Finding My Teaching Voice In The Air

When I started my aerial journey nearly six years ago, I had never been regularly active, and I couldn't get past my knees when trying to touch my toes. If someone had told me that I'd be performing aerial in three years and teaching it in six, I never would've believed them. But here I am!

Aerial Teacher Training at Flying Fantastic reminded me why I've kept coming back to aerial again and again: this truly is for everyone. From the first session, the focus was on how to make aerial as inclusive and supportive as possible.  We were even given modifications of moves for different bodies and learning styles, which was incredibly helpful.  By the end of the training, my arms were jelly and my brain was buzzing — but I felt empowered with the knowledge and tools to help bring aerial arts to anyone who wants it. This had me thinking about the person I was when I first started aerial, and how I could include that version of me in one of my own classes.  I would make sure they understood that while I can do a lot now, that wasn’t always the case.  I would reassure them that flexibility isn’t a prerequisite by including a lot of fun and interesting moves that have nothing to do with doing the splits.  

From day one, we were encouraged to step outside our comfort zones — always with the greatest care and attention. It was such a safe space to learn, experiment, and figure things out. Each day would start with a check in about how we were feeling.  We took turns leading fun warm up activities, and then it was on to training.  For the rest of the day, we learned the important details of beginner moves across multiple apparatuses, and how to keep our students safe and comfortable.   Our instructors, Joel and Edel, were incredible. They instilled confidence in us to make decisions and trust the instincts we've honed over years of our own training. Between Joel's candid wisdom and Edel's attentive feedback, we were able to find our own teaching voices — and have fun doing it. I think I would describe my teaching voice as warm, reassuring, and sincerely supportive.  I love making sure that the people I’m teaching are safe to get it wrong before they have everything figured out. 

I used to think of teaching as simply passing down technique, but now I see it as creating space for anyone — truly anyone — to explore their own relationship to movement. I feel honored to help guide people through that process. 

The training genuinely surprised me with how much it was able to consider all different types of students AND teachers, and how much it emphasized how much we need to care for ourselves as we are taking on this new role.  My favorite part of the training was how much my knowledge and confidence improved once I was able to play out scenarios for spotting students and plan my lessons in ways that really supported the learners.  

If you've ever thought about expanding your aerial practice into the realm of teaching, I can't recommend Flying Fantastic enough. It's not just about building skills — it's about finding your teaching voice and gaining the knowledge to make aerial accessible to everyone.

- Olivia