Technique Tip: Butterfly Variation - Fallen Angel

Have you ever wanted to make your Fallen Angel (aka 360 drop) look a little more magical?

In this tip, we're exploring a butterfly variation that adds extra flair with wing-like fabric, it’s a favorite of mine for both the feeling and the visual! See below for a video breakdown and tips. [Disclaimer: Aerial Physique encourages you to follow your studio’s and teacher’s guidelines when learning new skills. For your safety and progress, it’s recommended to practice with a crash mat and under the guidance of a coach.]

✨ Setup

• Begin with a regular Fallen Angel Setup

• Invert into a straddle with split silks and crochet feet up, cross the tails behind your back only once. Be mindful of which silk is closest to your back for exiting purposes.

• Pass the tails forward toward your armpits, then thread your knees one at a time.
  

🦋 Add the Butterfly Element

• Make a cross behind your bum using the tails, this creates the butterfly effect.

• Place the tails back into your armpits and sit up.

• Climb above your knees, then drop the tails off from your shoulders to your inner thighs.

• Pass shoulders to the front with leg behind you in a straddle.
  

💫 Drop Positioning

• Release your hands at the same time as you pike at the hips, folding slightly forward. As you drop, reach down to grab the poles as you rotate.

• Drive your heels down and sit up.

• Find the edges of the tails and extend arms outward for your butterfly shape.

  
  

✋ To Exit (Option 1: Skin the Cat aka Reverse Pike)

• Reach under the tails to grab the poles at around head height.

• Perform a skin-the-cat all the way through.

• Open legs, step on the tail and release the right hand if that was the silk closest to your back in the setup.
  

🔶 Alternative Exit

• Grab under the tails and hook your knees to the right side (if that was the silk closest to your back in the setup).

• Remove the tail from your top shoulder, reach across, pull up, and drive legs down.
  

⚠️ Watch-Out Points

• As you rotate forward in the drop, you must grab the poles. If your arms accidentally pass through the center instead of around the outside, it can result in a fall.

• The ending position with the X can compress the chest area. If you’re sensitive in that region, it may be best to opt out of this variation.

• We strongly recommend that you are comfortable with the traditional fallen angel before trying this version. Understanding the movement pathway is essential.

• And as always - please never practice drops alone. Be sure you have an experienced eye on the side for spotting and support.
  

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