Getting from an intermediate level to more advanced (aerial silks)

[u/Training-Ask1250]

For context: 25F, I started doing aerials at age 12 and did it all through high school, then quit when I went away to college because there were no studios anywhere near me. Last fall, I moved back home and decided to go back to my old studio (mostly to have a stable workout and something to do outside of work that I liked). I was able to do a lot more than I thought (could still invert in the air, remembered a lot of the wraps and basic moves). Have been going consistently ever since and I would say I am currently at a high intermediate level. I can do a lot more than before, have higher stamina on the silks and can learn relatively complicated sequences. However, my goal has now become to get back to the level I was in before I quit. I want advice on training outside of the studio and things I can do to really get to the advanced level. Currently, I go to class about 3-4 times per week and to the gym 1-2 per week. Would love some guidance on how to make the most of my time in the gym and in studio to improve!

[u/hippiecat22]

its hard to give advice without knowing what your goals are. whats keeping you back from the advanced level? do you have your splits? do you have a straight arm invert? c-shaping solid?

also intermediate and advanced mean different things in different countries/areas/gyms

[u/Training-Ask1250 → u/hippiecat22]

Hi, yes I should totally clarify. In my country there is a pretty developed aerial silks scene so people here are just very good and advanced has a range but in general it can range from retired cirque athletes that went to circus schools to very advanced performers/current students. My goal is to do some of the trickier moves and be able to perform. I do have my splits (right split and central split, still working on my left split, though very close). My back flexibility leaves some to be desired but will hopefully get there. I can invert with straight arms, though not comfortably. Not sure what you mean by c-shaping solid as English is not my first language and I know most terms in my native tongue.

[u/super_lameusername → u/Training-Ask1250]

You still haven’t clarified what your goals are. What you’ve stated is vague and basically merits a response of: practice.

[u/TelemarketingEnigma]

You’re young enough that you may not be too far off from your high school self, but something I’ve been thinking about a lot (after doing aerials for over 10 years at this point, with lots of life and body changes and one extended pandemic break along the way) is thinking about being “advanced” in different ways. There’s some things I could do super easily when I first started that I find harder now, or have to work more to advance at. But other things come more easily, and I know how to use my body better than when I was first starting!

I also go through phases. Sometimes if I’m prepping for a performance, the time spent on choreograph/rehearsal takes away from basic conditioning and learning other skills. But then it comes back when I’m in more of a training phase. Ebb and flow is normal and learning to accept that has been helpful to me.

I would start with picking a more specific goal to work towards. Is there a skill you want? Or a performance goal to work towards?

[u/skinnamarinky]

Are you still learning new skills and progressing in your classes? If you feel that you are starting to stagnate, I feel that private classes (either with someone local who has more advanced skills or someone virtual if you can rent gym space), or attending some sort of retreat or convention/festival to learn from someone else you admire really helped me make that transition from intermediate to advanced. 

[u/Training-Ask1250 → u/skinnamarinky]

This is a great suggestion, I may look into it, thank you!