Zina's Aerialsophy - Straddle Strike Pancake Pike
Zina's Aerialsophy
This month's tip is all about two beautiful shapes we use a lot in dance and aerial arts: the Straddle Strike and the Pancake Shape. Can you spot the difference? They shapes we can make in the air and on the ground, right side up and upside down.
What is a Straddle Strike?
In aerials, a straddle strike is when you sit up, open your legs out wide to the sides — with strong, active legs. Your hips are at a 90 degree angle and you keep your core engaged. You can be sitting, standing, suspended or upside down in the air when you strike this shape. This is also considered and safety shape for cross backs in fabric. If you pancake too much you could slip out of your wrap. Think sit your bum on the ceiling and not fold. Which takes us to the next shape.
What is a Pancake Shape?
From the wide straddle, you hinge at the hips and fold your torso forward between your legs. Imagine trying to flatten your chest toward the ground (or the floor if you’re upright). This creates the beautiful, long "pancake" line we love to use in poses and transitions. It’s a strong stretch that challenges your flexibility and core control!
Where You’ll See These Shapes
Entering and exiting tricks like front balance, hip key, or straddle back.
Conditioning exercises to build hip mobility and hamstring flexibility.
Posing for flowy, graceful transitions in choreography.
Zina’s Quick Tips
Stay Active: Pull those quads tight and point or flex your ankles/arch/toes with purpose. Keep your legs strong in either position.
Control Your Fold: Engage your core so you fold with strength, or to hold the 90 angle in your hips.
Check Your Support: in wraps.... Can you tell/feel the difference in these shapes in the air?
These shapes are not just about flexibility — they build strength, control, and confidence in your aerial movement!