The Lyra (also called the aerial hoop) is one of the most beautiful and alluring of the aerial arts. Incredible shapes, stunning sequences, and acrobatic feats can be made within its perfect circle as it spins gracefully in the air.
But as with all aerial equipment, your aerial hoop does require some maintenance to keep it in its best possible shape. So just as you care for yourself, stay attentive to your aerial gear and your apparatus. It will thank you for it!
Photo from @nayovileon
Cleaning off any grip products, sweat, dead skin cells, and/or body products (like lotions or deodorants) will give your apparatus a much-needed pick-me-up. Caring for your Lyra can help it to last for a long time. The care is slightly different, depending on if you have stainless steel or powder-coated Lyra.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Take your Lyra down from its attachment point and remove its rigging accessories. This is a great time to thoroughly inspect all components of your rigging system to ensure your safest possible set-up. If anything is questionable, replace it!
- The best tool to use to clean major areas of any grip aids or dust is a microfiber cloth.
- For a stainless steel hoop, use a small amount of glass or mirror cleaner sprayed onto your microfiber cloth to wipe it down. You can use rubbing alcohol for dirtier areas, or to remove grip aids.
- For a powder-coated Lyra, do not use glass cleaner or any abrasives. Just dilute a mild detergent with warm water, ring it out, and wipe clean. Let your powder-coated finish dry naturally.
Photo from @mrsswoboda
Some artists prefer a taped hoop for grip and many useful products like Mueller Athletic tape for this. As it comes in a variety of colors, it can be an extension of self-expression while at the same time aiding with grip. Cleaning or disinfecting a taped hoop may prove very difficult and many professional artists recommend just retaping. However, there are new vinyl-based taping products coming on to the market that can be easier to sanitize.
Photo from @sam__cham
High traffic at the studio can require your hoop/s to be cleaned multiple times a day. Consider having your students clean their own equipment before and after each class. This teaches people how to properly maintain equipment and can help get them in the habit of caring for their own gear.
Your newly cleaned apparatus is likely to be much more slippery than normal. A little grip aid should help to break it in again. Happy hooping!
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