Technique Tip: Leading Mixed Level Classes

You've probably experienced this before...

A class where someone is trying aerial for the very first time, someone else is a few classes in, and one or two students have been training for years. All in the same room. At some point, it starts to feel a little chaotic.

Maybe you're not sure what to focus on. Maybe the pacing feels off. Or maybe some students are struggling while others seem bored.

From a teaching perspective, this is one of the biggest challenges to navigate.

When you're starting to teach, or opening a studio, you may not have the bandwidth to offer multiple levels right away. And even when you do, students will still sign up for the wrong level.

It happens.

Even with the right training and tools, mixed level classes can still feel challenging. But with a clear plan in place, they become far more manageable, and much more effective for everyone in the room.

Let's take a look at some tips for leading mixed level classes without feeling like you need eyes in the back of your head! ⬇️

Tip 1: Stay within the same skill family

Have each student work on a progression of the same skill

You don’t want one person learning how to climb, another working on Hip Key, and someone else attempting a Double Star all at once. That’s how things get chaotic and unsafe.

Instead, keep everyone within the same pathway.

For example: Single foot lock from the floor → single foot lock in the air → foot lock shapes → building into a sequence.

Start from the bottom and layer up, not the other way around.

For more advanced students, you can add a challenge:

Stay in the air between sides, explore timing, endurance, or add small “brain challenges” to stay engaged.

For example: reverse the order of a sequence, pause for 3 seconds in each shape, or change the tempo - can you do the skill super slow?

Tip 2: Don’t group the same levels together

Pair a newer student with a more experienced one

This might sound surprising, but grouping students by level can actually make things more difficult, especially with a wide range in the room. When possible, pair a newer student with a more experienced one.

The more advanced student already knows how to climb, invert, or foot lock in the air, which allows you to trust their movement and give more attention where it’s needed.

It’s much more effective than trying to spot and guide multiple newer students at the same time.

Tip 3: Give students something to do between turns

Offer a complementary task to keep students engaged when they’re not in the air

If you don’t keep students engaged, they may get distracted, start chatting, or reach for their phones. Offer a task that supports what they’re working on in the air.

Working on Cross Back Straddle? Have them do straddle rollovers on the floor between turns.

Working on building core strength? Have them hold a forearm plank on the ground until it's their turn again.

Tip 4: Keep new skills low and within reach (when appropriate)

When learning a new skill, keep students one climb up or within arm’s reach

You've got a lot to manage. Keeping it low to the ground lets you spot when needed, assist if a student gets tangled, and keep a safer environment overall.

Some skills, like certain drops or sequences, may require additional height. In those cases, build up to it progressively and ensure students are prepared before taking it higher.

The goal is to reduce unnecessary risk while learning, then add height once the pathway is more familiar.

Tip 5: Stay in the lead

It’s your class. Have a plan and guide with intention!

Avoid opening with “what do you want to work on today?” in a mixed level class. Requests have their place, but in this setting, it can quickly pull the class in too many directions.

Have a plan. Choose a couple of skill families. Guide the room with intention.

Mixed level classes aren’t something you just “figure out.” They’re a skill, and when you have a clear system to follow, everything becomes more manageable.

This is something we go deep into inside our Level One Teacher Training, because it’s a teaching challenge that most instructors face early on.

Want to feel more confident on how to structure mixed level classes and how to guide others?

Our Online Level One Silks Teacher Training may be a great next step.

Applications and enrollment are open from May 1–29, 2026.

Curious to learn more? Click here.