The post US Workshops appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.

JOIN HERE!

Ayr, Scotland · 12–13 September 2026

Two days. One beautiful weekend. A whole lot of silks.

Ready to take your aerial practice somewhere new?

Join Sarah Bebe Holmes in Ayr, Scotland for an immersive two-day Silks Lab Master Class Weekend designed for intermediate and advanced aerialists who want to deepen their technique, expand their movement vocabulary and get creative on the fabric.

This is your chance to step away from the usual weekly class and really immerse yourself in silks, without needing to take an entire week off work.

✨ What’s in the Lab?

Expect two full days of creative, focused training covering:

• 🎭 Original choreography — learn fresh sequences and explore creative movement
• 🧠 Fabric theory — understand why wraps work, so you can approach them with greater confidence and intention
• 🎯 Personalised technique coaching — individual feedback to help refine your movement and unlock new possibilities
• ✨ Sequencing & transitions — connect skills into dynamic, expressive combinations
• 🌊 Creative exploration — play with movement, discover new pathways and leave with plenty of ideas to take back to your own practice

You’ll train alongside a welcoming aerial community, with plenty of opportunity to connect, share ideas and make new silks friends.

This weekend is aimed at intermediate/advanced aerialists. You should be comfortable inverting multiple times throughout the day and have a solid foundation in aerial silks.

THE WEEKEND

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September 2026
10:30am–4:00pm each day
Including a one-hour lunch break from 1:00–2:00pm

£220 for the full weekend

📍 Auld Kirk of Ayr Halls
Ayr, Scotland

TRAIN. PLAY. EXPLORE AYR.

September is a gorgeous time to visit the west coast of Scotland.

Spend your days getting lost in fabric, choreography and movement, then head down to the beach in the evening, breathe in the sea air and, if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the sea. 🌊

Ayr may be a small town, but it has a big heart. This weekend brings together high-level silks training with the warmth, friendliness and community spirit that makes an aerial weekend special.

And you won’t have to figure it all out alone.

Once registration closes, we’ll create a WhatsApp group for participants to connect before the weekend, including chatting about accommodation, lifts and getting to know your fellow aerialists. There may even be a few local homestay options available.

🔥 DID YOU SAY… SAUNA ON THE BEACH?

Oh yes. You read that right.

One of our favourite Ayr traditions is heading to a seaside sauna after training, so we’ve decided to make it part of the Silks Lab weekend.

After Saturday’s workshop, we’ll head just 20 minutes from the studio to a gorgeous little fishing village, nestled beside a castle and right on the coast, for a very Scottish kind of post-training ritual:

Sauna. Sea air. Good company. And, if you’re feeling brave… a dip in the sea. 🌊🔥

We’ve pre-booked the sauna experience exclusively for our weekend, so you can finish a full day of silks, unwind, and experience a little piece of local Ayrshire life with the group.

There are just 8 spaces available for the sauna experience.

It’s only £14 to add the sauna onto your Silks Lab weekend, so if this sounds like your kind of Saturday night, we recommend booking early.

Silks → sauna → sea.
Honestly, what more could you want?

Curious? Check out Wild Ritual Sauna and see where we’re headed:

Wild Ritual Sauna

Add the sauna to your booking for £14 — 8 spaces only

ONLY 12 PLACES

This is an intentionally small group so there is plenty of space for personalised coaching, individual feedback and meaningful connection.

Registration opens Saturday 15 August at 10:00am BST.

Want first dibs?

💜 Book HERE

You’ll be emailed the registration DIRECT to your inbox an hour before I post it live online.

Come get silky with us.

Thursdays

6pm-7:15

All Levels welcome

Book Here

These are mixed level silks classes, run by master coach, Sarah Bebe Holmes

About the Instructor

Sarah Bebe Holmes is a performer, director, educator, and Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Paper Doll Militia, an international circus theatre company. Originally from Maine, her career has taken her from the deserts of New Mexico to San Francisco’s vibrant circus community before settling in Scotland, where she has been creating, teaching, and performing for over a decade.

An aerial artist since 2005, Sarah is known for combining high-level circus technique with powerful storytelling. She has taught and performed throughout the UK, Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and India, and was recognised by The List as one of Scotland’s Most Influential and Creative Women in 2018.

Sarah’s teaching blends anatomy, movement theory, and creative practice to help aerialists move with greater intelligence, efficiency, and authenticity. Whether coaching technical precision or expressive performance, she encourages students to develop movement that is both deeply informed and uniquely their own.

Classes run in block sessions. Advance booking required

Book Here

Where:

Auld Kirk of Ayr Halls

(Not in the church, but the hall along the riverfront)

Blackfriars Walk, Ayr KA7 1TT

The post Silks Lab Master Class Weekend appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.

A 6 Week Guided Act Development Course

With Sarah Bebe Holmes

Any apparatus – this includes pole and acro too!

6 weeks to explore your artistry, develop your ideas and discover what makes your aerial movement yours.

A guided creative experience for aerialists

You don’t need a finished act.

You don’t need a big idea.

You don’t need to know exactly what you’re looking for.

You just need to be curious.

JOIN THE BETA GROUP

$150 USD

September 14 – October 25, 2026

What does it mean to join the Beta Group?

I’m looking for 12 aerialists to experience The Aerialists Way together for the very first time.

You’ll go through the full 6-week programme alongside the other beta participants, sharing the experience of moving through the prompts, reflections and creative process at the same time.

As we go, I’ll be checking in with you to find out how the experience feels from the inside — what’s useful, what’s inspiring, what makes you think differently, and what could be improved.

At the end of the six weeks, you’ll be invited to complete a short anonymous feedback form where you can share your honest thoughts about the programme and the value it brought to you.

Your feedback will help me refine the course — making tweaks, strengthening what works and changing anything that doesn’t — before I release The Aerialists Way to the wider aerial community.

You’re not just joining the first group.

You’re helping shape what The Aerialists Way becomes.

And in return, you get to experience the full programme at the special Beta Group price of $150 USD rather than the future price of $400 USD.

12 places available.

Option 1: Pay Through WISE

Option 2: Pay through Paypal

WHAT IF YOUR AERIAL PRACTICE WASN’T JUST ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO?

As aerialists and acrobats, we spend so much time learning skills, perfecting technique, getting stronger, learning the next trick . . .

But at some point, there is another question:

What do you want to say with all of it?

What draws you to a particular piece of music?

Why does one movement feel completely you while another doesn’t?

What is your style?

What do you want people to feel when they watch you?

And how do you turn all of those little discoveries into something that feels like your own work?

That’s where The Aerialists Way begins.

THIS ISN’T A COURSE WHERE EVERYONE ENDS UP IN THE SAME PLACE.

Maybe you have an act you’ve been trying to finish.

Maybe you have an idea but don’t know what to do with it.

Maybe you’re preparing for a competition or performance.

Maybe you want to explore your artistic voice.

Maybe you simply want to understand your movement and yourself as an aerialist a little better.

All of those are valid reasons to be here.

The Aerialists Way is designed to adapt to your personal goals.

You decide how deeply you want to go.

You decide what you want to submit.

And you decide what you want to get from the experience.

You might finish the six weeks with an act.

You might finish with the beginnings of one.

Or you might finish knowing yourself as an aerialist in a completely different way.

There isn’t one correct outcome.

YOUR DAILY CREATIVE PRACTICE

For 6 weeks, you’ll receive something from me every day, directly through WhatsApp.

Each day you’ll receive:

🎧 AN INSPIRATIONAL VOICE NOTE

A short thought, idea or piece of inspiration to get you thinking creatively.

👀 A VISUAL QUOTE

The same idea presented visually for those who prefer to read, see and revisit the words.

✍️ A SHORT REFLECTIVE TASK

A question, prompt or creative exercise to help you explore your own thoughts, movement and artistic ideas.

THE WHOLE THING TAKES NO MORE THAN 10 MINUTES A DAY.

And importantly:

No aerial required.

You can do the daily work brushing your teeth, walking the dog, drinking your morning coffee or on your daily commute.

Because developing your artistry isn’t something that only happens when you’re hanging from an apparatus, the best creative work comes in the in-between moments.

WHY BOTH VOICE AND VISUAL?

I’ve intentionally created the daily experience around audio and a still image, rather than video.

Why?

Because when you’re listening without having something else to watch, there is more space for your own imagination to take over.

I want you to start seeing yourself.

Seeing your movement.

Seeing your ideas.

Seeing possibilities.

Not being shown exactly what something should look like, but giving your own mind the space to create the picture.

And then there is the visual.

Sometimes it’s helpful to have something you can read, pause on and come back to throughout your day.

So each day’s inspiration is accompanied by a short visual recap, something simple that brings you back to the core idea.

The two work together, but they give you different ways in.

Listen > Imagine.

Read > Reflect.

Make it yours.

THEN, ONCE A WEEK, WE GET PERSONAL.

Each week you’ll have the opportunity to send me one video and one voice note for review.

And there are absolutely no rules about what that video needs to look like.

It could be:

10 seconds of movement.

A transition you’re experimenting with.

A sequence.

A particular trick and the way you’re using it.

Something you’re not sure about.

A piece of choreography.

A developing idea.

Or…

A full run-through of the act you’ve been creating.

You choose what you want me to see.

Then go ahead and send along a voice note of you talking about what you sent and your goals. And yes you can ramble! Tell me anything you want, ask me anything you want. I’m here to be your sounding board and guide.

YOUR FEEDBACK IS PERSONAL TO YOU.

I’ll watch your video and send you a 5–15 minute voice note with personalised feedback.

You’ll also receive written bullet points so you have something clear to refer back to.

Depending on what you’re working on, we might explore:

• Technique
• Movement quality
• Style
• Musicality
• Transitions
• Performance quality
• Artistic choices
• Character
• Storytelling
• Choreography
• Your relationship with the apparatus
• What is already working
• What could be explored further
• Where you might go next

You don’t have to submit a full act to receive meaningful feedback.

Sometimes 10 seconds tells me plenty.

THIS IS ACT DEVELOPMENT, BUT IT’S ALSO MUCH MORE THAN THAT.

The name is The Aerialists Way because I don’t want this to be another formula for making an aerial act.

I don’t want to teach you my style.

I want to help you become more aware of yours.

Your movement.

Your instincts.

Your choices.

Your creative voice.

Your relationship with your apparatus.

Your relationship with your audience.

And ultimately…

Your way of being an aerialist.

42 DAYS.

Over the six weeks you’ll receive:

42 inspirational voice notes

42 visual quotes

42 reflective prompts

Plus:

6 opportunities to submit a video

6 rounds of personalised feedback

5–15 minutes of feedback each week

Written notes to take away from each review

All delivered directly through WhatsApp.

No complicated online learning platform.

YOU CAN TAKE IT AS DEEPLY AS YOU WANT.

You might find yourself spending ten minutes on a prompt.

Or you might find that one question follows you into the studio.

You might start noticing things in your movement you hadn’t noticed before.

You might suddenly hear a piece of music differently.

You might change your choreography.

You might scrap an idea.

You might discover a new one.

There is room for all of it.

The structure is there to support you.

What you do with it is yours.

THE BETA RUN

I’m opening the first ever Beta Run of The Aerialists Way to just 12 aerialists.

This first group will experience the full six-week programme while also helping me refine and shape it before the official launch.

You’ll get the course at a significantly reduced beta price in exchange for your honest feedback about the experience.

NORMAL PRICE: $400 USD

BETA PRICE: $150 USD

12 PLACES ONLY

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This is for you if…

You want to develop an act but don’t know where to start.

You have an act but feel like something is missing.

You’re interested in discovering your own artistic style.

You want to explore movement beyond tricks and technique.

You’re preparing for a performance or competition.

You want feedback from someone who understands aerial movement.

You have ideas but struggle to turn them into something tangible.

Or you simply feel that there is more to your aerial practice than learning the next trick.

You don’t have to tick every box.

You just need to want to explore.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE MAKING.

That’s part of the point.

Come with an act.

Come with an idea.

Come with a question.

Come with a problem.

Or come with nothing but curiosity.

We’ll start there.

And six weeks later, you may have an act.

You may have the beginnings of one.

Or you may simply know yourself, your movement and your artistry a little better.

There is no wrong answer.

THE AERIALISTS WAY

6 weeks.

42 days.

10 minutes a day.

Your goals. Your movement. Your creative journey.

Your way.

Option 1: Pay Through WISE JOIN THE BETA — $150 USD

Option 2: Pay through Paypal

Only 12 places available.

The post The Aerialists Way appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.

It’s simple; good form equals efficiency of movement, the illusion of effortlessness, endurance and aerial longevity. In this workshop, we will approach the fundamentals of aerials with an obsessive-like attention to detail, otherwise known as “dorking out.” Using the trapeze, fabric, and rope we will be focusing on precise body awareness, foundational skill progressions, strength building techniques, and injury prevention. Designed for all levels, this is a great workshop for newbies; also excellent for the more seasoned aerialist who has a desire to refine their quality of movement, fluidity, and develop the tools to expand their skill set more easily.

The post Form and Function appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.

This workshop focuses on the expanding on the fundamental building blocks of aerial rope. We will delve into quintessential skills like toe climbs, momentum drills, strength conditioning, and sequencing.

The post Rope Escapades appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.

For the aerial silks students wishing to expand their skills repertoire. This workshop will feed you new and exciting climbs, wraps, and drops; or aerial candy.

The post Silks Shenanigans appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.

In this workshop we will be exploring the exciting world of split tissus. All climbs, wraps drops, and sequences presented in this class will come from split tissu, but this is not your run of the mill “double crochet” material. This class is fast paced and will cover a broad range of material. Bring something to
document material with.

Pre-reqs: *All participants should understand basic double crochet material and have a solid double knee climb.

The post Split Tissu Crusade appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.

The Vertical Theatre Method is an investigation of aerial arts with the focal point of theatricality and authenticity of both movement and content. The Method has been in development since 2007 by artists Rain Anya and Sarah Bebe Holmes. This workshop is a performative based workshop exploring the expressive nature of aerials using improvisation, physical theatre, musicality, character, and exercises in stage presence. Layering your aerial work with creativity and content, we will work with with techniques for expressing human emotion and storytelling within the movement. Looking at creative approaches to building an act or performance piece, this workshop is for students who feel comfortable on an apparatus enough that they can explore beyond the tricks.

The post Vertical Theatre Method appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.

In this intermediate / advanced workshop, you’ll learn inventive drops that also highlight the choreography of wrapping into the drop itself. Take your fabric drops to a whole new level of artistry. We’ll be working up to the drops through progressions, walk downs, and understanding of the wraps, so that all
participants can approach the material with safely and confidence.

Prerequisites: Comfort with inversions (without cheating!) in the air multiple times, knowledge of basic aerial drops, and the strength to be in the air for 5 minutes at a time

The post Choreographic Drops appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.

In this intermediate workshop we will focus on three major components of mastering the art of slinging…momentum work, creative transitions, and of course, spinning. Come get some new inspiration on what this limitless apparatus as to offer. Leave with new sequences, drills, and fresh ideas on how to take your sling work to the next level.

The post Sling Shot appeared first on Paper Doll Militia.