Being an Aerialist is not a run of the mill job. This is why you are unlikely to find an advertisement for it in the local papers or even on the many online job portals one finds easy to locate regular sort of job opportunities in.
However, if you feel being an Aerialist is your true calling, here is what you need to know about becoming an Aerialist:
Step 1: Research The Job Profile
If you can imagine yourself as The Man on The Flying Trapeze or the Lady Tightrope walker and have the determination to see this career option through all the below mentioned steps, you can begin working on networking with professional aerialists to learn about their job profile and requirements. Most pro Aerialists come from circus performer families or have been members of similar artistic shows for decades, which is how, they have picked up techniques, knowledge and innovative performance related temperament required to succeed in this occupation.
Step 2: Train Your Body and Mind
If you haven’t been blessed with the right body type for becoming an Aerialist (read muscular, toned and flexible) you need to work at training your body with the right diet, physical exercise and mental routines to reach the level of a professional aerialist – a person who is lighter, but fitter, than average individuals. Thus, work on developing a high level of athleticism so you also acquire nerves of steel, which ensure you can perform before an audience at great heights with no stage fright or loss of balance that can adversely affect your career – or your endanger your life. You should be able to perform thrilling, daring and sometimes even dangerous acts while negotiating a literal tight rope.
Step 3: Acquire Spatial Orientation Skills
You need to focus on developing spatial orientation skills for negotiating the performances required on your job. For example, a trapeze act usually requires working in tandem with a high level of discipline and intense concentration skills. Therefore, regular training with a partner is necessary to acquire these skills, so you eliminate chances of getting disoriented and can perform high wire acts proficiently.
Step 4: An Early Start In Performing Arts is Helpful For Aerialists
Start training in support disciplines, such as gymnastics, ballet, acrobatics etc. as early as possible to ensure a flying start. Acquire as many support skills as possible for improving your chances at becoming an Aerialist: join a trapeze school or similar training centers for performing arts that help tone and discipline your body to adapt to high wire acts in a structured environment, possibly grant you a certificate too. Most recognized institutions that impart training in performing arts have highly skilled instructors and experienced performers and take in students as young as 6 years because it is as important to develop the drive to become an aerialist as it is to help nurture talent, ability to create novel acts and impart essential team spirit with relevant job skills
Step 5: Train with traveling Aerial Troupe or Join small Circus Shows
Smaller circuses are always on the lookout for new Aerial performers so begin your career on a training ground where you can enjoy a certain comfort level that is common in such groups. Send in a video resume of your best acts and you stand a good chance of landing an Aerialist’s job if this is impressive enough!
