What is Bloom?
BLOOM is an aerial teacher training & certification for aspiring or active instructors who want to teach with confidence and excellence - so your students can fall in love with your class and the deeper aerial journey without the fears. limitations, and distractions that arise with untrained instructors.
Aerial is high risk and the stakes are real. The BLOOM Method is a serious program that respects the many layers of teaching and learning. We apply basic neuroscience and psychology to aerial class, using clear frameworks and techniques for confident, deeply informed instruction. In this program we study aerial silks/hammock and aerial hoop, with cross-apparatus intelligence built in.
BLOOM provides foundational knowledge, embodiment labs, troubleshooting practice, and teaches you how to visually assess, troubleshoot, and respond intentionally and creatively - in real time.
This program trains you how to teach with excellence and in a way that is unmistakably you.
4 months group mentorship online + In-person Retreat Option.
enrollment closing soon
Your Aerial Teaching Questions Answered
Why aren't these cues working?
We'll explore how different skills, stages of learning, and learning styles require different cueing strategies.
Why won't this student drop? 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.
Where do I place my hands with tactile cueing and spotting? Should I ask them first?
We'll talk in depth about consent and skillful, appropriate hands-on support of 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 what you can do about it.
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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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 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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What if my students catch up to me?
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 - hint - them reaching this stage is a good thing ;)
If you've ever asked yourself any of these questions - this is exactly where good teaching begins. But without followup, the same problems keep repeating, keeping you and your students stuck and at higher risk of injury.
Integrative Pedagogy
Technical Mastery
Student Empowerment
Embodied Leadership
This is for you if:
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You have a consistent aerial practice with 2+ years of experience
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Want to begin teaching aerial or have already started
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Want to set yourself apart as an instructor. Not just "good," and definitely not "scraping by."
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Want to feel confident and clear as a teacher
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Want teaching to feel easier, more impactful, and more joyful
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Value student safety, consent, and ethical teaching
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Are curious about how bodies, nervous systems, and learning actually work
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Want to improve cueing, spotting, class design, and group management - not through memorization but learning how to think and respond to the ever-changing moment​
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Want to step into the role of leader, not just teacher
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Want a teaching practice that evolves, not stagnates
In-person Retreat at The Barn Minturn in Colorado
May 14-17 Retreat Option - Train and practice teaching skills in a stunning, world class, custom built aerial studio nestled in the mountain town of Minturn just outside of Vail, Colorado
The in-person portion of the training is where we practice the hands-on elements of teaching and work through real-world classroom scenarios. A professional photographer and videographer will be on site to capture you in teaching mode, creating high-quality visuals you can use beyond the training.
Can't make the in-person? An online-only option is also available.
"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
7 virtual live sessions + coursework in between.
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 & lyra
Evaluating movement
Mechanics
Cueing & Spotting
Advanced foundational technique
Building Progressions
The Classroom Ecosystem
Community & Culture
Group Management
Regulating the room
Teaching Mixed Levels
Scanning for Risk, Emotion, & Fatigue
Setting Expectations
Pauses, Redirects, & Resets
Facilitated Flow
Teacher Over & Underfunctioning
Nervous System Leadership
Boundaries
Designing & Adapting Classes & Curriculum
The Student Journey
Class Design and Flow
Balancing Challenge & Mastery
Assessing Progress
Identifying Plateaus
Long-term Curriculum
Warmup & Warmdown
Somatic Learning
Creativity in Teaching
Collaborative learning
Closing Session: Reflections, Teaching Philosophies, + Q&A
Teaching Workshops in a Beautiful Mountain Studio
Theory-based Cueing Strategy
We'll explore how cues land differently in the different stages of motor learning and with different learning styles. Learn different types of cues and when not to say anything.
Where do I place my hands with tactile cueing and spotting? Should I ask them first?
We'll talk in depth about consent and skillful, appropriate hands-on support of students. You'll see examples but also learn how to decide on a spot, rather than memorizing a list.
How do I identify issues in student alignment & engagement? How do I troubleshoot technique issues?
We'll look at common technical issues and how to work with students individually to build better technique.
How do I incorporate Body Awareness & Somatic Learning?
Learn how to support students in feeling the details of movement, not just learning the steps to tricks. Enjoy a proprioception and somatic workshop to deepen your own ability to feel and interpret skills.
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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 so you don't freeze under pressure. We'll play out different scenarios so you don't feel caught off guard when this happens.
PROGRAM PERKS
✨Lifetime access to all materials and content and all future updates
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✨Ongoing direct feedback and dialogue with Sara
✨ Professional video footage and photography of you teaching at the in-person retreat.
✨Cohort of peers to learn and grow with in a culture of empowerment and uplift.
✨A full month of continued access to assignment support and feedback from Sara after sessions end​​
✨1-year access to Aerial Silks Online full library + Lifetime 20% discount
✨WhatsApp group & email support
✨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.
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✨Flexible payment options
apply now for early bird savings
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 a consistent 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.
What if I can't make the in-person segment? An online-only option is available for anyone who has a schedule conflict or travel limitation. If your concern is financial, don't let that deter you from the retreat as this is a core part of the training. Reach out for scholarship information at info@wakefulascent.com
Do you offer private mentorship?
Yes - a private mentorship can be added to your program investment for additional support for teaching after the program or opening a studio or program. We can discuss your needs directly on the call.
Is there a final exam?
Yes - there is an open-note final exam, written portion, and video submission. The exam is meant to confirm competency and you have multiple chances to pass. For the video portion you will film yourself teaching, and rather than aiming to get it perfect, you will send a narrated/annotated video reflecting on what went well, what you would change, and questions you still have. This program is about learning to assess and improve - not getting things perfect every time.
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?
Choose this program if you want to teach with genuine safety and confidence, want your students to have excellent foundations, want to curate a supportive space that feels great, to become an expert at troubleshooting and progressing students. You’ll learn how to read the room, adapt in real time, and run classes that feel focused, calm, and alive rather than forced or chaotic.
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.
Who is this designed for?
This teacher training is designed for active or prospective teachers who want to build strong, comprehensive foundations, from anatomy to the cognitive layers of learning. This is for individuals who value inquiry, dialogue, and want to feel well-prepared for the complexities of aerial classrooms and are ready to actively participate in the group. This is not just a list of "what" to teach but HOW to think about teaching, and WHY to choose x y or z in any given scenario. This aerial teacher training centers your autonomy and is not the best choice for anyone who is looking for strict formulas or the fastest or easiest route to certification.
What apparatuses are included?
This training includes aerial silks and aerial hoop, with a strong focus on advanced foundational technique with Sara's signature attention to detail. It leans more silks-heavy, but also emphasizes aerial movement patterns that transfer across apparatuses.
What do you mean by "Advanced Foundational Theory & Technique"?
This means highly detailed theory and technique for foundational skills and body positions. Advanced foundational theory and technique takes you into the subtle details and nuances that are often overlooked. This will save your students years of struggle and delayed learning.
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.