Beyond the Tricks Aerial Teaching Retreat
Learn the deeper layers of supporting and empowering your students - beyond the tricks.
"I have taken more teacher trainings in the last 26 years than I can count. Your training was the most perceptive, interesting and relevant to where I am in my teaching journey. I loved it. I am so grateful to you." -Tracy
"This retreat was so empowering! As teachers, we often get so wrapped up in the day-to-day that we don't slow down to consider the foundations our teaching is resting on. Sara gave us the space to breathe, take a moment, reflect, learn, and celebrate what we already know. For me this was a huge reset that I know will benefit my students as I go back to teaching energized, more confident, and with tools to create a safe and welcoming environment."
- Mary Kohn
At The Barn Minturn near Vail, Colorado
Teaching Workshops in a Beautiful Mountain Studio
Teacher Presence & Leadership
We'll explore how to command a room, shape the learning environment, hold boundaries, nervous system regulation, and create a space that students want to come back to.
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.
Technique Deep Dives
Explore aerial technique like a scientist, learn to recognize patterns and effectively troubleshoot with your students. Instead of giving generic corrections, learn how to adapt to each student’s body and actually change their movement patterns.
Touch, Spotting & Consent Without Second Guessing
Know exactly how and when to use hands-on support without overthinking or crossing boundaries.
You’ll learn how to read the moment, ask clearly, and support students safely and confidently.
How do I identify issues in student alignment & engagement?
Start recognizing the real reason a skill isn’t working - not just guessing or repeating corrections. You’ll learn how to quickly spot patterns and fix them in a way that actually changes the student’s body.
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.
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 or have already started
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Want to be part of an uplifting community of supportive instructors
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Want to support students beyond cueing tricks
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Value student safety, trauma-informed teaching, 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, and technique troubleshooting​​
"By far the best aerial instruction I’ve ever experienced. Beautiful community and outstanding instruction by Sara and all of the instructors." -Steph Salem
Led by Sara Kaiser, aerialist of 11 years and former owner of SILK Studio in CA
Retreat Itinerary
Day 1
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TBD
Refreshments served daily
Day 3
TBD
Refreshments served daily
Day 2
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TBD
Refreshments served daily
Day 4
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TBD
Refreshments served daily
FAQ
Who is eligible?
Anyone who is 18+ and has a consistent aerial practice with 2+ years of experience training.
What apparatus is this for?
This retreat focuses on cross-apparatus skills. We'll explore silks, hammock, hoop and potentially trapeze.
Is this just for new teachers?
This training is designed for teachers at all levels, including those aspiring. The attention on the "between the lines" of teaching fills common gaps in teacher skillset and offers the perfect introduction to those looking to begin.
Is lodging covered?
All workshops and daily re Lodging & transportation are not covered. All aerial workshops, 1 daily meal, & daily refreshments are.
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.