The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

In this episode Acrobatic Arts Master Teacher Leah Holliday presents a bite-sized tutorial on How to Spot Side Aerials. Tune in to this great resource for teachers who want to help their students progress safely and achieve this skill successfully! About Leah Leah has been teaching acro and dance for over 25 years. She was born and raised in Regina, SK and studied dance and baton twirling at the M...

Dive into an exciting conversation as Mandy Yip, Founder of Acrobatic Arts, shares her insights on the upcoming North America Teacher Training Tour and the exhilarating dance expos this summer! Mandy shares her passion for connecting with dance teachers, unveiling her favorite parts of the season, and offering invaluable tips for maximizing your expo experience. Don't miss out on Mandy's insights...

Discover the intricate journey of mastering the handstand forward roll, where flexibility meets strength, control, and unwavering determination. Join Acrobatic Arts expert teacher Jill Ford as she shares her top tips behind this challenging skill and guides you through effective teaching methods for your students. Jill shares indispensable tips, drills, and pitfalls to avoid, drawing from her exte...

Dive into our latest episode where Dr. Linda Bluestein returns for her fourth appearance on The Acrobatic Arts podcast. As May illuminates Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, Dr. Bluestein takes center stage to debunk prevalent myths surrounding hypermobility. Join us as she dismantles misconceptions about pain, diagnosis, and the capabilities of individuals affected by th...

Tune in to our latest episode featuring the incredible Karen Ritchie, esteemed faculty member at Acrobatic Arts, as she takes us on a captivating journey reflecting on her 20 years as a Rockette! From humble beginnings to dazzling performances on grand stages, Karen's story is uniquely enriched with versatility and dynamism, showcasing the seamless fusion of athleticism and grace. Listen now as sh...

We're diving into the world of teaching headstands. Whether you're a seasoned AcroDance teacher or just starting out, we've got some progressions that will take your dancers to the next level. Expert Teacher Meaghan Wegg shares invaluable tips and techniques to guide your beginner students! Which of these progressions will you incorporate into your next class? Looking for some practical exercises...

Join us for an enlightening episode as we delve into the significance of OFQUAL recognition for Acrobatic Arts UK with special guest Jennifer Shirkey. Discover how this accreditation elevates standards in dance education and opens new avenues for professional development. Jennifer shares insights into the journey toward OFQUAL approval and discusses the exciting future prospects for Acrobatic Arts...

Attention Dance Studio Owners! In this episode Acrobatic Arts Associate Director, Mark Nash shares invaluable insights on why Certification is a game-changer for studio owners. Whether you're seeking to boost your studio's reputation, attract more students, or simply stay ahead in the industry, Mark breaks down the essential reasons why Certification is a must. Tune in now and unlock the secrets t...

Dive into a must-listen episode for acrodance teachers who relish deep dive conversations about acro and its fundamental building blocks. Join host Loren Dermody and AcroDance guru Drew Burgess as they explore Drew's passion for balancing and limbering—the "quietest moments" of class. This rich and profound discussion promises invaluable insights to enhance your understanding and teaching of...

In this insightful discussion, Kate Evans, Master Teacher and seasoned dance educator, emphasizes the crucial role of progressions in safe and effective skill development. Discover the significance of patient and progressive approaches, gain insights into injury prevention, and understand the nuanced journey of skill progression. Kate's expertise provides a comprehensive view of dance education, m...

Get ready to uncover the dance magic behind The Library Aesthetic! In this episode, host Loren Dermody dives deep into a compelling conversation with visionary Josef Brown. Discover the inspiration fueling The Library Aesthetic's dance revolution, its Netflix-style subscription allure, and exclusive AcroDance insights! Tune in and let Josef Brown ignite your dance passion in this must-listen episo...

Are you a teacher or aspiring competition adjudicator looking to enhance your AcroDance expertise? Look no further! In this episode Acrobatic Arts company Principal Sandra Elliott takes you through the details of the Adjudicator Certification for AcroDance, an online study-at-your-own-pace program designed just for you. Certify yourself before your next adjudication contract and set yourself apart...

Join us in this episode as Mandy Yip, CEO and founder of Acrobatic Arts, unveils the highlights of 2023 and shares a sneak peek into what's in store for 2024. Discover the latest trends, collaborations, and projects shaping the world of AcroDance. Mandy provides valuable insights into the balance between innovation and core values, adapting to the evolving dance landscape, and engaging with the co...

The finale episode of this year's The Acrobatic Arts Podcast features memorable moments from the 2023 line-up. Top take-a-ways in a countdown of the best include clips from Dr. Linda Bluestein, Drew Burgess, Kate Evans, Melanie Hadfield, and Dr. Leisha Strachan. 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 t...

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 2023 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...

Join us for an incredible new episode featuring the extraordinary Nick Silverio. As a renowned dancer, actor, singer, and choreographer, Nick is no stranger to the world of performance. He also brings his expertise to the judging table! Join us for an in-depth conversation with Nick about "How Adjudicators Judge Acro Elements." With his wealth of experience, he'll provide valuable insights into wh...

Get ready for an exciting episode as we dive into the world of tumbling with the extraordinary Kate Evans. From mastering power to conquering backhand springs and layouts, Kate reveals all. Unlock the secrets to tumbling in dance – power, height, and courage at center stage. Gain insights into AcroDance-specific tumbling and what's next once your students master these skills. Don't miss this...

Join us for a great discussion about artist/athlete training for the student vs the professional with Acrobatics Arts Master Teachers and professionals Tim Buckley and Meaghan Wegg. This conversation highlights the differences and similarities, how training has changed over time, and how to prepare your students best for their professional future! Looking for some practical exercises with visuals?...

We're back to Part 2 of our special series with Dr. Leisha Strachan! In this episode, we'll delve deeper into the world of dance transitions, exploring insights from performer to teacher, coping with injuries, self-identity evolution, and the changing roles of dancers as they age. Join us as we continue our captivating journey through the dance world with Dr. Strachan! If you haven't aleady, liste...

In this special two-part episode, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Leisha Strachan, a former Canadian Baton Twirling Champion and a distinguished professor specializing in sport psychology and youth development. Dr. Strachan shares her insights on life transitions in dance, including personal experiences, shifting from performer to teacher, coping with injuries, evolving self-identity, and ada...

In this episode of the Acrobatic Arts Podcast, Master Teacher Jill Ford drops some incredible Front Aerial Tips. Don't miss this MUST-LISTEN training for coaching, teaching, and spotting. Tune in NOW! About Jill Jill was originally from Regina, Saskatchewan where she danced competitively in the areas of ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics and baton twirling for 17 years. She went on to teaching dance, b...

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Caroline Twells, founder of Caroline Green Dance and Theatre Arts. Caroline shares her dance journey, studio's offerings, and the transformative power of AcroDance exams. From fostering individual strengths to building life skills, this episode is a must-listen for dancers, teachers, and studio owners. Tune in now for a dose of dance wisdom and...

In this episode Wendy Holmquist provides essential mental health tips and some really good reminders! Discover how to support your dancers' emotional well-being, create a safe space, and nurture resilience in your dance studio. Don't miss this opportunity to empower both yourself and your students! Tune in now for valuable insights and actionable strategies to prioritize mental health in dance. Ne...

Join us as we welcome back Dr. Linda Bluestein, M.D., an esteemed integrative pain medicine physician and former ballet dancer. In this episode, Dr. Bluestein delves into the intricacies of hypermobility disorders, emphasizing the crucial role of proactivity in their assessment and treatment. This episode is a vital resource for all dance teachers, as it offers the potential to bring about signifi...

Join our experts, Loren Dermody and Mandy Yip, as they unveil a groundbreaking collaboration between READY SET DANCE and Acrobatic Arts: READY SET ACRO! Loren and Mandy will take you through the components of this innovative AcroDance program, designed exclusively for preschoolers. Discover the safe and effective pathway it provides for healthy early childhood development. Don't miss out on this i...