• Programs and classes
• Types of Programs

What your child learns in acro class

Traditional acro dance moves. In acro dance classes, instructors provide students with tools and instruction to safely execute complex and traditional acrobatics. Instructors and spotters guide children through moves such as handstands, aerials, back layouts, and front tucks. Memorizing traditional acro moves will be a good stepping stone to more complex dance or to learning or creating choreography.

Flexibility. Complex aerial and acrobatic movements are performed safely in class as children increase their flexibility. Instructors guide kids through drills that stretch their legs, arms, and core, to increase their range of motion. Increased flexibility helps them execute routines. It also has lifelong implications—for any dance career ambitions but for their personal physical health. 

Balance. Routines seem polished and professional once children find their balance. Acro classes let kids experiment with different movements that have them balance on their hands, feet, or elbows. They learn how to distribute their weight and control limbs. Balance is critical to perfecting and safely executing acro dance routines.

Coordination. Each acro dance move requires flexibility, balance, and strength. By harnessing all three of these children master coordination. They learn to control their bodies to seamlessly transition between acro dance movements. They put this together in routines wherein they coordinate with others. Like other physical fitness elements above and all exercise, there are also positive benefits for the mental health and intellectual development of young minds. 

Social skills. In the program’s group setting, kids have the opportunity to converse and mingle with children their age, sharing similar interests. Engaging in this helps children develop their communication skills, learn communication from instructors, and also begin new friendships.

The benefits of acro dance class

Improves physical fitness and strength. In tumbling activities, acrobatic moves, and routines, legs and arms are conditioned and strengthened as they support their body weight. Instructors lead children through drills and exercises that work each major muscle group.

Alleviates performance anxiety. Acro dance class includes examinations and performances. As performing becomes more familiar to your child, they deal with the accompanying anxiety. Kids will learn strategies to help them cope with their fears and perform with confidence. It can be a learning opportunity for both the child and parents. 

Age-appropriate instruction. Young acro dancers will be under the watchful eye of instructors and peers at all times while advanced dancers freely learn more complicated moves. Age-tailored curriculum helps kids gradually build acro skills without overexerting themselves. They learn to improve and develop at their own pace, in the structured setting. 

Inspires future careers. The flexibility, balance, poise, and musicality kids master as they progress through class can be a springboard to future employment. Musical theatre and many other entertainment jobs all require dancers. Instructors encourage children to develop their acro skills to a higher level, in order to prepare them for these future careers.

Questions

Here are some questions for parents to consider, as they weigh different classes and teachers against each other. 

1. What attire and footwear is required for the class?
2. What procedures take place to guard children’s safety in the class and prevent injury?
3. How are class groups divided? Is it by age? Random?  
4. What experience do instructors have with teaching acro dance to young children? How much experience do they have in acro or related dance?

Camps and programs related to acro

With over 200 different kinds of activities available on our site, we’d like to recommend some related camps and programs that will develop skills you’ve learned in programs above, take them in a new direction, or use them in something with perhaps a bigger, broader appeal. 

Ballet dance camp takes the balance, flexibility, and strength that young acro dancers develop, transforming it in this graceful art form. The transition between dance styles can be seamless for kids. Ballet teaches gracefulness and more. There are also ballet classes for kids on our site. 

Dance camp expands students’ musicality and physicality into other styles. The coordination, rhythm, and fluidity learned in acro dance can easily be applied to other dance styles. In fact, you can find a variety of camps and programs including jazz dance camps as well as lessons. 

Gymnastics camp develops acrobatics and adds other varieties of movement in this broader sport. Young gymnasts learn tumbles, flexibility, balance, and coordination skills here. 

Combine this with more information from our guide:

Sources and further reading

"What is acro?" Acro Dance in Canada. acrobatique.ca