Aerial Dance Teacher Training: A 2025 Comparison of Best Programs
As the popularity of aerial dance continues to soar worldwide, so does the demand for skilled, knowledgeable, and well-trained aerial instructors. Teaching aerial is a high-responsibility role, and proper training is essential to ensure safety and appropriate skill progression in students. Whether you’re a student looking to transition into teaching or an aspiring coach seeking to deepen your understanding of aerial dance, finding the right teacher training program is key.
In 2025, aspiring aerial dance instructors have several excellent training programs to choose from, each offering unique benefits and learning experiences. This guide compares five top programs, with a special focus on Aerial Cirque Over Denver’s Teacher Training Program, which stands out for its exceptional curriculum and innovative approach.
Aerial Cirque Over Denver – Aerial Dance Teacher Training
Aerial Cirque Over Denver’s 50-Hour Multi-Apparatus Level 1/2 Aerial Teacher Training program is the gold standard for aspiring instructors looking for a multi-apparatus, single certification. This program is designed to not just teach you skills, but to teach you how to teach, empowering you to confidently guide students on their aerial journeys.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive multi-apparatus training (includes curriculum in silks, trapeze, hoop, and sling)
- Combines Zoom educational sessions with an in-person intensive weekend for hands-on practice.
- Comprehensive curriculum; topics include aerial anatomy, rigging safety, spotting techniques, injury prevention, lesson planning, risk management, class management, & more.
- Training led by master coaches with over a decade of experience and an anatomy lecture taught by a Doctor of Physical Therapy and circus artist.
- Certified by NASM and AFAA, and recognized by the American Circus Educators, a prestigious honor.
- Training is limited to 12 students with two master coaches, providing personalized attention and ample time for questions.
- Competitive Program Cost: $1,250 with no hidden fees; includes Certificate of Completion upon passing assessments.
Program Limitations
- Only one in-person intensive weekend is available, requiring participants to travel to Denver for the hands-on portion.
Who It’s Best For: Aspiring level 1/2 instructors seeking a well-rounded education in teaching silks, trapeze, lyra, and sling in one certification.
Aerial Physique – Aerial Silks Teacher Training
Aerial Physique offers one of the longest-standing aerial silks teacher training programs. This program is ideal for instructors who want to specialize in aerial silks instruction and develop expertise in teaching technique and progression.
Program Highlights
- Exclusive focus on building solid foundational skills for aerial silks instruction.
- Curriculum includes technique breakdown, class planning, and skill progression.
- Offers many online and in-person learning options.
- Has level 1 training through master, offering a continuum of training levels.
- $1,500 for the 30 hour training.
Program Limitations
- Focused solely on aerial silks, so it may not appeal to those seeking multi-apparatus training.
Who It’s Best For: Instructors looking for a specialized aerial silks teacher training who may want to continue trainings at higher levels.
Circus Arts Institute
Circus Arts Institute offers a well-rounded training program focused on safety and inclusivity.
Program Highlights
- The program has three levels of certification—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, offering a continuum of training levels.
- Provides a holistic approach to teaching, emphasizing mental and physical wellness, and inclusivity.
- Trainees benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals, including direct access to Carrie Heller, the Director, who brings over 50 years of experience as a performer, mentor, and aerial teacher.
- Pricing depends on the program, but the beginner training is $795 and includes additional costs, including the assessment ($325) and is 25 hours.
Program Limitations
- The program certifies instructors on a single chosen apparatus per training (silks, hammock, or trapeze), which may limit those seeking multi-apparatus certification or aerial lyra exposure.
Who It’s Best For: This program is perfect for the safety-conscious instructor who wants to choose one apparatus to dive into.
Paper Doll Militia
Paper Doll Militia offers a flexible approach to aerial teacher training, combining technical expertise with creative exploration. Their program is designed to develop confident, well-rounded instructors who value both safety and artistry in their teaching.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive teacher training designed for both emerging and experienced instructors.
- Apparatus-specific training tracks for silks, rope, lyra, and trapeze with add-on options for additional apparatuses.
- Both online and in-person training sessions available. Hybrid option has mixed learning format (independent study, Zoom classes, and skill practice with video submissions).
- Vertical Theatre Method introduces a creative, theatrical approach to aerial teaching.
Program Limitations
- Pricing can be hard to navigate due to all the options. The level 1 training for a single apparatus (ex – hoop) is $1,300, double apparatus $4,300 (ex – hoop and silks).
- Double apparatus or add-on modules increase the programs costs if you are interested in multi-apparatus learning.
Who It’s Best For: Instructors who value a balance of technical skill development and artistic creativity, or those wanting content only in specific apparatuses.
Aerial Arts America
Aerial Arts America offers structured programs that cater to fitness and performance-focused goals. They have multiple training tracks to choose from.
Program Highlights
- Variety of certification options, ranging from aerial fitness, to silks, hoop, and hammock. Caters to a broad range of goals.
- Comprehensive training includes safety, technique, and student management.
- Rigorous certification process, including written exams, practical teaching assessments, and performance routines, ensuring high standards.
Program Limitations
- Pricing is higher compared to some other programs, especially with added costs for examinations and pre-qualification tests.
- Pre examination is $300 and examinations are $900 for the fitness based trainings and $1,300 for the performance arts based trainings.
- Trainings range from $1,800 to $2,200 for the training (only)
- Additional workbook fee.
- In person options only require travel.
Who It’s Best For: Instructors who are specifically interested in taking a fitness based or performance based approach to teaching.
Choosing the Right Aerial Dance Teacher Training Program
Selecting an aerial dance teacher training program is a personal choice that should align with your teaching goals and aspirations. The best program will help you reach your goals, whether that’s specializing in a single apparatus, gaining multi-apparatus expertise, or emphasizing safety and inclusivity. Consider factors such as:
- Curriculum depth
- American Circus Educator Recognition (highlights an aerial training program that has been reviewed with strict standards)
- Learning formats (online vs. in-person)
- Costs of the program and any associated travel
Finally, while all the programs highlighted in this guide offer valuable training opportunities, Aerial Cirque Over Denver stands out for its comprehensive multi-apparatus curriculum, ACE recognition, hybrid format, and competitive cost. No matter which path you choose, investing in quality training will elevate you as a coach and make you more desirable to safety conscious employers.
