Aerial Teacher Training
A multi-apparatus aerial dance teacher training.
- Silks
- Trapeze
- Lyra (aerial hoop)
- Sling (aerial hammock)
Do you dream of sharing aerial dance with others? Our 50-Hour Multi-Apparatus Level 1/2 Aerial Teacher Training program will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to guide students on their own aerial journeys.
This program offers four synchronous, online class sessions, covering topics such as aerial anatomy, foundational knowledge, and aerial rigging, among others, followed by an intensive long weekend of in-person training at our studio in Denver, Colorado.
Our aerial dance teacher training is more than simply teaching you skills and poses. You can do that on your own in classes.
We are here to help you learn how to teach!
Our program is proudly recognized by ACE (American Circus Educators) and offers Continuing Education Units for NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America).
Our aerial training program is:
Multi-apparatus
You’ll leave our aerial teacher training with comprehensive knowledge on instructing aerial silks, trapeze, lyra (hoop), and sling (hammock). Even if you do not plan to teach all these apparatuses, having the knowledge and experience will benefit you as there is overlap among theory and practice.
Small group sizes
Each training is limited to 12 students with 2 master coaches. We prioritize small group sizes for a more personalized teaching approach where there is time to ask questions. Our master coaches have a decade each of teaching experience.
Developed by experts
The term “expert” in aerial should be taken with a grain of salt. The team who put this together includes instructors with vast professional and teaching experience, as well as a circus physical therapist. Meet the team you’ll be learning from below!
Focused on inclusivity
At Aerial Cirque Over Denver, we believe aerial is for Every Body. Upon completion of our training, you’ll have an understanding of how to modify and accommodate all body types, including how to spot folks who may be larger bodied than you.
Confidence Boosting
We teach you how to teach! Our training is not geared towards teaching skills – you can do that for a lot less money at your local studio.
Transparent pricing
No hidden fees, such as additional fees for Certificate, etc.
Recognized by ACE (American Circus Educators), NASM & AFAA.
For NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) we are able to offer 1.9 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) and for AFAA Athletics and Fitness Association of America), 15 CEUs.
Comprehensive curriculum
- Aerial Rigging
- Functional and applied anatomy specific to aerial dancers
- Warms up and injury prevention for aerialists (developed by our aerial PT!)
- Spotting best practices
-
Risk management in aerial and MORE!
Find our full curriculum below.
Certificate of Completion upon finishing the training. Demonstrates commitment to safe aerial instruction that can help you stand out from others when applying for an instructor position or starting a program.
Upcoming Teacher Training Dates for 2025
Online, Synchronous (Zoom) Sessions – 4 Sessions
- Saturday Morning (Aerial Anatomy): Feb. 8th
- 8am to 11am (Mountain Standard Time)
- Saturday Evenings: Feb. 15th, Feb. 22nd, March 1st
- 5 to 8pm (Mountain Standard Time)
Intensive Weekend: Aerial Cirque Over Denver, Located in Denver, CO (4605 Quebec St. Denver, CO)
- Friday through Sunday, March 7 - 9th
-
9am to 4pm
(midday lunch break built in)
Ready to take the next step?
Complete the application for Aerial Cirque Over Denver Teacher Training
Meet Our Expert Aerial Instructors
Aerial Teacher Trainer Bios
MASTER Aerial DANCE TEACHER TRAINERS
Leah Grandstaff
Leah was introduced to aerial silks in 2013 and began her journey as an aerial coach in 2016. She holds certifications from Aircat Aerial Arts, Aeriality Aerial Yoga, & Air Control Pilates. Leah has been a cast member of the Phantom Circus since 2016 & In the Wings aerial dance company since 2019. She specializes in aerial silks & duo-trapeze and enjoys exploring various apparatuses including sling, lyra, trapeze (dance & static), rope, straps, & just about anything else one can dangle upon.
Kara Twine, MS
Kara is an aerialist by day and night who teaches dance trapeze, silks, sling, rope, and double point lyra. Her passion for aerial innovation was honed over Level 1 and 2 teacher trainings with Paper Doll Militia, Alex Allan, and Vault Aerial Arts. As a performer, Kara specializes in dazzling blindfolded aerial acts. Kara first found her love for aerial arts in 2011 while taking community classes in Cardiff, Wales. After finishing her Masters degree in Neuroimaging Methods and Applications in 2014, she decided to return to the USA and pursue her dream career as an aerialist. When she isn’t in the air, Kara can be found gaming, playing piano, and hiking.
Additional Teacher Trainers
Kathryn O’Brien, PT, DPT, OCS
Kathryn’s interest in treating artistic athletes originates from her background in cheerleading and ballroom dance. While studying at Saint Louis University, she was introduced to this specialized patient population by a mentor who provided backstage coverage for musicals as a Physical Therapist. After graduating with her clinical doctorate in 2021, she pursued further education in caring for artistic and performance-based athletes through NeuroTour and The CircusDoc. Since 2021, she has been practicing as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in various outpatient orthopedic settings. Currently, Kathryn is enhancing her practical skills and understanding of aerial dance by continuing her studies as a student. Kathryn is excited to provide insight into the human movement system and appropriate cueing strategies during this course.
Brittany Plaven, PhD, CHES
Britt’s movement background is rooted in competitive and professional ice skating. In 2011, she combined aerial and ice skating creating a unique performance niche and traveled around the world with various companies. In 2017 she became the owner of Aerial Cirque Over Denver. Additionally, she has a PhD in Health Promotion and Education, is a Certified Health Education Specialist, and has authored a textbook for teens, The Teen Lifestyle Medicine Handbook: The Power of Healthy Living. She is a Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Teaching and writing is a dedicated passion of hers. Britt has completed rigging courses through Delbert Hall and Craig Lewis. She will guide trainees through the supportive curriculum teacher trainer content.
Aerial dance teacher training investment
We want aerial teacher training to be accessible and therefore we do offer payment plans.
This cost is for the training only. It does not include flights, lodging, meals, etc.
2025 Rates
Non-refundable Application Fee: $30 USD
Then select the payment option that works best for you:
Single Payment
Payment Plan
-
3 monthly payments of $333.30 USD
-
Training must be paid in full before start date
Ready to take the next step?
Complete the application for Aerial Cirque Over Denver Teacher Training
Content Covered in the Training
Aerial Dance Rigging Basics
Understand essential rigging terms such as Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) & Working Load Limit (WLL). Learn the principles of safe aerial rigging, including attaching equipment to structures & understanding dynamic forces.
Class Structure and Lesson planning
Learn to design and implement a well-structured class that includes a warm-up, skill-building, and class conclusion. Master the process of detailed lesson planning to enhance student learning and progression.
Functional and Applied Anatomy and Physiology
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the major components of the musculoskeletal system with an aerial-focused "lens". Apply anatomical knowledge to real-world aerial scenarios.
Injury Prevention Techniques and Warm-Up
Understand the principles of injury prevention, including the importance of proper warm-ups (ground and air), body mechanics, and conditioning.
Foundational Knowledge
Risk Management, Terminology and Cueing, Communication Tools, & Classroom Management
Foundational through Intermediate Curriculum
on silks, trapeze, sling, and lyra. Including: skill progression, proper body position and alignment, and spotting techniques
Additional Competencies:
Recognizing and addressing child abuse. ACE Core Competencies for youth circus practitioners. Comfort in communication. Working with neurodivergent students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Application Requirements?
Our course is recognized by ACE, NASM, and AFAA. To keep standards high, prioritize injury prevention, and avoid trainings where some folks need more skill instruction, we require a video submission for eligibility.
See requirements for that video here.
For safety, we do not accept submissions with apparatuses rigged to trees, or without a mat.
What is the Certificate process?
- Complete all 30 lecture hours and 20 externship hours.
- Passing score (80% or better) in a written assessment and skills & teaching assessment.
- CPR/First Aid certification. This can be completed online.
- Concussion Training. This can be completed online.
What happens if I can’t make the entire course?
Attending all 30 lecture hours (online and in person) is a requirement for the course. If you can’t make a minimal amount of lecture time (less than 3 hours) we can accommodate by sending a Zoom recording. We do need to plan for this in advance! Please email us before registering. If you have an emergency in the middle of the course, we will try our best to work with you on a case by case basis.
I am not located in the United States. Can I still complete the aerial dance teacher training?
Yes! The Zoom classes are online, but please make sure it will work for your time zone. It could be that the training is in the middle of your night (as it is on Mountain Standard Time). You will need to travel to Denver, Colorado for the in-person intensive weekend. This is not an option to do online. Please note we do not cover flights, accommodations, food, etc. The cost of the program is for the training only.
Why is there an application fee?
It takes our team time to review every application. This fee pays our team for their time. The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision outcome.
Is your teacher training recognized by industry leaders?
Notably, there is no official regulating body in circus/aerial arts. However, our training is recognized by industry leaders including ACE (American Circus Educators), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), & AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America). For NASM, we are able to offer 1.9 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) and for AFAA, 15 CEUs.
How old do I have to be to complete the Aerial Teacher Training?
You must be at least 18 years of age to complete our training.
How many participants are accepted into the course?
We need at least 3 students to run a teacher training and we cap the training at 12. We will always have at least 2 master coaches teaching. We value small group sizes so there is ample opportunity to ask individual questions and have conversations with our expert team.
How does the Externship work?
The externship is 20 hours of class observation. This needs to be completed for Certificate eligibility. The externship can be completed with Aerial Cirque Over Denver coaches or with another verified studio.
Does the Certificate Expire?
Yes. To ensure quality of coaching and value of continuing education, your Certificate does expire 2 years after completion date. To easily renew your certificate please fill out this form (which will include – based of AP)
- Current First Aid & CPR certificate
- Renewal questionnaire (regarding your teaching and practice, attendance in workshops, conferences, etc)
- 2-3 minute video of you instructing or practicing
- $75 renewal fee
What happens if I do not pass the written assessment and skills and teaching assessment?
If you do not pass both assessments with a score of 80% or better, you will be offered a private lesson ($85 per hour) with one of our coaches to work with you directly on your challenges. After lesson completion, you will be allowed to take the assessment a second time. If you do not pass the second time, unfortunately, you will not be awarded a certificate, but we will send a letter of completion of the training. We have high standards for graduates and are proud to produce coaches with strong skill sets.
Where can I get my CPR/First Aid Certification from?
Where can I get my Concussion Training from?
Ready to take the next step?
Complete the application for Aerial Cirque Over Denver Teacher Training
