Circus and Aerial Industry Blog EU

Here are some of our most commonly asked questions, answered

All of our aerial hoops are built according to high standards and tested to destruction on a regular basis. Each type of hoop has a Working Load Limit (WLL) based on its materials and construction. To give you a WLL, we use an industry standard and apply a Factor Of Safety (FOS) to the deformation of the hoop, not the...

When you're buying a new Firetoys aerial hoop, we can tape it for you! The primary reason is to add grip. When you're on a hoop working up a sweat, the last thing you want to worry about is slippery hands.

Learning on your own vs in a studio  As more and more people get into aerial and circus the more resources are being made to support these people. Resources like books, videos and podcasts! We are seeing more and more instructional videos appearing online and in an industry with little standardisation and regulation it can be hard to separate the good from...

Thinking of getting into aerial hoop? You have questions we have answers. What is Aerial Hoop? Developing and changing over the years aerial hoop has become a fundamental part of most modern circuses. When most people think of aerial hoops they picture crowds and choreographed routines. Recently it’s grown as a hobby, with talented artists passing on their knowledge through...

Best For Beginners When people pick up their first set of poi, it’s usually because they want to spin fire, or they’re experienced in flow arts and want to learn a new prop. Spinning fire when you’re a complete beginner isn’t recommended, and fire and fuel safety should always be followed. Never spin fire alone - Even if you’ve been...

With many studios and training spaces beginning to open up to limited numbers of people over the coming months, these are Firetoys’ recommendations for how to keep your equipment as low risk as possible. Disinfecting your shared apparatus for the COVID-19 virus involves the use of high temperatures or harsh cleaning agents like bleach, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. These will...

It’s important to look after your body when you’re training aerials. The unique shape of a peanut massage ball means you can relieve all the same areas as with a traditional massage ball but often in a more targeted way. This means areas that aerialists frequently have trouble with like the forearms, shoulders, and triceps. Try them on your feet...

Are you thinking about setting up aerial equipment in your home or garden? Before you do, read this guide - rigging can be more complex than you might think! Aerial acrobatics are incredible skill sets that require strength, flexibility, and a willingness to hang upside down. Currently, aerial circus disciplines don't have any set industry standards or regulations. Even though...

How to Choose a Staff We’re often asked our advice on choosing a staff. There are quite a few options and variables so this can be a difficult decision, especially if you’re new to staff spinning. What staff to choose depends on the type of staff spinning you want to do, if you’re not sure what types there are check...