The More, The Merrier: Why Learning from Different Instructors Can Supercharge Your Pole & Aerial Journey

Let’s be honest, as pole and aerial students, we all have our favorite instructors. You know, the ones who hype us up like we’re auditioning for Cirque du Soleil and can somehow explain that impossible combo in a way that suddenly makes sense. But here’s the thing, sticking to just one instructor is like only using one tool in a giant, glittery toolbox. Sure, a screwdriver is great, but what about the times you need a wrench, a power drill, or that weird little Allen key? The more instructors you learn from, the more tools you get to add to your skills box—and the more creative and confident you become when tackling new challenges.

Different Brains, Different Gains

Every instructor brings a unique perspective to the art of flying, flipping, and defying gravity. One might be a stickler for perfect technique and drilling the micro-adjustments that make your movements silky smooth. Another might prioritize power moves and dynamic tricks, pushing you to channel your inner superhero. And then there’s the instructor who makes you focus on flow, unlocking that slinky, seamless movement that makes you feel like an aerial goddess. By learning from different instructors, you expose yourself to a variety of teaching styles, which can be a total game-changer. Sometimes, all it takes is one different cue or analogy for a move to click. Maybe your regular instructor keeps saying, “Engage your lats!” but a different one tells you to “squeeze your armpits like you’re holding a $100 bill and don’t want to drop it.” Boom! Suddenly, your shoulder mounts are solid. Reverse Floor Waves can feel awkward until you find the right visualization. One instructor might say, “Roll through your spine,” but another tells you (ok me), “Move like a cat about to throw up: start from your hips, then ripple through your spine and neck… (audible sound effect is optional) then back away.” Suddenly, your floor waves are smoother and more fluid (pun not intended there).

The Buffet of Strengths (A.K.A. Pole & Aerial Cross-Training)

Think of instructors like a buffet, each one has their specialties, and sampling a little from each plate will give you a well-rounded skill set. Some focus on flexibility, some on strength, some on theatrics, and some on the elusive art of not looking like a baby giraffe trying to land its first backflip. By training with a variety of people, you build different strengths that complement one another, leading to overall progress. Plus, this allows you to add more skills to your ever-growing skills box, making you a more versatile and adaptable aerialist.

Adaptability: The Secret Ingredient

The pole and aerial world is constantly evolving, and what better way to keep up than by exposing yourself to multiple perspectives? Different instructors introduce new transitions, fresh drills, and innovative approaches to familiar moves. This keeps your training dynamic and prevents you from getting stuck in a rut, or worse, plateauing. (We all know the heartbreak of hitting a progress plateau.)

The Social Perks (Or: More Friends, More Fun!)

Training under different instructors also means meeting new classmates, expanding your aerial fam, and collecting more hype-squad members. Let’s be real, pole and aerial classes are way more fun when you have a whole crew cheering you on like you just won the Olympics every time you nail a trick. Plus, networking within your local and global aerial community opens doors to workshops, performances, and maybe even a new studio to check out when you travel.

A Personal Note

Recently, I went on vacation and had two of my colleagues sub my classes while I was away. To be honest, this was a little scary for me as their regular instructor. There’s always that tiny fear whispering, “What if they like the sub better than me?” But then I reminded myself that giving my students exposure to different teaching styles is beneficial for their growth. Despite my nerves, I had to do it…for them. That experience only reinforced what I already knew: the more variety we experience in our training, the more we grow. From my own experience of over 12 years on this journey, I’ve had the privilege of learning from a multitude of instructors. Some I meshed well with, while others didn’t quite click, but I’ve always found something to take away from each one of them. With a positive attitude and an open mind, you can learn something valuable from any instructor, even if it’s just a new way of thinking about a move or a fresh approach to training. Sometimes the most valuable lesson can be learning more about yourself and how you navigate this journey.

A Challenge to You!

So, if you’ve been feeling a little too comfy in your routine, consider this your sign to switch it up. Try a new class, learn from a guest instructor, or even take an online workshop from a teacher across the globe. You never know what might unlock the next level of your aerial journey! And remember: The more you learn, the higher you fly (literally and metaphorically). So go forth, collect those cues, embrace the new, and keep defying gravity, one spin, flip, and climb at a time!