Sky Gym Aerial Teacher Training Program

Become certified to teach foundational (L0-L2) classes at Sky Gym with the full internal aerial teacher training program. Participants must have a minimum of 150 hrs of aerial experience at Sky Gym.

Program Includes:

• Aerial Teaching Manual (Retail $99)
• 40 hour live training including both lecture and hands on learning through Professional Development Modules
• Mentoring program with lead aerial coaches in real classes.  Required 50-150 assisting or co-teaching hours for certification. 
• Evaluation and Certification to teach beginner (L0-2) classes on chosen apparatus including aerial silks, sling, lyra, trapeze, and rope at Sky Gym

Cost: $499

Professional Development Modules

Deepen your understanding of the concepts and techniques that underpin aerial dance movement and learn to safely and effectively communicate that knowledge. The professional development modules are designed to function dually as stand-alone workshops focused on specific topics and as a complete internal teacher training program to become an instructor at Sky Gym. Each Session includes a written handout with explanations, beginner aerial specific examples, structured lecture including Q&A time, hands-on exercises with feedback, homework/contemplation questions, and links and resources for continuing study.

Session 1: Skill Analysis
Learn how to break down foundational aerial skills into the nuts and bolts of their inner workings and understand the dynamics of balance, friction, leverage, open and closed chain kinesthetics, etc. Then in the practical application portion we will break down a skill from a non-direct source and create a training plan to integrate it into your repertoire. Finally, we’ll explore adjusting variables and dynamics to discover new skills.
When: (Sunday) 5/5/19 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Sky Gym Vinings
Single Session Cost: $65

Session 2: Learning and Communication

A good teacher is someone that efficiently and effectively communicates unfamiliar information to another person. A good coach is someone who motivates and empowers a student through the learning process. In this module, you’ll be introduced to different styles of learning, with a focus on direction structure and verbal communication. Practice effective cueing to focus attention on priorities though language, tonality, timing and inflection. Learn about layering and scaffolding instructions. Come away with a few key questions to spark contemplation about the development of life skills within the microcosm of aerial training.
When: (Sunday) 5/5/19 1:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Sky Gym Vinings
Single Session Cost: $65

Session 3: Scaffolding and Progression

In aerial dance, Scaffolding and Progression are the keys to safety and mastery. Incremental steps allow space for self-assessment, reflection and adjustment. Progressions are a structured learning process from simple, accessible and low risk, to complex, challenging and high risk. It encompasses differentiating skill levels, evaluating student physical and mental preparedness, and judicious standards for advancement. Discerning the right pace and approach for each student, class, and program is an art form that comes with years of experience. Fortunately this course will highlight some key tools you can start using immediately to develop the keen intuition of a seasoned professional.
When: (Sunday) 5/12/19 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Sky Gym Vinings
Single Session Cost: $65

Session 4: Safety and Spotting

Risk is inherent in the beauty and intrigue of aerial dance, but it there are many ways to mitigate it. Learn how to use a Risk Analysis matrix to identify and prioritize threats, and brainstorm safety measures. Learn spotting theory, and how to use principals of basic physics and biomechanics to develop an effective hands-on spotting plan. Finally, learn and practice spotting techniques for beginner skills per apparatus.
When: (Sunday) 5/12/19 1:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Sky Gym Vinings
Single Session Cost: $65

Session 5: Aerial Anatony and Injury Prevention

This session introduces anatomy and biomechanics, with a focus on shoulder and trunk stability. Learn how the muscles, bones, and joints work together to move and stabilize the body in the air. Learn how to identify and correct acute dysfunction and instability. Introduction to the theory of chronic stress and injury,  training loads, and preventative maintenance. During the hands-on portion, we will introduce screening tests for instability and imbalances in the body, again with a focus on the shoulders and trunk. Finally, we will present preventative exercises to strengthen rotator cuff muscles.
When: (Sunday) 5/19/19 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Sky Gym Vinings
Single Session Cost: $65

Session 6: Beyond Skill Acquisition

Just as strictly learning to play notes or scales doesn’t make you an accomplished musician, learning purely technique and skills in aerial is only the first step toward being an artist or performer. This module will give you tools to empower students through exploration, musicality, creativity and expression. We will explore ways to help your students build independence through self-assessment and troubleshooting skills.
When: (Sunday) 5/19/19 1:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Sky Gym Vinings
Single Session Cost: $65

Session 7: Leadership and Classroom Management

Be the highest vibration in the room, by being prepared and present. Discuss classroom dynamics, lesson and session planning, warm-ups and cool downs, pacing with modifications for more/less capable students, common questions and challenges. Identify your personality style and discuss how that affects relating to others. Learn to seamlessly lead the group dynamics of a class while also giving each student individual attention.
When: (Sunday) 5/26/19 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Sky Gym Vinings
Single Session Cost: $65

Session 8: Incident Response

What happens if an emergency does occur? Having an Incident Response plan, including ground and aerial rescues, evacuations, handling an incident in real time, incident reporting, insurance claims, and public communication strategies will help you stay calm and focused. We will practice self-rescue, breaking falls on ground and aerial, and ground and aerial rescues. We will disuses legal considerations and rehearse realistic emergency scenarios.
When: (Sunday) 5/26/19 1:00pm-6:00pm
Where: Sky Gym Vinings
Single Session Cost: $65