After completing my Aerial Hoop class in Groove a year ago, I’ve stopped playing with hoop. So far I’ve tried 3 kinds of apparatus – hoop, silk and pole. And admittedly, I still like Aerial Hoop the best. Maybe it’s because it’s my very first apparatus I’ve tried, and maybe I felt more confident in it. When I started silks it massively improved my grip on the pole and hoop, and when I started hoop I found that no other pain felt as bad! Running a couple of times a week is amazing cardio which will make routines feel easier and adding in some leg workouts will help with how well you grip and aid your upper body.
PD: Tell us about your studio. What classes do you offer?LW: Aeriform Arts offers multi level, co-ed classes in Aerial Yoga, Hammock, Silks, Pole, Lyra, Trapeze & Aerial Cirque Conditioning (with stretch & dance workshops as well). We really pride ourselves with having an easygoing yet knowledgeable staff that works hard towards helping our clients explore and achieve their maximum potential. We like to have fun and encourage or clients to as well!PD: What do you feel sets Aeriform Arts apart from other studios?LW: I truly believe we are a studio that embraces all levels, ages, sizes & sexes.
We really try to make it a fun learning experience for everyone, where everyone is part of the cool kids club. We do not allow any cliquishness and want everyone to feel important and cared for. Instructor Tavi. Photo by Poleagraphy.PD: What are you most proud of in regards to the studio?LW: I love the fact that we are co-ed across the board and that we embrace both sexy and strong aspects of pole/aerial in the studio. Two great tastes that taste great together!PD: What are some of your favorite studio-related memories over the years?LW: Wow – there are so many.
All of the friendships we have made, being ecstatic when we hit our 1 year & 2 year anniversaries (our 3 year is coming up in Nov), our last student showcase was amazing – I was so proud of everyone. Every time there is a full pole class and all I hear are squeals of giggling, any feelings I have about the energy that it takes to run a studio melt away. But I think the best memory I have is when this one woman crawled out of an Aerial Cirque class, literally crawled – in the middle of class I might add! She was a disheveled, sweaty mess, pooled on the front lobby floor and I leaned over the desk and asked “Um are you okay?” she looked up at me and said “NOOO that shit is HARD” then she tossed her credit card to me and said, “Can I get a 10 pack, and can you sign me up for the next 5 weeks?
I love this shit – thanks!” Then she smiled and crawled back into class. Instructor Leigh of Aeriform Arts.PD: Is there a class you wish you could add?LW: Vertical Wall Dance or Bungee Assisted Dance – I am dying to learn it!!!! I would love to offer it but would need the height & instructors to even begin to think about it. Seriously though, I am looking to make a trip to England to take a workshop or two with want to go?PD: What’s on the horizon for Aeriform?We have some new class offerings in the works! We just added in a Trapeze class, and Candice Cane is slated to be joining the studio in January teaching pole, and we’ll be adding a bunch of new workshops, starting in January 2015.—You can find more about Aeriform Arts and their classes at.
They have some excellent aerial offerings, from silks, hammock, and lyra, to pole and aerial yoga, as well as special classes like aerial cirque. Thank you to Lea for taking the time to chat with me! I think it’s fair to say that most pole dancers are hard on themselves.
We look at our photos or videos and only see the negatives – the things to work on. I think we strive for perfection a lot of the time, which tends to mean that we miss the little victories. Something isn’t pretty, so it’s not perfect.I was chatting with a Pole Unbound friend about why we tend to post videos or photos and apologize for them:.
I was tired. It’s messy. I don’t like this part. This isn’t my best.Admit it: you’ve probably said something like that in a post online. If you haven’t, that’s AWESOME. Seriously, good for you!
But, for the rest of us, I think I’ve figured out a couple of reasons why we behave this way:. We’re trying to beat critics to the punch. It’s an admission of, “Hey, I bet you’re going to judge me for not being perfect, so let me tell you up front that I know.
I know I wasn’t perfect.”. We’re looking to be better and selecting the things we know we need to work on.I tend to think the first reason is the most common reason, but the second one is also absolutely valid. I know that’s why I do it! I do also make a note of things I want to work on, too, but it tends to be more the former than the latter.So, I wanted to take a moment to talk about pride.
Not stupid, ego-driven, I’m so fucking awesome it hurts pride, but genuine appreciation for the work you’ve done and how far you’ve come.It’s really hard to watch videos of yourself (for most people). It has been hard for me for a long time, but I’m getting over it. Freestyle exploration as helped me IMMENSELY in this regard. One of the tenets of freestyle exploration is to move away from being self-conscious about your movement (whether it’s pretty or ugly or weird or graceful).I try hard, nowadays, to look at videos of myself and seek out the good moments. I’m not always successful (I deleted an entire video today without even watching it because I just felt so off during the dance), but it’s a mindset to practice.In that vein, here are three recent videos of mine that I am proud of:My Northern California Pole Presentation PerformanceThis was my first public pole performance since PPC 2012, and I worked hard on it. I chose my song because I loved it (“Nearly Midnight, Honolulu” by Neko Case). I loved the simplicity of it, I loved the story of it, I loved that it moved me.
It was not any easy song to “dance” to, but I didn’t really care, because I had a story I wanted to tell.I am proud that many of my moves are clean. I am proud that I stuck to my story and my movement, even when the audience’s initial reaction wasn’t what I expected it to be. I am proud that I kept going when I had a grip issue (I used too much grip and got stuck). I am proud that my self-made costume looked pretty. I am proud that the emotion I wanted came through in many moments.My Pacific Aerial Art Championship PerformanceThis routine came together in less than a month, because the original song I chose just didn’t work for me.
I was training for the NCPP routine for the month prior to PAAC, so I didn’t work on my PAAC routine until NCPP was done. I had ideas and a song and a concept, but when I went into the studio for the first time to work on it, I couldn’t get it to work. So, I had to choose a new song and start from scratch. Because I was unsure about what our rigging would allow, I kept my routine safe by using mostly intermediate moves and worked to make those clean and to make my transitions work.I am proud of my energy in this routine. I am proud that I did something totally different from anything I have done or anything I usually do.
I am proud that I took a chance and went with it, despite being scared. I am proud that most of my moves are clean, and more importantly, that most of my transitions are clean – that I was able to dance/move through them smoothly. I am proud that my costume came together and looked awesome – the same is true of my props. I am proud of my story – I really loved it. And, I am proud that my twerk worked werked.My Finding Your Freestyle Challenge videoI shot this at the end of Pole Unbound, to fulfill a FYF challenge from my friend Tiffany. I used the prompt of “hair” for the dance (a prompt that was given to me by a partner during a freestyle workshop earlier in the PU weekend, which I LOVED).I am proud of this because I had never heard the song before dancing to it. My friend Jamie, who was also at Pole Unbound, chose it for me.
I am proud of my movement. I am proud that I stuck with my prompt and explored it. I am proud that my focus was just my prompt and the movement to explore it, and not that I didn’t know the song or how I might look, etc.My Handspring Practice videoThese clips were shot today.
I went to an open pole practice, initially to work on some freestyle and work from Pole Unbound, but ended up feeling really self-conscious about it in the presence of people I didn’t know (and in an unfamiliar studio). So, I started working on tricks, and to my delight, my TG handspring from the floor came back!I am proud that I tried my handspring again, despite not really thinking I could do it today. I am proud that I kept at it. I am proud that I’ve gotten stronger and can see it – and feel it. I am proud that I have 4 different handspring variations in this video: my TG from the floor, my TG ayesha from caterpillar, my forearm handspring, and my elbow grip ayesha from caterpillar. I am super proud of my elbow grip and how solid it feels.
I am proud that I did my elbow grip last and was still able to hold it well.So. Now, I challenge you to watch your own videos and find the moments you are proud of. It doesn’t have to be much. It could be a few seconds.
But look for the things to celebrate. The little victories are a big, big deal. Until recently, I had never taught pole or lyra in an official capacity. I had always been a friend who shows people new stuff I have learned in class or in pole jams, and I’ve given private lyra lessons to friends, but I had never been contracted to teach my own class. I had never had a chance to create curriculum.Over the weekend of 10/10-10/12, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in Pole Unbound. The Pole Unbound Retreat was conceived and organized by Aerial Amy. The central conceit was that everyone has something of value to contribute to the pole world.
Therefore, Pole Unbound was established as a community pole retreat and jam, meaning that the instruction would be crowd sourced. As part of the retreat, each of the chosen attendees had to submit two possible options for workshops they could teach to the other attendees. At first, this was a little daunting, as I wasn’t quite sure what I had to offer, but I boiled it down to: what do I like to do and what am I good enough at that others may not be able to offer? The answers were freestyle exploration and lyra (since not all polers do lyra). So, I set about crafting two descriptions and basic curriculum, then sent my pitches off to Amy.As a group, we voted on the workshops anonymously (it was double blind voting), and the top vote earners were selected as the overall curriculum for the weekend.
My freestyle exploration workshop was chosen! It was such an awesome and validating feeling! And, also, a bit overwhelming, because it meant I really had to be detailed in my curriculum and come up with something I felt good about teaching.I set about writing down ideas for possible prompts and sections, taking into account my own experiences in other classes, as well as my training in acting.
What I wanted to create was something that melded freestyle exploration and my acting training, so I created a curriculum that was largely partner based.Being me, I decided that I wanted a test run of the workshop, so I arranged to run it for some friends the weekend before Pole Unbound. I wanted to see if there were any timing issues or other problems that came up with the curriculum. The test went really well, though! I had to do some squashing of elements for time’s sake, but I was prepared for that. It was such fun to see everyone participate!For me, it was a little unnerving to have to be the leader, especially in a group that contained a few girls that are teachers in classes that I attend. Running a warm up is an interesting art that I am not sure I have fully mastered, but I felt like the other sections went well!Teaching the workshop at Pole Unbound was different.
The class size was doubled, and the circumstances going into it were different: my workshop ran at the end of a very long day, and everyone was exhausted. It was hard for me.
I knew people were tired, which made them distracted and less interested in participating. I struggled to find my footing early on, and then struggled to keep some students engaged due to the content of the workshop.
Not everyone likes freestyle exploration. It’s very challenging for some people, and between that and the exhaustion of the group, I ended up losing about 1/3 of the participants by the end of the hour and a half.I’m not going to lie. It felt really disrespectful to me, especially since I had stayed in the room for all of the other workshops, even when I wasn’t able to do the content being taught (i.e. I can’t do a back bend, so doing walkovers isn’t something I can participate in).
Once I had processed everything, what stuck with me was not being pissed about how people left (valid reasons or not), but instead, being really overjoyed at the results from the people who DID stay. They were incredible. They gave so much to the work, and each person had such gorgeous, unique movement. I was blown away by what I was lucky enough to witness from the participants. It was such an honor.Not long after I got back from Pole Unbound, I was asked to sub a lyra class at an area studio.
I said yes, excited to get the experience, and it was interesting. Being a sub of someone else’s class is different than hosting your own, I think. Much like subs in high school, I think subs in pole classes are met with some amount of skepticism. I had actually been in class with some of the gals I was teaching in the subbed class, but nobody seemed to be that bothered by a fellow student moving into the teacher role (thankfully). What proved to be a challenge for me was teaching in a different way than the usual teacher.I chose to run the class a little more like my usual class that I attend, which meant that the curriculum was based on learning elements of a routine.
With 8+ students, it was a large class to control, and tough for me to bounce between two hoops to make sure everyone was spotted correctly and shown how to break things down properly. With only an hour of class time, i did a super short warm up, then launched into teaching. I also chose to ignore the trapeze, because I barely know any moves on it, so I didn’t feel comfortable teaching anything. I did allow students to use it if they had experience on it, but I offered no actual instruction (which I had told them would be the case beforehand).Some of the challenges of this class included the fact that a number of the students were teenagers. The teens pick up stuff pretty well, but keeping their attention can be tough. I ended up teaching the first 8 or 9 moves of my Pacific Aerial Art routine (which includes the same moves I usually teach to friends who are new to lyra), and everyone seemed to pick them up pretty well – the last move was one they really seemed to like. I also showed them one advanced move, which everyone was able to try.Overall, I think it went okay, but I did feel like it was disorganized.
I wasn’t sure if that was my fault, or just that there were so many students. I don’t know if the students liked the class, but I hope some of them took something good away from it.Coming up in November, I’ll be taking an intermediate/advanced pole instructor training course. I’m interested to see what the content will be and how it will work. I genuinely don’t know what will be covered. I was planning to take a beginner/intermediate, but the company doesn’t have one until next year, so the owner suggested I do the int/adv because my personal skill level is suitable for that level of instruction.In the meantime, I’ve got teaching on my mind: how to improve, how to work with different types of students, how to create curriculum for new workshops.
I really want to have more opportunities to teach freestyle exploration workshops.Some things I am considering:Confidence – Through observation and experience, it can be tough to remain confident, both in your own abilities, but also your curriculum. One of the things that was great about Pole Unbound was that we got the chance to see that everyone can contribute.
We all have value. It’s just a matter of owning what it is that is ours to do. One of the things I want to work on is feeling confident that I am worthy of being a teacher of others and being confident in my choice of curriculum.Teflon – Realizing that some people may not like you, may not like your teaching style, or may not like what you teach, but that you don’t have to take it personally. If you’ve been reading my blog, you may have noticed that I occasionally talk about my wrist pain from pole dancing. I wanted to take a minute to share one of the things that I believe has helped me lessen the pain!
Sometime last year, a pole sister of mine (one of my pole “sponsees” – a gal I got into poling) mentioned that she’d been using wrist wraps while poling to give her wrists added support. I thought it was an interesting idea, but because of my ADD, it pretty much leaked out of my brain five minutes after the conversation. A little while later, I happened to come across a giveaway on, offering up the wrist wraps from. While I was not the winner of the giveaway, I did end up buying a pair of my own. You may have seen me sporting them in various photos. Just a quick post with a couple of videos for you.First up, a performance from that blows my mind – she’s SO strong.
Like, beast strong. It’s AWESOME. I met her briefly at PoleCon 2012, so it’s neat to finally check out her performance style. She’s got a couple of aerial and shoulder mount sequences that are incredible, and I like some of her other moves – she’s got a shoulder stand floor move that I’d like to breakdown, and I actually brought one of her pole sequences into class late last year – it’s a combo from an odd spin into a series of grip poses, then some planks from the floor to pole. (I’m not explaining it well, but I have no idea what any name of any trick in it would be.)And, then there’s little ol’ me, trying my best to learn a new sequence at my last Lyra class. I’ve been struggling a bit the last few weeks – more tired than usual, and it could either be that I’ve been sick (especially the last two weeks) and run down, or it could be that the difficulty of the tricks has finally caught up to where my strength level is. Not sure yet.
This week was tough on me, though – the sick factor really took more out of me than I realized (which is not a fun thing to discover when you’re in a single knee hang). I’m struggling a bit in this video, but Leigh is walking me through each new move patiently, since I didn’t get a chance to string them together before this moment – I’d tried one of the tricks twice successfully, one of them once successfully, and one of them once rather unsuccessfully, so the entire thing was pretty new to me, except for the knee hang portion and the mermaid.
The one I’m working with near the end is called The Dislocater (not sure if that’s just Leigh’s name for it), and it lands into two pretty tricks, but getting into it is awkward as hell (as you can see). Hoping to have it down a bit better next week!I’m back in class tomorrow and Thursday – hoping my body doesn’t put up too much of a fight – and am tentatively scheduled to finally head out with a pole friend to play with my Most-Fit suspension strap. Between being so sick, it being my busy season with my pet sitting business, and the weather acting up every time I made plans to go outside to use it, I haven’t been able to test it properly yet.
Excuse, excuses, I know. П™‚Still no word on whether I’ve got a spot in the, but I do think I have my song/theme if I get in! Also, we’re working on getting new merchandise ready for – hope to launch it at, if we end up getting a vendor booth.
I’ve been out of town again, but wanted to update with some recent videos.First up is one of my new favorite performances, from Marlo Fisken – I seriously keep watching this over and over. She brings so much fluidity to her performances – and she’s a sterling example of what it is to pole DANCE. She’s also a powerhouse. I’m in awe, always. Stunning.Next is a recent video from USPDF Champ Michelle Stanek – it’s a gorgeous mix of sexy and athletic, proving once again that there is room for both in the pole world.
They can co-exist, and the results are beautiful.This video – damn. This guy is amazing. Incredible strength and moves – he’s got some sick combos and Chinese pole skills.
He’s earning some crushes from my fellow pole girls. П™‚I’ve got some new post ideas in the works, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ll soon be reviewing the, to see how it helps with conditioning for pole and aerial! Once I receive my test sample, I’ll figure out what kind of exercises to do with it and if I can work out a program for use, based on what they suggest, and I’ll pass along that info on my blog!I’m looking forward to heading back into Lyra this coming weekend (side note: my mom is coming to a class with me, later in the month – that’ll be fun!) – in our last class, I got to go to the top of the hoop for the first time! I’m excited to keep adding on to what I’ve learned. I have someone tape me in each class, so I can see what I’m doing – how far I’ve come, what tricks are working, what needs to be polished, etc. Right now, I seem to be so focused on tricks and making sure I’m solid that I’m not really minding my musicality, so that’s my next goal.
П™‚ Also, I want to smooth out my inverts. Anyway, here’s the video from my last class!
At today’s Lyra class, we worked on tying our tricks together and smoothing out our transitions – something important for pole, too! I’m still working on making combos mesh well and smoothing out the moments between tricks so that I get rid of the awkward, “okay, now I’m gonna do a trick” pause.With Lyra, it feels like I know a lot of tricks for someone who started 2 months ago, but I don’t yet know how to full incorporate all of them. If I mount one way, I can get into this trick and that trick, but I haven’t figured out how to get back around to do these other three tricks, and then if I mount this other wayyeah, it goes on.
So, in today’s class, had us working on transitions within a specific series of tricks off of the Mermaid. We had the option of taping ourselves, so we could learn a little more – video below! – and we also had to work in pairs at the end! She had us pair up to choreograph our movements – again, doing the same specific movements, but we could add more if we both knew how to do them – and then having to sync our movements while performing on different hoops. It was an interesting exercise! We also worked on center straddle mounts – Leigh makes it look so easy and stunning, but damn, it’s hard!
I’d venture to say that it’s harder than straight leg inverts on the pole, but that’s also not my strong suit (still tweaks my back a bit). I was able to do the straddle mount better on the shorter hoop, so I ended up practicing more on that one.
We did a fair amount of conditioning for that mount, so I am hopeful to get to continue and improve!Anyway, here’s my video from today’s class – I’ve already launched up to mount the hoop when it starts, but you’ll see Leigh spin me – she wanted us to all work while the hoops were spinning, so she gave us each a spin just after we inverted. It’s such a challenge when spinning, and I had a momentary panic attack about getting dizzy, but the moment I focused very intently on what trick I was doing and where my hands needed to be, I was able to work through the spinning and not get dizzy – I’m still working on that with spinning pole!!!Also, a couple of videos of Leigh, because she’s awesome:This is her performance from CPDC 2012, which I loved. THAT question. П™‚One of the great things about starting a pole dance or pole fitness class are the health benefits – from weight loss to muscle building and toning, pole can have an amazing impact on your body.
Add in increased flexibility, endorphins, and even the confidence and connection to oneself that pole can build, and you’ve got an activity that can change your life in many ways.But, what about the calories?Let’s face it – calorie burning is just one of those things that a lot of us think about. “Did I work off that donut? Those gummi bears? That extra bit of cheese?” (Okay, maybe not everybody eats as crappy as I do) A few weeks ago, I posted about. I’ve been keeping up with my food journal via the l app on my phone, which has been a decent tracker – there are tons of foods already logged into the database, which can make it easier to find and track what you’re eating, but you can also add your own entries if you have a product label handy (there’s also an option to scan product bar codes, but I haven’t tried it).
You also have the option of entering your workouts to track calories expended, but the totals are a little suspect – and the options aren’t great. Naturally, there was no option for pole dancing or pole fitness in the database. П™‚ The results that I found in running weren’t great, either. In general, they quoted about 250 calories, but there was no way to really quantify it. I wanted something that I felt was more accurate for me. Also, since I started tracking calories in an attempt to shed some extra weight, I wanted more accuracy.After some research, I purchased a to wear during my pole and lyra classes, to try to get an average of calories burned in each class. Polar FT40F White (Women’s Heart Rate Monitor)I’ve been wearing it in every class for the last three weeks.
The model features a watch band computer that logs and tracks the results, as well as a chest strap and monitor attachment to wear while working out. You have to enter your stats in the computer in order to get proper results, i.e. Height, weight, age. I took my first Lyra (aerial hoop) class today, at! My pole training comes in handy in terms of the strength and muscle memory, but it is still tough! A lot of upper body strength (at least, it was for me, being new), and you need strong abs for control. I learned how to get up into the hoop (still working on how to do that gracefully!), plus some basic tricks: stag, mermaid, drapey mermaid, and a move whose name I forgot, but it involves using one foot to “stand” on the hoop – you really end up hanging from the top of the hoop (using your hands/arms) and have one foot pushing the hoop away, with your legs sort of extended into a split, so the back leg is hanging down.
At any rate, it was a ton of fun, but definitely taxed my hands – need major calluses! My grip was okay – I had to rub my arms out on a nearby pole during my down time, to be able to continue, but it worked. My left hand still isn’t at full strength, but the right felt good being my strong arm for this apparatus! I need better conditioning for some of it, but by the end of the hour, I was able to get up and tie together all of the moves I had learned, and flow through them reasonably well – that was fun!
I recently fell in love with lyra and reeeeally want to get one and rig it indoor (I live in Boston and winter here is preeetty long and cold.so out door is not a great option). However, my ceiling height is only around 8.5-9 feet. I remember there were a few posts here where people rig their lyra indoor with lower ceiling height.Can anyone share some photos so I can get an idea what it looks like? I know I will lose a lot of height.just not sure how much. A visual idea would be very very helpful!!Thanks in advance!! I wanted portable rigging but I think it require a lot more 'floor' space then permanent rig?
I'm not sure how 'useable' would my room be if i get a portable rig (It will be in the same room as my pole.i use my four season porch as my pole room and currently there's a sofa, a cat wheel and woodstove there.right now the pole is in the middle of the room.will have to move it if i'm getting a lyra. LolI actually read a lot of posts on here about home lyra already just don't see a lot of photos being posted.Keep me posted on your choice!! Yeah it is surprising how much height you do actually need for a lyra, especially if you are hanging it double tab. My hoop is 40inches, then with the straps to hang it double tab it is taller than me!!
(im 5'5') So when i took it to my pole studios new room with scaffolding to try it out i couldnt hang it double tab or it was practically on the floor, i had to hang it just single =/the girl i bought my lyra off originally was also selling a stand for it, but unfortunately turned out her friend had left it to get rusty so she said she couldnt sell it after all, only the hoop. I was intrigued by the stand cos the measurements sounded really small (something like 80in by 50in by 40in) - and the hoop alone was 40! So i guess she must not have used any straps on it, just attached it straight to the stand by the tabs. But i would have liked to see that in action haahah!! When i thought the stand was also for sale i googled it to try find pics of it but couldnt find anything for those measurements.
What i did find were hanging chair frames.!! So i wonder if it was that she used.and i did actually see a picture of a lyra used on one. NOT ADVOCATING THIS IN ANY WAY I DONT KNOW IF IT WOULD BE SAFE but i was thinking about getting one of those for indoors, the weight limit seems to be around 120kg + depending on style, they also had loads on ebay. They would probably take up less floor space than a rig. I decided against it in the end cos i dont know how steady it would be outdoors and i really want to take my lyra outdoors so thats why i am eyeing up the adjustable rigs, i didnt want to have one for indoor and then need a different one for outdoor =Pfrom my research there seem to be 2 main styles, A-Frame like X-poles and the tripod style.
It seems to be personal choice which people prefer, opinions are split, my opinion is (for hoop esp) the A-Frame style would more convenient, as you lose space at the top of the tripod (probably better for silks?) also if your rig was A-Frame shape there is a chance you could leave your pole up, if you could angle it well;). AWESOME photos!!! Love it when people do aerial outdoors especially one in onsies!! LOL Thank you sooo much for sharing!!! Is it safe to hang it from a tree?
I got loads of big trees in my yard.just not sure how safe it would be =/The frame from XPole looks really sturdy but definitely take up a lot of space.I actually saw a 'bird cage' style on Pinterest.but I bet they cost an arm, a leg and your first born. =/ (Wonder if I can talk my hubby into getting one as a 'decoration' for our yard??? LOL)I might consider a chair stand (that is, if I can find one that can take a load of 1000 lbs).I'm 5'4 and I plan on getting a 36' hoop, doubt tab.Let me know which 'stand' you end up getting!!!
Ooooh that birdcage is hot!!!! But yeah you'd probably have to sell your soul (and your firstborn haaa) for it. Haha yeah tell your hubby you can hang lights from it etc =Pyeah from a tree is all good!
Just make sure its a really good chunky branch =) you can't see it so well in the picture but i have two straps coming off the 2 tabs, then a big carabiner at the top which is clipped onto a climbing sling wrapped around the tree branch. I got that off my dad, it seems really thin so i asked 'will this take my weight safely!!??' My dad laughed and said yes, i could tow my car with it if i wanted haha. They seem to be pretty inexpensive. Yay, I love lyra!
So excited to see more people on it.A few things to note: the rig on trapeze rigging says the weight limit is 200, probably means it can support 2000. Most aerialists recommend a 10:1 ratio of strength to weight, to account for drops, swinging, etc. I do not know that a chair swing has this safety factor accounted for. Secondly, rigging from trees is almost always dangerous.
I am not saying it cannot be done, but you need to have a rigger and a certified arborist out to look at the tree (and at that point, just pay for a rig. Probably costs the same).
If you are not both of those things, you cannot determine the strength of a branch or the health of the tree. A branch may appear thick and healthy, but could be completely hollow inside from rot and could snap in a heavy wind, let alone someone swinging on it. If any of our students rig from trees, we warn them and if they continue to do it, we do not allow them to take classes. Its known in the aerial world to be dangerous and we refuse to condone it or let other students think we condone it. Also, wrapping slings around a branch will cause it to die significantly faster, making it weaker and more likely to snap.Finally, before you rig inside, check with a rigger and your insurance company. Depending on your house, it may not be constructed to support point loads from the ceiling.
Most houses need some reinforcement so speaking to a professional will help the most. Also, if any damage occurs to you or your house from aerial, few insurance policies cover it and you will be on the hook for all expenses.
Most insurance companies specifically exclude any aerial activity from their policies. Just FYI.I'm not trying to bring you down, I am trying to honest and keep you safe! Happy flying!
While I am not a rigger, I have a lot of experience with the basics (how, why, etc). I cant do the math or the reinforcement, but can help guide you. Oh wow i had no idea. I will be the first to admit i am not so clued up on the world of lyra and aerial rigging it's all pretty new to me, the girl i bought my lyra off said she used it from a tree often and i have known lots of other people to do it so i had no idea it was not recommended. I figured as long as i was using really strong safe equipment it would be ok.thank you for the advice.!i think i have decided on the xpole a-frame anyway it seems the best for my needs, but i was looking at it online last night thinking 'but what if it is quite windy. Would it still stay up without pegging the legs down??'
Ironically it seemed super solid on the tree so i wondered if the rig would feel less stable ha.! Jsheridan - Thank you for all the information!!!!! I'm going to contact trapeze rigging in regards to the weight limit. Cause from their description and specs, it looks like it can only support 200 lbs max and no drops, no swings, no double allow. And my lyra teacher told me any aerial rig SHOULD support 2000lbs.I read about 'don't rig on a tree' unless a professional tree rigger says it's ok. The trees in my yard are too tall anyway.LOL I couldn't even get to it with a 15 feet ladder so they will be safe from meHouse insurance is actually the major reason why I want a portable rig instead or directly rigging to my house.
My house is wicked old.not sure if the beams can support all the weight.rather not risk itSo do you have really high ceiling height?? Or do you have a portable rig?? I don't know how.but I'm so in love with lyra now.I even dream about it.!!!