Technique Tip: Elbow Hang on Silks
- Aerial Physique
- 13 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Most aerialists have a couple of go-to skills in their back pocket for the moment someone says, “Show me something cool!”
One of mine is Elbow Hang on silks. It’s an Int/Adv shape I often find myself doing whenever there’s a photo opportunity, even if it happens to be on a mountaintop… with sheep! 🐏
Elbow Hang is also what I like to call a journey skill. It usually doesn’t click on the first try, and yes, there can be some discomfort along the way. This position is commonly seen on hard apparatus like lyra or trapeze, but bringing it onto silks creates a beautiful and unexpected shape.
In this Technique Tip, I’m sharing:
• A helpful shoulder warm-up exercise • The set-up and pathway • Watch-out points to help you explore the skill more comfortably and safely
Warm-Up Exercise
This skill finishes in Flamenco grip, which can place pressure on the shoulder. Because of that, it helps to feel comfortable with this position and warm up the joint before attempting the skill.
From a standing position:
• Reach one hand high on the silk and circle your wrist around into Flamenco grip. • Lean forward slightly, allowing the shoulder to move into internal rotation (the shoulder rolling inward). • Stand tall and move into external rotation.
• As you move between these positions, pull down on the silk so the shoulder experiences some load during the exercise.
Repeat this movement 5–10 times on each side.
If you feel pain or pinching, pause and assess before moving forward with the Elbow Hang.
Need more pointers on Flamenco grip? I’ve got you covered! You can find a full live class replay and workbook on Aerial Physique TV here, along with a free 3-day trial.
Before taking this skill higher, it’s also helpful to mark the pathway low to the mat, since the sensation of this position can feel quite intense when first learning.
Set-Up
Begin in a same side knee hook (invert with the silk on the right side & hook your right knee
Thread your top arm between the silk and the top of your thigh, bringing the arm through until the bicep sits close to the fabric.
Think about flexing your bicep and squeezing the arm firmly so the silk stays snug against the upper arm.
Next:
With the opposite hand, pass the tail over your head from back to front.
Grab the silk with your thumb pointing toward your face.
Optional spin here!
Now prepare for the transition:
Reach the free arm underneath the hooked knee.
Slowly unhook the leg and begin lowering into the Elbow Hang. As you descend: Think about the elbow pointing upward. This opposition helps create a stable contact point through the arm.
Arrive in the Elbow Hang position, with the silk running diagonally across the bicep rather than directly on the elbow joint.
Exit
Reach the free bottom hand above the elbow.
Begin to step onto the silk as if starting a climb.
Release the grip of the elbow-hooked arm.
Finish in Flamenco grip.
Watch-Out Points
Threading the arm between the silk and the thigh can feel unusual, since there are not many aerial pathways quite like it. Commit to a strong, active arm position as you move through this part of the skill.
A few things to keep in mind:
• Notice the thumb position when passing the tail. Keeping the thumb pointing toward your face helps maintain a stronger grip.
• As you lower into the position, think about the elbow pointing upward while gently pressing down into the fabric.
• Lower with control when unhooking the leg, allowing the elbow to meet the fabric gradually rather than dropping into the position quickly. Dropping can place a lot of stress on the shoulder.
• The fabric may create a burning sensation on the arm, especially at first. Wearing sleeves can make the process more manageable.
• It is completely normal not to get this skill right away. Elbow Hang is something many aerialists work up to over time.
Practicing the pathway low to the ground first can make a big difference in understanding how the position works.
A Quick Note About the Sensation
You may have heard the saying in aerial to “kill the nerves” in positions like this. What’s actually happening is that your nervous system is learning to get the message that you want to do this. With proper positioning and repetition, it begins to understand the difference between pressure and danger. Over time the reaction usually becomes less intense, and the pathway becomes smoother as your body grows more familiar with the skill.
I hope this gives you a helpful starting point if you choose to explore this skill. Take your time and enjoy the process!
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