SoCo Aerial's Gift Guide

These are a few of our favorite things… and we saved the best for last ;)

Looking to treat your favorite flyer & stumped on where to start?
Here's our, in no way exhaustive, list of reliable, reputable resources to point you in the right direction!

1) Aerial Books -
Instead of searching on Amazon, find these fantastic women & order directly through them:
Rebekah Leach’s Aerial Dancing & Born to Fly Curriculum; Jill Franklin’s Aerial Physique; Dara Minkin’s Aerial Design Proximal; & Sara Liana’s Wakeful Ascent Aerial Arts.
Also, highly recommended (and not pictured) is Emily Scherb's Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts.

2) Virtual Training Resources -
While we may have the online blues, these e-courses are a fantastic platform to interact with and learn from some of our favorite aerialists. Interested in the anatomy of a belay, learning to become an aerial instructor, improving your flexibility, and hone the mechanics of your shoulders for safe, efficient movement in air? Paper Doll Militia; Cirque Physio; and The Artist Athlete are all highly recommended!

3) Self Care -
Aerialists need to take care of their bodies off and on the ground.
Some great tools include a massage or theragun, bath bombs and salts, peanuts, massage balls, resistance bands, and a yoga ball.
Etsy also has unique gifts that can be personalized and tailored to your aerialist!

4) Hardware & Accessories -
If your aerialist is building their practice at home, we recommend Aerial Essentials for all *aerial essentials* - from rigging equipment to apparatuses to rosin & chalk.
We love using our XPole freestanding rig; it's easy to set up, transport, and has an accessible working height.

Finally AND most importantly:

5) SoCo Aerial Gift Certificates -
We offer in-person and virtual private lessons, as well as video consults. Contact us directly to purchase your Gift Certificate. Denominations start at $30 for one, 30-minute private lesson.
Support the other small, local businesses your flyer loves by purchasing gift certificates from them as well!

6) Donations -
Share philanthropy with nonprofits and charities that provide outreach for those most in need.
This year, not only has the pandemic brought more deficit to already marginalized communities, but also, the nonprofits have not had their usual fundraising opportunities to bolster and build their resources.

Safe Practices for Aerials at Home

I attended a Safety Practices for Aerials at Home Crowdcast hosted by The Artist Athlete Shannon McKenna this past weekend.
My Google Doc outline/notes from the event are available for your perusal. My biggest takeaways and reminders to our students :

• Much of what occurs in a studio to mitigate risks are unseen to our clientele; this sport is inherently risky, so please practice responsibly.

• We have Studio Rules & Policies posted in the studio and on our site - these help uphold our industry standards. 
  No matter the level of flyer you are, you are part of our community!

• Never train alone. Always have someone with eyes on what you are doing (not virtually, physically)! And have a Rescue Plan, i.e. how to get down if you are stuck in the air.
  (cue my joke about safety scissors, haha)

• Always use a mat (a size that you can land entirely on). 

• Always Warm Up & Cool Down (I recommend a fun playlist to keep you committed)

• When purchasing equipment, make sure it is rated  for dynamic loads and is from a reputable/specialized vendor, not ebay or Amazon.
  Carefully store & don't drop your hardware!

• Inquire with a professional if you are rigging in your house or yard. You are heavier on a rig point than what the scale reads...

• Provided this has been a stressful time and we may have had time off, please train at or below your level.
  Keep it simple - focus on conditioning.

• Be patient with yourself  <3 

If you are interested in learning more about rigging, there is a Crowdcast with Rigger Extraordinaire Brett Copes Sunday, May 3 at 3pm: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/rigging4aerialists

Additionally, I have recently seen some very sharp and sarcastic responses to rigging questions, especially regarding tree rigging. Yes, we as an industry STRONGLY do not condone tree rigging. However, responses like this do not help or educate. While tree rigging questions can be infuriating to an 'aerial professional,' please do not hesitate to ask me questions, and please know you will not get quite the snarky responses I've witnessed circulating ;)

Fly Safe & Be Well!

~ Kristen