November 2025

[Silks Stars Team]

Split Balance to Houdini and the Sneaky Pete to Houdini (mini rig). Post your questions, comments and work below!

[Jill.b.lovin.aerial]

This is so fun! Thanks! A balance split and a magic trick! Doesn’t get any better than that! Can’t wait to give this a try! Already did the ground exercise and it’s awesome!

[Jill.b.lovin.aerial]

Ok, im doing it!!! On the roll back over the right shoulder after the split and after unwrapping the 3 loops on the front foot, im not able to get the pole under my left foot. Also, in the Houdini move are there actually 2 wraps that should be coming off left foot? Im definitely getting stuck. 😂

[Silks Stars Team]

You are so on top of it! Added to the list for the Q&A

[soledad]

Hi! I have a question about the Houdini rotation setup. I feel like I slide a lot before I manage to get my torso in front of the fabric I’m standing on, and even then my posture feels very unstable. I need to practice because I’m also making a mess with the free fabric, as you can see in this video 🙂
https://www.silksstars.com/community/soledad/media/5928/
I’ll keep practicing, but any suggestions, especially on how to avoid sliding, would be great. Thank you!

[Silks Stars Team]

Great question and thank you for the video! Try reviewing the cues Joe offers in the challenge videos about where to get the silk next to the hip and the lift in the thigh. Added to the list to see what else Joe can offer!

[Jill.b.lovin.aerial]

When I roll back to my right after the balance split, Joe says to just flex the left foot to get the pole under the arch, but it just doesn’t simply do that for me. 🤣 I keep having to use my right foot to put it there. What am I missing? Including a video in case my words are as clear as mush.

https://www.silksstars.com/community/jill-b-lovin-aerial/media/5929/

[Silks Stars Team]

Great question and thanks for the video. Joe will surely have some insight!

[Robin]

What a stunning sequence ! I’ve gotten as far as the set up for the front rotation low but just want reassurance about it’s momentum. Can you stop at any point or are you thrust into it? I just want reassurance that I won’t fall out of it.
THANKS!

[Robin]

PS I hope to watch the Q&A live but soon anchor for the first time in 5 days. I will definitely watch replay if I can’t make it live.

[Auriol]

Is the replay for the live Q&A available? I’m still having trouble with the Houdini flip at the end. Thanks!

[Silks Stars Team]

Replay available here: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/71dpycxtrp2f?register=true
password: Houdini
Let us know if you have any trouble accessing it or any other questions!

[Robin]

Thanks for the Q&A! Joe, you make it look easy and beautiful. My forward rotation was so unstable but now I see that you hold your right arm straight out to the side as you low. Mine was bent and my shoulder was hurt a bit (hopefully a only a bit). It’s such a cool move, and I hope to try it again soon.

[Robin]

My shoulder isn’t up to trying it again yet, so if anyone else has breakthroughs in finding enough stability to bring the left hand under the tail to the pole, I’d appreciate hearing tips while I mend. Thanks!

[Silks Stars Team]

Hope you take good care of the shoulder! When stepping into the hip wrap, make sure the tail is caught under the pole so you are able to put as much weight into the legs. Keep the tension of the leg wrap by pressing the hip forward into the pole. The majority of the rotation happens with the legs and much of the weight can stay in pivot in hip to give the shoulder on the free strand enough room to rotate safely. Take a look at the hand grip on the mini rig option. Joe is able to do the Houdini with two different grips, so pick the one that works best for you 😉
Happy training!

• This reply was modified 1 week, 3 days ago by Silks Stars Team.

[Robin]

Thank you!! Great tips. If I mend in time I’ll try. Otherwise at least I’ll do what I can and try this in the future (cos I love it!)

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