Why should dancers learn acro instead of gymnastics?

 

Acro is designed for dancers, unlike gymnastics. In acro, skills are executed differently due to many different circumstances:

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• The type of floor dancers perform on - marley/floating floor. 

• The choreography that includes acro dance skills.

• Acro enhances the gracefulness of dancers.

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What skills are you teaching in this program and how many levels should a dancer go through in a year?

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We are able to teach different tumbling and balancing skills such as somersaults, handstands, walkovers, cart wheels, round offs, chin stands, head stands, etc. Aerial's are in the more advanced levels and will take some time before achieving.

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There is no set number of levels a dancer should go through in a year. Every dancer is unique and will progress at a different rate. More advanced dancers usually can pass the first two levels in a month or two. The levels after that get a little trickier and will require more time to progress through.

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My dancer wants to learn how to do tricks like front walkovers, aerials, etc. Can you just teach them this?

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This program works through progressions. Your dancer cannot learn how to properly do a walkover until they have learned and mastered the skills and levels that come before this one. The dancer starts at primary and works their way up the levels. A lot of dancers can already do walkovers, handstands, etc. and have taught themselves how to do this. We still want them to go through the progressions to learn how to do the skills according to our syllabus. They will probably find it is a little easier to accomplish.

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This program is developed to ensure dancers safety and reduce risk of injuries. Without proper instructor training, while the student may be able to do these tricks, they may be doing it in ways that may damage the body or cause long term damage. Mastering each level and progressing through the various levels ensures a healthy dancers body.

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What do I need to do with my dancer at home to improve their acro skills?

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Practice. Acro requires practice at home, just like dance. Flexibility and strength are key to making this program work for your dancer. Level progression is based on your dancers commitment to following the program at home and at dance. Make sure your dancer is stretching and strengthening their muscles away from dance.  

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Registered Ovation Dance dancers  have to option to rent their level on the My Acro App. The My Acro App allows dancers to practice at home while making sure their technique is correct. The app allows for side-by-side comparisons, interactive checklists, and skills videos.

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How many classes a week must acrobatic students do?

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All our acrobatic students are encouraged to do two classes in acrobatics per week in order to help them build up the strength, flexibility, and technique needed for this dance style. Acrobatics is a vigorous yet extremely rewarding dance style and the dancers are constantly surprised by their own abilities.

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What should you bring to class?

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Make sure to bring along your water, a towel and warm clothes to get dressed in after your class so that you don’t cool down too quickly. When your muscles cool down too quickly you increase your risks of injury and muscle stiffness.

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What should you wear to acrobatic dance classes?

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Tight-fitting clothing is essential for all acrobatics dance classes. For utmost comfort, all dancers should wear the unitard or leotard with shorts (no tights). Dancers may wear bare feet. Hair must be neatly fastened out of the face.​