10/28/2026
Aerial Arts might be centuries old as an art form, but the accessibility and common practice is very very new as a sport. So new, there is no standard way to teach it.
Gymnastics is standardized by the rules for the Olympics. Ballet is standardized by the old, classical schools of tradition. Aerial may be highly influenced by the gold standard, Cirque du Soleil, but there's truly no set curriculum or way to teach aerial arts.
There are many gifted Aerialists around the world crafting the pedagogy of aerial, and I am humbled to be a part of that movement.
I utilize my background in classical voice, the traditional music educators like Kodaly, Orff, Suzuki, and Dalcroze (whom I studied in my college days), child-centered educators like Maria Montessori and Charlotte Mason, and I mix that together with my background in exercise science and hyper focus on youth issues in exercise science.
AerFire youth curriculum is the culmination of techniques in how children learn and what is healthy for children's bodies. I have learned that it takes both of those things to make a safe and effective aerial class for kids. Knowing how to do the aerial skills isn't enough. You have to be practiced and skilled in the art of teaching children.
I have found, personally, that there is a philosophical parallel between vocal technique and aerial technique. It's all physical conditioning that must be controlled in high stress situations. Learning to access your skill under pressure is a skill, in and of itself. Creating the atmosphere where kids feel comfy to learn that level of self-mastery is the unique secret recipe of AerFire.
"Nothing bad happens if you make a mistake." Is something I say frequently. This is the opposite of what they hear in most classes. But it's vital for giving children the confidence to make fun, safe, creative choices. In aerial, as in life.
The goal is always "age 18, no significant injury, gained the knowledge and wisdom to train their own body for whatever hobby and careers they choose."
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The aerial dolls are a fun tool. The kids practice wraps and pathways. They make the dolls do all the skills I forbid for real, human children. 🫣 They pretend they are the teacher and ask the dolls if they need to fix their mat situation (these dolls have no mat...shame!!!😂)
*fun fact....footlocks in my beginners made significant strides after a week with these dolls in the classroom. They work. 🧠
I appreciate everyone who trusts me to teach you and your children aerial arts! You are a part of something really special! I'm convinced aerial creates brave, smart, strong people. It's a joy to watch our AerFire kids grow!!!
Paula
