PROXIMAL
An Introduction to Aerial Theory
As humans, we are bound by gravity. In aerial arts, we create the illusion of defying it. Behind that illusion is a practiced understanding of how the body moves through three-dimensional space.
Proximal is a practical guide to honing that understanding, using the pelvis as the central reference point. Through exploration and practice, you will learn to sharpen your body into a precise, responsive tool in the air—refining your awareness, control, and movement in every direction.
The book introduces 10 progressions based on key motions of the pelvis, each exploring the fundamentals of aerial movement. These progressions will help you assess and refine your abilities for inversions, beats, front balances, hip keys, levering, and much more.
An all-level textbook, Proximal is designed for those who want practice and those who seek discovery—offering both a foundation for developing skills and a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind them.
Pricing & Book Formats
Premium Book Price
- Photo quality paper, photo quality printing
Standard Book Price
- Non-glossy paper, photo quality printing
E-book Price
- View two pages at a time for optimum experience
- Printing not accessible
BOOKS TAKE 5-7 BUSINESS DAYS TO PRINT & SHIP
What to expect on the inside
242 pages - 900 photos - 60+ illustrations
Explanation of theory
Illustration for mechanisms around the pelvis
Conditioning
Straddle ups and beats
Back balance, front balance, and dynamic weight shifts
Levering to improve sitting up
Forward rotation drops
Hip keys and c-shaping
Levering for one leg with knee drops
Cross lateral roll ups in all the fundamental directions
Reverse hip key and c-shaping in back balance
Movements to access the vertical plane
Spinal position definitions
Glossary for all terminology
Why the sling?
With so many wraps, drops, transitions, and climbs to learn, it can be difficult to focus on posture and movement quality while managing safety and remembering what comes next. The sling supports your weight and reduces the demand on your arms, giving you more freedom to explore how your body moves and refine the pathways it follows.
As in any art form, repeating simple exercises builds your basis for more complex skills. The sling provides a place to slow down, notice your habits, and practice with precision. This book draws from multiple movement disciplines to create a cohesive approach to developing core strength, refining technique, and understanding the theory behind your movement.
A sneak peak inside the book
Book Reviews:
“It’s sooooo good!”
“I feel like this book arrived with perfect timing. Exactly what I’m craving in my aerial journey!”
“Re-reading this amazing thing for the third time”
“Get it! Very well done. Worth every cent! Thank you so much!”
“I am loving this book, best purchase I made in 2018! I can tell you put so much energy and passion into this book. I really like the goals and don’t dos. The step by step instructions has been missing from my practice and exactly what I was needing, so thank you.”
“Wow!! I am so impressed. This book is PERFECT!”
“Time to nerd-out on more aerial theory *swoon* Thanks for sharing your knowledge!”
“Love your book!”
“Thank you for providing such articulate descriptions of neutral spine. I’ve never come across such clarity in all the pilates texts I’ve read (which is a ton).”
“Mine just arrived in time for some snow day reading. Now I just wanna get into the studio and DO THE THINGS!!!!!!!!!! It’s an aerialist’s DREAM BOOK!”
“The precision is incredible.”
“Cozying up with my electric back/lap warmer and reading for the weekend!!”
“Just ordered the e-book and really enjoying it!”
“Many of my teachers are referring your book to me. How cool!”
“Been going through all of our books to finish up our curriculum and make sure we are ready. So many great resources! I absolutely love your book. I took some teacher trainings but nothing was covered like this and I think it’s super important! @aerialphysique @borntoflycurriculum @thecircusdoc @aerial.design @simplycircus ”