Your guide to safely beginning your air steps journey.
Air steps are an exciting and expressive part of partner dancing. This guide will help you understand what air steps are, how to get started safely, and what to expect on your learning journey.
Important!
Do not attempt any weight sharing move, lift, or air step without getting verbal consent from you partner first. This includes supported dips!
Do not do lifts, supported dips, or air steps on the social dance floor.
Trust us, you do not want to be that person that hurts someone while dancing.
What Are Air Steps?
Air steps are partner dance movements where one or both dancers' feet leave the ground. They range from simple lifts and dips to complex aerial maneuvers. Air steps add dramatic flair to performances and competitions, but they require proper training, preparation, and safety practices.
Common Types of Air Steps
Basic Lifts: Simple vertical lifts where the flyer's feet briefly leave the ground
Dips: Supported movements where the flyer is lowered toward the floor
Throws: More dynamic movements involving horizontal or rotational motion
Advanced Aerials: Complex multi-rotation or high-flying movements
Before You Start
Prerequisites
Before attempting air steps, you should:
Have solid foundational partner dancing skills
Be comfortable with basic partnering techniques
Understand connection, leading, and following principles
Have developed good balance and body awareness
Be physically prepared for the demands of lifting and being lifted
Find Qualified Instruction
Air steps should never be self-taught or learned casually. Look for:
Experienced air steps instructors with a strong safety record
Structured classes that emphasize progression and safety
Practice groups with experienced practitioners
Workshops specifically focused on air steps fundamentals
Your First Steps
1. Learn the Basics
Communication: Clear verbal and physical communication with your partner
Spotting: Understanding how to spot and be spotted safely
Entry and Exit: Smooth transitions into and out of air steps
Body Mechanics: Proper lifting and landing techniques
2. Start Simple
Begin with the most basic movements:
Supported dips
Simple vertical lifts
Basic weight transfers
Partner-assisted jumps
3. Practice with Spotters
Always use spotters when learning:
Start with heavy spotting (hands-on assistance)
Progress to light spotting (guidance and safety)
Eventually move to safety spotting (emergency backup only)
Never rush to remove spotting support
Safety First, Always
Physical Preparation
Warm up thoroughly before any air steps practice
Build strength and flexibility gradually
Listen to your body and take breaks when needed
Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition
Mental Preparation
Approach air steps with respect and patience
Communicate openly with partners about comfort levels
Never attempt moves beyond your current skill level
Be prepared to say "not today" if you're not feeling it
Equipment and Environment
Practice only on appropriate flooring (never slippery surfaces)
Ensure adequate ceiling height and clear space
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Remove jewelry and secure loose items
Finding Your Community
Look for Local Groups
Air steps practice groups in your area
Dance studios offering air steps classes
Workshops and intensives
Experienced practitioners willing to mentor beginners
Online Resources
Video tutorials for fundamental concepts
Online communities for questions and advice
Event listings and workshop announcements
Safety guidelines and best practices
What to Expect
Learning Timeline
Months 1-3: Basic safety, communication, and simple lifts
Months 4-6: More complex movements, reduced spotting dependency
Months 7-12: Intermediate moves, beginning to help spot others
Year 2+: Advanced movements, teaching beginners, creative exploration
Common Challenges
Building the necessary strength and conditioning
Overcoming fear and building confidence
Finding compatible practice partners
Balancing ambition with safety
Remember
Progress takes time: Don't rush the learning process
Every body is different: Your journey will be unique
Safety never compromises: When in doubt, don't attempt it
Community matters: Learn from and support others
Have fun: Air steps should enhance your dancing joy, not create stress
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's what to do next:
Research local air steps instruction and practice opportunities
