Aerial Dance Course

Lesson 1 • History and Disciplines Overview

Traces aerial dance from circus origins to contemporary performance art. Contextualises the discipline so students understand stylistic lineage and genre distinctions.

Lesson 2 • Grip Mechanics and Hand Care

Teaches false grip, overhand grip, and wrist alignment for safe apparatus contact. Proper grip technique directly reduces strain injuries during training.

Lesson 3 • Warm-Up and Cool-Down Protocols

Structures dynamic warm-up sequences and static cool-down routines specific to aerial demands. Consistent protocols reduce injury risk and accelerate skill acquisition.

Lesson 4 • Body Awareness and Alignment

Introduces proprioception, neutral spine, and joint stacking principles. Correct alignment prevents injury and forms the physical foundation for all aerial movement.

Lesson 1 • Upper Body Pulling Strength

Develops scapular depression, lat engagement, and progressive pull-up capacity. Pulling strength is the primary physical prerequisite for all aerial apparatus work.

Lesson 2 • Flexibility and Active Range of Motion

Distinguishes passive flexibility from active range of motion and trains both systematically. Active flexibility enables controlled, expressive movement at end ranges on apparatus.

Lesson 3 • Core Stability and Hollow Body

Trains hollow body position, posterior pelvic tilt, and anti-rotation stability. Core control transfers directly to clean lines and safe inversions on apparatus.

Lesson 4 • Strength Benchmarks and Self-Testing

Establishes measurable standards for pull-ups, hangs, and core holds before apparatus progression. Objective benchmarks ensure students advance only when physically prepared.

Lesson 1 • Footlock and Basic Climbs

Teaches the single footlock, double footlock, and S-wrap climb progressions. Footlocks are the primary weight-bearing skill enabling all subsequent silk work.

Lesson 2 • Beginner Drops and Descents

Teaches the pencil drop, candy cane drop, and controlled descent techniques. Drops introduce dynamic movement and require precise wrap setup for safe execution.

Lesson 3 • Fundamental Wraps and Poses

Introduces hip key, star, and hammock configurations as static pose foundations. Mastery of static shapes builds spatial awareness and wrap literacy for dynamic moves.

Lesson 4 • Silk Apparatus Orientation

Covers fabric types, rigging hardware, and weight-rating verification for silks. Understanding apparatus specifications ensures students select and inspect equipment correctly.

Lesson 1 • Lyra Apparatus and Rigging Basics

Covers hoop sizing, tabbing, and single-point vs. two-point rigging configurations. Correct rigging setup determines hoop behaviour and directly affects skill execution.

Lesson 2 • Mounts and Seated Positions

Teaches front balance mount, gazelle mount, and basic seated positions inside and outside the hoop. Mounts are the entry point for all lyra choreography.

Lesson 3 • Hangs, Beats, and Rotations

Introduces skin-the-cat, back balance, and controlled hoop rotation techniques. Dynamic movement on lyra requires understanding momentum and body positioning.

Lesson 4 • Beginner Lyra Combination

Assembles mounts, positions, and transitions into a short lyra combination. Combination work develops performance intention and apparatus-specific artistry.

Lesson 1 • Spatial Orientation Upside Down

Trains visual anchoring, vestibular adaptation, and directional awareness while inverted. Spatial confidence upside down is essential for safe, expressive aerial performance.

Lesson 2 • Inversion Mechanics and Progressions

Breaks down the biomechanics of inverting safely using tuck, straddle, and pike entries. Systematic progression prevents neck and shoulder strain during inversion training.

Lesson 3 • Cross-Apparatus Inversion Application

Applies inversion skills developed on silks and lyra to new apparatus contexts. Cross-apparatus transfer accelerates skill acquisition and builds versatile aerial movers.

Lesson 4 • Body Shaping and Line Extension

Focuses on pointed feet, lengthened limbs, and intentional body shaping in aerial positions. Aesthetic line quality distinguishes technical competence from artistic performance.

Lesson 1 • Musical Structure for Aerial Movers

Analyses phrase, tempo, dynamics, and accent in music as choreographic tools. Understanding musical architecture enables intentional, non-arbitrary movement choices.

Lesson 2 • Sequence Structure and Arc

Applies dramatic arc principles—introduction, development, climax, resolution—to aerial sequences. Structural awareness ensures performances feel complete and emotionally satisfying.

Lesson 3 • Creating and Refining a Solo Piece

Guides students through drafting, rehearsing, and refining a complete solo aerial piece. Iterative refinement develops artistic judgment and performance readiness.

Lesson 4 • Movement Phrasing and Dynamics

Teaches effort qualities, movement initiation, and dynamic contrast in aerial phrasing. Dynamic variation transforms a skill sequence into expressive choreography.

Lesson 1 • Trapeze Fundamentals

Introduces static trapeze mounts, hangs, and basic bar work as an additional apparatus. Trapeze skills expand a performer's apparatus range and employment opportunities.

Lesson 2 • Aerial Rope Techniques

Covers rope climb, lock-off positions, and rope-specific footlock variations. Rope demands greater grip endurance and body tension than fabric apparatus.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Silk Wraps and Sequences

Covers Russian climb, straddle back, and multi-wrap configurations on silks. Advanced wraps require precise body positioning and wrap literacy built in earlier chapters.

Lesson 4 • Combining Apparatus in Performance

Designs transitions and sequences that incorporate two or more apparatus types. Multi-apparatus performance is a hallmark of advanced aerial artists and expands creative range.

Lesson 1 • Venue and Outdoor Performance Considerations

Covers site-specific rigging assessment, weather factors, and audience safety for varied venues. Aerial artists must adapt safely to non-studio performance environments.

Lesson 2 • Performance Psychology and Stage Presence

Develops focus strategies, pre-show routines, and audience engagement skills. Mental preparation is as critical as physical preparation for consistent live performance.

Lesson 3 • Technical Rehearsal Processes

Covers cue-to-cue rehearsals, lighting checks, and rigging verification in performance venues. Technical rehearsal skills are essential for working in professional production environments.

Lesson 4 • Costuming and Apparatus Compatibility

Addresses fabric choice, fit, and safety considerations for aerial performance costuming. Costume decisions directly affect grip, movement range, and apparatus safety.