Aerial Silks Teacher Training

My Aerial Silks Teacher Training Project has been underway since June 2014, I need to further my knowledge as an Aerial Silks teacher to bring a high quality of teaching back to New Zealand. By completing this program I will gain certification and credibility within the Industry.

New Zealand does not offer any Aerial Silks Teacher training and through extensive research I have concluded that the Nimble Arts� Teacher Certification Program created in 2003 and offered by NECCA in the USA is most suited to the New Zealand Aerial environment.

The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) is a not for profit circus school based in Brattleboro, VT. It was founded in 2007 to offer people of all ages and abilities a unique opportunity to experience the magical & captivating world of circus arts.

The course includes teaching skill progressions for beginning tricks on aerial fabric, segments on learning styles, spotting techniques, injury prevention, basic rigging concepts, equipment maintenance, and class management skills. There is also a prep DVD in which the moves must be learnt prior to the course.

This program is run by Directors Elsie Smith & Serenity Smith Forchion, identical twins specialising in aerial acrobatics. Their teaching & performing backgrounds include a 4 year tour on Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco.

I will get to meet and collaborate with the Directors and Instructors at NECCA to run the exact same Aerial Teacher Training course here in Auckland from Monday 13th - 17th July 2015. I want to improve the quality of teaching here in New Zealand to ensure safety, confidence and correct technique. This will be a first for New Zealand.

Here is a link to their website where they are promoting the course in New Zealand.

http://necenterforcircusarts.org/learn/professionaldevelo/teachertraining/introteach/

I have only been to the USA once before, Los Angeles on my way to London for my OE. Brattleboro looks very quaint!

"Brattleboro is named one of the top ten small art towns in the country, Brattleboro's downtown is packed with coffee shops, bookstores, and art galleries. Over the course of a year, the town hosts world class jazz concerts, film festivals, and theater companies."

I have booked and paid for the course, what I need help in is some additional funding for my travel costs including flights and accommodation.  Your contribution to my project will be hugely appreciated whether it be large or small.  I will be keeping you up-to-date on my progress leading up to the course and when I am there.

Upon my return I will be inviting you all to an open aerial silks session where you can participate or just watch a performance and some of my teaching techniques I have learnt. I will be recording this if you aren't in Auckland to share!

I have also just been selected to compete in the rising all stars Aerial Silks competition in Melbourne on March 20th. If you want to see how I do please follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

I am ultra-passionate about the Aerial Arts and all it encompasses. It not only teaches outer strength but inner strength too. Students face a lot of emotions whilst learning and I want to be by their sides when they face their fears and for them to build increased trust in me as a teacher.

My end goal is to become a better Aerial Silks teacher by improving technique and safety for my current students and to provide Aerial Silks classes around New Zealand. I have a mission to inspire all New Zealander's through this incredible art form and that we are capable of great achievements when we set our minds to it.

www.aracnation.co.nz