5 Questions Every Parent Asks About Acrobatics
Acrobatic Dance, or acro as it is commonly referred to by dancers and dance professionals, is the beautiful fusion of classic dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements. Often defined by unique choreography, acro dancers seamlessly blend musicality, emotional expression, line and extension with acrobatic movements in a dance context.
Acro’s roots are in traditional Chinese dance, later appearing as a favored style on the Vaudeville stage. More recently, acro gained popularity with the widespread success of the contemporary circus productions of Cirque du Soleil.
2. How is Acro different from gymnastics?
While acro students learn all of the tumbling tricks of gymnastics such as cartwheels, handsprings and flips, they also learn balancing, partnering, limbering and contortion in a dance context as students work together to perform as a group. The technique of acro differs from gymnastics as it focuses on lengthening the muscles to execute skills, which can alleviate potential growth delays that competitive gymnasts may face.
3. Do you use a curriculum?
Yes! We utilize the internationally acclaimed program and curriculum, Acrobatic Arts. This program offers easy progressions to follow by providing step by step instructions for each level. Our instructors have everything they need to know about proper placement and technique so our students will have the building blocks to progress safely and quickly from one level to the next. CCA is one of only a few dance studios in Pennsylvania certified in Acrobatic Arts.
4. Are there any requirements or prerequisites for taking Acro?
We require students to be evaluated before placing them in an Acro level unless they are enrolling in our Primary Acro class. Placement throughout one’s acrobatic training is very important because improper placement can be dangerous. For the safety of our students, we also require those in our most advanced Acro levels to take a ballet class. One hour of an acrobatic class is simply not enough to develop and maintain the strength and flexibility required of these levels. We strongly encourage students to take a ballet class simultaneously with their acrobatic training to ensure proper progression.
5. What are the benefits?
Acro is an especially challenging style for dancers to master as training in both dance and acrobatic elements is required. Dancers who train with us have balanced development, are stronger, more flexible and fearless.
