What apparatus do I need for my Aerial Fabric class?

Students are welcome to use the shared apparatus from the silk cubbies at the ADC studio. However aerial silk is a highly personal apparatus, just like a pair of ballet slippers or sports clothing. For this and several other reasons, we highly recommend that students bring their own aerial fabric. Read requirements below to make sure your apparatus can be rigged and used for class at the ADC studio.

Aerial Fabric Requirements

To be rigged at ADC, your aerial fabric apparatus includes only 2 parts: Aerial Fabric + Figure 8 Carabiner. Scroll down for images.
NEVER directly connect metal carabiners, swivels or any other metal hardware to your Figure 8. This will damage your Figure 8 and then we will not rig your fabric at ADC. Read more on our FAQ page.
Low-stretch aerial fabric. (Medium and high stretch aerial fabrics will not work well for our classes.)
Aerial fabric total length needed: 15-16 yards.
Aerial Fabric must be attached to the Figure 8 carabiner before arrival to your first class.
No carabiners or swivels should ever be attached to your Figure 8.
Fabric must be kept clean and free of pet hair and pet dander.
Please be sure you are purchasing fabric that meet all of the above requirements.

Visit our Aerial Fabric FAQ page and How to Care for your Aerial Fabric page for additional details.

Come to class with your Aerial Fabric attached to your Figure 8 carabiner, with the bottom quarter of the tail in a daisy chain.

Figure 8 Carabiner

Aerial Fabric + Figure 8 Carabiner

Ready to go for class at Aerial Dance Chicago

Fabric Class Rigging Procedures

Upon Arrival and During Class

Upon arrival, students place their aerial fabric along the red tape line for ADC staff to set up.
All rigging happens during a designated pre-class time, 10 minutes before class. Participants arriving late will need to observe class for the day.
For safety during rigging, participants must remain behind the red tape line.

After Class

After class, ADC staff will remove aerial fabric apparatus. This will take about 10 minutes. Students are encouraged to do cool down stretching during this time.
For safety during rig strike of apparatus, participants must remain behind the red tape line.
After rig removal is complete, participants collect their aerial fabric and take the apparatus home with them, or for the studio owned shared silks, return their box to the storage cubbies.