The Difference Between Sling and Silks

Aerial sling and aerial silks are not the same, but they are similar.

Many people may refer to sling as silks when they’re first starting up on their aerial journey. Silks and sling are not the same, but they are similar.

Silks, also known as tissue, is two panels of fabric hanging from the ceiling. This apparatus is what people traditionally think of when they think of circus silks. Silks can be challenging to learn because it requires quite a bit of grip strength to support your body weight. For this reason, we recommend starting with sling if you’re new to aerial. However, our beginners silks classes are open to everyone!

Sling is the little sister of silks that busted onto the scene around 25 years ago. Sling, fabric, or hammock are the common terms for a single piece of wide, silky fabric that hangs from the ceiling. It is a full-fledged apparatus that can be used for fun aerial tricks, physical therapy, strength building, improving flexibility, spinal decompression, and more. Aerial sling is the most accessible aerial apparatus out there, making it perfect for beginners. The loop at the bottom of sling helps to support your weight, so it requires less grip strength than silks. Sling is the perfect apparatus to learn basic aerial skills on before progressing onto silks, lyra, trapeze, or pole.

Here at Fly Freak Studio, we offer both aerial silks and sling classes! Join us to try out one or both of these amazing circus apparatuses!