Welcome to Acro Dance
Acro dance is a beautiful fusion of classical dance technique with acrobatic elements. It combines the artistry and grace of dance with the athleticism and skill of gymnastics, creating a dynamic and expressive art form.
The Art of Acro
Acro dance seamlessly blends dance technique with acrobatic skills, creating performances that are both technically impressive and artistically beautiful. Students develop strength, flexibility, and grace while learning to execute stunning acrobatic elements within choreographed routines.
- Develops exceptional strength, flexibility, and coordination
- Builds confidence through progressive skill mastery
- Enhances performance quality and stage presence
- Teaches discipline and body awareness
- Combines artistic expression with athletic achievement
- Prepares students for competition and performance opportunities
Acro at Dance House Productions
Our acro program emphasizes safety, proper progression, and technical excellence. We focus on building strong foundations before advancing to more complex skills, ensuring every student develops safely and confidently.
From basic flexibility and strength training for beginners to advanced aerial skills for experienced students, we provide comprehensive instruction that honors both the dance and gymnastic traditions that make acro so captivating.
Safety First - Always
Safety is our top priority in acro training. Every skill is taught with proper progression, spotting, and conditioning to ensure student safety and success.
Progressive Training
Students master foundational skills before advancing to more complex elements, building strength and confidence gradually.
Proper Spotting
Qualified instructors provide hands-on spotting and guidance for all acrobatic elements until students demonstrate mastery.
Conditioning Focus
Dedicated time for strength and flexibility training ensures students have the physical foundation needed for safe skill execution.
Individual Pacing
Each student progresses at their own pace, with modifications and alternatives provided to meet individual needs and abilities.
History & Evolution
Acro dance has evolved from early 20th-century variety shows to become a sophisticated art form that combines the best of dance and gymnastics training.
Vaudeville Origins (Early 1900s)
Acrobatic dancing emerged in vaudeville and music hall performances, where dancers incorporated tumbling and contortion into their routines for entertainment value.
Circus Influence (1920s-1940s)
Circus performers and dancers began sharing techniques, leading to more sophisticated combinations of dance artistry with acrobatic skills.
Modern Dance Integration (1950s-1970s)
Modern dance pioneers like Martha Graham incorporated floor work and acrobatic elements, influencing the development of contemporary acro techniques.
Competitive Development (1980s-1990s)
Dance competitions began including acro categories, leading to standardized training methods and the development of acro as a distinct dance discipline.
Modern Acro (2000s-Present)
Today's acro combines rigorous technical training with artistic expression, featuring in major dance competitions, shows, and professional performances worldwide.
Core Acro Skills
Acro training encompasses a wide range of skills that build upon each other, from basic flexibility to advanced aerial elements.
Flexibility & Mobility
Splits, backbends, and oversplits that create beautiful lines and prepare the body for advanced skills.
Strength & Control
Core strength, upper body power, and muscular control essential for safe skill execution.
Balance & Stability
Handstands, chest stands, and other balance elements that develop proprioception and control.
Tumbling Skills
Cartwheels, walkovers, and handsprings that add dynamic elements to dance choreography.
Aerial Elements
Advanced skills like aerials and side aerials that create stunning visual moments in routines.
Performance Integration
Seamlessly incorporating acrobatic elements into choreography while maintaining artistic expression.
Essential Training Elements
Successful acro training requires a comprehensive approach that develops all aspects of this demanding art form.
Flexibility Training
Systematic stretching and mobility work to achieve the lines and positions required for acro skills.
Strength Conditioning
Targeted exercises to build the core, upper body, and leg strength necessary for safe skill execution.
Skill Progression
Carefully structured advancement from basic to complex skills, ensuring proper foundation and safety.
Dance Integration
Learning to incorporate acrobatic elements seamlessly into dance choreography and musical interpretation.
Fundamental Techniques
Acro technique builds systematically from basic conditioning and flexibility to advanced acrobatic elements integrated with dance.
Bridge & Backbends
Fundamental spine flexibility and strength that forms the foundation for many acro skills.
Handstand Progression
Building upper body strength and balance through systematic handstand training and variations.
Cartwheel Fundamentals
Proper technique for cartwheels and one-handed cartwheels that lead to more advanced tumbling.
Walkover Progression
Front and back walkovers that combine flexibility, strength, and coordination in flowing movements.
Limber Training
Front and back limbers that develop the control and flexibility needed for advanced skills.
Dance Integration
Learning to transition smoothly between dance movement and acrobatic elements with artistic flow.
Building Strong Foundations
Every acro skill builds upon previous learning. Students develop flexibility, strength, and basic coordination before progressing to more complex elements. This systematic approach ensures safety while building the confidence needed for advanced training.
Essential Acro Terminology
Acro dance combines terminology from both dance and gymnastics, creating a unique vocabulary that reflects its dual heritage.
What to Expect in Acro Class
Acro classes are structured to build strength and flexibility while teaching skills in a safe, progressive manner with individual attention.
Warm-Up & Conditioning (15-20 minutes)
Comprehensive preparation including cardio, strength exercises, and dynamic stretching to prepare the body for acrobatic training.
Flexibility Training (15-20 minutes)
Dedicated stretching time focusing on splits, backbends, and other flexibility requirements for acro skills.
Skill Development (20-25 minutes)
Progressive instruction in acrobatic elements with individual spotting and modifications for each student's level.
Choreography Integration (10-15 minutes)
Learning to incorporate skills into dance sequences, focusing on smooth transitions and artistic expression.
Individual Progress Focus
Every student progresses at their own pace in acro training. Instructors provide modifications and alternatives to ensure each student can participate safely while working toward their personal goals. No student is pressured to attempt skills before they're ready.
Proper Acro Dance Attire
Acro clothing must provide freedom of movement while ensuring safety during floor work and inverted positions.
Essential Clothing
- Form-fitting attire that allows instructors to see proper alignment
- Stretchy fabrics that move with the body during skills
- Clothing that stays in place during inversions and tumbling
- Breathable materials for intense physical training
- Hair secured tightly away from face and neck
Footwear & Safety
- Bare feet for maximum grip and foot strength
- Foot undies if extra protection is needed
- No jewelry that could catch or cause injury
- Optional knee pads for floor work practice
Specific Recommendations
- Leotards or fitted athletic tops
- Leggings, fitted shorts, or athletic wear
- Avoid loose clothing that could interfere with spotting
- Sports bras with good support for older students
- Water bottle for hydration during intense training
Safety Through Proper Attire
Proper acro attire isn't just about comfort—it's about safety. Form-fitting clothing allows instructors to spot students safely and ensures clothing won't interfere with skill execution. Students should avoid anything loose, flowing, or with hardware that could cause injury.
Acro Skill Progression
Acro training follows a careful progression that builds physical capabilities alongside technical skills and artistic integration.
Pre-Acro (Ages 4-6)
Basic tumbling, flexibility games, and fundamental movement patterns that prepare young bodies for acro training.
Beginning Acro (Ages 7-10)
Bridge kicks, cartwheels, basic handstands, and introduction to flexibility training with proper technique focus.
Intermediate Acro (Ages 11-14)
Walkovers, limbers, intermediate balance skills, and beginning integration of skills into dance choreography.
Advanced Acro (Ages 15+)
Advanced tumbling, aerial skills, complex combinations, and sophisticated choreographic integration with artistic focus.
Pre-Professional (Advanced Students)
Master-level skills, competitive training, performance preparation, and potential teaching assistant opportunities.
Benefits of Acro Dance Training
Acro dance offers unique benefits that develop both physical abilities and mental strength while building confidence and artistic expression.
Exceptional Physical Fitness
Develops strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance through comprehensive athletic training combined with artistic movement.
Mental Toughness
Learning challenging skills builds perseverance, goal-setting abilities, and the mental strength to overcome fear and challenges.
Artistic Expression
Combines technical skill with creative expression, teaching students to be both athletes and artists in their performances.
Confidence Building
Successfully mastering impressive skills builds self-confidence and belief in one's ability to achieve challenging goals.
Body Awareness
Develops exceptional proprioception, spatial awareness, and understanding of body mechanics and movement efficiency.
Performance & Competition
Acro skills enhance performances in all dance styles and provide opportunities for specialized competitions and showcases.
Ready to Soar with Acro Dance?
Acro dance offers an incredible journey of physical and artistic development. Whether you're interested in improving flexibility, building strength, or learning spectacular skills, acro provides a supportive environment for reaching new heights.
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