Aerial Hammock Course

Lesson 1 • Warm-Up and Cool-Down Protocols

Establishes mandatory pre- and post-training routines specific to aerial demands. Reduces injury risk and prepares joints for load-bearing movement.

Lesson 2 • History and Discipline Overview

Traces aerial hammock origins within circus arts and aerial dance. Contextualizes the discipline among other aerial apparatus to frame its unique movement vocabulary.

Lesson 3 • Studio and Space Safety Standards

Defines safe practice environment requirements. Students apply spatial awareness rules and understand ceiling height, padding, and clearance minimums.

Lesson 4 • Equipment Identification and Function

Identifies every component of the aerial hammock setup. Students distinguish fabric types, rigging hardware, and their load-bearing roles.

Lesson 1 • Understanding Load and Force

Explains static vs. dynamic load and how movement multiplies force on rigging. Grounds students in physics concepts that govern every aerial decision.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Class Rigging Inspection Routine

Establishes a systematic pre-session check sequence. Students perform and document a full inspection before any student contacts the apparatus.

Lesson 3 • Knots, Hardware, and Connections

Covers essential knots and hardware connections used in hammock rigging. Students tie, inspect, and dismantle setups with consistent technique.

Lesson 4 • Hammock Height Configuration

Guides adjustment of hammock height for specific skill categories. Students set hip-height, low, and high configurations safely and efficiently.

Lesson 1 • Approaching and Gripping the Hammock

Establishes correct hand placement and grip technique before weight transfer. Prevents wrist strain and builds trust in the apparatus from first contact.

Lesson 2 • Supine and Hammock Lying Positions

Introduces lying back into the hammock and achieving a supported supine position. Builds trust in fabric support and prepares for inversions.

Lesson 3 • Controlled Dismounts and Exits

Covers safe exit strategies from all basic positions. Students land with soft knees and controlled weight transfer to prevent impact injuries.

Lesson 4 • Seated Entry and Cocoon Position

Guides students into a secure seated position and the foundational cocoon wrap. Establishes the base shape used in many subsequent skills.

Lesson 1 • Core Stability and Anti-Rotation

Develops deep core stability needed to maintain shape during aerial movement. Emphasizes anti-rotation and anti-extension patterns over superficial crunching.

Lesson 2 • Pulling Strength Development

Targets lat, bicep, and scapular retractor strength essential for aerial climbs and holds. Progressions move from assisted to unassisted pulling patterns.

Lesson 3 • Aerial-Specific Conditioning Circuits

Integrates strength and flexibility work into timed circuits mimicking aerial training demands. Builds work capacity and movement efficiency simultaneously.

Lesson 4 • Hip Flexor and Hamstring Flexibility

Addresses the hip mobility demands of splits, straddles, and backbends in the hammock. Combines active and passive flexibility methods.

Lesson 1 • Inverted Shapes and Preparation

Introduces the concept of inversion and prepares students with partial inversions. Builds comfort with blood-flow reversal and head-below-heart positions.

Lesson 2 • Shape Refinement and Aesthetic Line

Focuses on polishing body line, pointed feet, and intentional arm placement in all learned shapes. Bridges functional technique with artistic presentation.

Lesson 3 • Backbend and Chest-Opening Shapes

Introduces supported backbends using the hammock as a prop. Builds spinal extension range and prepares students for more advanced inversions.

Lesson 4 • Seated and Throne Positions

Develops elevated seated shapes including the throne and mermaid. Focuses on fabric management and aesthetic line from seated base.

Lesson 1 • Spinning and Rotation Basics

Introduces controlled spinning using swivel hardware and body shaping. Students manage dizziness and maintain orientation during rotation.

Lesson 2 • Hip and Leg Wraps

Teaches foundational hip and leg wrap sequences used across many aerial hammock skills. Builds the muscle memory for efficient fabric management.

Lesson 3 • Climbing Techniques

Introduces foot-lock and S-wrap climbing methods for ascending the hammock. Develops the strength and coordination for height gain with control.

Lesson 4 • Fabric Wrap Mechanics

Explains how fabric wraps create support, friction, and shape. Students understand wrap direction, tension, and how wraps affect body position.

Lesson 1 • Combination Shapes and Transitions

Links multiple advanced shapes into fluid transition sequences. Students develop movement memory and spatial awareness across complex combinations.

Lesson 2 • Backbend Inversions

Introduces inverted backbend shapes combining spinal extension with head-down orientation. Demands significant shoulder and thoracic mobility.

Lesson 3 • Drops and Controlled Falls

Teaches intentional drops from height using wrap support to arrest descent. Develops trust in fabric mechanics and precise timing.

Lesson 4 • Full Inversion Technique

Builds on partial inversion preparation to achieve full head-below-hip inversions. Emphasizes controlled entry, hold, and exit without momentum reliance.

Lesson 1 • Music Selection and Musicality

Guides selection of music that complements aerial movement pacing and mood. Students identify phrase structure and map movement to musical dynamics.

Lesson 2 • Choreographic Structure and Flow

Introduces choreographic frameworks including beginning, climax, and resolution. Students build routines with intentional pacing and spatial variety.

Lesson 3 • Artistic Expression and Character

Develops performance presence, facial expression, and intentional gesture. Transforms technical execution into communicative artistic performance.

Lesson 4 • Performance Preparation and Presentation

Covers pre-performance logistics, costume considerations, and mental readiness. Students perform a complete routine for peer and instructor evaluation.