Silks & Self-Esteem: How Aerial Practice Builds Confidence from the Inside Out

Silks & Self-Esteem: How Aerial Practice Builds Confidence from the Inside Out

Let’s be real: most of us don’t walk into our first aerial yoga class feeling like a graceful acrobat. We’re nervous. We’re unsure. Some of us are thinking “What if I fall?” or “What if I look ridiculous?” And that’s exactly why aerial yoga is one of the most powerful tools for building confidence—not just in your body, but in your whole self.

At The Yoga Dance Co, we’ve seen it over and over: people show up hesitant, sometimes even scared, but they leave standing a little taller (yes, even after hanging upside down). Confidence is like a muscle—it grows the more you use it. And aerial yoga gives you the perfect space to stretch, strengthen, and fly into a more confident version of yourself.

Here’s how it works.

1. You’re literally lifting yourself up—one pose at a time

There’s something transformative about learning how to move in the air. You’re using your own strength, balance, and breath to lift yourself up, to flip upside down, to move with flow. Even if you don’t “nail” a pose the first time, the process of trying—of showing up and experimenting—is where the magic happens.

Every small win in the hammock (whether it’s finally trusting your grip or getting into a pose you thought was impossible) is a message to your brain: “You did something hard. You can do it again.”

That’s real confidence—built from action, not perfection.

2. You build trust with your body

Many of us grow up disconnected from our bodies. Maybe we’ve been taught to criticize how we look, ignore how we feel, or push through pain. Aerial yoga invites you to build a new relationship with your body—one that’s based on listening, honoring, and celebrating what your body can do, not just how it looks.

When you wrap into a cocoon or swing into a backbend, you’re not just stretching muscles—you’re stretching your capacity to trust. You learn to feel the fabric holding you. You learn to rely on your own strength and your own intuition. Over time, this creates a deep sense of self-trust that shows up outside the studio too.

3. You get comfortable with being uncomfortable

Let’s talk about fear for a second.

Trying aerial yoga means facing some fears: fear of falling, fear of looking silly, fear of not being “good enough.” But here’s the thing—confidence doesn’t mean you never feel fear. It means you show up anyway.

In the safety of a supportive class environment, aerial yoga becomes a space where you can explore that fear with curiosity instead of judgment. You might wobble. You might get tangled (we all do!). But you’ll learn to laugh it off, try again, and keep going.

This mindset shift—from perfection to progress—is one of the biggest confidence boosters out there.

4. You’re allowed to play again

Somewhere along the way, many of us stop playing. We start worrying about responsibilities, image, and outcomes. But play is deeply connected to mental health—and aerial yoga is play in motion.

When you swing, flip, or laugh mid-flow, your brain lights up with joy chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. You start to reconnect with the lighter parts of yourself. You stop taking yourself so seriously. You remember how good it feels to move for fun, not just fitness.

And when you let yourself play, you remind yourself: “I deserve joy.” That belief is pure confidence.

5. Your body changes—and so does how you feel in it

We don’t focus on weight loss or body image at The Yoga Dance Co, but we do celebrate strength, mobility, and body love. As you practice aerial yoga, you’ll notice your posture improving, your core firing up, and your body feeling more fluid.

But the bigger shift? It’s in how you feel in your own skin. You start noticing the power in your legs, the grace in your arms, the courage in your heart. Your body becomes something you appreciate—not something you try to “fix.”

And when you begin to love your body for what it can do instead of how it looks? That’s unshakable confidence.

6. You become part of a community that lifts you up (literally and emotionally)

There’s something uniquely bonding about hanging upside down next to someone. In aerial yoga, you’re not competing—you’re supporting, sharing laughs, and cheering each other on. The studio becomes a place where you’re seen and celebrated.

Confidence grows faster when you’re surrounded by people who believe in you—even on the days when you don’t quite believe in yourself yet.

We hear it all the time from students: “I never thought I could do this, but the energy in the room made me feel like I could.” That’s the power of an uplifting (pun intended) community.

7. You learn to celebrate your own progress

In a world that often pushes us to “do more” or “be better,” aerial yoga invites you to slow down and celebrate every little step. Maybe you held your inversion for 10 seconds longer than last time. Maybe you stayed present in your body for an entire class. Maybe you just showed up on a tough day.

These moments matter. They build resilience. And when you practice noticing and celebrating your growth, you start to recognize your worth outside of achievement. That’s a confidence practice you can take anywhere.

Try it for yourself

You don’t need to be a dancer, gymnast, or yoga pro to start aerial yoga. All you need is a willingness to show up, try something new, and let go of the belief that you have to “get it right” on the first try.

At The Yoga Dance Co, we’re here to guide you every step (and flip) of the way. Our classes are beginner-friendly, non-judgmental, and full of encouragement. Whether you’re coming for a confidence boost, a mental reset, or just a fun way to move—there’s a silk waiting for you.

Confidence Is a Journey, Not a Pose

The confidence you build in aerial yoga isn’t about mastering the most advanced tricks. It’s about discovering your own power, trusting your body, and realizing that you’re capable of more than you think.

So next time you wrap yourself in a silk, take a deep breath, and remember: you’re lifting more than just your body—you’re lifting your spirit.

Ready to fly with us?

Check out our upcoming classes here to build strength, confidence, and community—all in the air.

Let’s rise together—one hammock swing at a time.