Pre-Requisites & Audition Requirements

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Audition Process

We cover a lot of skills in our courses! To prevent injury and inspire physical longevity we encourage you to develop foundational strength, body awareness and technique before attending our course. Therefore, we require all participants to pass an audition process to be eligible to attend.

If you are unable to complete the audition pre-requisite skills with proper form and alignment, you will be given specific feedback and allowed one refilm submission. If you are still unable to pass the audition process you will be welcome to re-apply for a future training.

Prerequisites

Level 1 Silks, Trapeze, Lyra & Rope

– At least one year of aerial experience on the apparatus of the training you are applying for
– Audition Video

Level 2 in Silks, Trapeze, Lyra & Rope

– Must have completed preceding levels (apparatus specific) with Paper Doll Militia or another approved provider
-Audition video

Audition Video Requirements

*All audition videos should be filmed with safe rigging and a crash pad of at least 4 in / 10 cm for level 1 trainings & 6 in / 15 cm for level 2 and above
**Please note that each skill doesn’t not have to be done in succession, they can be filmed separately from one another.

Level 1 Silks Skills

Video of Audition Silks for Silks
1 climb – Standard or Russian (both sides)
Foot lock (from a climb – both sides)
3 Foot Lock skills of your choice (can be all on one side)
Straddle invert from a climb (both sides)

Level 1 Rope Skills (Full Course or Rope Fast Track)

Video of Audition Skills for Rope
Straight Arm Hang for 20 Seconds
Straddle invert from a climb (both sides)
Windmill Hip Key from the Ground both sides
3 Foot Lock skills of your choice (can be all on one side)
Bell Beats
Front Back Pike Beats

Level 1 Trapeze Skills

Video of Audition Skills
Tuck or Straddle Invert under the bar
Knee Hang
3 second Tuck hold in the ropes (upright – not inverted)
5 beginner skills of your choice

Level 1 Lyra Skills

Video of Audition Skills
Tuck or Straddle invert under the bar
Tuck under the top bar to knee hang
Knee hang top bar and back to sitting
Full dead hang from top bar and pull up to sitting (no tempo)
5 beginner skills of your choice

Level 2 Silks Skills

Video of Audition Skills
Windmill Hip Key from bent arms from a climb (Both sides)
Same side wrap on both sides (catchers) from bent arms from a climb
Cross back straddle (from any type of foot lock)
3 egg rolls (split silks tuck inversion)
3 beginner / intermediate skills of your choice

Level 2 Rope Skills

Windmill hipkey from bent arms from a climb (both sides)
Same side wrap / “Catchers” from bent arms from a climb (both sides)
30 second straight arm hang (2 sets – switch the hand that’s on top)
Bell Beats
Turn Pike beats

Level 2 Lyra Skills

Video of Audition Skills
Pullover to Front Balance
Front Balance hold 15 sec
Pike Beat to Tuck Under Top Bar
Ankle Hang
Single Knee hang on bottom bar
5 intermediate skills of your choice

Level 2 Trapeze Skills

Video of Audition Skills
Pullover to Front Balance
Front Balance hold 15 sec
Pike Beat to Tuck Under the Bar
Double Ankle Hang
Single Knee hang
5 intermediate skills of your choice

Testimonials

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

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 found out about Paper Doll Militia from the Aerial ABC's videos on YouTube. The level one teacher training elaborated on these fundamental principles and taught us how to teach them. Rain and Sarah are skilled teachers and share their passion for the art freely. I will definitely continue to take their trainings and workshops in the future.... Read more

I found out about Paper Doll Militia from the Aerial ABC's videos on YouTube. The level one teacher training elaborated... Read more

-Ann Austin, California, 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

I'm really happy my aerial friends and I are now competent with valuable techniques. We are inspired to work on our aerial rudiments and grateful we can share aerial silks with the upmost safety in mind. It feels SO good to know how to teach aerial with structured confidence. Thank you, Paper Doll Militia, what a gift and honor you... Read more

I'm really happy my aerial friends and I are now competent with valuable techniques. We are inspired to work on... Read more

-Sharon Hammond, California, USA

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

The Paper Doll Militia Teacher training was amazing. Sarah and Rain have a solid understanding of the skills needed to develop beginning aerial students. There communication with each other and the students was highly respectful and professional.... Read more

The Paper Doll Militia Teacher training was amazing. Sarah and Rain have a solid understanding of the skills needed to... Read more

-Sarah Steger, Michigan, USA

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

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, Michigan, USA

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

The feeling of learning, sharing and belonging was really strong and contributed to make the course a really meaningful experience. The way the sessions were managed totally contributed to that achievement. Looking forward to the next one!!... Read more

The feeling of learning, sharing and belonging was really strong and contributed to make the course a really meaningful experience.... Read more

-Eloisa Monteoliva, Scotland, UK

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 Seen, Tennessee, 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, Ohio, 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