Point of // AERIAL
Aerial disciplines were of course part of the traditional circus arena in origin , and so for a long time , being in the circus was the only way to become part of the circus . Aerial work was considered a high-status act , so training was a privileged exchange between performer and apprentice ( often kept inside families ) and outsiders had to commit to the touring life to be given an opportunity to learn . Training happened with the sole goal of progression to a performance level , and innovations happened slowly as there were few outside references .
As the circus world gradually opened up to more aspiring artists with the development of contemporary circus , schools began forming as well , offering classes to both aspiring performers and recreational aerialists from more varied backgrounds . However , there was still definitely a tradition within this . Learning remained a hands-on , personal experience with a coach which resulted in close bonds between trainers , performers and fellow students , and with much of the focus still on professional-quality skills and acts being nurtured within a small niche industry .
Although it is an art form , aerial work is also , at its roots , a paid profession ; that is the other half of the history of how these disciplines and the practice of instruction developed . High-caliber artists earn their living through performance , which is typically an endeavor that can only be pursued for a limited timespan . Those artists are the ones who will invest the most financially , emotionally and physically in reaching that level , and also the ones who by virtue of pounding out 7-10 shows per week are taking on the most risk .
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