In this episode, I break down the common barriers to entering an aerial class and the unusual demands students face once they get there (yep, why you can't find your leg or remember your first name when upside down), and why teaching to the nervous system reduces risk and supports better learning outcomes. 

I share the story of a student who barely convinced herself to try aerial, and explore how a teacher’s ability to recognize and respond to what students are managing can directly influence safety, learning, and their experience in the classroom.

I also introduce my High-Load Teaching Framework and Beyond Technique Professional Development workshop for aerial studios.

***Episode edit***: I made it sound like Yerkes & Dodson worked with humans - they worked with mice and their experiments mapped to human learning. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Beyond Technique: The hidden curriculum of high-load learning for aerial and movement educators

High-Load Teaching Framework

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz

In this episode, I'm sharing the story of my aerial teaching journey from day 1 to where I am today, including the joy and grief that happened in between. 

We'll talk about letting go of something you still love, surviving the seasons that feel like brutal endings, and why what looks like an off-ramp may be something else altogether.

Whether you're an aerial teacher, studio owner, artist, or simply standing at a crossroads in your own life, I hope this conversation brings a light to your journey and what matters most for you.

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz

In this episode we explore how deeply understanding skills makes you stand out as an instructor, and how generic aerial instruction is actually an equity problem.

Because describing movement isn't teaching - it's narration.

The free hidden gaps training: https://sara.wakefulascent.com/masterclass-914687-7387

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz

Today we consider a question from listener Rachel Lamb (@rlamb_leg) who observed that many studios have a trick-focused curriculum with significant gaps in the foundations.

We explore how this is a common pattern, when nonlinear pedagogy can workand when it introduces risk and limitations for students. 

We talk about what it means to really devote ourselves to the craft of teaching and rising to the challenge of becoming an expert, not just guessing our way through. 

For students who want more foundational work:
www.wakefulascent.com/aerial-silks-online
Www.wakefulascent.com/strength (technique-focused strength)

Free Hidden Gaps Training for instructors and instructors-to-be:
www.wakefulascent.com/aerial-teacher-training

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz

In the final episode of our 3-part series devoted to beginners, we explore the emotional landscapes of new students and experienced instructors.

We consider how respecting the art form develops appreciation for the significance of the teaching role itself, fostering self-respect, and how caring for the art form helps us better care for our students as well. 

We take you back to your first ever class, and explore how it informs your ever-evolving journey.

If you know teaching is more than a list of tricks, a job, a hobby, and you want the education and mentorship that can take you to the next level of your craft, check out the free training on the hidden gaps of aerial instruction and how we can close those gaps with the BLOOM Aerial teacher training - linked below.

Thanks for listening ;) 
DM on instagram @sarakaiser.aerial or email [email protected] to continue the conversation.  

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz

In this episode we explore the common experience of the beginner student and some of the biggest reasons that contribute to their decision to continue or call it quits.

We explore how studios can organize to create an outstanding beginner experience and inspire students to keep coming back - without rushing foundations and skipping to fancy tricks.

The retention problem is a very layered thing, and we need many different pieces to be in place for it to happen. From what kind of student you attract to how you create psychological safety and belonging, retention requires intention.

Learn more about the ASCEND Retention System and book a free consultation: http://www.wakefulascent.com/ascend-retention-system

Take your teaching skills to the highest standards with the BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training - free training: http://www.wakefualscent.com/aerial-teacher-training

The Body Positive PDF: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/118sL_XpnvhmJNHTZ4JZXTGllWsaNid5K?usp=sharing

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz

As an advocate for beginner aerial students (and teachers!) I am delighted to take this episode to challenge the conventional wisdom that beginner class is the easiest class to teach and therefore best suited for beginner teachers.

We also explore how beginner classes absolutely can be great for beginner teachers, with a few caveats.

Wait list for the Beyond the Tricks Teaching Retreat
Www.wakefulascent.com/teaching-retreat

Full BLOOM Teacher Training & Certification
www.wakefulascent.com/aerial-teacher-training

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz

In this guest episode of Between the Lines, Voice & Acting Coach Chandler Price, who also teaches aerial arts and yoga, shares powerful insights on what it really means to hold the room and why it matters when the stakes are higher such as in aerial arts.

We explore how teachers can create a learning environment that supports safety, trust, and attention, how to navigate nerves and imposter syndrome, and how how to step into authority with clarity and warmth.

Join us for the Holding the Room Masterclass on May 31st. Replay included.

Work with Chandler:
www.chandlerprice.com
[email protected]

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz

This episode is for the aerial teachers out there (or those who want to get started)...

We'll explore how teacher presence influences felt safety, learning outcomes, retention, and the teacher's own experience. 

We talk about co-regulation, confidence signaling, boundaries, and what it takes to truly let go into joyful, natural teaching. 

Because yes, you were born to do this. 

HOLDING THE ROOM MASTERCLASS WITH CHANDLER PRICE:
www.wakefulascent.com/holding-the-room-masterclass

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz

Why do we feel afraid in aerial? How do we work through it? When is it right to push or back down? How can instructors ethically support students?

We'll talk about some simple neuroscience behind fear, fear extinction, and concrete ways to work with fear as an aerialist and as an instructor.

Plus, the time a tidal wave hit me while I was on silks dangling from a highline over a treacherous ocean.

Submit an idea or guest pitch
www.embodiedaerial.com/podcast

BLOOM Aerial Teacher Training
www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-teacher-training

Aerial Silks Online Tutorial Library: www.embodiedaerial.com/aerial-silks-online
Strength Programs - www.embodiedaerial.com/strength
Cello Intro & Outro Music by Shaun Diaz