The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

Join us for an exciting episode as we welcome Ai Notohara from Yokohama City, Japan. With national Baton Twirling titles in Japan and Canada, professional dancing in New York, and performing in Cirque Du Soleil's KA, Ai's expertise is remarkable. In this episode, Ai shares the exciting story of launching Acrobatic Arts in Japan and the unique approach it demands. Don't miss out on this incredible...

Get ready as Mandy Yip, our Founder + CEO, and special guest Derek Piquette unveil the exciting NEW AcroFIT Challenge by Acrobatic Arts, launching this July 2023! Tune in to hear the details about this exciting and fun 14-day initiative designed to support our Certified Teachers in their efforts to help students reach their AcroDance goals! AcroFIT Challenge Info + Registration: https://www.acroba...

In this episode, we will be exploring the innovative ADRC (AcroDance Resource Center) and its incredible benefits for your studio. Discover how you can safely share levels with your students for at-home practice, while also offsetting your ADRC subscription costs. Join us as Mark Nash, the USA Division Manager, walks you through the ins and outs of this program and how it can work wonders for your...

We are thrilled to have Drew Burgess back on the Acrobatic Arts Podcast! In this episode, we will be discussing the importance of cross training for acrodancers and Drew will be sharing his invaluable insights. He will not only emphasize the significance of cross training, but also the various options and benefits available that can help your dancers significantly improve their skills. Don't miss...

Are you looking for ways to boost your studio's revenue and attract more students to your AcroDance program? Look no further, because Michelle McBride, Acrobatic Arts' very own Brand Manager & Graphic Designer is here to share her expert advice on how to effectively market your program and take your studio to the next level. So sit back, relax, and get ready to take notes, because this episode...

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Melanie Hadfield-Walker, an experienced dance teacher and studio owner, sharing her insights on how she effectively manages a busy schedule in the dance studio. Balancing exams, choreography, and multiple levels of dancers can be a daunting task, but Melanie has found strategies that work. Join us as she shares her tips and tricks for success, and offers va...

In this episode Acrobatic Arts Company Principal Sandra Elliott talks about the exciting Pin Program designed for your acro students. Sandra explains how the program focuses on mastering progressions in a fun way while combining their Acro skills with dance and transitions. Students can develop their musicality, rhythm, timing, and performance skills with this amazing program. Tune in now to learn...

Looking to improve your dancers' aerial skills? Host Loren Dermody is joined by acrodance expert Drew Burgess to discuss everything aerials. Drew shares his tips and practices for nailing front and side aerials while also addressing common technical errors and the mechanics and challenges of this highly valued skill. With Drew's extensive experience and Loren's background in dance education and ch...

Some acro classes may have to include several levels to accommodate your studio's schedule. That's ok! In this episode, Kate Evans will walk you through how to teach multiple levels in one class. The AcroDance Resource Center has lesson plans and station cards to help manage these multiple level classes. Look under “Teaching Tools” for more resources! Need some visuals? Check out Kate'...

Dance Teachers, join Sarah Reis and Loren in this follow-up to Episode 53: Life Lessons in Dance. They delve deeper into the concepts and ideas presented and provide practical insights into the emotional side of dance. This episode will help you better understand the emotional aspect and equip you with the tools to help your dancers put it into practice. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity...

In this Episode, Sarah Reis, MEd talks to dancers about some of the emotional challenges they might face while dancing and how to work through them. Sarah reminds us all that dancing is not just about moving your body, it's also about being creative and telling stories with your movements. Just like how we work on being more flexible and strong, we also need to work on our emotional growth as danc...

Preschool programs are fundamental and they are the foundation of a successful studio! In this episode, Loren Dermody shares her years of experience, top tips, and resources that will help you not only build, but quickly scale a credible program! Loren Dermody envisions living in a world where everyone dances, loves, laughs, lives their passion, and listens to Prince every single day! A renowned a...

In this episode, Mandy Yip, CEO, Canadian Division Manager, and founder of Acrobatic Arts gives her outlook on acro for 2023! Mandy shares a sneak peak on new developments that are coming for teachers in 2023, her take on the current top trending acro tricks, and the 4 skills that teachers need the most support on. This is a must listen to episode. Don't miss it! As the founder and CEO of Acrobati...

The finale episode of this year's The Acrobatic Arts Podcast features memorable moments from the 2022 line-up. Top take-a-ways in a countdown of the very best include clips from: Dr. Leisha Strachan, Wendy Holmquist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, Tim Buckley, and Kate Evans. Thank you to our listeners and a huge thank you to ALL our amazing guests this past year! Coming in January is our New Year's kick-of...

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. In this episode, we talk to our 2022 Ambassadors who elevate their chosen disciple through the power of hard work, passion, and dedication. Once you discover who they are, you'll see why th...

In this episode, Master Teacher Vicki Fletcher reviews the key elements for a solid and safe back handspring. Learn drills and skills to help with this difficult skill for your littles to advanced dancers! ‍ Vicki Fletcher was born and currently lives in Ontario Canada and has been dancing since the age of 2. She soon realized that her love for all forms of dance was something she wanted to sh...

In this iconic interview, multidisciplinary artist and athlete Jared Khalifa talks about what inspired his journey from capoeira, to tumbling, to music, theatre, dance, and now Cirque du Soleil! Jared goes on a deep dive revealing his favourite discipline, how he's overcome setbacks, and the biggest lessons he has learned as a young professional artist. Jared is a multidisciplinary artist and athl...

Do your students get headaches in acro class? It's more common than you think! In this episode, Master Teacher Meaghan Wegg, who's spent a good part of her Aerial and Acro career upside down, provides insight and her top tips to help your students minimize and prevent headaches in class. Looking for some practical exercises with visuals? Check out Meaghan's Weekly Mini presentation, Managing Heada...

Curious about what it takes to start Aerial Arts at your studio? In this interview, studio owner and Acrobatic Arts Master Teacher Kate Evans candidly discusses the growing pains of introducing this unique program to her business. Listen in to find out how Aerial Arts has become a catalyst to success for Kate's students in every dance genre! About Kate Evans Kate commenced her training at the age...

Acrobatic Arts Master Teacher Jill Ford brings to light the benefits of Acro exams to both dancers and teachers. As a successful Acro studio owner Jill brings a perspective and some excellent points -- many you may not have considered! If you're currently doing exams or considering them you won't want to miss this episode full of case studies and real life examples. About Jill Ford Jill was origin...

Need some confidence getting an acro program started at your studio? In this interview, studio owner and Acrobatic Arts Master Teacher Cheryl Crawford discusses her own highs and lows on the journey of starting an acro program. Cheryl explains what tools and resources helped her not only get started, but grow a reputable and successful program that has grown to over 400 students today! About Chery...

In this episode, Master Teacher Sarah Reis provides an overview of hte types of mats you might consider for your AcroDance training program! Sarah's got helpful ideas for getting started and tips for adding as your program develops. Spoiler alert: you don't need much! In her early development Sarah split her time between gymnastics and dance then later got into circus work and competitive rock cli...

Are you a Certified Teacher? Have you added your studio to our Certified Studios Map? Join Michelle McBride, Acrobatic Arts Marketing Director, as she walks you through the process and explains why this is an important step in your Certification! About Michelle McBride Michelle has a degree in visual communication design and has worked in the industry for 20 years. She works with Acrobatic Arts as...

Angela Kim is a professional figure skater, contortionist, aerialist, and Founder of Balanced Skaters. She is recognized for her versatility, but it's the blending of disciplines that sets her apart. We talk to Angela about her unique career, a comeback after double hip reconstruction, and how she's made a professional career on the ice and under the big top! Angela Kim is a Professional Figure Sk...

In this episode, Master Teacher Kate Evans explains why shoulder and hip flexibility are critical for bridge work. Kate also helps you put what you learn into action with exercises to increase your dancers' mobility in their shoulders and hips. Listen Now! About Kate Evans Kate commenced her training at the age of 2 and danced throughout her entire childhood under the training of Maria Shanks. She...