Aerial Training Progression
& Requirements
Cloud 9 Aerial Dance 

Cloud 9 Prerequisites & Class Progression (FABRIC)

Every student progresses at their own pace. There is no set timeline for advancement, and students are encouraged to move forward only when they feel confident and consistent in their skills.  Growth in aerial is very individual, and building strength, control, and confidence safely is always the priority. These prerequisites are meant to guide readiness—not to rush progression.

Note: Students must know how to complete the skills properly before moving into the class, but they do not need to execute everything perfectly (yet!)

Intro to Aerial 

None! The focus is on foundational skills, basic climbs, wraps, body awareness, and building comfort in the air.

Continuing Intro to Aerial (AKA Continuing)

Students begin linking skills, improving strength and control, and working more independently in sequences with guidance.

• Regular and Russian Climb (½ way up, both sides)

• Regular Controlled Hand Under Hand Descent

• Upside Down Straddle (Supported) on Knot/Hammock

• Pull Over (from ground) to Hip Hang

• Wrist Locks: Inverted Tuck, Candle, Split

• Star (Crochet)

• Bird’s Nest (Sickle)

• Single Footlock (from ground), Passé and Lean

Level I

Students demonstrate consistent control of foundational skills, safe execution of sequences, and the ability to work more complex combinations with increased endurance and technique.

• Regular and Russian Climb (to top, both sides)

• Pull Over from Ground

• Single Footlock from Regular Climb

• Dancer’s Pose

• Double Footlock to Crossback Straddle

• Hip Key on Hammock + Hip Key from Ground + Hip Key from Russian Climb

• Straddle from Ground

• Straddle SSH to Catcher’s (1 knee wrap) from Ground

• Straddle SSH to Angel Slide Down from Ground

• Straddle OS Hook to Hip Key from Ground

• Straddle SS Hook to Thigh Hitch from Ground

• Flamenco Grip

• Backpack Set Up 

Level II

Students are comfortable with more dynamic movement, inversions, longer sequences, and refining technique, artistry, and performance quality.

• Regular Climb both sides without touching the mat (climb up 2x in a row)

• Russian Climb both sides without touching the mat (climb up 2x in a row)

• Flamenco Climb + Fancy Russian Climb (to top both sides)

• Bicycle Climb + Pendulum Climb (to top)

• Hip Key (regular) in the air

• Clean straddle in the air 2x in a row (switching sides)

• Straddle OS Hook to Hip Key

• Straddle SS Hook to Thigh Hitch

• Saltos (from Dancer’s Pose, Crossback Straddle, etc.)

• Triple Wraps (Single/Double)

• Double Dancer’s Footlocks / Eggbeaters

• Corkscrew, Backpack, Ginger Drop, Wheeldown