Level Requirements by Apparatus

Please note:
All routines must start and end on the floor. Two rows of panel mats will be used to cover the floor space underneath each apparatus, crash mats are available but not required. To see how each apparatus is rigged, please visit our Rigging Information Page

How Do You Decide Which Tier?

COMPETITIVE

for performers who may practice less than two hours of aerial per week
for performers who may be new to the apparatus
for performers who may be new to performing and competing.

ADVANCED

for performers who may practice 3-5 hours of aerial per week
for performers who have experience with the apparatus
for performers who have some performing or competition experience

ELITE

for performers who may practice 5+ hours of aerial per week
for performers who are very experience with the apparatus
for performers who have several years of performing or competition experience

Routines containing a combination of levels such as, Duets, Trios, and Groups Acts should be entered in the level in which the majority of the aerialist fall.

We expect all studio owners and directors to give honest level placement for all performers and groups. Routines that are visibly under-placed will be moved to the appropriate category by the judges. All decisions are final.

SHOWCASE

The Showcase Category is a non-leveled showcase category for anyone who wishes to perform, but does not wish to receive feedback or judging. Performers of all ages and levels will be featured in this category with no judge feedback given. This is ideal for performers who love to perform for the sake of performing, who dislike competitions, or who want to dip their toes into a competition environment. We understand how nerve wracking it can be to put yourself out there, especially if you’re new to performing or to an apparatus in general.

SHOWCASE YOUR WINGS

This category is also a non-leveled category, but it includes judges' feedback on the performance. Performers will perform within the Showcase Category; however your piece will also be judged using our general judging criteria. Our judges will provide you feedback on your piece as well as their opinion on what level you would have fit into for your chosen apparatus. This is a great option for those who may be new to competing and want to see how they do with being judged and receiving feedback but do not wish to be placed against other performers at this time.

Sling

Competitive

Inversions not required, inversions from sitting/floor permitted.
No inverting from a standing position in the sling.
No double drops permitted.
No ankle hangs permitted.
Spin not required.
Standing in the sling permitted.
Slack drops and bomb drops permitted.
Single rotation drops permitted.

Advanced

Straight leg inversion from the floor expected.
Standing in the hammock or at a similar height is required.
A minimum of 2 different mounts required.
Must display 1-2 different kinds of flexibility moves.
Must display 1-2 power or strength moves.
Minimum 1 drops required.
Double rotation drops/stacked permitted, but not required.
Ankle hangs permitted.
Spin utilization during performance required.

Elite

Minimum 2 different mounts required.
Minimum 1-2 aerial inversions required. (Straight leg inversion required)
Must display a minimum 3-4 different kinds of flexibility moves.
Must display a minimum 3-4 power or strength moves.
Minimum 2 drops required.
Different drop families required, multiple rotations permitted.
High level of showmanship expected.
Spin utilization during performance required.

Silks

Competitive

Inversions not required.
Foot lock skill required.
Inversion from the floor permitted or with assisted wraps.
No double drops permitted.
No ankle hangs permitted.
No neck belay/neck hangs permitted.
Expected to perform bulk of routine in lower silk range.
Spin not required.

Advanced

Minimum 1 inversion from the air required.
Foot lock skill required.
Minimum 1 drop required.
Slack drops and bomb drops are permitted.
Single rotation drops permitted. (No more than 450 degree rotation.)
No open drops permitted. No double drops/stacked drops permitted.
Ankle hangs permitted.
A minimum of 2 different types of climbs required.
Expected to perform bulk of routine in mid and lower silk range.
Spin utilization during performance required.

Elite

Minimum 2 straight leg aerial inversions required. (With no assistance from wrap.)
Minimum 2 drops required. (Different drop families are encouraged)
Double drops permitted, but not required.
Open drops permitted (w/ crash mat)
Full release moves permitted (w/ crash mat)
Must display at least 1-3 flexibility moves.
Must display at least 1-3 power or strength moves.
Must display a variety of climbs. (2-3 suggested.)
Expected to use full silk. (Floor to approx. 18’)
High level of showmanship expected.
Spin utilization during performance required.

Lyra

Competitive

May utilize the span set.
May go to the top of the hoop - however not level required.
No drops permitted.
Must demonstrate proper technique in mounting and executing moves both in the hoop and under it.
Spin not required.

Advanced

Minimum 1 inversion required.
May perform basic hip drops from top bar and ankle hangs
Drops not required for level.
May utilize the top of the hoop and span set.
May perform release moves on top of the hoop.
Must display at least 1 flexibility move.
Must display at least 1 power or strength move.
Must demonstrate proper technique in mounting and executing moves under, in, and on top of the hoop.
Spin utilization during performance required.

Elite

Minimum 2 inversions required, must invert to the top of the hoop at least once.
Minimum 1 drop required.
Must utilize the full hoop and span set.
Must display at least 2-3 flexibility moves.
Must display 2-3 power or strength moves.
Must demonstrate proper technique in mounting and executing moves under, in, and on top of the hoop.
High level of showmanship expected.
Spin utilization during performance required.

Trapeze

Competitive

No standing on trapeze inversions permitted.
Inversions from floor or seated permitted, but not required.
Standing permitted, but not required.
No drops permitted.
No ankle hangs permitted.
Expected to perform the bulk of routine under and on the bottom bar.

Advanced

Inversion from the floor required.
Single rotation drops permitted, but not required. (No more than 450 degree rotation.)
Ankle hangs permitted.
Drop and unrolls permitted.
Standing transitions expected.
Expected to perform a balanced use of the trapeze: under and on bar, standing and rope use.
Spin utilization during performance required..

Elite

Minimum 2 different mounts required.
Minimum 2 inversions required - 1 must be in the ropes. (Straight leg inversion required.)
Minimum 2 drops/unrolls required.
Must display at least 2-3 flexibility moves.
Must display a minimum of 2-3 power or strength moves.
Expected to perform a balanced use of the trapeze: under and on bar, standing and rope use.
High level of showmanship expected.
Spin utilization during performance required.