Landing your first front aerial is a huge milestone. It combines strength, flexibility, confidence, technique, and a lot of practice. While it can be frustrating when progress feels slow, remember that every successful front aerial starts out with getting the basics down. If you’re working toward this skill, here are some of the best tips to help you get there safely and confidently.
Build a Strong Front Walkover First
Let’s start with the basics. Before attempting a front aerial, make sure your front walkover is consistent and controlled. You should be able to perform it without feeling scared or hesitating, while maintaining good form from start to finish.
A strong front walkover teaches body awareness, proper weight transfer, and the feeling of moving through the skill slowly. Many dancers attempt their aerials before their walkovers are even fully consistent. Taking the time to perfect your basics can actually help you learn your aerial faster in the long run because your body already understands the movement pattern.
Focus on Your Hurdle
This may sound boring and unnecessary, but it makes a world of difference. The hurdle seems like a tiny part of the skill, but it plays a big role in creating power and momentum. A strong hurdle helps you get enough power to safely flip all the way over.
Practice driving through your hurdle with energy rather than simply stepping into the skill. Think about pushing off the ground and moving forward with confidence. The more powerful and controlled your hurdle becomes, the easier it will be to create the height needed for a solid aerial.
Practice with Drills
Drills are one of the most effective ways to build confidence and understand the skill. Your coach may have you work on front walkover step-outs, aerial entries over obstacles, or spotted aerial drills. These exercises break the skill into smaller pieces so you can work on it one step at a time. Even if drills feel repetitive, they are often what help dancers finally connect technique and movement.
Be Patient With Yourself
Learning new skills takes time. You can’t expect to learn it overnight. The most important tip is to stay patient! Some dancers learn front aerials quickly, while others need months or even years of consistent practice. Comparing your progress to someone else’s can take the fun out of the process. Remember to be patient and just try your best. You’ll get it!