What to Expect from Your First Aerial Trial Class
- Aerials Amsterdam
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
Never tried aerial before? Good. Our trial classes are built specifically for complete beginners — you're curious but have no idea what you're walking into.
Here's exactly what to expect.
Silks or hoop — what's the difference?
Our 3-class trial lets you try both aerial silks and aerial hoop, so you don't have to choose upfront. But here's what each one actually involves:
Aerial silks (also called aerial fabric or tissue) uses two long pieces of fabric hanging from the ceiling. You'll learn to climb, wrap yourself in the fabric, and hold poses in the air. It builds grip strength, body awareness, and flexibility — and feels like a mix of dance and acrobatics.
Aerial hoop (also called lyra) is a circular metal ring suspended from the ceiling. You'll learn to sit, spin, and move through poses inside and around the ring. The rigid structure makes early moves feel a bit more controlled, which many beginners find reassuring.
Both are genuinely beginner-friendly. Most people find out which one they prefer by trying them — which is exactly why the trial gives you three sessions.
Before you arrive
Wear: Full-length leggings, a fitted top that covers your underarms. For silks especially, exposed skin means fabric burn — long sleeves are even better for your first few sessions.
Skip: Moisturiser, body oil, or anything on your hands and legs. It makes gripping the fabric or the hoop much harder.
Leave behind: Jewellery, rings, bracelets. Metal catches on equipment.
Bring: Water and a few minutes early so you're not rushing.
No special kit, no shoes - aerial is done barefoot.
What happens in class
Sessions run roughly like this:
Warm-up (10–15 min) — Mobility and activation work to prepare your shoulders, wrists, and core. Aerial loads joints most people don't train regularly, so this part matters.
The apparatus — Your teacher will show you how to approach silks or the hoop safely: how to grip, how to get on, how to control your body weight. The first "I can actually do this" moment usually happens here.
Basic moves and poses — Foot locks, simple climbs, and seated poses on the hoop; holds and a first attempt at climbing on silks. Nothing acrobatic — just the foundations done properly.
Cool-down — Stretching and time to ask questions or repeat anything you want to try again.
Classes are small, so you get real attention from the instructor rather than just a spot in a crowded room.
The 3-class trial
Rather than a single drop-in, we run a 3-class trial package for beginners. One class tells you whether you like the idea of aerial. Three classes lets you actually start building something — and by the end, you'll know whether you want to continue.
You can use your three sessions to try both silks and hoop, or go deeper on one. Either way, all beginner classes are at our Amsterdam studio and no experience, strength, or flexibility is required to start!
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