Aerial Arts Instructor Certification | Born To Fly

Paper Doll Militia’s Level One Teacher Training provides a solid foundation for teaching. The anatomy, injury-prevention, classroom management and safety components of the course are essential and should be benchmarks of understanding before entering the industry. The curriculum teaches accessible progressions and engages trainees in understanding not just how specific skills can be broken down, but why they’re broken down... Read more

Paper Doll Militia’s Level One Teacher Training provides a solid foundation for teaching. The anatomy, injury-prevention, classroom management and safety... Read more

-Lynsey Grace Wyatt – Cirqulation, Roanoke, VA, USA

What I appreciated most about Paper Doll Militia’s level 1 silks teacher training program is the values behind the instruction and curriculum. PDM’s level 1 silks curriculum sets aerial students up for success with proper technique and building the strength they need, while allowing for creativity in the classroom and the development of creative skills.... Read more

What I appreciated most about Paper Doll Militia’s level 1 silks teacher training program is the values behind the instruction... Read more

-Victoria Looker – Canada

In my aerial training i didnt realize i was missing the basics until i began my PaperDoll Journey. This course helped me in developing healthy habits with a better understanding of technique and I learned how to approach progressing students while avoiding injuries. It wasnt until i began our reading material that i realized how young of a sport this... Read more

In my aerial training i didnt realize i was missing the basics until i began my PaperDoll Journey. This course... Read more

-Sarahi Garcia – Oldenburg, Germany

The course is really well structured, the fact that it's online takes nothing away from its value. We were given a lot of material to study that will stay with us forever as well as all the tools to deepen our knowledge.The instructors were amazing, each one of them dedicated to one section of the course. They have been patient,... Read more

The course is really well structured, the fact that it's online takes nothing away from its value. We were given... Read more

-Valentina Flammini – Rieti, Italy

If your thinking about doing this course, just do it. You won't regret it. I have been teaching for 3+ years and thought I'd try it out for some new tips and have come away with a whole new approach to teaching. 5 stars course and great teachers to work with.... Read more

If your thinking about doing this course, just do it. You won't regret it. I have been teaching for 3+... Read more

-Brendan Greville, England, UK

Teacher Training absolutely changed me! I walked in fully prepared to attend training that just taught me how to spot students and let that be that. However, I walked away from training with so many new perspectives. Rain and Lena broke down every single aspect of teaching in a practical way so that we as participants could gain a better... Read more

Teacher Training absolutely changed me! I walked in fully prepared to attend training that just taught me how to spot... Read more

-Courtney Hedges, USA

I completed this course having no aerial teaching experience, and it has given me the tools needed to start my journey as an instructor. This course was so detailed, and the team at PDM is so kind and helpful. The knowledge I gained was not only beneficial for my future teaching practice, but also for my own training. I highly... Read more

I completed this course having no aerial teaching experience, and it has given me the tools needed to start my... Read more

-Moriah Gorton, NC, USA

The Paper Doll Militia Level 1 Silks Teacher Training was my introduction to teaching. After taking their training, I got my first job teaching aerial silks, and started my own silks program at another gym space. The introductory level of the program I started is based 100% on the skills presented in Paper Doll Militia's training. The feedback I received... Read more

The Paper Doll Militia Level 1 Silks Teacher Training was my introduction to teaching. After taking their training, I got... Read more

-Courtney Harman, Columbia, MD, USA

This was truly the best training I have ever received. From start to finish, it was organized, easy to follow, extremely clear as to what was expected, easy to ask questions and request information, very thorough and positive feedback given on all assignments, and the teachers were all so nice and welcoming! They WANT you to succeed and are so... Read more

This was truly the best training I have ever received. From start to finish, it was organized, easy to follow,... Read more

-Lindsay Shukosky, Washington DC, USA

The 5-day teacher training programme was in itself an example of how to teach a programme comprehensively and professionally. I really enjoyed the combination of hands-on physical activities, the very valuable demonstrations and tips and practice in large and small groups with group discussions about the very relevant issues addressed -skills, spotting techniques, safety, rigging, anatomy, creativity, progression, motivation, teaching... Read more

The 5-day teacher training programme was in itself an example of how to teach a programme comprehensively and professionally. I... Read more

-Eloisa Monteoliva, Edinburgh UK

This training was far beyond my expectations for a teacher training!!! Not only was there careful thought put into each segment of this training that I had never seen applied just to aerial hoop, but there was also a great collaborative and creative environment established that really helped round out the training in such a positive way! I can't wait... Read more

This training was far beyond my expectations for a teacher training!!! Not only was there careful thought put into each... Read more

-Samantha Hancock, USA

This is the most legit aerial school that I have found. I just finished my second remote training with them. They are professional and throughout in each aspect. I am satisfied with my experience in relation to content, covered areas, as well as customer service. The course doesn't leave areas uncovered: Rigging, Anatomy, Safety, Class Management, Teaching Methodology. The tutorial... Read more

This is the most legit aerial school that I have found. I just finished my second remote training with them.... Read more

-Natalia Lingerfelt (Oviedo Fierro), Raleigh, NC, USA

A brilliant, in-depth and comprehensive course on teaching aerial safely and knowledgeably. If everyone who wanted to become teachers and current teachers took this course the aerial world would be in a much better and safer place!... Read more

A brilliant, in-depth and comprehensive course on teaching aerial safely and knowledgeably. If everyone who wanted to become teachers and... Read more

-Tree Stewart, Sky High Arts, St. Ives, UK

This is such a fun and thorough training! Even teachers with years of experience can benefit from participating. The information presented is the most current and the time allowed for practical application is invaluable.... Read more

This is such a fun and thorough training! Even teachers with years of experience can benefit from participating. The information... Read more

-Sara Duhaime, USA

I very much enjoyed learning from two of my favorite aerialists. Your knowledge base is clear and enthusiasm for teaching is so great to see. The group was very supportive and I enjoyed networking with them and feeling like a part of an aerial community.... Read more

I very much enjoyed learning from two of my favorite aerialists. Your knowledge base is clear and enthusiasm for teaching... Read more

-Julie Knoxville, TN, USA

Sarah is very knowledgeable and patient. It was a joy to have her as a teacher for an entire week. Her extensive experience teaching aerials reflects in her expertise in breaking down fundamental skills to chunks that are easily accessible for students of different levels. This will definitely help me to develop a curriculum that allows students to progress in... Read more

Sarah is very knowledgeable and patient. It was a joy to have her as a teacher for an entire week.... Read more

-Judith ter Vrugte, Aerial Academics, The Netherlands

If I had known how incredibly helpful to my teaching practice this would be, I would have done it months ago. To go through that level of technique helped my own practice and has already made a massive difference to my students.... Read more

If I had known how incredibly helpful to my teaching practice this would be, I would have done it months... Read more

-Rebecca Solomon, England UK

I am so glad I took the Paper Doll Milita in person training: I feel different having had this experience: I have so many wonderful techniques to be a better teacher and human! I loved the structure of the course, the teacher, the delivery, the location... and also how I feel in myself after it! I am so grateful!... Read more

I am so glad I took the Paper Doll Milita in person training: I feel different having had this experience:... Read more

-Ella Peck Mesma, Bristol, UK

As a performer seeking to expand into aerial instruction, this class provided me with the knowledge, language, and tools to be able to effectively teach Level 1 students. The Paper Doll Militia approach to teacher training is engaging, interactive, community building, and comprehensive. I can't believe how much we were able to accomplish during our training!... Read more

As a performer seeking to expand into aerial instruction, this class provided me with the knowledge, language, and tools to... Read more

-Gretchen Siegfried, Columbus, OH, USA

The teaching course was a good overview of all the things I needed to properly instruct a beginners silk or trapeze class. It especially re-enforced the importance of having a good warm-up, conditioning, and cool down. Most importantly, to be encouraging, adaptable, and prepared. I felt that after taking this course I can be a better instructor to my students.... Read more

The teaching course was a good overview of all the things I needed to properly instruct a beginners silk or... Read more

-Soo K. Hom, USA

Highly recommend this course to anyone, from brand new teachers to those who have been teaching for years. The course is really well thought out and provides great fundamental training required for an aerial silks instructor. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on work such as spotting techniques and skills breakdown and the use of hammock knots to really prepare students.... Read more

Highly recommend this course to anyone, from brand new teachers to those who have been teaching for years. The course... Read more

-Yulia Borodin, Christchurch, New Zealand

Paper Doll Militia’s in-person teacher training was everything I could have asked for and more. There is such a unique art to teaching that is relevant to all aspects of an aerial career, and this program is run by true professionals. I found myself inspired, awed, challenged, and humbled in the best of ways. All in all, I am so... Read more

Paper Doll Militia’s in-person teacher training was everything I could have asked for and more. There is such a unique... Read more

-Julia Romanelli, Springfield, OR, USA

Working with the Dolls has been a dream! They've built a creative and safe space that hones in on the essentials to help grow as a teacher and an aerialist.... Read more

Working with the Dolls has been a dream! They've built a creative and safe space that hones in on the... Read more

-Sam Copus, Alexandria, IN, USA

Rain is an amazing resource for any aerial teacher at any level of their career. Her lessons teach safe and effective techniques for building progressive curriculum. She is also a wonderful human and I loved spending the week with her! Thank you!... Read more

Rain is an amazing resource for any aerial teacher at any level of their career. Her lessons teach safe and... Read more

-Erin Garber-Pearson, USA

The Paper Doll Militia Teacher Training helped me identify who I want to be as a teacher. It freed me from teaching only what I had been exposed to, adding a depth of knowledge that allowed me to make the classes my own, and feel confident in doing so... Read more

The Paper Doll Militia Teacher Training helped me identify who I want to be as a teacher. It freed me... Read more

-Barbra Kenyon, USA

I got so much more out of the teacher training (in-person) than I ever expected to have. I feel as if I have a new perspective and new ideas to present in teaching my classes, as well as a more concise and kinesthetic approach to cueing students. I am so glad that I decided to do an in-person training with... Read more

I got so much more out of the teacher training (in-person) than I ever expected to have. I feel as... Read more

-Heather Meyer, Queens, NY, USA

As an educator first and an aerialist second, this course was extremely well executed with great content. There was a wealth of content as well as pedagogy (how to teach) throughout and it was clear in what the objective was for each week, call, and activity. PDM takes great care and shows immense passion for training high level silks instructors... Read more

As an educator first and an aerialist second, this course was extremely well executed with great content. There was a... Read more

-Maggie Ochsner, Cincinnati, OH, USA

This program helped both physically and fundamentally! I got to learn how the body moves and then apply it first hand. The teachers work with you to figure out struggle points in a way that benefits you the most and we're always willing to help however they could. I highly recommend this course if you want a better understanding of... Read more

This program helped both physically and fundamentally! I got to learn how the body moves and then apply it first... Read more

-Avi Spellman, Spokane, WA, USA

I am glad to have the opportunity to take this Level 2 teacher training. The wealth of information presented further reinforce to me that teaching is not just about providing instructions to teach a skill to the the student. It is learning that each student is unique and we as a teacher need to have the with tools (drills, conditioning,... Read more

I am glad to have the opportunity to take this Level 2 teacher training. The wealth of information presented further... Read more

-Soo K Hom, USA

I have been teaching aerial silks for almost a decade and still learned so much from the PDM's teacher training. There was such a wealth of information across every relevant topic (skills, spotting, anatomy, class management, rigging) that I came away really feeling like my breadth of knowledge had expanded. I wasn't sure how valuable the course would be for... Read more

I have been teaching aerial silks for almost a decade and still learned so much from the PDM's teacher training.... Read more

-Angela Chu, Seattle, USA

Rain is an amazing resource for any aerial teacher at any level of their career. Her lessons teach safe and effective techniques for building progressive curriculum. She is also a wonderful human and I loved spending the week with her! Thank you!... Read more

Rain is an amazing resource for any aerial teacher at any level of their career. Her lessons teach safe and... Read more

-Erin Garber-Pearson, USA

I am thrilled with how much I got out of the Silks Level 1 teacher training, even as an experienced coach. In addition to catching us up on "industry standard" skills training, and spotting, it is so wonderful to bond with others in the community and share experiences and ideas. The Paper Doll Militia resources are fab, and I would... Read more

I am thrilled with how much I got out of the Silks Level 1 teacher training, even as an experienced... Read more

-Kay Stanton, Canopy Studio, Athens, GA

This course was very valuable for me in my future goals of teaching aerials. Though I have been teaching dance and fitness for years this is a new area for me and I really needed the course to remind me of the knowledge I already have and to educate me on the fundamentals for teaching the aerial portion effectively and... Read more

This course was very valuable for me in my future goals of teaching aerials. Though I have been teaching dance... Read more

-Beverly Gardner, Regina, Canada

Paper Doll Militia's level 1 aerial teaching course was fantastic and extremely valuable. The whole PDM team was knowledgeable, professional, supportive and responsive to feedback. Besides grounding me in anatomy, safety, pedagogy, warmups, spotting and rigging, it also allowed me to review and consolidate my technique in many basic skills that I would teach in a level 1 class. Their... Read more

Paper Doll Militia's level 1 aerial teaching course was fantastic and extremely valuable. The whole PDM team was knowledgeable, professional,... Read more

-Andy Wang – Toronto, Canada

Paperdoll Militia's Silks Level 1 Teacher Training Certificate Program was one of several preparation programs I participated in at the very start of my aerial teaching career. It was incredibly valuable- I entered teaching feeling more confident in my abilities and more ready for all the unpredictabilities of teaching than I had felt before taking the course. Now, years later,... Read more

Paperdoll Militia's Silks Level 1 Teacher Training Certificate Program was one of several preparation programs I participated in at the... Read more

-Jen Ryan, Seattle, WA, USA

Paper Doll Militia’s teacher training is a wonderfully thorough course with very knowledgeable instructors that focus on building foundational technique. I highly recommend this course, not only for someone beginning their aerial teaching journey, but also to improve on personal aerial skills.... Read more

Paper Doll Militia’s teacher training is a wonderfully thorough course with very knowledgeable instructors that focus on building foundational technique.... Read more

-Jenny Fang – Orange County, CA, USA

I cannot recommend Paper Doll Militia Teacher Training enough. It is thorough and very well designed and Rain created a warm, welcoming environment for every student. I left feeling inspired, prepared and armed with a multitude of resources to assist me on my aerial journey.... Read more

I cannot recommend Paper Doll Militia Teacher Training enough. It is thorough and very well designed and Rain created a... Read more

-Christina Llames, USA

I’ve taken four PDM teacher trainings. After the first two, I opened Aerial Ambition, an aerial silks & lyra training company. Each class I progressed as an aerialist from all of the feedback on the required skills. More importantly, I learned how to structure a class for both children and adults, how to break down and modify moves to make... Read more

I’ve taken four PDM teacher trainings. After the first two, I opened Aerial Ambition, an aerial silks & lyra training... Read more

-Amanda Box, Greenville, SC, USA

This course was fantastic! I learned how to break down skills into their separate components and how to identify what needs to happen at each point. I could immediately apply this to my own practice as well as the beginner classes at my studio. I feel more confident in my ability as an instructor, and I am excited to apply... Read more

This course was fantastic! I learned how to break down skills into their separate components and how to identify what... Read more

-Shannon Sinclair – Cincinnati, OH, USA

It’s easy to feel disconnected from the very basics of aerial arts when you’ve reached a level in your own training where it’s appropriate to begin teaching. Paper Doll Militia’s teacher training takes you on a deep dive into the aerial ABCs, showing that not only can you always be fine-tuning your foundation, but it can be fun and interesting... Read more

It’s easy to feel disconnected from the very basics of aerial arts when you’ve reached a level in your own... Read more

-Jenny Tufts, Sligo, Ireland

The paper doll militia training has been very helpful to my practice overall. They have provided many great resources and information about, rigging, how to teach, proper technique, etc. Everyone that I got to work with and alongside during this training has been absolutely wonderful and very kind. Everyone has been very collaborative and has provided a great feedback and... Read more

The paper doll militia training has been very helpful to my practice overall. They have provided many great resources and... Read more

-Makenzie Duncan – Indianapolis, IN, USA

The Remote Teacher Training Course is amazing. It's very complete, covering aspects like anatomy, technique, ethics, safety, rigging, creativity. The instructions provided are clear and easy to follow, the feedbacks about my videos assignments were so useful, teaching many things. What I've learned from the course I have already started to use in my practice as teacher and for my... Read more

The Remote Teacher Training Course is amazing. It's very complete, covering aspects like anatomy, technique, ethics, safety, rigging, creativity. The... Read more

-Luana Mendes Policiano da Silva, São Paulo, Brazil

The Paper Doll Militia teacher training was thoughtful, informative, well-designed, and above all- inspiring! I left feeling motivated and more determined than ever to continue along the path to becoming an aerial instructor. Thank you so much, Rain and Lena!... Read more

The Paper Doll Militia teacher training was thoughtful, informative, well-designed, and above all- inspiring! I left feeling motivated and more... Read more

-Jen Ryan, USA

Since I have “seen” you last virtually, which I believe was your first online teacher training- I have made leaps towards my aerial career! After completing teacher training with you, I had the confidence to apply to studios nearby and moved up rather quickly in my position. I started off as a coach at VITAL in socal, and within a... Read more

Since I have “seen” you last virtually, which I believe was your first online teacher training- I have made leaps... Read more

-Hannah Tuxbury, Oceanside, CA, USA

I had the pleasure of participating in Paper Doll Militia's Level 1 Silks Teacher Training Beta Course. The thought put into this course is astounding. Each instructor showed up each weekend with the intention of sharing their years of knowledge and hard work with the students and gave us a positive and safe space to grow. The material that was... Read more

I had the pleasure of participating in Paper Doll Militia's Level 1 Silks Teacher Training Beta Course. The thought put... Read more

-Amber Land, USA

This program gives great information on all the big topics for level 1 teachers to better understand and help their students on their aerial journeys. I was happy to bring home lots of super helpful tips and techniques that I know my students (and myself) will really benefit from. The discussions with other teachers and insight from Rain and Sarah... Read more

This program gives great information on all the big topics for level 1 teachers to better understand and help their... Read more

-Cheryl Willard, USA

Amazing course! Not only learned how to instruct.. Learned so much about myself, my own training and habits. Realized I could do more than I knew and to have more confidence in my own abilities.... Read more

Amazing course! Not only learned how to instruct.. Learned so much about myself, my own training and habits. Realized I... Read more

-Susan Lowery, Washington D.C., USA

Rain, Sarah and Lena were a wonderful team. They showed enthusiasm and professionalism in every step of their training. I learned a foundation to build my own aerial teaching practice in a solid and constructive manner. I learned so many useful teaching tools, that make my life easier as an instructor, challenge me to grow professionally, and help my students... Read more

Rain, Sarah and Lena were a wonderful team. They showed enthusiasm and professionalism in every step of their training. I... Read more

-Joanie Garcia, California USA

I highly recommend Paper Doll Militia's Level 1 Aerial Teacher Training Program to teachers of any level. Whether you are just getting started or have been teaching for years I think there is a lot to be gained here. Rain and Sarah have such a broad background from 10 years of traveling and teaching internationally. The attention to safety as... Read more

I highly recommend Paper Doll Militia's Level 1 Aerial Teacher Training Program to teachers of any level. Whether you are... Read more

-Constance Echo Palmer, Atlanta, GA

This teacher training workshop provides excellent fundamental training both in terms of aerial skills coaching and classroom management technique for adult classrooms. These basic teaching tools should be standardized throughout aerial schools worldwide.... Read more

This teacher training workshop provides excellent fundamental training both in terms of aerial skills coaching and classroom management technique for... Read more

-Abigail Baird, California USA

The course was extremely well thought out. Sarah and Rain were so well in tune with each other that every session went by smoothly and efficiently. They were so welcoming and approached every topic with great enthusiasm so I was always eager to listen and ready to participate. I am so grateful to have been a part of the course,... Read more

The course was extremely well thought out. Sarah and Rain were so well in tune with each other that every... Read more

-Stephen Armour, Scotland, UK

This program is exciting, fun, and engaging. It opened my eyes to new invigorating methods as a teacher and circus artist.... Read more

This program is exciting, fun, and engaging. It opened my eyes to new invigorating methods as a teacher and circus... Read more

-Chloe Stevenson, Michigan, USA

Rain and Jessica are both inspiration aerialists and I loved being able to learn from them in such a creative and welcoming environment. In the 5 days of training, I felt ten times more confident than when I started. I can't wait to take Level 2!... Read more

Rain and Jessica are both inspiration aerialists and I loved being able to learn from them in such a creative... Read more

-Taylor Reeve, Wisconsin, USA

If your aim is to become a complete and well rounded aerial teacher, this is the course for you! Sarah presents all of the course material in a clear, engaging and thoroughly entertaining manner. The course covers both practical aerial work and theory, with discussions, demonstrations and practice. No matter what stage you're at in your teaching practice, there are... Read more

If your aim is to become a complete and well rounded aerial teacher, this is the course for you! Sarah... Read more

-Sharon Hughes, UK

Thank you Rain and Paper Doll Militia! The training was extremely well organized and created a fun learning environment with the perfect mix of teaching and technique. I cannot wait to do another!!... Read more

Thank you Rain and Paper Doll Militia! The training was extremely well organized and created a fun learning environment with... Read more

-Christal Washer, Ottawa, Ontario

I discovered my personal weaknesses and had time to work on them in order to make myself better! I feel like I gained more experience as I shared info with others and had time to go back to basics and clear my lines as well! The program was absolutely amazing!... Read more

I discovered my personal weaknesses and had time to work on them in order to make myself better! I feel... Read more

-Elsie Liontou, Scotland, UK

This program helped me reassess how I learn and understand aerial, and it helped me build up confidence in myself and my practice. As a newcomer to the teaching side of aerial the content in the program was of great value to me. This was further complimented by working with the other students who had previous experience in teaching. I... Read more

This program helped me reassess how I learn and understand aerial, and it helped me build up confidence in myself... Read more

-Luci Wallace, Scotland, UK

Teacher Training with Paper Doll Militia is an invaluable experience. The information shared at these trainings gives everyone involved a deeper level of understanding on how to be a good teacher, not just the ability to successfully do and model skills. Being an exceptional teacher is very complex, and this training hits all components of becoming a very well-rounded aerial... Read more

Teacher Training with Paper Doll Militia is an invaluable experience. The information shared at these trainings gives everyone involved a... Read more

-Jessica Johnson, Kentucky, USA

The opportunity to meet such an amazing bunch of open hearted and talented people at the same time being taught by such talented and giving artists left my heart full, my body tired and my desire to know more pushing me forward. I felt that what I received from this training was so much more than I ever expected!... Read more

The opportunity to meet such an amazing bunch of open hearted and talented people at the same time being taught... Read more

-Suzanne Zigler, Atlanta, GA

I am so thrilled to have taken this teacher training. I've done a lot of different trainings for various things in my life, but not once did I feel as excited and ready to apply what I learned as I did upon completing this one. It was incredibly comprehensive, and exceeded my expectations. Sarah and Rain are amazing, inspired facilitators... Read more

I am so thrilled to have taken this teacher training. I've done a lot of different trainings for various things... Read more

-Elizabeth Ferretti, South Carolina, USA

This is an amazing program run by the incredible Paper Dolls! I highly recommend this program to anyone who would like to be an aerial arts teacher or even a professional performer. You will be left inspired.... Read more

This is an amazing program run by the incredible Paper Dolls! I highly recommend this program to anyone who would... Read more

-Tara-lee MacArthur, Townsville, AUS

I thoroughly enjoyed the Paper Doll Militia teacher training course. The value it's given me will change me forever and has given me many tools in my toolbox how to approach teaching students using teaching methods. I also enjoyed sharing ideas and the practical training with aerialist who are just as passionate about aerial, learning and teaching as me. Thank... Read more

I thoroughly enjoyed the Paper Doll Militia teacher training course. The value it's given me will change me forever and... Read more

-Carlie Thompson, England, UK

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