As we all know, what goes up must come down! This week I'm sharing one of my all-time favorite descents.
It makes you feel like a human butterfly and it's quite amusing to watch. Several years ago I remember performing it at a kid's birthday party with a Superwoman costume on and it was quite a hit!
I call it the Chair Glissade Descent. The word glissade means to slide. Keep in mind since you are sliding the skill can burn specifically on the back of your upper thighs. You should be good to go with leggings on, but dance tights or bare legs are definitely a no go for this one.
Let's get to it!
Begin from a split silk inversion with feet crocheted
Cross the silks twice behind the back and pass the tails in front of you
Straddle legs
Grab tails and poles together,
Lift one leg up and meet your foot with the pole of the silk. Sickle your foot for security.
Press hips forward as if you're passing through a momentary Bird’s Nest
Lower legs and lift chest up arriving in a sitting position with the fabric under the bum
Sit tall, slightly stick chest forward and bum out to help you balance. Bend knees with feet side by side
Hold tails at shoulder height. Lower arms toward hips as you slightly release the grip on the silk allowing it to slide through your hands to lower you down. Slide hands up tails and repeat. Keep in mind the higher up you are the heavier the silk is!
To exit, you can lower all the way down to the mat or get creative with how you can transition into another skill without touching down, a fun challenge for ya!
Mistake #1 - Crossing 1x behind your back. You need the 2 crosses to make the skill secure. If you cross only 1x be prepared to slip right down.
Mistake #2 Leaning armpits into the poles. Doing so may result in armpit burns, no fun! Aim to sit up tall with chest slightly forward and shoulders back.
Extra tip! If the silks feel stuck and you don't slide right away, try meeting the tails and poles together, pull up slightly and sit back down. Sometimes the double-cross gets stuck after you sit on it, releasing tension and reapplying it will often do the trick!
As with many skills in aerial, it looks easier than it is. It's a fun one but it can be finicky. Be sure to practice low with a crash mat under you.
Happy silking!
Jill
P.S. Did you hear that our virtual Level One Teacher Training course is now reopened?
Take part from anywhere in the world! In addition, we recently added in-person teacher training options in Nashville, Los Angeles & Vienna!
Interested? Click here for the virtual option and click here for in-person.