Mat Requirements (Remote Only)
Level 1 Minimum dimensions of crash mats:
Thickness: 4 inches / 10cm
Length of shortest side: 4 feet / 122cm
Level 2 Minimum dimensions of crash mats:
Thickness: 8 inches / 20cm
Length of shortest side: 4 feet / 122cm
Bed mattresses are not accepted as they are not designed for shock absorption.
Height Requirements (Remote Only)
Level 1 Minimum height required:
Level 1 Silks – 10 ft / 3 meters
Level 1 Rope – 15ft / 4.5meters
Level 1 Trapeze – Variable*absolute minimum 12ft / 3.8 meters
Level 1 Lyra – 12ft / 3.8 meters
Level 2 Minimum height required:
Level 2 Silks – 13ft / 4 meters
Level 2 Rope – 13ft / 4 meters
Level 2 Trapeze – Variable*absolute minimum 12ft / 3.8 meters
Level 2 Lyra – 12ft / 3.8 meters
* Minimum height for Level 1 & 2 Trapeze will depend on the length of your ropes. We have a method we use for shortening trapeze ropes, using a prusik knot. In this case the minimum height would be 12ft / 3.5 meters. This is safe for any trapeze without a steel or amstel core. If you have a trapeze with a core, and need to shorten your ropes for this program, please reach out to the manufacturer.
Audition Process (Remote & In-person)
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 (Remote & In-person)
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 (Remote & In-person)
All audition videos should be filmed with safe rigging and a crash pad. (see “mat requirements above”
Please note that each skill doesn’t not have to be done in succession, they can be filmed separately from one another.
We are assessing strength, ability, and technique. Please use your best form when completing these skills.
On all inverts try NOT to:
- Initiate with a beat or “jump” off the apparatus
- Tag your foot on the apparatus
Level 1 Silks Skills
| Climbs | Footlocks | Inverts | Skills |
| Climb the length of the silks | Footlock with silks together from a climb | Invert from a climb | 3 Footlock skills of your choice |
| Standard or Russian | Both sides | Silks together OR apart | Can be all on one side |
| Both sides | *Or Invert Alternative |
| *Invert Alternative |
| 5 second bent arm hang & Negative invert • Hold the top of the invert for 3 seconds (arrive any way you can) and come down with control landing in a foot clamp using a bent arm position |
Level 1 Rope Skills
| Hangs / Beats | Inverts | Skills |
| 20 sec Straight Arm Hang | Invert from a climb | 3 Footlock skills of your choice |
| Bell Beats | *Or Invert Alternative | Can be all on one side |
| Front / Back Pike Beats | Windmill Hip Key from the Ground | |
| Both sides |
| *Invert Alternative |
| 5 second bent arm hang & Negative invert • Hold the top of the invert for 3 seconds (arrive any way you can) and come down with control landing in a foot clamp using a bent arm position |
Level 1 Trapeze Skills
| Inverts | Knee Hang | In the Ropes | Skills |
| Straddle Invert under the bar | Knee Hang | 3 sec tuck hold in the ropes | 5 Beginner skills of your choice |
| *Or Invert Alternative | Choose Entry | Upright – not inverted |
| *Invert Alternative |
| 5 second bent arm hang & Negative invert • Mount trapeze with any method to transition to invert under the bar. Hold the top of the invert for 3 seconds and come down with control |
Level 1 Lyra Skills
| Inverts | Hangs | On Top Bar | Skills |
| Straddle Invert under the bar | Full dead hang from top bar | Knee Hang on Top Bar | 5 Beginner skills of your choice |
| *Or Invert Alternative | Pull-up to sitting | Choose Entry | |
| Or Beat to sitting |
| *Invert Alternative |
| 5 second bent arm hang & Negative invert • Mount Lyra with any method to transition to invert under the bar. Hold the top of the invert for 3 seconds and come down with control |
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 footlock)
3 egg rolls (split silks tuck inversion)
3 beginner / intermediate skills of your choice
Level 2 Rope Skills
Windmill Hip Key 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
