Top 5 Mistakes I See in Aerial Silks Tutorials—And How ASO is Different

If you’ve ever searched for aerial silks tutorials online, you’ve probably noticed: they’re not all created equal.

Some are beautiful to watch but hard to follow. Others skip crucial steps, leaving you guessing (or worse, doing something unsafe). Some showcase cool tricks but poor form and engagement. Some straight out provide incorrect instruction. Many of them simply lack details. The problem is that anybody with iphone and a silks rig can start making "tutorials." It's important to learn how to vet your online tutorial instructors before following their lead. I know from personal experience how frustrating—and sometimes risky—it can be when a tutorial leaves you guessing, or simply feels "off." That’s why I’m so intentional about looking out for you in every lesson: making sure you’re equipped not just to do the skill, but to understand it, feel confident, and stay safe. This is also why I include direct feedback to all members - so you are truly supported.

After a decade of training, teaching, and reviewing tutorials, I’ve spotted some recurring issues that can limit you and create safety risks. Here are the top 5 mistakes I see—and how Aerial Silks Online (ASO) is built to address them.

Glossing over Details and Foundational Aerial Technique

The mistake: Many tutorials oversimplify the skill, to the point of skipping over important details that help you understand and achieve the skill. Instructions like "then just reach over" can leave gaps in understanding and create sloppy habits over time.

How ASO is different: Every tutorial I create emphasizes clean foundations first: grip, body position, wrap tension, and weight distribution. I believe that a beautiful skill is built from the ground up, and ASO’s tutorials reflect that step-by-step approach—no shortcuts. Members regularly comment on how supportive the detailed instruction is!

Aerial Silks Online includes notes on every video with level, prerequisites, what to warm up, related skills, cues, common mistakes, and modifications.

Showing, Aerial Silks Skills, But Not Teaching Them

The mistake:It’s common to see tutorials where the instructor demonstrates a move multiple times but gives little (or no) verbal explanation. Visuals are helpful—but they don’t replace actual instruction and the gap that's left is theoretical knowledge building. Watching and doing a tutorial could work for you, but watching and listening and then doing will steadily build your actual understanding of aerial silks.

How ASO is different:I don’t just show the skill—I teach it. ASO tutorials explain what to watch out for, common mistakes, how to troubleshoot, and why certain adjustments matter. My goal is to make sure you understand the “why” behind the movement, not just mimic it.

Poor Form & Technique in Aerial Silks Tutorials

The mistake: The aerialist can effectively "do" the skill but it lacks finesse and form. Their can be engagement issues, poor wrap placements, and lots of compensation as a result. Watching this risks translating it into your own movement, holding you back from proper technique, efficient mechanics, and fluid movement. It's one thing to have some microbends or toe point imperfections, but poor engagement and wrap placement are red flags.

How ASO is different: Aerial Silks Online specifically highlights technical mastery and understanding, through demonstrations and detailed explanations to help you reach excellent technique and movement quality over time.

Rushing Through Transitions

The mistake:Transitions are what make aerial work look seamless—but a lot of tutorials gloss over them, focusing on the “big moments” (the wrap, the drop, the pose) while barely mentioning how to connect them smoothly.

How ASO is different: Transitions are a core part of ASO’s training, and there is an entire collection in the library dedicated to them. I break down not only what to do between skills, but how to make those moments feel intentional, fluid, and safe—whether you’re aiming for artistry or efficiency.

Leaving Out Safety Details

The mistake: Especially in shorter aerial silks tutorials, it’s shockingly common to see safety considerations skipped or minimized. Flexibility considerations, exits, and injury-prevention cues are often left out entirely.

How ASO is different: Safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s woven into every lesson. I consistently highlight where you need to be extra mindful, how to build strength to support a skill, common mistakes, and what NOT to do. Whether you’re training at home or in a studio, these reminders are crucial.

Final Thoughts

Online aerial silks tutorials can be a fantastic resource—but only if they’re thoughtfully created and rooted in genuine experience and training. With Aerial Silks Online, I’ve built a platform that focuses on clarity, depth, and safety—so you’re not just following along but truly growing as an aerialist. Plus, as a member you have access to direct feedback from me, so if you have any questions or concerns, we can address them together.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by tutorials that left you guessing, or simply felt like the instruction was not where it should be, I invite you to explore the difference for yourself.