Students Owning Personal Aerial Equipment

To ensure the safety and well-being of our students we want to provide clear guidelines regarding the use and purchase of personal aerial equipment. Our policy discourages students from purchasing their own aerial equipment due to safety concerns related to proper selection, usage, and rigging.

Policy Statement

GravityWorks Circus strongly advises against students purchasing and using their own aerial equipment outside of our facility. The following points outline the reasons for this stance:

  1. Proper Equipment Selection:

    • Specialized Knowledge: Choosing the correct type of aerial equipment requires specialized knowledge that beginners typically do not possess.

    • Quality and Safety Standards: Not all equipment available for purchase meets the rigorous safety standards required for aerial arts. Inferior quality equipment can pose serious or fatal risks.

  2. Understanding of Forces and Safety Protocols:

    • Forces and Loads: Understanding the amount of force exerted on aerial equipment during use is crucial. Incorrectly rated equipment can fail under the strain, leading to severe injuries.

    • Safety in Emergencies: Proper knowledge of how to safely navigate and exit aerial silk knots is essential. Getting stuck without understanding the correct protocols can result in dangerous situations.

  3. Rigging and Building Structures:

    • Structural Integrity: Correctly assessing the structural integrity of a rigging point is complex. Inappropriate rigging can cause damage to buildings and equipment, as well as pose significant safety hazards.

    • Professional Rigging: Proper rigging should be performed by certified professionals to ensure it meets all safety standards.

  4. Experience and Supervision:

    • Skill Level: Novice, intermediate and even advanced students often lack the experience necessary to safely use and care for their own equipment.

    • Supervised Practice: Practicing under the supervision of experienced instructors in a controlled environment ensures that safety protocols are followed and skills are developed correctly.

Recommendations for Students

  1. Use School-Provided Equipment:

    • GravityWorks Circus provides high-quality, regularly inspected equipment for all classes. This ensures that students are using safe, properly maintained equipment.

  2. Focus on Training:

    • Students should concentrate on developing their skills under professional supervision. This reduces the risk of accidents and allows for proper guidance and correction from instructors.

  3. Participate in Workshops:

    • Attend workshops and intensives offered by a professional and qualified school to gain deeper knowledge about equipment, safety, and rigging from certified professionals.

  4. Ask Questions:

    • Students are encouraged to ask instructors about equipment and safety protocols during class. Gaining theoretical knowledge complements practical training.

At GravityWorks Circus, the safety of our students is our highest priority. By adhering to this policy, we aim to minimize the risks associated with the use of personal aerial equipment. We believe that a safe, structured, and supervised learning environment is essential for the effective and enjoyable practice of aerial arts.

If you have questions regarding our safety policy, please contact us!

If you are interested in taking an aerial class, join us in Yellow Springs at the Foundry Theater and find a class that suits you!