your body into shapes that don’t feel right, aerial allows for adjustments that work with your own structure and strengths.
🔹 Points of Contact Matter – Small changes in where the fabric, hoop, or pole supports you can make a move feel completely different. Adjusting these points can make something more comfortable or achievable without changing the beauty of the movement.
🔹 Play to Your Strengths – Maybe leg wraps and climbs feel strong and stable, or maybe you love arm holds and dynamic tricks. Aerial helps highlight your natural strengths while you build new ones.
🔹 Modifications Are Key – They aren’t “cheats.” They’re smart ways to learn. A movement that typically needs deep flexibility? You can modify it with bent knees or a different grip while still capturing the same essence. Progress in aerial is about finding your way into the movement, not forcing yourself into someone else’s version of it.
🔹 Movement Over Perfection – Aerial isn’t just about the final shape you create—it’s about the way you move. Flowing between tricks, experimenting with transitions, and finding what feels good in your body is where the real magic happens.
Shifting the Focus: Neutral, Not Negative
Instead of thinking about how your body looks in a pose, start paying attention to how it feels. Strength isn’t about having a certain body type; it’s about what your body can do. Some days will feel amazing, and others might feel frustrating—but neither defines your worth or progress. Aerial is a journey, and every single person’s path looks different.
Creating an Inclusive Aerial Space
Aerial should be a space where everyone feels comfortable showing up as they are. That means:
💫 Focusing on Progress – Whether it’s your first time getting off the ground or your hundredth invert, every small step forward deserves recognition.
💫 Encouraging Exploration – There’s no “right” way to move. Adjustments and personal style make aerial unique.
💫 Shifting the Language – Using terms like “strong lines” or “fluid movement” rather than commenting on body appearance helps keep the focus on movement rather than the body itself.
💫 Welcoming All Levels – Absolute beginners belong just as much as experienced flyers. No one is expected to show up already knowing how to do everything—that’s why you take classes!
Your Aerial Journey Is Yours Alone
The best thing about aerial? It meets you where you’re at. No pressure, no comparison—just movement that grows with you. So if you’ve been hesitating to try aerial because you don’t think you “fit the mold,” let that go. There is no mold.
Your body, as it is today, is capable of incredible things. Let’s see what it can do. 💜
