Bloom
Aerial Teacher Training
3-month Group Mentorship + Immersive Retreat
A 3-month hybrid online+in-person aerial teacher training with certification option to support you in becoming a safe, confident, and creative aerial instructor.
+ 1 month continued integration support
In-person portion at The Barn Minturn: May 2026 - Dates TBD
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.
In addition to studying highly refined technique instruction, anatomy, and physiology, we’ll explore the often-unspoken dimensions of teaching, such as how your nervous system shapes classroom feedback loops, fear psychology, when not to cue and why, and the motor-learning science behind skill acquisition. In this training, we look beyond the obvious teaching methods and get very intentional about our choices.
You will 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 wants to take your skills to a higher level and create more impact for students, this is for you.
~Sara
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contact info@wakefulascent.com with any questions or to request to join the referral program
"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
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.
Pricing details coming soon as retreat location is finalized.
Who is this for?
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New aerial teachers
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Experienced teachers seeking to deepen and expand their knowledge and scope
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The 5% of teachers who want to better support students over a short and long term
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Teachers looking to open their own program or studio
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Anyone who wants to learn how to teach "between the lines" and impact students more deeply - without overfunctioning and burning out
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Teachers in or seeking leadership roles
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.
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
"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.