It’d be fair to say I have an unusual hobby. Most people find it interesting when I tell them about what I do; and I have even met many more people who have also taken up this pretty amazing sport. When you say that you do ‘aerial ’ you tend to get asked questions, as people don't know what it is. There are a few different things that come under the aerial umbrella, but I do trapeze and silks. Trapeze is the iconic one in all the circus films - like The Greatest Showman. Another example are silks - a long expanse of stretchy material that you can climb up, do positions and drops. 

I think people underestimate just how much work it is; for one thing, after a break from practise, my softened hands turn callousy as they haven’t been able to toughen up. It requires a lot of strength - particularly arm and core, which has been great for me as I have gained so much strength, and it has helped with my dance. I started over 4 years ago but it’s something that has taken me time to improve and there is barely any repetition in the exercises so you’re constantly learning. 

I wouldn’t be put off if you're not bendy (I’m certainly not) or if you're scared of heights - this sport is actually how I overcame that.