The exact origins of aerial silks are still disputed [1]. Some sources mention that the first mentions of it were in a French newspaper in the 1950s, in which a circus student presented a novel act with long pieces of fabric [1] [2].
Other sources debate that it was actually invented by André Simard of Cirque du Soleil in 1980s Canada, where he combined his circus and gymnastics training into this new discipline [1]. However, Simard not only focused on the athletic aspect of the sport, but he also transformed silks into the highly performative art form it is today – it’s not just a display of strength, but also a method to convey narrative through performance art [1].
Isabelle Vaudelle is also sometimes credited as one of the initiators of the sport, since she performed silks at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in 1995, where according to some, it was first officially recognized [1]. On the other hand, some say the first official recognition of the sport was when Vaudelle performed silks with Isabelle Chassé in the Cirque du Soleil show Quidam in 1998 [1].
Several sources report the following photo being taken in the early 1900s, showing a silks performance at a vaudeville theater by Amy LeVan [1].
Image from [1].
The origins of the art get even more complicated to pinpoint with some sources citing records of silks being used in ancient Chinese circus performances more than 2,000 years ago [2].
Whatever the origin, modern aerial silks captivated the audience for its unique storytelling, since earlier circus apparatuses used for acrobatic performances were rigid and unmoving, such as the trapeze [2]. As such, acrobats could now use not only their own bodies but also the apparatus in itself in their narrative pursuits [2].
Nowadays, aerial silks are not only used in a circus context, but they have also been introduced as a fun fitness exercise due to the nature of the sport, which requires full-body strength [2].
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Sources:
[1] “The Fuzzy History of Aerial Silks,” Aerial Physique, Accessed: Jan. 16, 2026. [Online.] Available: https://www.aerialphysique.com/post/have-you-been-wondering-this-too
[2] “A Fascinating Guide to Aerial Silks History,” Synergy Gymnastics London, Accessed: Jan. 16, 2026. [Online.] Available: https://www.synergygymnastics.co.uk/a-fascinating-guide-to-aerial-silks-history/
