Aerial silks flip into town

Crossfit Brookings to offer classes

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BROOKINGS – You may have seen aerial silks performed in Cirque de Soleil-type shows and been intrigued. 

Now you can give it a try in Brookings. Origins of aerial acrobatics date back to 1959 in a French circus school but became more mainstream in 1995 when Andre Simard was hired by Cirque du Soleil to develop and research imaginative ways to attract audiences to shows.

 Aerial is a sport that uniquely combines fitness, balance, strength (mental and physical) and flexibility in an acrobatic art form. 

Intro classes are a one-time class that lets you get a “taste” for aerial with counter balances, poses and inverting all while being close to the ground. 

Classes are coached by a certified aerial instructor, Joscelyne Gonzalez, at CrossFit Brookings. 

Gonzalez stated, “My favorite thing about circus arts is sharing it with others and helping them reach previously unimaginable goals.” Aerial came to Brookings because Jill Kosbau, who was commuting to Sioux Falls for classes and Gonzalez, an SDSU mechanical engineering student who recently moved to Brookings, they wanted to share their love for aerial with others in the community.  “It’s fun! Everyone is really enjoying aerial. We’re excited about how well it has been received,” Kosbau said

 Classes are open to everyone and all abilities. Intro to silks classes are offered weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Those that want to advance, can join a six-week session that progresses into climbs, drops, flips, poses and more advanced moves. Classes are small (five or less) to ensure safety and personal instruction. The cost is  $20 non-members and  $15 for CrossFit members. More information is on Facebook at “Aerial Silks at CrossFit Brookings.”