Bloom
Aerial Teacher Training
Teach Beyond the Tricks
Become the instructor who recognizes the deeper layers of learning and teaching aerial.
Close the gaps, master your instruction, deepen your impact, and run classes that feel great for everyone.
apply now before prices increase
"Sara, it's happening! One of my classmates asked how to keep from slipping, and from my cues she immediately got it. She was so happy. It feels good to apply the knowledge and see immediate positive impact. I am continuously so excited to be learning under your pedagogy. It's intentional and grounded in science and heart." -M Whitaker
An Aerial Teacher Training that Bridges the Gaps
BLOOM helps aerialists master the art of transformational teaching — combining embodied movement, technical excellence, nervous system fluency, and leadership.
You could be the kind of teacher who:
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Knows exactly what you're looking at when scanning the room or working with a student
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Is prepared to work with diverse bodies and learning styles
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Changes how students feel and organize their body
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Uses science-backed frameworks, not guesswork
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Knows how to manage the room, build community, and shape your class culture
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Leads the room or your own studio with natural ease and confidence
"I loved seeing perspective direct from you as well as anatomy experts. The core embodiment lab was my favorite- immediate positive change." - MW
You'll learn to
Mitigate risk and reduce injury
Ethically support students through fear and track nervous systems
Design classes and curriculum that get results and feel fun - without rushing
Quickly diagnose technique issues and save students years of struggle
Hold the room so students feel at ease and respect your boundaries
In Bloom you’re not left to guess and improvise…
You have a clear system to make the decisions that best support your students.
Aerial Teacher Training Format
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4 months with flexible pacing options
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Weekly group calls
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Weekly 1:1 calls
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Online coursework - audios, videos, readings, quizzes
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Guest masterclasses with experts
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Final assessment - quiz, written portion, video submission​
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Continuation options including mentorship and business strategy
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Lifetime access to materials and updates - BLOOM is a GROWING resource
95% of your classes should have you and your students walking away feeling uplifted and and connected.
Why aren't these cues working?
We'll explore how different skills, stages of learning, and learning styles require different cueing strategies.
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How do I coach students to feel embodied and move intelligently?
We'll talk about body organization and awareness so your students are empowered in their journey and reflect positively on your teaching.
Why is the energy off?
You will learn how to run a classroom with consistently balanced energy, camaraderie, and high spirits.
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Why can't my student invert? Why are they always slipping?
We will study the technical details of aerial movement so that you can troubleshoot and often instantly fix your students' struggles.
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What if I don't know how to help someone?
First, we'll cover aerial fundamentals extensively so that you are equipped to solve common errors in aerial silks and hoop. But you will also learn what to do when you don't know what to do, so there is always a clear action step to take.
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Why won't this student drop? Or why do they keep jumping off the apparatus?
We'll study how the nervous system, pain, and fear psychology affect decision-making and learning in aerial. Less guesswork, more calculated choices, more comfortable students.
How do I get my students to stop trick-chasing so they can learn proper form and technique?
We'll explore how values and culture emerge in aerial classrooms and how you are the most defining factor of this.
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What skills will help me advance professionally or successfully run my own studio?
We'll break down the exact skills needed to run successful classes, advance your practice, and take your career as an instructor farther.
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How do I reset the room if something unexpected happens?
You will learn specific protocols and scripts for when the classroom environment is disrupted. ​
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What if my students catch up to me?
That's a good thing. We'll discuss the long arc of the student journey and how to continue to support your students into and beyond your own scope and knowledge.
Integrative Pedagogy
Technical Mastery
Student Empowerment
Embodied Leadership
This Aerial Teacher Training is for you if you:
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Have 2+ years of consistent aerial practice
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Already teaching or want to begin
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Want to empower students - not just demo tricks
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Want great student feedback & full classes
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​Want to improve your cueing, spotting, troubleshooting, and class design — by learning how to think, not just what to say
"By far the best aerial instruction I’ve ever experienced. Beautiful community and outstanding instruction by Sara and all of the instructors." -Steph Salem
M O D U L E S
Teaching Aerial Arts
Risk & Responsibility
Methods & Approach
Student Identity & Narrative
Neuroscience behind motor learning
Fear psychology
Nervous System & Learning Outcomes
Movement Maps
Diversity in the Classroom
Teaching Across Body Types - practical tips
Relational Learning
Avoiding Trick-chasing
Teacher Bias
Trauma-informed Basics
Scope & Ethics
and more
Anatomy of Aerial Arts
Fundamental studies in anatomy as applied to aerial arts. Learn with Applied Anatomy of of Aerial Arts by Emily Scherb, an anatomy coloring book, visualization software, and resource videos
Physiology of Aerial Arts
The Nervous System at Play
Spins & the Vestibular System
Reward & Stress Hormones
Breathing Patterns in Aerial
Digestive Distress in Aerial
Pain Perception
Proprioception (Body Awareness)
Pregnancy & postpartum
POTS + Hypermobility
Advanced Foundational Theory & Technique
Key aerial fundamentals and shapes
Foundational technique in silks, hammock, & lyra
Evaluating movement
Mechanics
Cueing & Spotting
Building Progressions
The Classroom Ecosystem
Scanning for Risk + Triage
Regulating the Room
Setting Expectations & Values
Group Management
Resetting the Room
Boundaries
​Community & Culture
Designing & Adapting Classes & Curriculum
Class Design and Flow
Teaching Mixed Levels
Warmups & Warmdowns
Curriculum Planning
Somatic Learning
Collaborative learning
PROGRAM PERKS
✨Weekly 1:1 mentorship sessions
✨Lifetime access to all materials and content and all future updates​
✨Peers to learn and grow with in a culture of empowerment and uplift.
✨Comfortably paced learning with flexibility (because life happens)​
✨1-year access to Aerial Silks Online full library
✨WhatsApp group & coaching access
✨Access to Sara's class planning and tracking templates and curricula
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✨Letter of recommendation from Sara for studio applications - by request.​
find out if this training is aligned with your goals
Core Competencies Gained in the Course
​Ethics, Consent, & Responsibility
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Understand risk, responsibility, and ethical decision-making in class
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Support student autonomy and agency in learning
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Teaching across diverse body types with practical considerations
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Diversity & Inclusion Awareness
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Working within scope
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Provide a physically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially safe learning environment
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​Learning Theories, Nervous System, & Psychology
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How motor learning works and how it influences cueing and feedback
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How the nervous system and safety psychology affect learning, performance, and student behavior
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Different modes of learning and teaching
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Supporting learning differences
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Basics of child development & teaching youth classes
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Anatomy & Physiology Literacy & Application
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Applied understanding of anatomy
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Understanding of body systems as relevant to aerial arts, including pain perception, proprioception, vestibular system, cardiovascular, & more
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Awareness of special conditions (e.g., pregnancy & postpartum, POTS, hypermobility) in relation to classroom safety
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Technical Instruction & Teaching
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Teach and cue key aerial fundamentals and shapes with precision
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Familiarity with common mistakes in fundamental skills
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Use spotting and hands-on cueing appropriately, effectively and safely
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Incorporating somatic cues and practices to support body awareness
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Strategic use of progressions, modifications, and alternatives
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Creative problem-solving
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Delivering balanced, functional feedback
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Ability to assess engagement and identify common compensations
Classroom Management, Learning Design, & Leadership
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Managing group dynamics, student triage, mixed levels, and emotional/energetic cues in class
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Identifying fatigue, risk, and emotional states in real time
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Class design - including strategic warmup and warmdown - & long term curriculum planning
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Setting expectations and maintaining boundaries
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Responding to behavior issues/dysregulated students
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Design cohesive classes that balance challenge, mastery, and safety
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Assess progress, recognize plateaus, and adapt curricula
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Ability and commitment to reflect critically on their teaching philosophies
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Exhibit professional readiness with a foundation for leadership and studio collaboration
FAQ
Who is eligible for this aerial teacher training?
Anyone who is 18+ and has an aerial practice with 2+ years of experience training (no teaching experience required). You must also have access to a safe aerial setup.
Is this just for new teachers?
This training is deeply integrative and designed for both new and experienced teachers, and offers deep and interdisciplinary advancement of your knowledge. Regardless of your level you will come out of this with transformed teaching practices.
Is there a final exam?
Yes - there is an open-note final exam, written question portion, and video submission. The exam is meant to confirm competency and you have multiple chances to pass.
What would studios expect to see from me?
See "core competencies," and know that the refinement of these competencies comes from experience teaching and exposure to a variety of students.
Why this program?
This program is distinguished by teaching you how learning actually works and how to support students in a high-trust, high-risk environment. This program aims to make you the best teacher in your area by getting you the deeper training almost no aerial instructor has.
This training is for teachers who want engaged, regulated students, space for intuition and spontaneity, and a learning environment where people feel genuinely supported.
If you want to stand out as an instructor or run a program or studio, this is for you.
Will I need to purchase books?
Yes, you will be purchasing 2 books and 1 software. The required materials for this course are: Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts - Emily Scherb, The Dance Anatomy Coloring Book - Tricia Zweier, Complete Anatomy Visualization Software - student version.
Is this program accredited?
Accreditation does not exist for aerial teacher training programs but Wakeful Ascent Aerial Arts is currently in the process of joining the ACE Safety Network.
What does certification mean?
There is no governing or regulating body in aerial arts. As an industry, professionalism and teaching standards are upheld through individual responsibility and rigorous training.
In this context, certification means you have completed an in-depth, formal teacher training through Wakeful Ascent, demonstrating a high level of engagement, study, and practical application of the material. It reflects education and accountability and signals a shared commitment to thoughtful, ethical, and well-informed teaching. This depth will show in your teaching practice.
Who is this designed for?
This teacher training is designed for active or prospective teachers who want to take teaching farther than demos and cues, helping students learn to listen to and organize their bodies.
What apparatuses are included?
This training includes aerial silks/hammock and aerial hoop, with a strong focus on foundational technique with Sara's signature attention to detail.
Are there multiple levels?
No, this is a standalone, comprehensive course. Continuing education modules are in the works.
Is this a good training for learning to teach youth or students navigating pregnancy and postpartum?
Although we will explore child development and pregnancy/postpartum at a basic level, it is not specific to these topics and does not go into depth. Specialized trainings are highly encouraged for anyone looking to teach youth, pre/postnatal, or other special demographics.
Does this program cover rigging?
No - this is not a rigging course. This course covers only absolute basics of assessing rigging safety.
TESTIMONIALS
"By far the best aerial instruction I’ve ever experienced. Beautiful community and outstanding instruction by Sara and all of the instructors." -Steph Salem
"SILKStudio is such a supportive and fun community in a beautiful space. Even on bad days when my mind is low or my body is feeling stiff I am able to leave class feeling so positive and satisfied. If you are considering taking a class but have hesitations for any reason, give it a try– you will likely be surprised by the diversity of abilities and skills in the space, and will find your fit!" -Allison Weber
"Sara is an excellent instructor. She makes learning the art very safe and super fun. We are so fortunate to have someone of her caliber teaching aerial silks in Bishop."
Gigi de Jong, former trainer of Olympic gymnasts
"Sara is such a dedicated teacher who makes an effort to make every class fun and for everyone to feel comfortable trying new moves or skills. If you are a local, this is a great place to feel more connected to the community."
-Kim Bohan
"Sara and all the teachers are fantastic – so supportive, communicative, knowledgeable and patient. The space is bright and inviting and my fellow classmates are wonderful people (and now some of my closest friends). I feel strong and empowered at Wakeful Ascent, and carry that energy into the rest of my day-to-day."
-Kelly Muller
Wakeful Ascent has been such an amazing addition to my life! I’m consistently reminded how lucky we are to have the SILK Studio here in the Eastern Sierra and such a talented teacher in Sara. (I drive 45min from Mammoth to the studio in Bishop multiple times a week because the aerial community Sara has created is such a positive part of my life.) Sara has poured her soul into the studio space and all of her instruction, and her creative spirit makes every class (online and in person) a joy! I’ve grown so much as an aerialist attending classes multiple times a week and using Sara’s online instruction for floor conditioning and training on my rig at home.
-Meghan Miranda
"Wakeful Ascent Aerial Arts has brought so much joy to my life and to the Eastern Sierra. Sara offers an aerial program that prioritizes safe instruction, cultivates community, and inspires growth through artistry. Wakeful Ascent is for everyone - the beginner aerialist with no prior experience, the intermediate aerialist who is seeking to learn more, or the refined aerialist who is seeking high-level instruction, collaboration and inspiration. I feel a sense of renewal, as Sara has reawakened my passion for aerial silks and has begun to help me realize my own potential with this beautiful art form. I am eager to be a part of the growth of aerial arts in the Eastern Sierra, and continue to absorb everything that Sara has to offer."
Caitlin Wellwood
A wonderful community full of supportive and inspiring women in a beautiful studio led by an incredible teacher. Wakeful Ascent has brought me so much joy for years. I highly recommend to anyone!
-Devon Delattre
One of the MOST amazing studios to attend aerial and yoga classes at. Wakeful Ascent Aerial provides a safe, welcoming, beautiful community environment to learn new moves, practice routines, and to explore body work and aerial dance. I am so grateful to Sara for providing this nurturing and sacred space. Thank you!!
-M Bates
My daughter took a silk class last summer. She loved her teacher Ms. Sara. She was super helpful and felt challenged. We will definitely be back for some classes this summer.
-Kimberly Ohara
"Learning aerial silks has been one of the most wonderful things to come into my life in years. It’s the whole package: exercise (without feeling like a chore), total mind/body engagement, always challenging and fun, and a great community to boot. Not long after starting silks I dreamt that I leapt over a van in a single bound. I really feel stronger and better all around thanks to this practice, Sara’s excellent instruction, and the developing Eastern Sierra aerial arts community!"
Kendra Atleework
Sara, our aerial arts instructor, is a true artist of transformation. With inspiring leadership skills, her commitment to collective growth is like an invisible thread that connects all practitioners.
-Caroline Vignardi
Sara has created such a wonderful environment and community to practice aerial arts. The studio has been a safe haven for me since moving to Bishop and has been a great place to do something fun and rewarding as well as making great friends. Everyone is kind and welcoming and I feel like I have built so much strength and confidence since joining this community.
-Jenn Rilley
I am so grateful to have Wakeful Ascent/SILK studio here in Bishop! Before I tried a class I was so worried I wouldn’t be strong enough or flexible enough but it ended up not mattering. The classes allow for anyone to progress no matter their starting point, as long as you show up willing to try (and laugh a lot). I’ve now been going over a year and can’t imagine life without this safe and welcoming place with an amazing community of badass women! It has become such an important part of my mental health…. and I can do a bridge and a pull-up for the first time in my life!
-Hannah Pirner
Through Wakeful Ascent, Sara has cultivated a super fun and welcoming community of all levels of aerial artists. Whether you are local or remote, beginner or pro, Wakeful Ascent offers you a variety of resources to learn, practice, and get strong. Highly recommended!
-Hannah Gern
Sara Kaiser is an instructor and movement educator whose work brings neuroscience, psychology, learning theories, and trauma-informed instruction to the dynamic world of aerial arts. She is the founder of Wakeful Ascent Aerial Arts, where she develops continuing education and teacher training programs that integrate pedagogy, leadership, empowerment, and technical mastery.
Through years of teaching, interdisciplinary study, and building Bishop, California’s first aerial community +developing Aerial Silks Online, Sara has become known for her technical insight, uplifting teaching style, and ability to synthesize complex ideas into clear, usable frameworks for instructors.
Her BLOOM Aerial teacher training fills gaps in the field by addressing the often unseen factors that shape learning, including cognitive load, nervous system states, memory formation, studio values and culture, boundaries, somatic experiencing, leadership, and safety psychology. Sara's teaching approach considers the many layers of the student and honors the diversity of meanings that aerial brings to peoples' lives.
Whether she is guiding a beginner through their first hammock knot invert (a love language) or working with experienced teachers on facilitating a supportive learning environment, her focus remains the same:
to share the joy and empowerment of aerial arts.