So You Want to Do Aerials...

Before performing aerials, we make the following recommendations.

If we see anyone doing aerials or lifts on a social dance floor, we will discuss the matter with the dancer immediately, regardless of who is hosting the dance event.

 

We have your safety and the safety of everyone else near you on our minds!  Please do not be offended by our evaluation and advice.   Be safe and happy dancing!!

 

• Have a strong foundation in Lindy Hop FIRST.  Performing aerials requires musicality, technique, strength, and stamina.  If you don't have these characteristics in your dancing, attempting to add aerials just looks amateurish and sloppy and is incredibly dangerous.
• Learn aerials from trained professionals.  Just because you TIVOed an episode of "Dancing With the Stars" and are able to play the move over and over does not mean you can figure it out on your own.  Many techniques for executing aerials properly are not noticeable to the untrained eye.  DO NOT TRY THESE AT HOME!!!  Take a private lesson with a skilled dance instructor.
• Always use spotters when learning or practicing new aerials.  Most aerials are technically challenging and require strength on the part of both the lead and follow.  When practicing new aerials, expect the unexpected.  Spotters ensure your safety!
• Never, EVER do an aerial on the social dance floor.  Aerials, lifts, and tricks are intended for performance purposes only and should never be performed on the social dance floor.  "Trying to be careful" is not enough: you may be able to control your own actions, but you cannot control the actions of others on the floor and cannot predict their movements.  For the safety of everyone on the dance floor, save your tricks for jam circles and performances ONLY.