Aerial silks retreats: where to train fabric worldwide

Aerial silks is the most popular aerial apparatus at camps and retreats worldwide. Whether you're a pole dancer looking to cross-train or a dedicated aerialist, here's where to find the best silks training experiences.

Aerial silks — also called aerial fabric or aerial tissue — has become one of the most sought-after disciplines at pole and aerial retreats. The combination of strength, flexibility, and artistry required makes it deeply rewarding, and training in a retreat setting accelerates progress in ways that weekly studio classes simply can't match. Immersive multi-day training, international instructors, and the focus that comes from being away from everyday distractions create an ideal environment for breakthroughs.

Why train silks at a retreat?

A typical aerial silks class at your local studio might be 60 to 90 minutes, once or twice a week. At a retreat, you might get 3 to 4 hours of silks training per day over 5 to 7 days — the equivalent of weeks of studio classes compressed into a single immersive experience. This concentrated training builds muscle memory faster, lets you work through sequences multiple times, and gives instructors time to address individual technique in a way that crowded studio classes rarely allow.

Retreats also expose you to different teaching styles and approaches. Every instructor has their own methodology, favorite combinations, and way of breaking down skills. Training with someone new can unlock techniques you've been struggling with — sometimes a different cue or a fresh perspective is all it takes.

Dedicated aerial retreats

Some retreats are built entirely around aerial arts. Sweet Retreats in Puerto Escondido, Mexico is one of the most established, offering dedicated silks, lyra, and trapeze programming in a beachside setting. Their programs run multiple sessions per year and attract aerialists from around the world.

In Europe, Cirque de Silk runs retreats in the English countryside with a focused silks curriculum. Aerial Academy in Lagos, Portugal combines silks training with aerial yoga in a sunny coastal setting. Paper Doll Militia in Crete, Greece specializes in dance trapeze but often includes silks programming. And Aerial Cirque in Tenerife, Spain offers dedicated silks intensives in the Canary Islands.

For a convention-style experience, the Colorado Aerial Arts Summit in Boulder, USA brings together multiple apparatus under one roof with dozens of workshops to choose from — including extensive silks programming at every level.

Pole camps with silks programming

Many pole camps and retreats now include aerial silks as part of their workshop lineup. This is an excellent option if you want to train both pole and silks in one trip. Budapest's International Pole Camp includes aerial hoop and silks alongside pole workshops. Winter Pole Camp in Poland's mountains offers silks and aerial hoop in addition to pole and exotic. Pole Camp Deutschland in Bavaria's forest setting includes aerial programming in their multi-day format.

In Asia, several Bali-based retreats offer silks as a complementary discipline, and Australian retreats in Byron Bay have been expanding their aerial offerings. South Africa's emerging aerial scene includes retreats in the Cradle of Humankind region that combine pole and aerial training.

What level do I need for a silks retreat?

Most silks retreats offer classes at multiple levels, from beginner to advanced. For a dedicated silks retreat, having at least a few months of regular silks training will help you get the most out of the experience — you should be comfortable with basic climbs, foot locks, and simple wraps. Complete beginners can attend many retreats that include introductory workshops, though the experience may be more physically demanding than expected.

If you're a pole dancer trying silks for the first time at a retreat, your existing upper body strength and body awareness will transfer well. The grip is different — silks requires gripping fabric rather than a metal pole — but pole dancers typically pick up silks fundamentals quickly. Many retreat organizers note that pole-to-silks crossover students are among the fastest learners.

Other aerial apparatus at retreats

While silks is the most popular, retreats often offer training on multiple apparatus. Aerial hoop (lyra) is the second most common, with its elegant circular frame offering a different set of skills and aesthetics. Aerial sling (aerial hammock) combines elements of silks and yoga. Trapeze — both static and dance trapeze — appears at specialized retreats. Less common apparatus like aerial straps, corde lisse, and aerial cube show up at convention-style events and specialized programs.

Multi-apparatus retreats are ideal if you want to explore different disciplines. You can try everything from silks to lyra to sling in a single week, discover which apparatus resonates most with you, and build a broader aerial skill set that makes you a more versatile performer.

What to pack for a silks retreat

Silks training requires specific clothing. Wear leggings that cover your full legs — bare skin on fabric creates painful friction burns. A fitted long-sleeve top protects your arms during wraps. Avoid loose clothing that can catch in the fabric. Bring rosin or grip aid designed for aerial use. Knee-length socks can help with foot lock comfort. Arnica cream and a foam roller are essential for recovery between intensive training days.