ENROLLMENT OPEN NOW
Bloom
Aerial Teacher Training
3-month Group Mentorship + Immersive Retreat + 1 month integration
A 3-month hybrid online+in-person aerial teacher training with silks & aerial hoop focus to support you in becoming a safe, ethical, thoughtful, and confident aerial instructor.
Begins March 8th 2026
Runs March through May + 1 month continued integration support
In-person portion at The Barn Minturn: May 14-17th 2026
With Sara Kaiser - Founder & CEO of Wakeful Ascent Aerial Arts
Integrative Pedagogy
Technical Mastery
Student Empowerment
Embodied Leadership
In-person Retreat at The Barn Minturn in Colorado
Train and practice teaching skills in a stunning, world class, custom built aerial studio nestled in the mountain town of Minturn, 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.
Teaching Between the Lines
For teachers who want to teach beyond the tricks, BLOOM is the aerial teacher training you've been looking for.
This program is built on integrative pedagogy, technical mastery, student empowerment, and embodied leadership. The in-depth modules give you clear insight, frameworks, and tools for confident, inspired, and high-level instruction that reaches people on a deeper level.
This aerial teacher training is unlike any other in that it unfolds over three months of live sessions plus an in-person immersive, followed by a month of guided integration. This is a structured, intimate cohort experience designed for genuine learning.
You will study the hidden layers of teaching - nervous systems, psychology, ethics, room dynamics - explore real-world scenarios, practice teaching, and learn how to reset and redirect a group. This program doesn't simply teach you what to do, but how to think about teaching, how to use inquiry strategically, and how to make decisions.
After completing this program, you will look at classes completely differently.
We’ll focus on building collaborative class cultures, student agency, somatic learning, advanced foundational technique, and the confidence to meet the ever-changing moment.
There are many valid ways to teach skills, and this training is not about delivering a trick curriculum. It is about working with the many layers of learning at play in the classroom.
After exploring what it means to teach between the lines, you will not see classes the same way.
If you're one of the 5% who aspires to thoughtful, ethical, well-informed teaching, this is for you.
~Sara
-3.png)
"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 & Pedagogy
Supporting Student Autonomy
Understanding Student Narrative
Neuroscience behind motor learning
Safety psychology
Nervous System & Learning
Schemas & Apparatus Mapping
Diversity in the Classroom
Teaching Across Body Types - practical tips
Relational Learning
Teaching Beyond the Skills
Teaching Respect for the Art Form
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
Digestive Distress
Pain Perception
Proprioception
Pregnancy & postpartum
POTS + Hypermobility
Advanced Foundational Theory & Technique
Key aerial fundamentals and shapes
Mechanics
Cueing
Advanced foundational technique
Spotting
Hands-on cueing + Assists Overcueing
Frameworks for empowering students with options and deeper knowledge
The Classroom Ecosystem
Group Management
Group Dynamics & Feedback Loops
Scanning for Risk, Emotion, & Fatigue
Setting Expectations
Pauses, Redirects, & Resets
Facilitated Flow
Teacher Over & Underfunctioning
Mixed Levels
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
Body Balancing
Creating space for improvisation and intuition in teaching
Creativity in Teaching
Collaborative learning
Closing Session: Reflections, Teaching Philosophies, + Q&A
IN-PERSON SESSIONS:
Day 1: Assessing fundamental body positions & engagement across apparatuses, micro-engagement awareness training
Day 2: Spotting, Progressions, & Cueing
Day 3: Teaching Practice, Somatic Silks
Day 4: Scenario Role Play, ladder rescue, injury emergency
Exact order and details of in-person clinics subject to change.
TUITION
EARLY BIRD Priority Admission - BY JAN 30
$2,900
EARLY BIRD Standard Admission - BY FEB 15
$3,300
Regular tuition: $3800
All pricing includes the in-person retreat. Lodging + Travel not included. NO APPLICATION FEE. Purchase books separately. Safe rigging setup (home or studio) required.
Financial Accessibility
A limited number of need-based payment accommodations are available. These are reserved for applicants for whom cost would otherwise be a genuine barrier to participation. Apply via the training application.
Have questions or want to find out if BLOOM is the right fit for you?
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is an impactful way to develop real-world aerial teaching experience with support and supervision. The BLOOM Program offers an additional Apprenticeship segment for you to complete with an experienced instructor for an additional fee. This will be named on your official certificate but is not required for certification through Wakeful Ascent.
Sara is not currently available for apprenticeship.
PROGRAM PERKS
✨Lifetime access to all materials and content and all future updates
​
✨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​
​
✨Lifetime 10% off all future Wakeful Ascent Trainings on top of sales prices
✨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
​
✨Letter of recommendation from Sara for studio applications - by request.
​
✨Flexible payment options
Required Materials
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts
The Dance Anatomy Coloring Book
Complete Anatomy Software (student version)
Core Competencies
​Ethics, Consent, & Responsibility
-
Understand risk, responsibility, and ethical decision-making in class
-
Support student autonomy and agency in learning
-
Teaching across diverse body types with practical considerations
-
Diversity & Inclusion Awareness
-
Working within scope
-
Provide a physically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially safe learning environment
​
​Learning Theories, Nervous System, & Psychology
-
How motor learning works and how it influences cueing and feedback
-
How the nervous system and safety psychology affect learning, performance, and student behavior
-
Different modes of learning and teaching
-
Supporting learning differences
-
Basics of child development & teaching youth classes
​
Anatomy & Physiology Literacy & Application
-
Applied understanding of anatomy
-
Understanding of body systems as relevant to aerial arts, including pain perception, proprioception, vestibular system, cardiovascular, & more
-
Awareness of special conditions (e.g., pregnancy & postpartum, POTS, hypermobility) in relation to classroom safety
​
Technical Instruction & Teaching
-
Teach and cue key aerial fundamentals and shapes with precision
-
Familiarity with common mistakes in fundamental skills
-
Use spotting and hands-on cueing appropriately, effectively and safely
-
Incorporating somatic cues and practices to support body awareness
-
Strategic use of progressions, modifications, and alternatives
-
Creative problem-solving
-
Delivering balanced, functional feedback
-
Ability to assess engagement and identify common compensations
Classroom Management, Learning Design, & Leadership
-
Managing group dynamics, student triage, mixed levels, and emotional/energetic cues in class
-
Identifying fatigue, risk, and emotional states in real time
-
Class design - including strategic warmup and warmdown - & long term curriculum planning
-
Setting expectations and maintaining boundaries
-
Responding to behavior issues/dysregulated students
-
Design cohesive classes that balance challenge, mastery, and safety
-
Assess progress, recognize plateaus, and adapt curricula
-
Ability and commitment to reflect critically on their teaching philosophies
-
Exhibit professional readiness with a foundation for leadership and studio collaboration
This is for you if:
-
You have at least three years of consistent aerial practice
-
Are actively teaching or preparing to teach aerial classes
-
Want a deeper, more rigorous foundation beyond learning tricks and sequences
-
Care about student safety, consent, and ethical teaching
-
Are curious about how bodies, nervous systems, and learning actually work
-
Want to improve cueing, spotting, class design, and group management
-
Are willing to engage in reflection, feedback, and assessment
-
Want to step into the role of leader, not just teacher
Join a cohort built on curiosity, respect, empowerment, and LOVE for aerial.
This is a space where we learn from, inspire,challenge, and support one another.
FAQ
Who is eligible?
Anyone who has been training aerial arts consistently for three or more years and is over the age of 18 is eligible for this certification. 2 years of demonstrated highly consistent training may be considered. You must also have access to a safe aerial setup.
Will I need to purchase books?
Yes, you will need to purchase books and 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 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. Take a look at the module descriptions and email info@wakefulascent.com if you have any questions.
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.
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 confidence instead of scripts, to understand why things work, not just what to say. 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 by your ability to read and respond to the room, troubleshoot technique, and your leadership qualities, this is for you.
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—not licensure—and signals a shared commitment to thoughtful, ethical, and well-informed teaching.
What if I can't make the in-person segment?
The in-person segment is required for this certification. If travel is not at all possible for you but you have your heart set on this training, contact info@wakefulascent.com to discuss.
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 there a renewal fee?
No, this certification assures that you completed and demonstrated competence in the training curriculum. Teachers are encouraged to continue to advance their training with continuing education, ongoing reflection, and actively teaching. I would rather your funds go toward continuing education than renewal fees.
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 and ability to synthesize complex ideas into clear, usable frameworks for instructors.
Rather than emphasizing tricks or aesthetics alone, her work addresses the often unseen factors that shape learning environments: cognitive load, nervous system states, memory formation, and relational dynamics in the room.
Sara’s teaching supports both students and instructors by offering language and structure for skill acquisition, safety, and agency, softening the forces of urgency, performance pressure, and fear that often appear in the aerial classroom.
Whether she is guiding a beginner through their first hammock knot (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.