For the first class we went through the beginning rules and expectations. I am in a class of 7 students and 1 teacher. We did formal introductions, explained our levels of understanding and experiences. Wrapping up the introductions we went over safety rules.
To start the movement part of the class we warmed up our bodies, both stretching and small short exercises like planks and sit ups. This is to be the typical warm up. For the first class we are learning the Hammock, similar to what it sounds like it is a single piece of fabric tied to a metal loop that is attached to a carabiner on a hook in the ceiling. Once we were warm we were instructed to place mats under the Hammock for safety if we are to fall and then we began.
We started by warming up our shoulders doing 5 – 10 shoulder shrugs in a seated position, then 5 – 10 pull ups with straight arms and our legs straight.
From there we learned how to mount and dismount the hammock, we learned a couple of standing skills, and working on our balance in holds from both the sitting and standing position.
I found hammock very similar to the silks. It reminded me of skills in the knot. When I asked my instructor about that she explained to me how it in fact is similar, and that often circus schools will opt out of the extra expense and upkeep of an additional apperatice. In turn the will just use skills and tie them in a knot.
I definitely did not realize how much I truly missed aerial acrobatics. While there is a definite learning and re learning curve I am so excited to get back into this sport.