November 2020

Forums Monthly Challenges November 2020

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    • #2020
      Silks Stars Team
      Moderator

      Airplane Tail-Catch into Kimono Drop

      Share your comments, questions, and work from this month’s combination below!

    • #2028
      thelostgeek
      Participant

      Question: if I fail to grab the tail during airplane drop, will I still be secure, or am I going to fall?

      • #2034
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Great question! Brett will answer this during Saturdays Q & A! Thank you

    • #2031
      Megup26
      Participant

      Here is my first stab at the November challenge, sans beat straddle inversion.

      Practice Session 1 – November Challenge

      • #2035
        HaleneW
        Participant

        Looks nice so far! I keep watching the challenge over and over again…my mind doesn’t want to compute that first part by itself 😛 Was helpful to see you get it 🙂

      • #2037
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        This is looking great!

      • #2062
        Jenny
        Participant

        That looks so good!

    • #2047
      Kary
      Participant

      https://www.instagram.com/tv/CHMgzcBgg4D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

      Empezando a entrenar desafío noviembre 😀

    • #2057
      Yvan
      Participant

      Training #1

      Brett, you make it look sooo easy… I have some technical questions:
      1. Is it OK to twist the silks behind the back only once instead of twice?
      2. When transitioning from the pike to the airplane, I believe I hurt a bit my lower back. It is indeed a transition from a pike to a straddle with back bending, isnt it? So the lower back goes from flexion to extension? Any focus tips for that transition?
      3. The beats… omg! no comments… I will keep on trying… fun to work on 🤩
      4. The birds nest at the end is not releasing my back knot, any tips there?
      Thanks a lot for this amazing combo and find below my training attempt from today.

      • #2058
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Good job Yvan and great questions! I’ll go over these in more detail tomorrow, but a couple notes from watching is hold a bit lower on the poles before going backwards into the airplane position, that may take some pressure off your back. The stretchier the fabric you have the harder it might be to get the timing of the beats as you have to work with the bounce! Looks like you almost have it though.. try to work with the timing of the bounce and hinge back a bit more as you invert, the class this month will help you practice that technique more as well, so recommend trying out that follow along class if you haven’t yet. Lastly on the exit after the kimono drop, once you regrip the poles, make sure your legs open and then bring them behind and then pass in between the tails as you invert into the birds nest, right now you are forgetting to do that part. Hope you can make the Q&A tomorrow, if not check out the replay i’ll demonstrate these tips 🙂 -Brett

      • #2063
        Jenny
        Participant

        Nice job!

    • #2067
      susi
      Participant

      https://www.silksstars.com/community/susi/media/254/
      Hello! Here’s my practice from today morning! there’s still a lot of work to be done! Wish you all safe, fun, success and enjoyable training! 😘🙏

      • #2079
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Nice work Susi, this is looking clean and coming along nicely. Keep working on the beat up, you almost have it! Highly recommend the follow along class this month, it’s all focused on that “Up-Beat”

    • #2072
      Jenny
      Participant

      can someone give me the password to the live q&a…Can’t find it anywhere!

      • #2078
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Hi Jenny, the password for the November Q&A is: Airplane

    • #2075
      Jenny
      Participant

      https://www.silksstars.com/wp-content/uploads/rtMedia/users/154/2020/11/silksstarsnovember.mov?1604792126

      Training from today….lots to work on. Thanks for the live chat! You guys are the best! 🙂

      • #2084
        Caro
        Participant

        What a beautiful place to practice silks!

    • #2080
      Silks Stars Team
      Moderator

      This is looking lovely Jenny. Look forward to seeing how progress with it!

    • #2081
      Gretchen
      Participant

      https://www.silksstars.com/community/ghinsman/media/258/

      Here’s a video of the tails crossing in front of my body when doing the kimono drop. I can see that the tails get crossed behind my butt when I’m upside down before sitting up into the kimono drop. Is there a sure fire way to prevent that?

      • #2082
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Hi Gretchen, thanks for sharing your video! Yes, the sure-fire way to avoid the crossed silks behind the butt, is to make sure the silks are un-twisted before climbing up, and that there is no spin before doing this combo. That will help keep the silks stay separated and on their correct sides when you finish the airplane tail catch.

    • #2098
      Janice
      Participant

      Practice video -Nov challenge

      Hi. I watched the Q&A replay. Thanks for all the coaching. I tried the tricks today and am challenged at Brett’s instruction of aiming to NOT hold the poles to invert, after the airplane drop. My beats are so awkward…. like there is no rhythm. When I sway my legs forward, I feel the momentum build up, but when they sway backwards, the momentum seems to reduce 🙁 Feedback on my video would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

      • This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by Janice.
      • #2100
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Thanks for sharing Janice, this is a great start! The biggest factor for getting a good invert after the airplane tail catch (without having to grab the poles, is making sure you don’t have any swaying or spinning of your silks when you first climb up to do this combo. I noticed your point was swinging a bit at the start of the combo, so i recommend that the very first climb from the ground you take, to make sure you are directly under your rigging point and very gentle pull up into your first climb. You should be completely still, no turning or swinging when you do the airplane drop. Doing the invert from there without grabbing the poles is advanced and takes a lot of hinging back and staying super engaged in your core like you’re passing through a front planch. It takes lots of power, so make sure you go for that invert the first time your momentum from the airplane drop swings forwards, rather than taking a second beat back. Also, we’re no expecting ‘Not grabbing the poles’ as part of this month’s challenge. That variation may take a while of consistent training to build up to, so it’s more of an ‘extra credit’ variation. Happy to see you working on it and looking forward to seeing your progression! -Brett

      • #2103
        Janice
        Participant

        Hi Brett. Thanks so much for observing and assessing my video. I didn’t even notice the sway and would not have thought it mattered. Thanks for clarifying that you’re not expecting I do a no-hold on poles 🙂 In my next training, I’ll do all your advices. Thanks!!!!!

        • This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by Janice.
    • #2107
      Eiz
      Participant

      Hi! I was able to complete the combi last night here from practicing for almost 2 hours. Just have to clean it up quite a bit, any tips would be great!

      • #2108
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Good job Eiz! Thanks for sharing. A couple notes would be to keep practicing the beat up after the airplane drop, making sure both legs are the same distance apart and drive back into the beat at the same time. Also try holding the outside tips of the tails for the kimono drop, which should help the tails land higher on your arms at the end. Overall looking good!

      • #2134
        Eiz
        Participant

        Thanks for the feedback! Here’s another go.

        • This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by Eiz.
      • #2169
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Yes, getting so much smoother! Keep up the good work 🙂

    • #2112
      LauraDP
      Participant

      Hi! Today I tried the beat workout AND the full combo on my mini rig… Of course I couldn’t do it properly but I am proud of what I managed to do in such small space aahahah I couldn’t believe it. I wish I could show you all my bloopers before attempting to catch the tail on the airplane drop, I was so scared to beat my head to the ground. Next time I’ll try the modified version which looks easier and less scary for the height I have. Or if I have the guts to hang by a tree I’ll give the full combo a chance (I’m not a brave one and don’t like to try drops without crash mat, hanging from a tre, you know).
      First try

      • #2113
        LauraDP
        Participant

        I’ve just realized that I missed a part in the kimono drop O-O thank goddes I haven’t completely tried it U.U

      • #2114
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Great job Laura! It’s so impressive what you are able to do on your mini-rig!

      • #2115
        LauraDP
        Participant

        ahah I’m impressed too since I’ve never tried so difficult stuff before. I think it’s time to dare (when I’ll be back at my studio)

    • #2122
      AmyFlory
      Participant

      I was able to start practicing this yesterday and am still mystified as to how to find the edges of the fabric for the kimono. I did realize that once I have the edges, I have to raise my arms much higher than I thought to have enough slack on the fabric to come to a “T” rather than have my arms pulled low by the fabric during the drop. I will work more on the momentum next time; I just needed to get comfortable with the pieces this time around. Also, Must Work on Straightening those legs in the inverts!

      • #2123
        AmyFlory
        Participant

        This particular fabric has really long tails on the ground. Would it be easier to find the edges if the tails didn’t drag so much and get wound up? There is about 5 feet of each tail on the mat.

      • #2124
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Hi Amy, this is coming along nicely! Its possible the tails being twisted below you is giving you a bit of trouble grabbing the tips of the tails, I usually try to make sure the tails are completely untangled before climbing up for this sequence. It does take a lot of repetition to grab the tips of the tails in the right spot quickly. When first learning, it takes a lot of time to prep the drop, you are definitely not alone!
        Also your beat looks pretty good here! Recommend trying to go for that invert the first time your legs swing forwards for more power 🙂
        -Brett

    • #2129
      LauraDP
      Participant

      second try on a higer point! finally did the full combo. I must rewatch the live Q&A to see some tips for the kimono drop, mine it’s not fluid (I even covered my head with the silk the first time.. I looked like a ghost)

      • #2136
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Very nice Laura! Keep working on your beat as well as smoothing out the preparation for the drop.

    • #2147
      Megup26
      Participant
    • #2153
      thelostgeek
      Participant

      Just watched the recording of QnA and did my first practice of this month’s sequence. I tried the low height version but:
      1. I slid way low after the first part so had to re-climb. Did I not climb high enough?
      2. The airplane, OMG. After watching Brett’s video I realized I held the pole too high, and my butt just slumped all the way down. Is it better to pike first before opening the legs, or just swing upside down?
      3. Last part of the airplane drop is just big FAIL hahaha I think I was too tense and didn’t drive my heels down so I slid down and fell? I’m a bit chickened out when practicing drops by myself.

      Here is the practice video.

      • This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by thelostgeek.
      • #2155
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Great questions!
        1) the reason you slid in the first part, it looks like the tails fell off your shoulders a bit. Try to transition very carefully as you come upright, focusing on placing the tails as close to your neck as possible so when you come upright the tails stay over your shoulders… if the tails slide off the shoulders you will slide a bit.
        2) Yes, holding low on the poles makes it much easier to transition into airplane. Try waiting to open out into your airplane shape until you lower down a bit further and feel the silks supporting your body weight. You’ll feel the silks give you support sooner when hold onto the poles as low as you can from the sitting position that’s the most important part to making that transition smooth.
        3) take your time when walking down the drop. Remember to keep
        Your legs really piked when you let go from the airplane. Then make sure you fully regrip the tails before un-piking the legs to come upright.
        You’re doing good! Looking forward to seeing your progress 🙂

    • #2182
      HaleneW
      Participant

      Hey there 🙂 I am wondering what is the lowest height one can do both (or either) drop from safely? I am about 5’5-6″ tall (if that helps) and may have to bring my rig into the garage soon to get anything useful done. It’s been too windy and cold to safely train. My garage ceiling is about 9ft6in high (and the safety pad is at least 4in). Thoughts?

      • #2183
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Hi Halene, this is a tough question to answer as it also depends on how stretchy your silks are, and how low your gear above hangs down. It would be safest to start with the mini-rig variation taught in the Q&A replay, which you should have enough height if you bend your knees when you come into the iron cross/angel wing part).
        You’ll be too low for the full combination, but you may be able to do the first part (crochet, climb up, and get into the airplane). Then instead of releasing quickly into the beat, try folding into a pike from airplane very slowly, then grabbing the tails and just slowly going into the front walkover to the mat (also demo’d in the Nov Q&A replay)
        The kimono drop is hard to walk down slowly, and needs more space above to climb up into, so that would be the part I wouldn’t suggest trying with only 9ft. -Brett

      • #2347
        HaleneW
        Participant

        Thanks for the feedback 🙂 My silks aren’t terribly stretchy (low stretch, tricot?), but I haven’t put my rig up in the garage yet, so can’t yet speak to how low the above gear hangs in relation to an already short set-up. I did get a few “ok” videos in the beginning of Nov., So I’ll use one of those. Unfortunately it was before the Q&A, and it was too windy to safely record after I found a song to record to 🙁 Looking forward to trying the combo again with music in warmer weather. We’ve got snow today!

    • #2184
      NikkiEva
      Participant

      So excited to have actually been able to rehearse AND film myself well before the end-of-month deadline so I can post for some feedback and suggestions! Thank you to so much for all you’re doing to keep us motivated and moving during this crazy year…

      Here’s my early attempt video.

      (Note: I realized after the fact that my phone wasn’t quite straight up and down, so that should explain the seemingly off-kilter look to the rig!)

      • This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by NikkiEva.
      • #2194
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        This is looking really clean Nikki! One suggestion would be to put a little more power into the beat back after the airplane tail catch, to help you with that invert back up again. That’s a challenging move, but it looks like you are making good progress on it, just keep giving it all the core strength you got, and remember to hinge back while inverting there. Your lines overall are looking really nice!

      • #2209
        NikkiEva
        Participant

        Thank you so much! I will definitely keep working on it and hope to submit one more practice run before the final deadline 🙂

    • #2198
      susi
      Participant

      https://www.silksstars.com/community/susi/media/294/ Hi all! So this is my videk from today practice, I’m still hoping to have the chance to practice more before the end of the month… wish you all the best! Happy training! 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

      • #2208
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Yes Susi! It’s looking really good! Especially love the personal touches/ flourishes at the end of the Kimono drop!

    • #2199
      AmyFlory
      Participant

      I am loving these monthly challenges, even though I don’t have enough time to practice and polish them. I will only have been able to do this combo one session this month. I posted video of me doing part of the beats workout on my personal page, thinking it looked funny what with kissing the tail, haha. But my friends and family are leaving lovely comments like “beautiful”, “strong”, “graceful”. Reminding me of how much my body has changed and that I really simply get so much joy from DOING these things! I’m so grateful for this platform, the work you’re putting in to it, and the community of athlete aerialists I’m meeting here.

      • #2202
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Thank you so much Amy, we are so glad you are enjoying the program!

    • #2212
      Ali_beau
      Participant

      Hello silk stars friends!

      Here is my november combination! I had so much fun pairing this one to music and working on the performance aspect. The beat to invert was very challenging and I tried to work to make everything flow. Thank you for this awesome combo Bret! I hope everyone has a great month! To those in the the US, Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

      Ali November Routine

      • #2215
        wookiemk
        Participant

        How fun Ali! Great job!

      • #2360
        Ali_beau
        Participant

        thank you so much!

      • #2223
        Jenny
        Participant

        Ali I love your rendition of November combo! Looks amazing. Your climbs have totally inspired me! 🙂

      • #2361
        Ali_beau
        Participant

        im so glad! i do love this climb 🙂 I hope you have fun working on them and thank you!!!

      • #2232
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Awesome work Ali!

      • #2362
        Ali_beau
        Participant

        thank you!!!

    • #2246
      Yvan
      Participant

      Dear beautiful people
      For now this is my submission for November. I did my very best to get the hands free beat, but one month was not enough. I blame it on the bouncy rigging point available to me 😅. I will keep on working on them for the future (and also on front lever which I think is useful here). I AGAIN enjoyed A LOT working on this combo. Thanks a lot Brett! ❤️ Stay well and happy Thanksgiving!! 🙏

      • #2247
        Yvan
        Participant
      • #2248
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Yvan, bouncy rigging really does make that hands-free beat up SO much much harder! It’s a hard variation in general which is why it’s not required for the challenge this month, just extra credit 😉
        You are doing such a great job with this combo, thanks for sharing!

      • #2253
        Yvan
        Participant

        Thanks a lot for your confirmation! 😃 Really looking forward to the December challenge 🏋🏻

    • #2269
      KamilaK
      Participant

      Hi guys, question about kimono drop with a short silk. How much of the spare silk is needed as a minimum? I can see Brad has quite a lot, way below his feet (before the drop). My silk tails reach my waist/tights before the drop – is that enough?

      • #2286
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Hi Kamila, good question! As long as you have enough tail to wrap completely and enough to prep the tails in your hands with your arms fully extended/parallel to the floor, the drop will be safe. Just be sure to squeeze your thighs together tight before letting go of the tails/regripping the poles in case your silks are slippery.

    • #2294
      Niksa
      Participant

      Hi
      I am working on the sequence, but the back beat to invert part is killing me. See for yourself https://www.silksstars.com/community/niksa/media/321/

      I’ll try again on Monday 30th, because I am in Poland so I am few hours ahead and I hope it will work out in the end. Any tips very welcomed!

      • #2306
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Hi Niksa!
        Yes that beat up is challenging! It looks like your silk has a lot of bounce to it which makes it tougher. We’d suggest trying to go into the invert right away after catching the tails and swinging back, because if you wait a moment there you’ll have less momentum. Keep up the good work!

    • #2344
      Lena203
      Participant

      Hi there,
      here is my submission for November. I am so happy I managed the airplane drop and inverting straight after again, I really struggled with it. My idea of the combo was to end it right after the kimono drop where I hide between the silk – this is also where the song ends. I added an exit with a split, but I prefered ending it right anfter the drop ;D
      Submission November 2020

    • #2352
      KamilaK
      Participant

      Hello, sadly I cannot submit anything this month. I found it challenging to train with my outdoor rigging point as weather started turning cold here in the UK. I also started learning the combo too late (half way though the month) and although I have a few ok takes, they never show the whole sequence completed as I worked on the final section of kimono drop (many times with my silk tails too short to perform kimono drop).
      However, I really enjoyed learning this combination, so much that is became one of my favourite sequences so far (because of the kimono drop). I will actually continue to work with it in my training moving forward as it would look really good in an aerial act. Thank you very much guys!

      • #2357
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        Hi Kamila, we are glad enjoyed the sequence! We would like to encourage you to post one of the takes even if you don’t have footage of the entire trick, that way you can still receive stars for November!

    • #2369

      Well… I barely made my entry on time this month, but I’m happy I made it happen regardless. Although this isn’t my best entry so far, and I do wish I spent more time working on it, I’m trying to be kinder to myself, so I won’t talk much about everything I think I did wrong. I will say that I’m going to work harder to create my submission videos with time left in the month to get feedback for improvements. I hope you guys enjoy, even though it’s very last minute. Excited for December!
      November entry

      • #2370

        I don’t know why I thought there was a 3 hour difference and not 4 but now I realize I may not get credit for this month. I really need to get it together. My apologies.

      • #2371
        Silks Stars Team
        Moderator

        No worries Kittie, you submitted on time (it’s 5PM here), we will be reviewing over the next few days, thanks!

      • #2385

        That’s awesome news! You guys are amazing and thank you for all you do!!

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