Demystifying the Aerial Hoop

Aerialists may experience a variety of challenges due its suspension in air and rotational components (Venne et al., 2023 ). Unlike other forms of performance art or gymnastics, aerial artists use gravity in an entirely different way than ground based movement. During the performance an aerialist’s mass is stabilised under the center of the rigging point. They use their upper body to resist gravity and mobilise their body into various positions (Crow, 2021). This aspect of aerial creates a demand for upper body strength unlike other forms of aesthetic performance such as ballet, figure skating, or rhythmic gymnastics (Farmer et al., 2024). Control through the end range of joint mobility is also required to manipulate the body within the hoop. As well, the hoop offers a 360 degrees of contact on the vertical plane, the aerialists can resist gravity as well as the hoop’s structure to create shapes.