What is the double star drop on aerial silks?

The double star drop is an advanced, dynamic aerial silks maneuver involving a controlled, rotating descent from height, requiring exceptional grip, core, and shoulder control, culminating in a stable catch.

What foundational skills are necessary before attempting this trick?

Prerequisites include proficiency in single star drops, strong aerial inversions, exceptional grip, superior core strength, and good shoulder stability and body awareness.

What are the most important safety considerations for this trick?

Always practice under a qualified instructor, use appropriate crash mats, perform thorough warm-ups, inspect equipment, and listen to your body to prevent injury.

How is the double star drop executed?

It involves climbing high, establishing a specific wrap, setting up a "star" shape with body tension, initiating a controlled release and rotation, and firmly re-gripping the silks for the catch.

What are common reasons for errors in the double star drop?

Common errors include insufficient height, incorrect wrap setup, lack of body tension, hesitation during release, weak grip/shoulder strength, and looking down during the drop.

How to do a double star drop on aerial silks?

The double star drop on aerial silks is an advanced, dynamic maneuver that involves a controlled, rotating descent from a significant height, requiring exceptional grip strength, core stability, shoulder control, and precise body awareness. It builds upon the foundational skills of single star drops and complex wraps, demanding both physical prowess and mental fortitude.

Understanding the Double Star Drop

The double star drop is a captivating and challenging aerial silks trick characterized by a rapid, controlled fall combined with a rotational element, culminating in a stable catch. Biomechanically, it's an intricate interplay of eccentric muscle contraction (controlling the fall), centripetal force (during rotation), and powerful isometric contraction (the catch). The primary muscles engaged include the latissimus dorsi, biceps, forearms (grip), deltoids, rotator cuff muscles (shoulder stability), and the entire core musculature (rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis) for maintaining body tension and control throughout the dynamic movement. Mastery requires not just strength, but an acute understanding of body position relative to the silks and the forces at play.

Prerequisites and Foundational Skills

Before attempting a double star drop, a robust foundation in aerial silks is non-negotiable. Attempting this trick without adequate preparation poses significant risk of injury.

Proficiency in Single Star Drop: You must be able to execute a single star drop safely and consistently, demonstrating control over your descent and a clean catch.
Strong Aerial Inversions: The ability to perform clean, controlled straddle-ups and inversions from various positions is crucial, as the setup often involves inverting.
Exceptional Grip Strength: Sustained dead hangs, pull-ups, and the ability to hold your body weight with one hand are indicators of sufficient grip. Forearm conditioning is paramount.
Superior Core Strength and Control: A strong core is vital for maintaining a stable body shape during the fall and preventing uncontrolled swinging. Hollow body holds, L-sits, and dynamic core exercises should be mastered.
Shoulder Stability and Strength: Active shoulder engagement and the ability to pack your shoulders are critical for injury prevention during the catch. Scapular pull-ups and active hangs are excellent preparatory exercises.
Body Awareness and Spatial Orientation: An intimate understanding of your body's position in space and how it interacts with the silks is essential for precise wrapping and unwrapping.
Experience with Complex Wraps and Drops: Familiarity with various hip key entries, leg wraps, and other controlled drops will build the necessary motor patterns and confidence.

Essential Safety Considerations

Safety in aerial arts, especially with dynamic drops, is paramount. Never attempt a double star drop without strict adherence to these guidelines.

Qualified Instructor Supervision: Always learn and practice under the direct supervision of an experienced and certified aerial silks instructor. They can provide real-time feedback, spotting, and progression guidance.
Appropriate Crash Mats: Ensure thick, high-quality crash mats are positioned directly beneath your working area.
Thorough Warm-up: A comprehensive warm-up including cardiovascular activity, dynamic stretching, and specific joint preparation (shoulders, wrists, hips) is crucial to prepare muscles and connective tissues.
Equipment Inspection: Before each use, inspect your silks and rigging hardware for any signs of wear, tear, or damage.
Listen to Your Body: Never push through pain or severe fatigue. Rest and recovery are as important as training.
Progressive Training: Master each prerequisite skill before moving to the next. Do not rush the learning process.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Double Star Drop

This guide provides a conceptual framework. Exact execution may vary slightly based on instructor technique.

Climb High and Establish Initial Wrap:
- Climb to a significant height, ensuring ample space below for the drop.
- Enter a Hip Key (or similar secure inversion entry) with one leg wrapped around the silks. Ensure the silks are securely positioned around your hip and lower back.
- From the hip key, you will need to establish the specific wrap for the double star drop. This often involves bringing the free silk (the one not wrapped around your leg/hip) across your body and securing it in a specific configuration, often across the chest or over a shoulder, and sometimes around the other leg, creating a cross-body tension point. There are several variations of the "double star" wrap; your instructor will teach the specific one they prefer.
Setting Up the Drop - The "Star" Shape:
- Once the initial wrap is secure, adjust your body to create the "star" shape. This typically involves extending your limbs out from the central point of the silks.
- Hand Placement: Your hands will be crucial for the catch. Position them high on the silks, ready to grip firmly. Often, one hand will be on the "working" silk (the one that will unwrap) and the other on the "support" silk.
- Body Tension: Maintain strong, active tension throughout your core and limbs. Your body should be rigid, not floppy. This tension is what will allow for a controlled fall and rotation.
- Gaze: Look towards your intended direction of rotation or the point where you will re-grip.
Initiating the Drop - The Release:
- This is the critical moment. With strong core engagement and packed shoulders, you will deliberately release tension from a specific point in your wrap (as instructed by your teacher). This release is what initiates the fall and unwraps the silks.
- Controlled Fall: Do not simply let go. The fall is active and controlled. Your muscles work eccentrically to slow your descent even as you drop.
- Rotation: As you fall, the specific wrap will cause your body to rotate. Maintain your "star" shape and body tension throughout this rotation.
The Catch - Re-gripping and Stabilization:
- As you approach the bottom of your drop, your hands (which were positioned high) will be ready to firmly re-grip the silks. The specific re-grip point will depend on the wrap.
- Absorb the Impact: Engage your lats, biceps, and shoulders to absorb the remaining momentum of the fall. This is a powerful eccentric and isometric contraction.
- Stabilize: Once caught, immediately stabilize your body, stopping any residual swinging or rotation. You might end in a straddle, a clean inversion, or another controlled position.
Recovery and Exit:
- Once stable, take a moment to recover your breath and composure.
- Carefully unwrap from the silks and descend safely.

Common Errors and Troubleshooting

Insufficient Height: Not climbing high enough results in a short, uncontrolled drop. Ensure ample space.
Incorrect Wrap/Setup: The most common error. A slight misalignment in the wrap can prevent rotation or lead to an uncontrolled fall. Precision is key.
Lack of Body Tension: A "floppy" body leads to uncontrolled swinging, a messy drop, and difficulty catching. Maintain full-body tension.
Hesitation: Overthinking or hesitating during the release can disrupt the flow and compromise control. Commit to the movement.
Weak Grip/Shoulder Strength: Inability to hold the catch or control the fall indicates insufficient foundational strength. Revisit prerequisites.
Looking Down: Looking down can disrupt balance and spatial awareness. Keep your gaze focused where it needs to be for the re-grip.

Progression and Variations

Once the double star drop is mastered, aerialists can explore numerous progressions and variations:

Increased Height: Performing the drop from even greater heights to challenge control.
Drop Combinations: Integrating the double star drop into longer sequences with other drops or dynamic movements.
Different Entries/Exits: Exploring alternative ways to enter the double star wrap and new ways to exit the catch.
Tempo and Style: Playing with the speed of the drop and the aesthetic quality of the rotation.

Conclusion and Professional Guidance

The double star drop is a testament to an aerialist's dedication, strength, and precision. It is a highly rewarding trick that demands respect for its complexity and inherent risks. Due to the significant forces involved and the precise nature of the wrap and release, it is absolutely imperative to learn this trick under the direct, in-person supervision of a certified and experienced aerial silks instructor. They will provide the personalized feedback, spotting, and progressive training necessary to ensure your safety and success. Master the fundamentals, train diligently, and always prioritize safety over speed of progression.

Aerial Silks: Mastering the Double Star Drop Safely