What makes Born to Fly™ unique?
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Our top priority is to support teachers in using safe and effective teaching methods that better serve students and elevate the level of professionalism in the field. We recognize that aerial teaching is its own art form, and provide tools to help instructors maximize both their teaching and personal practice in the aerial arts.
What is the Born to Fly™ Teacher Network? This is the best part of getting training from us. We aren't a one-time train-and-drop shop. We are here to support your growth, and that means continual growth, as an aerial instructor. We partner with high-quality aerial instructors to offer follow-up support that doesn't stop when the live training is done. Trainees can continue their education through mentorships, video feedback, and supplemental courses. We also offer credit for trainings completed with industry leaders including Paper Doll Militia (fabric, trapeze, and rope) and Circus Doc (Dr. Emily Scherb). There are two ways to enter the network:
Who leads the trainings? Born to Fly™ Master Trainers have worked personally with Rebekah Leach, contributing to the aerial manuals and video library on AerialDancing.com. We have trainings available at our headquarters in Castle Rock, CO as well as through providers around the globe. Our master trainers are true innovators in the field. In addition to extensive experience in the aerial industry, our master trainers also hold certifications through other organizations like American Council on Exercise (an NCCA accredited program), as well as registrations with the Yoga Alliance. Some of our trainers are also K-12 Certified Educators. How are providers selected? Our providers are chosen based on their proven excellence in aerial arts teaching. Our first group of providers are teachers and performers we have known throughout our years in the industry and have a proven record of excellence. Second, we have met some excellent teachers through our teacher training program, and have invited instructors to become master trainers in their area of expertise. Approved providers must meet the “Mastery” level of instruction (on their specific apparatus and level) on our quality assessment rubric. Who created the course content? It's been a wonderful collaboration of the best minds in the industry. Each course references a manual written by Rebekah Leach, founder of Born to Fly™ Productions and AerialDancing.com. We highly emphasize creativity and solving puzzles in the teaching methodology, which gives beginners and advanced beginners plenty of material to get them strong and ready to advance to the next level. Rebekah Leach designed the fabric and sling curriculum, and Julianna Hane, author of the Aerial Teacher's Handbook, designed the trapeze and hoop courses based on her background as a dance professor and curriculum developer. Do all providers offer the same trainings, or are they all different? Each provider runs their own teacher training under their own name, and we award credit toward a Born to Fly™ certificate. All providers follow our core standards and organizational structure for content delivery. This structure allows us to maintain a high standard of instruction while also leaving room for each trainer's unique teaching style. Each provider is approved by apparatus and level of specialty based on their years of experience and record of excellence in the industry. What is the difference between provider trainings and home base trainings? Born to Fly™ has its headquarters at AerialWorks in Castle Rock, CO. We run trainings at this space all summer and periodically throughout the year, where Julianna Hane is the primary instructor. AerialWorks is the best place for us since it’s a fully functioning aerial studio and laboratory. Providers are independent instructors and studios who share our vision for high quality teacher training with influences from dance, yoga, Pilates, circus, and other movement forms. Providers meet our standards for mastery in their specific area of expertise, and follow our core standards for course organization and content for consistency across the board. While each provider brings their unique teaching style and perspective to the table, we all share in the same core philosophies that aerial arts instruction should be safe and accessible to people from all walks of life. Which organization accredits your program? Currently, there is no official accreditation body in the aerial arts in the United States. If there were, we’d be a part of it! Our master trainers are experienced aerial instructors, and/or studio owners who have proven themselves in the industry. Some master trainers hold certifications through NCCA (National Council on Certifying Agencies) accredited programs like the American Council on Exercise, and some hold a 200-hour teacher registration through the Yoga Alliance. Several instructors are current or former K-12 Certified Educators. Julianna Hane, Director of Training, is an active member of the American Circus Educators Organization and presents at their conferences. Our master trainers also create resources for aerial teachers (books, videos, etc.) in collaboration with AerialDancing.com. I'd like to host a training at my studio. What are the costs involved? Please view the Host a Training page for specifics. How can I get more information? Contact us any time with questions, or let us know what your interests are. We are excited to get the opportunity to work with you! |