About the Studio
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Aerial SLING Teacher Trainings

About
The following courses are part of the Born to Fly™ Aerial Teacher Certificate Program.  All who meet the prerequisites are welcome to train with us, and the certificate is optional.

Teaching Philosophy and Methods
Aerial fabric is the most popular apparatus in recreational programs.  However, starting students with climbs may not be the most accessible way to begin an aerial journey.  If you teach early beginners, we highly recommend (but do not require) starting the Aerial Sling 1 Teacher Training. 
 
In the Born to Fly™ methodology, we expose our students to fabric theory early on through puzzles and challenge their artistry through creative tasks.  Our goal is to develop an aerialist’s strength, intelligence, and artistry simultaneously so nothing gets left behind.  We ask students to spend more time with each skill, which allows them to build strength over a longer period of time before progressing to the next level.
Aerial SLING Level 1 Teacher Training
Please see our course schedule for upcoming courses by one of our providers. Please note that their prerequisites may differ from what is listed below. 
  Prerequisites:  
  • At least one year of experience on fabric or sling.
  • Must be at an intermediate level (can do basic inversions); submit an audition video. 
  • Previous experience in teaching is recommended but not required.
  • Submit an audition video (see below).

Audition Video:  Email video here.
Connect these skills in a sequence in any order:
  • Hold to top of a pull-up position for 10 seconds
  • 3 standing skills on a foot lock or on a sling
  • 1 straddle inversion (from a climb on fabric, or standing in the loop of a sling)

Required Reading:  Order book here.
  • The Aerial Teacher’s Handbook by Julianna Hane

Schedule: 
  • Tues, Thurs, Fri:  8am-4pm (lunch break at 12-1:15pm)
  • Wed:  8am-4pm (lunch break 1:30-2:30pm)
  • Sat: 12-4:30pm  (includes a break and 1 hour teaching practice for practicum credit)

​What You Will Learn:  This training focuses on Level 1 Sling skills as well as spotting, safe practices, teaching methods, and classroom management. We strongly emphasize progressions, particularly to develop strong inversions.  At the end of the week, you will walk away with 12-18 months of studio teaching material.  You will work with the classic sling skills as well as several variations and sequences we’ve developed over the years.

Skills in the sling help develop foundational technique for all aerial apparatuses.  We begin with basic shapes and body positions, from multiple zones of the apparatus (sitting, standing, and inverting from the sacrum).  We will explore inversion progressions in great detail to prepare students for higher level skills on sling, but also to transition easily to learning other apparatuses.  Clinics include spotting techniques and core engagement progressions, while discussion topics include safety, teaching philosophies, classroom management, and an open Q&A.  The training concludes with practice teaching.
Aerial SLING Level 2 Teacher Training
AerialWorks Castle Rock, CO
June 11-15, 2018

with Rebekah Leach

30 hours
8 participants max.

Course Fee:  $800 after Feb, 15
Early Bird:  $725 if deposit paid by Feb. 15
​(early bird audition videos due 2/1/18)
​
Books:  $55 + shipping
Prerequisites:  
  • Solid technique for a side back balance in the sling, skin the cat in the sling, and easily be able to invert.
  • Teaching experience for a minimum of 1 year on either fabric or sling.
  • Submit an audition video (see below), or a video of yourself teaching a sling class if a Level 1 certificate (fabric or sling) has not been completed.

Audition Video:  Email video here.
(updated 1/24/18)
Connect these skills in a sequence in any order over a crash mat at least 6" thick:
  • 3 ball/tuck inversions in a row (from bent arms is fine) - Use the loop if needed, but avoid jumping.
  • straddle inversion from a dead hang (from bent arms is fine) - Use the loop if needed, but avoid jumping.
  • sequence of 5-10 of your favorite skills (no drops, please!) - Use the ground as desired.

Required Reading:  Order book here.
  • The Aerial Teacher’s Handbook by Julianna Hane

Schedule:  (lunch break at 1-2:15pm daily)
  • Mon-Thurs:  9am-5pm
  • Fri. 9am-1pm
  • Note:  There may be additional observations and teaching opportunities in the evenings.

What You Will Learn:  At this level of sling, students should be able to perform a pull-over from standing on the ground but they may still be struggling with a cross-hip pull-over without the help of their feet pushing off the ground. So, to work on skills that encourage growth and having fun, all while sneaking in core-development training. The major skill topics covered in this training include knee hangs, cross back straddle (sling version), weaving choreography from diaper wrap, spread fabric moves, roll-ups (on the thigh), side back balance, and an introduction to corset. The technique training will include inversion training, early skin the cat training, and early c-shape training (through back balance introduction). 

The technique training is PERFECT for those teaching fabric and are looking for more ways to help train students while having fun. Sling is especially perfect for fabric students who are taking a bit longer to progress than other students. Don't feel like you have to push students forward if they are not ready! Give them sling!