How to get involved in straps?
Hello,
I'm a 26-year-old man looking to get started in aerial straps, with some interest in hand balancing as well.
I know straps are a more niche part of the circus/aerial world, and because of that, I’m having a hard time finding a program. Gymnastics is still an option for me, especially with the limited adult programs that exist, but I really like the performance focus of circus. I find that more motivating than training gymnastics as an adult with no real intention or opportunity to compete.
A little about me: I’m in decent shape and have some gymnastics background. Rings are what led me to look into straps, since straps seem like a flashier, showier version with a lot of the same strength skills I already like to train.
I’ve tried silks, trapeze, and hand balancing classes before. Maybe I wasn’t patient enough, but after a couple classes I started getting bored. I felt like the instruction was usually focused on showing us the easiest or most efficient way to do things, which is great and makes sense, but I’m doing this partly as a workout. I’m looking for something more physically challenging than what I was getting. Also, the choreography focus of silks and trapeze just really wasn’t my thing, though I realize that’s exactly what a lot of people are interested in.
I have no problem with choreography as part of a routine, but what I’m really interested in is the spectacle of cool, flashy strength moves: cross, invert, planche, handstand, that kind of stuff.
Another example: I took a hand balancing class for about six weeks, and after several weeks of mostly wall handstands, I asked the instructor, “Do you ever work up to planche at any level of this class?” She said the closest thing any of them train is croc.
To be clear, I’m not trying to skip fundamentals or rush into dangerous skills. I’m totally fine building up slowly (for example, are silks considered prerequisite to straps or something??). I’m just trying to find a program where the progression is eventually aimed toward strength based circus skills.
Any suggestions for finding the right program? Is this just a matter of calling every gym/circus school in my area and asking the right questions? Unfortunately, I can’t afford to do private lessons all the time, so a group program would be the goal.
I’m located in Orlando, in case anyone knows of anywhere specific.