09 March,2017 10:04 AM IST | | Shraddha Uchil
Talent reality show winner Manik Paul to conduct a two-day aerial silks workshop so you can hang gracefully mid-air
If you've ever wondered how aerial gymnasts balance themselves from silks and still manage to move and contort their bodies gracefully, head to an aerial arts workshop in Goregaon this weekend to find out.
The workshop will be conducted by Manik Paul, an aerial artiste who was crowned winner at the sixth edition of a popular TV talent show.
Additionally, the Assam native has had years of experience in gymnastics, acrobatics and even Mallakhamb. He says a two-day workshop is a good way for enthusiasts to get introduced to aerial arts.
"People are obviously not used to hanging mid-air all the time, so we'll begin with the basics. Even if you've never tried it before, you should be able to pick it up," says Paul.
The first day will be spent teaching participants how to use the silks to stand upright, and sit upside down, among other moves. "Depending on how well they pick up these steps, we'll move on to more advanced movements on the second day," shares Paul.
The class is limited to a maximum of 30 participants, and anyone above the age of five can sign up for it. Paul says, "Kids are more flexible, so it's easier for them to pick up this art form quickly. However, we will be doing stretches before jumping headfirst into the class."
If you're serious about pursuing aerial arts, Paul also conducts three-month and six-month courses. However, he maintains that it is important to stay fit to ace it. "Aerial arts require a lot of core strength, so we advise people to get some form of exercise, like running regularly."
