Acro is a style of dance that combines classical dance techniques with precision acrobatic elements. A popular dance style, seen mainly in Cirque du Soleil®, Acro is becoming more popular in dance competitions nationwide. An especially challenging dance style, it requires dancers to be trained in both dance and acrobatics. Acro contains many style sub-categories and strong partnering components, as participants work together in small groups or in pairs to perform tricks, flips, and lifts. Tumbling class teach dancers solo tricks such as somersaults, handsprings, and aerials. Contortion, an unusual form of physical display which involves dramatic bending and flexing of the dancer’s body, is added to the mix thereby allowing flexibility-gifted Acro dancers to take their tricks to a whole different level.
Acrobatics is physically demanding and requires years of training to not only teach safely, but also to advance in. Our Acro instructors are trained and certified by Acrobatic Arts. Acro students will be taught using the Acrobatic Arts curriculum, with the opportunity to be examined in June.
Acro classes include:
Acro Technique
A class to learn and work on basic acro fundamentals such as wall work, balances (head stands, elbow stands, handstands), tricks across the mat (cartwheels, front and back walkovers, aerial prep). Beginners welcome in Ages 5-7, 7-9, 10-14, Beginner Acro 9+ and All Levels Acro 14+.
Intermediate Acro Technique (Permission Only)
For those who want to take their acro training to a more serious level. Progressions of acro skills, strength and control are the main focus at this level. Acrobats are asked to sign up for a minimum of 1 extra acro class from the choice of: Contortion, Handstands, Tumbling or Stunting. Classes available for ages 7-13.
Advanced Acro Technique 9+ (Permission Only)
For those who have at least 2 years of previous acrobatic/gymnastic experience. Progressions of acro skills, strength and control are focused on at this level. Acrobats are asked to sign up for a minimum of 2 extra acro classes from the choice of: Contortion, Handstands, Tumbling and Stunting to continue working on their strength and flexibility during the week.
Special Acro Classes
Contortion 9+
A more advanced acrobatics class to enhance back flexibility and to learn how to bend the body into different poses. Is recommended for anyone signed up for Intermediate and Advanced acro classes, but open to anyone signed up for any acro technique class. Intro to Contortion 9+ and Inter/Adv levels.
Handstands/Balances 9+
A class designed to work on only acro balances and handstands! Handstand canes are used in this class. Handstands/Balances at the wall, in the centre and hand walks will be worked on in this class. This class is recommended for anyone signed up for Intermediate or Advanced acro classes. Beginner Handstands will be mostly at the wall gaining strength and learning how to balance in the centre. Intermediate and Advanced will be working on transitions and progressions.
Tumbling 9+
Tricks such as round-offs, aerial preps and aerials, and back handsprings will be practiced in this class. Open to anyone signed up for any acro technique class. Must be able to do a cartwheel.
Stunting 9+
A class to learn acro lifts with a flyer and porter. Tricks can be with two, three, in groups etc…
Limbering
A class to work on flexibility of the legs, shoulders, back and feet. Limbering is needed as well as conditioning, to stretch as well as strengthen muscles.
Conditioning
A class for strengthening dancers muscles, developing stamina and endurance and injury prevention. Limbering is needed as well as conditioning, to stretch as well as strengthen muscles.
Prerequisites
Intro to Contortion – Must be able to hold a chest stand for at least 10 seconds straight up.
Inter/Adv Contortion – Must have taken 1 year of Contortion and must be able to hold a chest stand feet flat for 1 minute, fully straighten legs on the floor in a chest stand, and go into a chest stand from a bridge.
Intermediate Handstands – Must have taken 1 year of Handstands, or have successfully held a handstand straight up for the required time.
Advanced Handstands – Must have taken 2 years of handstands class, or have successfully held a handstand straight up for the required time.
Tumbling – Must be able to do a cartwheel.