Flying Through the Air

It's easy to get carried away by the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, and finding downtime in this city is no small feat. Spending a little time at AER Aerial + Flow Arts Sanctuary might just be the solution to this fast-paced lifestyle. In the three years since its inception, it has emerged as a wonderful space to let go with its focus on aerial silks, where participants use fabrics to suspend, swing and strike poses. The studio was started by Andrea Hartley, who trained in aerial arts, and taught the same at Nairobi's Sarakasi dome."I love watching clients and instructor trainees overcome their fears, realise their capability and develop a personal practice that is uniquely theirs," she says. Aerial activities at the studio include an hour-long acrobatics class using the silks - aimed at beginners to advanced - as well as aerial yoga, a meditative practice where yoga hammocks are suspended close to the floor, allowing for a greater range of movement for deep stretching. For those who want to work their core body strength, there is a Hula Hoop flow, a fun way to improve flexibility. Children aged 7-10 might enjoy Cirque Kids, a practice combining elements of gymnastics, dance and "flying."www.aerafrica.com