Pole & Aerial Progressions: When Is It Time to Move Up a Level?
As a pole or aerial student, it's natural to want to level up—but how do you know when you're truly ready? Progressions are an important part of both safety and growth in movement arts. Skipping ahead too soon can result in frustration, injuries, or gaps in technique. On the flip side, staying stagnant can stall your motivation and development.
In this post, we’ll explore how to assess your readiness, what instructors look for, and how to approach leveling up in a safe, sustainable way.
Why Progressions Matter in Pole & Aerial Training
Whether you're working on pole dance, lyra, silks, or sling, each level builds on the previous one. You don’t just learn tricks—you develop foundational strength, body awareness, and coordination.
Progressions help you:
Avoid injury by preparing your body for new challenges
Build confidence through mastery
Develop cleaner transitions and better technique
Understand movement pathways and spotting cues
Remember: Moving up a level isn’t just about nailing a single trick—it’s about demonstrating consistent readiness.
Signs You Might Be Ready to Move Up
Every studio or coach may have different benchmarks, but here are some universal indicators you’re ready for a more advanced level:
1. You Can Perform Key Prerequisites With Control
Whether it's an invert on pole or foot locks in the air, you should be able to execute foundational moves safely and with intention—not just luck or momentum.
2. You Can Connect Moves Fluidly
Can you link moves together in a short sequence without coming down? If yes, it’s a sign your strength, endurance, and coordination are catching up.
3. You Understand Technique—Not Just Memorization
Can you break down the movement, adjust based on feedback, and explain what you're doing? That shows true comprehension and readiness for complexity.
4. You’re Consistent—Not Just Lucky
Consistency matters. If you can land the move across multiple sessions and conditions (different poles, lighting, fatigue), it’s a green light.
5. You’re Curious and Coachable
Being eager to try new things is great—but it’s even better when paired with a willingness to listen, adapt, and grow based on feedback.
When to Stay and Refine
On the flip side, sometimes it’s best to stay where you are. You might need to:
Refine form for safety (e.g., clean shoulder engagement, pointed toes)
Build more core or grip strength
Improve transitions between moves
Gain comfort and confidence before tackling more risk
Plateaus aren’t failures—they’re checkpoints. Staying in a level longer doesn’t mean you’re “behind.” It means you’re building a stronger foundation.
How to Talk to Your Instructor About Leveling Up
Not sure if you’re ready? Have an honest conversation with your coach. Ask for:
A checklist of skills to work toward
Feedback on your current movement quality
A goal plan for leveling up in a realistic timeline
Your coach wants you to succeed—and they want to keep you safe. Lean on their expertise.
Tips for Smooth Transitions Between Levels
Document your progress with videos and notes
Take open-level or mixed-discipline classes for exposure to new skills
Cross-train for strength, mobility, and injury prevention
Be patient—everyone levels up at a different pace
Final Thoughts
Leveling up in pole and aerial isn’t about rushing toward the next big move—it’s about knowing when your body, mind, and skillset are aligned and ready. Trust your journey, stay consistent, and honor the progress that happens between milestones.
You don’t need to be the strongest or the most flexible to level up—you need to be prepared, coachable, and committed. When those pieces align, the next level will feel like a natural, exciting step forward.