Familiarize yourself with the art of aerial dance. Watch videos of aerial dancers and assess their skills and techniques. Ask yourself if you have the strength and commitment to learn this challenging method of dance. You can view videos of aerial dancers at Aerialshowgirls.com. (See Reference 1)
Practice strength and endurance training. Aerial dancing requires a tremendous amount of strength and endurance, especially to perform in front of a live audience. Prepare yourself to learn the art by working out your arms, shoulders, back and legs to build strength. Practice regular cardiovascular workouts to build the endurance you will need to become a successful aerial dancer.
Study other forms of dance. Methods such as ballet, jazz and modern dance all contribute to the art of aerial dancing. Gymnastics contributes to the acrobatic elements of aerial dance as well. It's important to learn and understand these styles of dance beforehand, as it will make learning the concepts unique to aerial dance less overwhelming. Harwood-Watson Dance Studios in Orlando, FL, offers many of these dance classes for adults and children. (See Resource 2)
Enroll in aerial dance classes in Orlando. The aerial arts and aerial fitness class at Orlando Circus School allows you to "learn sequences of movement and create your own aerial routine on apparatus suspended in the air." They offer this class for three different age groups, including adults. (See Reference 3) Cirque School offers aerial fitness classes and explain how "you will train on static chiffon, low trapeze, Spanish Web and hoops and you will learn to perform climbs, splits and various pulls and rotations." They offer these classes at both their Lakeland and Orlando locations.
Practice and perfect your art. Aerial dance requires a tremendous amount of practice and dedication. Practice with other aerial dancers from whom you would like to learn. Attend shows that feature aerial dancers to watch and learn from their techniques as well.