What’s Up With the Aerial Dress Code?
Ever seen one of those epic Instagram photos of an aerialist in a bikini practicing incredible routines with an even more incredible backdrop? Yeah, me too. Heck, we’ve been a part of MANY shoots like that. The thing is, most of us don’t practice like that. It’s all fun and games until you’re sporting 2nd degree silk burns and your skin starts to pus. For real. Burn, baby, burn. Disco inferno!
We know it’s Maui (duh) and wearing tanks tops, crop tops, and shorts seems totally normal while working out, but at Waikapu Danceworks, we have a STRICT dress code for all things aerial. We prioritize safety and here’s why:
Why Proper Attire Matters
1. Protection Against Bruising and Burns: Aerial arts involve intricate maneuvers that can cause friction against the skin, leading to painful burns or bruising. Proper attire, with fabrics that cover sensitive areas like underarms and the backs of knees, provides a layer of protection against these common injuries.
2. Avoiding Skin Catching: The equipment used in aerial arts, such as silks and lyra hoops, can sometimes catch on exposed skin or loose clothing. By adhering to our dress code—ensuring no loose fabric or jewelry—students minimize the risk of snagging and potential accidents.
3. Maintaining Grip and Control: Aerialists rely heavily on their grip and control over the apparatus. Clothing that is too loose or slippery due to lotions or oils can compromise this grip, affecting performance and safety during aerial routines.
4. Hygiene: Although we disinfect our equipment after every class, and regularly wash and condition our gear, staph infections and other infectious diseases can still spread (not to mention sweat, body odor, hair…etc). Gross. Keeping your body covered can help save your skin and our gear in more ways than one!
Luckily, we haven’t experienced the kind of injuries you see in these pictures (at least, not at the studio #homepractice). And that’s because of this dress code! The worst we’ve seen are bruises and maybe a few blisters. Thank you, Dress Code.
Waikapu Danceworks’ Dress Code
At Waikapu Danceworks, we take safety seriously. Our dress code for aerial classes includes:
• Full-Coverage: Underarms and midriff must be covered to reduce friction and protect against burns. We even recommend full, ankle-length leggings (not capris). For certain skills, you may even want to consider long sleeves (not just short sleeves) to protect armpit and arm burns.
• Fabric Choice: Fabrics that cover the backs of knees prevent discomfort and bruising during aerial maneuvers. You may also want more form-fitting clothing that will not get caught in the fabric (like that one time the silks pulled down my pants and I mooned everyone…really!)
• No Jewelry: Jewelry can catch on equipment and pose a risk of injury, so it must be removed before class.
• Avoid Lotions/Oils: To ensure a secure grip, students are asked not to apply lotions or oils to their skin before aerial sessions. Oils also ruin the fabric. Boooo!
Did you forget? No problem! We have complimentary clothing available for you to borrow—just ask your instructor and we can show you to the spare leggings and t-shirts. Bonus: we do the laundry! Just change back into your regular clothing and put the borrowed pieces in our regular laundry baskets for towels. We will do the rest!
Join Us for an Upcoming Aerial Series
Ready to take flight with us? Sign up for our upcoming aerial series at Waikapu Danceworks and experience the thrill of aerial arts in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned aerialist, our classes cater to all levels, emphasizing technique, safety, and artistic expression. Or, schedule your private lesson to get the individual attention you deserve at the time that’s just right for you!