Coaching Spotting Techniques Workshop with Stuart McKenzie

Head Coach — Cirque du Soleil • Founder — Aerial Fitness Bodies • Creator — Air Skating

Develop confident, consistent, and safe spotting skills with one of the industry’s top coach-educators. This intensive is designed for coaches, assistants, and trainees who actively teach aerial arts.

When: [Insert date/time] • Duration: [90–120 min]
Where: Avatar Sports Aerial Arts, Thousand Oaks
Who: Coaches/assistants (16+) — not a student skills class

You’ll Learn (Coach-Specific)

• Spotter body mechanics: stance, leverage, spine safety, where to place your hands (and where not to)

• Risk assessment & matting: mapping fall lines, dynamic vs. static risk, how to set/adjust mats quickly

• Communication & consent: pre-spot check, verbal cues, countdown timing, clear “stop” language

• Progression design: when to spot, when to de-load with bands/blocks, when to step back and observe

• Common error patterns: how to correct safely without over-handling; building independence

• Emergency protocols: controlled descents, exits, and what to do when a skill stalls mid-move

Apparatus Labs (Hands-On)

Stuart tailors progressions to the room; sample focus includes:

• Silks/Hammock: assisted invert entries (tuck/straddle), hip key pathways, foot-locks, safe dismounts

• Lyra: mounts (low/high), knee-hang entries/exits, deloading beats & rolls, assisted shape changes

• Straps/Bar: active/passive hangs, beat prep, meathook prep (coach assist), controlled negatives

Ratios favor safe, practical reps. Expect partner and triad spotting with coach feedback.

Take-Home Tools

• Spotting checklist (warm-up → set-up → cueing → release)

• Progression map templates to standardize your teaching

• Quick-reference matting & fall-zone guide

What to Bring

Close-fitting training clothes (no zippers), hair tied back, clean hands (no lotions), notebook. Optional: fingerless grips.

Important

This workshop aligns with professional best practices but does not replace formal certifications or venue-specific policies. Participants should be comfortable working hands-on in a supervised, professional setting.

Capacity is limited for individualized feedback.
Ask about the $150 Combo Pass to bundle with Kerry Wee’s workshop.

Short caption option:
“Coach Lab: Spotting Techniques with Cirque du Soleil Head Coach Stuart McKenzie. Hands-on, progression-based, safety-first. Limited spots.