Well, Dear Dangler, I’m so glad you asked! As you can imagine, it’s not a simple answer, but good news – it’s not astrophysics either. So many new instructors think it’s just about turning a lot of tricks, which makes seasoned veterans a little lot grumpy. There’s a bit more to it!

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be addressing each area in a series of blog posts. The main goal is to spark reflection and conversation, and point us all in the direction of resources that can shore up our weak spots (and make no mistake – there’s not a teacher alive that has no weak spots). Today’s list is not meant to be exhaustive, but more of an outline of what we’ll be jumping into. I can’t wait!

Core Areas of Competency in Aerial Instruction

For the purposes of the blog, I’ve narrowed it down to the following areas, listed in no particular order. Imagine a pie chart, in which each piece is essential and delicious. Mmmmm….pie…. This is geared towards individual aerial teachers and those hired by studios, as opposed to the studios themselves (for a great list of standards & guidelines for studios from ACE, click here). Again – this is a general outline, not a curriculum, hold your emails for the moment.

1. Aerial skills
   1. Proficiency on the apparatus being taught
   2. Understanding of essential technique
2. Rigging
   1. Basics (can identify equipment & it’s proper use, understands common rigging terms such as bridle, basket, choke, etc., can tie common knots such as the bowline and figure 8, etc.)
   2. Equipment maintenance & inspection, keeps a rigging inspection log
   3. Standards in place for retiring equipment
   4. Understanding of how shockloads in dynamic movements affect the body
3. Spotting & Safety
   1. Comfortable with a variety of hands-on spotting methods to use as needed
   2. Understands and informs students of contraindications for moves
   3. Solid base in injury prevention for the chosen apparatus
   4. Certified in First Aid/CPR
   5. Utilizes appropriate matting
   6. Has a student rescue plan and an emergency plan in place for each space in which they teach
   7. Upholds a set student/teacher ratio, particularly in regards to situations involving hands-on spotting
   8. Has aerial teaching insurance if not teaching through (and covered by) a studio
   9. Understands and enforces the space needed for the execution of moves (minimum/maximum height, area around apparatus)
   10. Requires students to sign a waiver, and ensures that they are well-informed as to the risks involved in aerial work.
   11. Pursues an environment & culture of safety.
4. Communication & Environment 
   1. Strong verbal cuing skills
   2. Consistently conveys authority, and enforces risk/behavioral agreements with students
   3. Comfortable advocating for student safety
   4. Nurtures and strives to create an atmosphere conducive to learning
   5. Has and upholds a strong policy on substance use/abuse
   6. Clearly communicates boundaries and expectations when teaching a new skill
5. Pedagogy & Methodology
   1. Employs a well-thought-out curriculum
   2. Teaches established, commonsense progressions
   3. Has a written mission statement or teaching philosophy
   4. Consistent evaluation of new and continuing students
6. Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, & Continuing Education
   1. Has a good understanding of basic anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology (what it is, what it does, and how it moves)
   2. Actively pursues continuing education in related areas

Where to Next?

ACTION STEP – check out the ACE Safety Program, and, if you meet the criteria, get the process started! If you don’t meet the criteria, start addressing that. For the record, I am not affiliated with ACE, just a member. But I DO think that the safety program is a phenomenal step in getting the aerial community on the same page, and hey – there’s power (and influence) in numbers. If you do nothing else, read their Circus Arts Program Guidelines; they are incredibly comprehensive, and well worth a read.

If you’re a well-established teacher, let’s also take this opportunity to review our practices & procedures, identify areas that need improvement, and get on that! I will be spending the next few months working on my verbal cuing, and brushing up on my anatomy. What area will you be working on? Comment below! Love and pull-ups, Laura

HUGE thanks to Bev Sobelman and Liz Cooper who are (very patiently) allowing me to bounce ideas off them, and kind enough to offer their wisdom and insight! It takes a village, friends. 

As always, if you like this post, share it on your blog, the F-books, Twitter, and wherever else you crazy kids are sharing things these days.