Bloom
Aerial Teacher Training
3-month Group Mentorship + Immersive Retreat
A 3-month hybrid online+in-person aerial teacher training with option for certification to support you in becoming a safe, confident, and creative aerial instructor.
+ 1 month continued integration support
In-Person Dates & Location: Spring 2026 - Minturn, CO
With Sara Kaiser - Founder & CEO of Wakeful Ascent Aerial Arts
Welcome to BLOOM!
Teaching aerial arts is an exciting decision and can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.
BLOOM is an aerial teacher training - including aerial silks and aerial hoop - designed to be deeply supportive of both student and teacher. This is the only program of its kind with a high-touch 3-month online portion and in-person sessions, + one month continued support and feedback.
The thoughtfully paced timeline promotes deeper learning and retention, and the format of a small cohort with ongoing dialogue and mentorship ensures that you are supported and inspired all along the way. The online format with an in-person component creates flexibility while also prioritizing hands-on learning.
This aerial arts teacher training is for aerialists with 3+ years of experience who seek a deeper level of learning with personalized feedback and support.
We'll explore how to nurture collaborative class environments, healthy class dynamics, cognition, psychology, somatic/kinesthetic learning, technical excellence, anatomy and physiology of aerial, leadership, adaptive teaching, and creating space for spontaneity, freedom, joy, and longevity as an instructor.
I can't wait to learn more about you, and to expand our love for aerial together through this immersive training.
~Sara
Applications are processed in the order received, so early submission improves your chances of enrollment.
"By far the best aerial instruction I’ve ever experienced. Beautiful community and outstanding instruction by Sara and all of the instructors." -Steph Salem
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.
M O D U L E S
7 virtual live sessions take place on Sundays at 10-12:30 am PT, + assignments in between.
1. Teaching Aerial Arts - neuroscience and cognition of learning, schemas & apparatus mapping, pedagogy, somatic learning, diversity, safety psychology, risk & responsibility, safety psychology, nervous system dynamics, relational learning, teaching beyond the skills, and more
2. Anatomy of Aerial Arts - fundamental studies in general and aerial-specific anatomy. Learn with Applied Anatomy of of Aerial Arts by Emily Scherb, an anatomy coloring book, visualizations, and resource videos
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3. Physiology of Aerial Arts - how the nervous, circulatory, vestibular, endocrine, respiratory, lymphatic, immune, and digestive systems play into aerial arts; proprioception, pregnancy & postpartum, POTS, hypermobility
4. Advanced Foundational Theory & Technique - study key aerial fundamentals and shapes, cueing, advanced technique for beginners, spotting and hands-on cueing, overcueing, frameworks for empowering students with options and deeper knowledge
5: The Classroom Ecosystem - group management, embodied leadership, scanning for risk, emotion, & fatigue, setting expectations, mixed levels, progressions, classroom feedback loops and student dynamics, boundaries, self-care
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6. Designing & Adapting Classes & Curriculum - the student journey, structure, class design and flow, creating space for improvisation and intuition, creativity, collaborative learning
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Closing Session: Reflections + Q&A
Q&A Professionalism, studio dynamics, teaching, entrepreneurship
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Apprenticeship Option
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IN-PERSON SESSIONS:
Day 1: Assessing fundamental body positions & engagement across apparatuses
Day 2: Spotting, Progressions, & Cueing
Day 2: Teaching Practice
Day 3: Scenario Role Play, ladder rescue, injury emergency
EARLYBIRD:
$2,950
$3300 regular
NO HIDDEN COSTS , NO APPLICATION FEE, NO RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS.
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 $200. This will be included on your official certificate but is not required for certification through Wakeful Ascent.
To Apprentice with Sara in Bishop, California, email wakefulascent@gmail.com directly.
PROGRAM PERKS
✨Lifetime access to all materials and content
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✨Ongoing direct feedback and dialogue with Sara
✨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
✨WhatsApp group & email support
✨Access to Sara's class planning and tracking templates and curricula
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✨Written personalized recommendation from Sara upon completion of the training.
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✨Flexible payment options
Teacher Autonomy
Once you complete this certification, you will not be required to pay recurring fees, submit periodic videos, or “requalify” in order to remain certified. Certification affirms that you have studied and demonstrated competency in the Wakeful Ascent curriculum. You are trusted to take ownership of your teaching practice, your growth, and your professional integrity.
Continuing education modules will be offered - whether you pursue continued learning through Wakeful Ascent or other reputable programs, this provides meaningful expansion of your skills and represents meaningful investment more than obligatory renewal fees ever could.
My preference is that your investments fuel genuine learning and you feel independent and autonomous upon completion of this training.
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.
Is this just for new teachers?
This training is 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 wakefulascent@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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, contact wakefulascent@gmail.com to discuss alternatives.
Will I need to purchase books?
Yes. The required reading for this course is:
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts - Emily Scherb
The Dance Anatomy Coloring Book - Tricia Zweier
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 the best choice for anyone who is very busy at this time or looking for 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.
What do you mean by "Advanced Foundational Theory & Technique"?
This means highly detailed theory and technique for foundational skills and body positions. This means that we will be going deep into the nuances of the building blocks of aerial movement. A simplified cue might say, "Pull the fabric toward your ribs and then cross over and under your foot," whereas we will explore the angle at which the fabric is pulled, what happens if tension is lost, why ribs as the landmark increases the chance for an unwanted slack bubble, and exactly how to adjust the foot so the fabric snugs up in the best way and doesn't cause pain. Advanced foundational theory and technique takes you beyond the superficial appearance of the most important foundational skills in order to imbue you with the knowledge that will completely alter your beginners' path.
Are there multiple levels?
I'm planning to offer some very exciting continuing education modules in the future, but this aerial teacher training does not follow a "Level 1, 2, 3" structure.
What accounts for the price of the teacher training?
The price reflects the depth, structure, and personal attention built into this program.
Your investment includes:
A small, dedicated cohort for personalized feedback and meaningful community.
A 4-month immersive timeline that allows for deep learning and integration.
Detailed workbooks and assignments designed to build real-world teaching skill.
Interdisciplinary studies and instruction in both aerial silks and hoop, plus frameworks you’ll use long after the training ends.
Direct mentorship and feedback from Sara throughout the program.
A 3-day in-person intensive to refine your teaching through hands-on practice and connection.
Official certification with no renewal requirements and a written recommendation from Sara.
This structure is to ensure that you not only finish the program, but graduate with genuine confidence, embodied understanding, a sense of belonging in a supportive professional network, and positioned to be a leader in the global aerial arts community.
Is this a good training for learning to teach youth or sdtudents navigating pregnancy and postpartum?
While the principles in this training can be applied to teaching youth, it is NOT specific to youth, and does not cover child development. This program touches on pregnancy and post-partum but is not an in-depth training. Specialized trainings are highly encouraged for anyone looking to teach youth, pre/postnatal, or other special demographics. Don't see the one you want? Maybe you could create it!
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
"I’m having the best time getting strong, improving flexibility, and challenging my body and my mind. 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
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
"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