The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

Jill Ford has been part of the Acrobatic Arts family from the very beginning. As a Course Conductor and owner of Supernova Acro Studio in Edmonton, she has spent years building something truly special. And then it happened. Jill, her daughters Zoe and Jada, and their entire Supernova crew took the stage on America's Got Talent as the Acro Canine Crew and Terry Crews ran straight to that golden buz...

Physiotherapist Tim Buckley returns in this Spotlight Series episode to break down the most common dance injuries, how to spot the difference between normal soreness and actual injury, and why consistent training matters more than you think. From ankle sprains to shoulder issues, he explains what shows up most in different disciplines and shares prevention strategies that go beyond just "warm up b...

What makes a back tuck clean? When is a dancer really ready? And why does the technique matter more than just getting over? Leah Holliday returns to break down two of acro's most sought-after skills: the back tuck and back layout. This conversation goes beyond the mechanics. We talk about the mental blocks that stop progress, the drills teachers skip (and shouldn't), the spotting mistakes that com...

Paul Malek has built a lot of things. A pre-professional dance training centre. A production company. A media company. A 180-seat theatre. A movement for fair dancer pay that went global. And through all of it, one question has driven him: what does it actually take to create sustainable artists in a world that keeps changing? In this Spotlight Series episode, Loren sits down with Paul Malek, Dire...

Two hypermobile dancers. Similar bodies, similar training. One builds a 20-year career. The other is in chronic pain by 16. What's the difference? That's the question Dr. Linda Bluestein is back to answer in Episode 134. A physician specializing in hypermobility and connective tissue disorders, Dr. Bluestein returns for her annual May conversation during EDS and Hypermobility Awareness Month, and...

Physiotherapist Erika Mayall answers three questions teachers ask all the time: why dancers struggle with square hip splits, what a well-designed mobility program actually needs to include, and how the nervous system can quietly limit range of motion even when muscle length isn't the problem. Science-based, practical, and worth sharing with your whole team. About Erika Erika Mayall Physiotherapist...

You heard from their teacher. Now meet the student. Kei Nguyen trained at Vancouver Academy of Dance, attended one of our very first Accelerate conventions in Airdrie, and went on to perform with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. In Episode 132, Kei's here to tell you how it happened and what they want young acro dancers to know about making this a real career. About Kei Nguyen Kei's story began in V...

Ever wonder why certain skills are in the Acrobatic Arts syllabus? In this episode, Sarah walks through two of them -- the cartwheel rebound and the roundoff -- and breaks down not just how to teach them, but why they're there in the first place. Spoiler: the cartwheel rebound isn't a roundoff progression. And understanding that changes how you teach it. About Sarah Reis In her early development S...

What happens when a student leaves your studio and goes on to headline a Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas? For Vancouver Academy of Dance founder Anabel Ho, that question has a real answer -- and it traces back to Accelerate 2017. Anabel Ho joins us to talk about what the acro community has meant to her studio, the student whose discipline turned an impossible goal into a standing ovation on a w...

Our Spotlight Series continues with Sarah Davison, Director of Casting and Performance at Feld Entertainment and a leader in performer development across large-scale live productions. In this episode, Sarah shares why self-confidence matters in auditions, how artists can show up authentically, and why planning for career transitions is essential. A valuable listen for teachers supporting dancers t...

Hand balancing is entering a new chapter. In this episode, Meaghan Wegg introduces the Hand Balancing syllabus under Aerial Arts and shares why balance is not a trick or a strength test, but a skill that can be taught safely and progressively. From reducing fear upside down to building confidence through clear structure, this conversation explores how a syllabus changes the way hand balancing is t...

We're launching our Spotlight Series by revisiting the very first episode of the Acrobatic Arts Podcast, featuring Rick Tjia , dancer, choreographer, educator, and freelance casting director. This episode focuses on how teachers can help dancers leave a strong impression at auditions, support them after emotional outcomes, and guide them through video auditions clearly and professionally. Practica...

What's changing in acro and what actually matters most right now? In this episode, Mandy Yip joins Loren and the Acrobatic Arts podcast community to share what she's seeing across studios worldwide as we head into 2026. Mandy talks foundations, safe progressions, shifting student and parent expectations, and why clear curriculum is no longer optional. From time-strapped teachers to dancers craving...

The finale episode of this year's The Acrobatic Arts Podcast features memorable moments from the 2025 line-up. Top take-a-ways in a countdown of the best include clips from Sarah Reis, Joey Vice, Dr. Linda Bluestein, Dr. Leisha Strachan, and Maria Cherniske. Thank you to our listeners, and a huge thank you to ALL our amazing guests this past year! Feel free to also send us your ideas for the topic...

Acrobatic Arts holds a global search every year for young dancer/athletes committed to elevating awareness and appreciation of their respective disciplines, including acro and aerial, as well as baton twirling. Meet the game-changers - our 2025 Ambassadors - in this episode! They're taking their chosen disciplines to new heights with sheer hard work, passion, and dedication. Get ready to be inspir...

From setting his sights on Cirque du Soleil at just ten years old to joining the company at eighteen, Joey Vice has built his career on focus and belief. In this conversation Joey opens up about the mental tools that helped him handle pressure, avoid burnout, and stay grounded on tour. He shares how journaling, visualization, and self-respect became his keys to success and why a strong mindset is...

Sit Back. Block. Fly. The Blueprint for Strong, Confident Back Handsprings. From Broadway Dance Center to Acrobatic Arts, Maria Cherniske has built a career inspiring dancers to move with confidence and joy. A professional performer, gymnastics coach, and Acrobatic Arts Course Conductor, Maria joins Loren to talk all things back handsprings; the progressions, drills, and mindset that help dancers...

Acrobatic Arts faculty favorite Sarah Reis joins host Loren Dermody to talk all things All Things Acro, from her journey as a longtime teacher to creating the mats every studio needs. Hear Sarah's best tips for building an acro program, what to look for and avoid when buying equipment, and why supporting teachers is at the heart of everything she does. About Sarah Reis In her early development Sar...

In this special episode, Loren and Carolyn team up to co-host a conversation all about AcroFLEX Acrobatic Arts' newest workshop designed to change the way teachers approach flexibility training. They dive into the spark behind AcroFLEX, the research that fueled its creation, and who it serves. You'll hear how the F.L.E.X. method equips teachers with practical, safe, and adaptable tools to build bo...

From Acrobatic Arts' earliest days filming in Mandy Yip's living room to producing documentaries for the National Film Board of Canada, Rachel Bower has spent her career behind the lens capturing movement, passion, and human stories. In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from competitive baton twirling to professional videography, and the crucial role she played in building the Acrobatic Arts...

In this episode, Loren Dermody sits down with Acrobatic Arts Principal Sandra Elliott to talk about the opportunity hidden in every studio—the potential of young dancers to grow into confident leaders. Sandra shares how assistants transform classrooms, support teachers, and gain skills that last a lifetime. With a new season beginning, it's the perfect time to think about how your students c...

What if your classes could do more than build dance skills? In this episode, Dr. Leisha Straughn unpacks the Four C's every teacher needs: Confidence, Competence, Connection & Character , and how to weave them into your studio with simple, intentional strategies. Walk away with tools you can use right away, plus discover Project Score , a free resource designed to help teachers put the Four C'...

Part 2 is here and it's packed. The Godfreys go deeper into how flexibility training should feel, why class should be a conversation, and the one mindset shift that could change your entire teaching approach. Plus: behind-the-scenes of their collab with Acrobatic Arts and what's coming next. Don't miss this. Your dancers will feel the difference. About The Godfrey Method The Godfrey Method, founde...

It started with a few students and a fresh approach and turned into a method that's changing how dancers train. In Part 1 of this 2-part episode, we dive into how The Godfrey Method grew from kitchen floors to packed studios, blending strength, flexibility, and a focus on how dancers move, not just what they do. Get their take on class flow, creative cueing, and what every teacher should stop doin...

She turned “I'm going to do that” into a Cirque du Soleil career and now she's rewriting the rules for Aerial Arts in dance studios. Meaghan Wegg shares how she went from farm kid to global performer, why aerial isn't as scary as you think, and the one thing teachers must stop skipping. If you've ever thought about adding hoop or silks to your studio… this is the sign. Listen no...