Becoming an aerialist requires innate spatial orientation skills, athleticism, and nerves of steel. Starting young with acrobatics, gymnastics, or dance classes is recommended. Aerialists must maintain physical condition and start with smaller circuses before moving up to larger ones. Most aerialists’ careers end before age 40.
Becoming an aerialist requires more than a simple desire to join the circus, walk a tightrope, or become the man on the flying trapeze. This is not a career option you’ll find in the classifieds of your local newspaper, and most airmen are members of families that have been in the act for decades. In these cases, children begin their aerial training before they can walk, and even then not all of them have the skills or temperament to become a star at the top.
Being born with the right body type is crucial if you want to become an aerialist. You will need to be muscular, but at the same time lighter than usual. You must also have innate spatial orientation skills. These factors are important because if your specialty is trapeze, you’ll often work with a partner. You must not only be able to perform stunts without becoming disoriented, but also be able to capture your partner. The same goes if you’re hoping to pull off a hi-fi act, as losing your footing could spell the end of your career and maybe even your life.
Being in incredible physical condition, and being willing to maintain that condition every day of the year, is inherent in becoming an aerialist. The athleticism required to pull off your act is of the highest level, but you must also have nerves of steel. Not only will you be displaying your art from great heights, you’ll be doing it in front of crowds that can number in the thousands. If you have stage fright or a fear of heights, you shouldn’t try to become an aerialist.
At an early age, you should start taking classes in acrobatics, gymnastics, ballet or other forms of dance. There are numerous trapeze schools and training centers located in various parts of the world, and these institutions generally accept students as young as six or seven years old. If you have the build, skills, training, and desire to become an aerialist, you’re ready to try out for a circus or aerial troupe. Your best chance of getting a job will be to start with a smaller circus and gain a little name and fame.
Some of the world’s most famous circuses and shows are always looking for aerialists with new skills or acts. Most of them will accept your resume and a video of your presentations, and if they like what they see, you could be on your way to glory. Remember though, you need to start young. The careers of most aerialists end before age 40.
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