BKS Aerial Policies 2024 / 2025

Expectations: BKS Aerial students are expected to review and uphold the expectations described to them in this document. Failure to comply with these requirements directly impacts the safety of the student, their classmates, and their instructors. BKS reserves the right to require a student to take a break, dismiss a student from class, adjust a student’s class placement, or remove a student from the program entirely. We appreciate your attention with this.

Aerial Liability Form: All Aerial students must have a completed, hard-copy, Aerial Liability Form on file before touching the silks. The form must be completed by a parent or legal guardian with a proper photo ID.

Dress Code: Please arrive to the studio on time, dressed in Aerial attire. We recommend wearing a leotard or tank top with leggings that cover the knees (to prevent silk burns). Try to avoid loose-fitting clothing or anything with zippers, buttons, hoods, or strings. There should be no jewelry besides small stud earrings, and hair must be pulled back. Training barefoot is best.

Alcohol & Substances: There is absolutely no alcohol or substances of any kind allowed on the BKS Dance & Aerial grounds. Persons who come to class intoxicated / under the influence will not be allowed to participate. They will be asked to leave and will not receive a refund. If there is any doubt about the condition of a participant, BKS reserves the right to exclude the participant from class.

Student to Instructor Ratio: Please note that all Aerial classes are held to a strict ratio of 6 students per 1 instructor. This is how we maintain our Aerial insurance, and under no circumstance should an Aerial class exceed the 1:6 ratio.

Make-up Class Policy: We understand that students are going to miss class from time to time. However, Aerialists must try their best to be in attendance for their specific weekly class. This directly impacts the safety of the students and keeps us within ratio. To schedule a make-up Aerial class, please email the studio within one week of the absence and we will do our best to accommodate the request. Please note that make-up options are limited, and we cannot guarantee all requests will be granted. Aerialists must stay within their appropriate level placement at all times. Due to scheduling restrictions, students may attend a maximum of two Aerial make-ups per semester. There will be no make-ups during showcase week or the week before. Make-up classes do not roll over to the next semester.

Attitude: A positive attitude is required at all times. Training Aerial is difficult and we are here to learn. Be respectful to your instructors, your classmates and yourself. Negative / distracting behavior will not be tolerated, as it impacts the quality and safety of the class.

Placement: BKS Aerial classes are broken up by levels - basic through ultimate. To ensure everyone’s safety, students will be recommended to a class based on their ability to demonstrate the prerequisite skills. If there is concern surrounding a level recommendation, the student / family are invited to schedule a skill test.

Skill Progression: Skills will be taught in a specific order based on a predetermined syllabus. BKS has established a course flow that is effective and safe for students. This ensures steady progress and well-rounded technique. Students should not expect to learn postures they are not ready for. It is common for students in the same class to be assigned different skills. Our Aerial insurance company requires periodic check-ins, so plan for potential skill assessments.

Injuries & Pre-existing Conditions: Notify the BKS Faculty immediately about injuries or pre-existing conditions of any kind. A parent or guardian should please email us with a description of the injury and a clear overview of their limitations. Attach any relevant doctors notes. All reports of injuries will be taken seriously. Please be aware that this may affect the student’s syllabus, placement, choreography, and ability to participate. If an injury occurs during class, the student and parent must complete an incident report for our Aerial insurance company. If a student is recovering from a mild injury, they are welcome to come sit and watch class. In the event of a more serious injury, we ask that you please let us know right away so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Enrollment: Early registration is encouraged for Aerial classes. Space is limited and a majority of our classes will fill. Aerial classes will be considered full once we reach the maximum number of students allowed for the number of instructors. If you wish to join a class mid-session, we suggest scheduling at least one private lesson before starting.

Tuition: The monthly tuition cost for Aerial is $90 or $75 per month. Tuition will be paid via auto-pay linked to the account on file.

Safety First:
All Aerial classes will be video and audio recorded.
Students are encouraged to wash their hands before touching the silks.
Do not enter the studio or touch the fabrics without an instructor present.
Tell your instructor before practicing drops. Do not attempt skills that do not feel comfortable. Ask for modifiers and utilize spotters.
No touching the silks without a mat. Stay off the mats and stretch quietly while silks are in use by other students.
There should be no careless falling to the mat or releasing of your hands.
Never touch, correct, or instruct another student.
No talking or using the silks during explanation and demonstration.
Aerialists must comply with instructions given and respect instructor authority.