Participating in aerial silk competitions – is it right for you? In this article, you'll learn about the benefits of competition, what sports and artistic competitions entail, and what to consider during your preparations.

If you're interested in information about aerial hoop competitions, we invite you to read our separate article.

Also, check out the competition calendar for aerial silks in Poland.

What Do Silks Mean to You, and Do You Have a Desire to Compete?

When we first enter the world of aerial arts, most of us don't really think about what we want from silks specifically. Instead, we soak up everything related to them: our first ascent to the ceiling, the excitement of conquering new drops, the joy of a successful wrap in the air, or the pain of friction burns from accidental skin exposure.

However, over time, basic techniques evolve into poses, and poses turn into sequences. You create your first routine, which you can showcase at a holiday performance, and eventually, you discover that there are silk competitions out there. It may sound intimidating... or incredibly exciting!

If you don't want to compete in aerial silks competitions, that's perfectly fine!
 For many people, their passion for silks provides a safe space for getting to know their bodies, relaxation, an escape from daily problems, and they don't want to add extra stress, constraints, or evaluations to it. This approach to silks is entirely normal, and it's essential to remember, especially as an instructor or parent, that not everyone has to desire competition. Passion should primarily bring joy, and it doesn't have to have an additional purpose. Forcing competition on someone can be discouraging and take away the joy from their training.

What Are the Most Common Motivations for Participating in Aerial Silks Competitions?

1. Testing your skills under elevated stress conditions.

2. Receiving an objective assessment of your skills to improve.

3. Showcasing your creativity.

4. The desire to compete and win.

5. Meeting other competitors and being inspired by their performances.

6. Enjoying the thrill of performing in front of an audience.

Sports and Artistic Competitions – How Do They Differ?

If you decide to go the sports competition route, you can expect detailed rules regarding entries and judging. On one hand, this can be limiting, but having clear rules can be more straightforward for some participants. The regulations typically include a list of mandatory moves, their scoring, and costume requirements. In addition to aerial silk elements, athletes may also have to perform acrobatic floorwork. During judging, the focus will be on the correct execution of elements, technique, and artistry.

In the case of artistic aerial silks competitions, the rules may be described with less detail, allowing for more creativity. There are typically no prescribed moves, costumes, or performance structures. Competitors often portray characters from famous stories and movies, but increasingly, you can see choreography based on expressing emotions and life experiences through movement. Unique ideas, props, costumes, musicality, acting, makeup, and even set design play a significant role. Judging artistic routines centers around whether the performer manages to evoke emotions in the audience, maintain consistency in their character portrayal, and convey an artistic message.

How to Prepare a Routine for Silk Competitions

The first step in preparing for competitions should be thoroughly reading the rules. Competitions can differ significantly, and by understanding the rules, you'll learn how to earn higher scores from judges and what mistakes might cost you points.

Key Information to Check in the Competition Rules:

1. Competition date, deadline for submissions, and music requirements.

2. Silk suspension height and setup.

3. Mat dimensions and floorwork area.

4. Age categories and skill levels.

5. Presentation duration.

6. Scoring criteria.

7. Costume, makeup, and prop rules.

8. Submission deadlines for compulsory move cards (for sports competitions).

9. Mandatory moves on silks and the floor (for sports competitions).

After reviewing the rules, you can move on to the more enjoyable aspects: choosing... But what should you choose first: the music or the moves? There's no clear answer, as you'll discover what works best for you through experimentation.

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Selecting Music for Your Competition Routine

A well-chosen song can completely transform the character of your performance. Therefore, it's worth spending time searching for the right one. Pay attention to the tempo, keeping in mind the following factors:

1. Suitability for your skill level: If you're still building strength and stamina, overly fast music may make it difficult to hit your marks. Towards the end of your routine, a noticeable energy drop may become apparent.

2. Reflect your personality: If you have an explosive temperament, slow, melancholic songs may not be enjoyable for you. If you prefer slow, precise movements, energetic music might not suit your style.

For sports aerial silks competitions, it's advisable to look for a song with clear accents and tempo changes since judging criteria often include additional points for musicality and interpretation. Some competitions may prohibit songs with lyrics, but this is becoming less common. Additionally, most competition rules require the inclusion of a distinctive "beep" sound at the start of your music, signaling the beginning of your performance.

Artistic aerial silks competitions allow for more musical experimentation. Consider the emotions conveyed by the song. If you're portraying a character, music from a specific fairy tale or movie might be appropriate. In artistic performances, you'll encounter various musical genres, and even pre-recorded artist voices can be used!

Remember that the song should not contain vulgarities or references to violence.

Tip for you: Try to avoid the latest radio hits and songs frequently used in competitions – there's a significant chance that several other competitors will use the same song, making it mundane and overused.

Choosing Moves for Your Silk Routine

If you're just starting in competitions, it's a good idea to work with a coach experienced in preparing for aerial competitions. They can help you select appropriate moves, create interesting combinations, and focus on technical corrections. Proper move selection takes time, so start early. Consider how much time you have until the competition and whether it's enough to learn complex moves or if it's better to choose simpler, less risky options. Think about the moves you specialize in and try to highlight them in your routine. Also, plan your sequence so that the most challenging moves are not placed at the very end when you're gradually losing strength.

For sports aerial silks competitions, review the list of mandatory moves on the floor and on the silk and their respective point values. The list of floor and prop moves is usually divided into skill levels (e.g., amateur, intermediate, professional) and additional categories such as:

- Entry

- Strength

- Balance

- Flexibility

- Dynamics

You can often earn extra points for smoothly connecting two compulsory moves in your routine.

Choosing moves for artistic aerial silks competitions looks quite different. The primary focus is not necessarily on the difficulty of the elements but on how well they fit the theme of your performance. For example, if you're portraying a snake character, you might look for moves involving large bends and ones that convey a sense of "slithering." When expressing emotions, consider how your body moves when experiencing those feelings – whether it becomes closed and withdrawn or open and extended. Try to convey those emotions through your movement.

Tip for you: Competitors often forget about their character during challenging elements and in two distinctive

 moments: when getting on and off the silk. Think about why your character would be on the silk and avoid a "regular" approach to the silk. The same applies to dismounting.

Regardless of the competition type, focus on three essential aspects often scored highly:

1. Creativity of moves: Are you performing the same moves as everyone else, or are you showcasing unique or self-invented moves?

2. Creativity in transitions: Do your moves connect in an interesting and unpredictable way, or are you following well-trodden paths?

3. Fluidity in transitions: Can the audience feel that your moves have a "flow," with one seamlessly leading into the next? If you perform one element, consider how you can use it or a similar entanglement for another move. Strive for seamless connections.

: Diverse routines are much more engaging and receive better scores from judges. Aim foValuable tipr a balanced routine: use different techniques, perform moves on both your left and right sides, employ various entries, and avoid building your entire routine around a single type of move (e.g., only flexibility-based moves).

Costumes, Accessories, Makeup – What to Watch For?

Once again, your first step should be reviewing the competition rules and checking every detail. Sports competitions usually require a full bodysuit with long sleeves and legs, and there are additional rules to avoid receiving negative points.

Here are some commonly seen rules regarding appearance at sports aerial silks competitions:

Costumes and Accessories in Aerial Silks Competitions

- Obligation to cover armpits and knees.

- Allowed to attach stones to the costume but not any other protruding accessories.

- Use of material with translucent mesh is permitted for the costume, except in intimate areas.

- Prohibition on using materials that enhance grip on the silk.

- If necessary, the use of flesh-colored kinesiotapes is allowed.

- Prohibition on using props or setting up personal stage decorations.

- Prohibition on wearing jewelry during the performance.

Makeup and Hair in Aerial Silks Competitions

- Prohibition on using colorful cosmetics for all competitors or younger participants (allowed: foundation, concealer, powder, rhinestones).

- Prohibition on loose hairstyles (e.g., ponytails, loose hair). Hair should be tightly secured without loose strands.

- Use of hairpins and clips is allowed.

For artistic aerial silks competitions, you'll encounter fewer rule-related concerns about appearance. The primary focus should be on ensuring the costume doesn't compromise safety and doesn't damage the silk. However, requirements may differ depending on the age group. Typically, younger competitors will have more restrictive guidelines for safety reasons.

Sample rules from artistic aerial silks competitions may include:

- Makeup and costume should reflect the character or theme of the routine.

- Prohibition on displaying sponsor logos on the costume.

- Prohibition on wearing jewelry during the performance.

- Allowed use of props and personal stage decorations.

- Hair should be styled in a way that is safe for the performer (e.g., younger children may need to wear their hair in braids or buns).

These rules are typically not overly strict, allowing room for surprising judges with unconventional costumes featuring detachable elements, props hidden within the costume, or stunning makeup. Take advantage of this opportunity because your appearance is the first thing the audience notices, and if it's exceptional, judges will better remember your performance, resulting in higher scores.

Judges and Scoring in Aerial Silks Competitions

Judges sit, take notes, and carefully observe your every move. Their seriousness might seem intimidating, but don't be afraid – they are there to fairly evaluate your performance. They will pay attention to every detail, and it's an excellent opportunity to learn what you're doing well and where you can improve for the future.

In sports aerial silks competitions, judges are assigned to evaluate specific aspects of the performances (e.g., time judge, difficulty judge, artistic judge). The most points can be earned for "difficulty," which includes compulsory moves on the floor and silk. Each move has a point value, but points can be deducted for various reasons, including:

- Smaller splits or bends than specified in the move description.

- Repeating the same element.

- Incorrect grip or entanglement.

- Loss of body tension, bent elbows and knees, hunched back, lack of pointed toes.

- Sliding on the silk, loss of balance, falls.

Other point deductions unrelated to performed moves can occur for:

- Costume or appearance not in compliance with the rules.

- Communication with the coach during the performance.

- Adjusting hair during the routine.

- Failure to attend the awards ceremony.

Another crucial judging category is "artistry," which refers to the performer's ability to present themselves, utilize the musical accompaniment, and employ creative solutions.

Artistry judges will pay attention to the following details:

- Expression and stage presence of the performer.

- The performer's ability to elicit reactions from the audience.

- Adaptation to and tempo changes in the music.

- Creative connections between moves.

- Choreography that matches musical accents.

- Intriguing connections between floorwork and prop work.

- A captivating and visible central theme of the performance.

In artistic aerial silks competitions, judges often don't separate their evaluations into categories but instead assess all aspects/holistic impression. The difficulty of moves, flexibility, and technique are judged similarly to sports competitions, but the most critical criterion is artistry. Judges will assess your connection with the music, whether it's just background or an integral part of your performance. They'll look for moves that fit the musical accents and tempo. The originality of your moves will also play a significant role. Unusual moves, tangles, and connections will capture the judging panel's attention. However, the most crucial element remains your artistic expression, how well you embody your character or concept, and whether your face conveys emotions that resonate with the audience.

Remember: The better you know the rules, the more likely you are to find a clause that can help you earn more points!

Tip for you: If possible, request feedback! Show your routine to several people before the competition and ask for constructive criticism. After the competition, it's also worthwhile to talk to the judges and inquire about your performance.

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Meta Description: "Get ready to shine in aerial silks competitions with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to choose music, moves, and costumes, and discover what judges look for. Whether you're a sports or artistic competitor, our tips will help you excel!"

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