Another New Mat

Here are some points for those electing or deciding to take up Acro Dance: Acro is an especially challenging dance style for dancers as it requires them to be trained in both dance and acrobatic skills. Acro dancers must be in excellent physical condition as well, because acro is a physically demanding activity. It is defined by its athletic character and its unique choreography which blends dance and acrobatics The aim is to get students in this class into good physical condition as acro dance is a most physically demanding dance style. Therefore the emphasis has to be on flexibility, strength, balance and endurance exercises. Time will also be spent on tumbling, leaps and partnered balancing exercises as students slowly advance through the basics. Patience, listening carefully to instruction and being focused is important. Distracted students can hold a whole class back. Uniform: Form-fitting clothing is preferred over loose clothing because the latter does not move synchronously with the body and thus may interfere with a dancer's ability to maintain control. This is especially important when a dancer is performing tricks, as loss of control can lead to serious injury. Street shoes should never be worn in class. Final thoughts: In acrobatics, strength is vital in teaching trick progressions. For example, a student should not work on a back handspring unless he/she can successfully and independently execute a back walkover and a back limber. Sometimes, students (and their parents) are excited and enthusiastic about pre-maturely attempting difficult tricks (aerials, handsprings, tucks, etc.), but if a student is not physically or mentally prepared to perform a difficult trick, the attempt could result in an injury. As far as spotting acrobatic tricks, if you implement the progressive/strength method of teaching, you will not be “over spotting” tricks, reducing the likelihood of injury (of both the tumbler and the spotter). The welfare of all class participants should always be the reasoning behind your philosophy and always erring on the side of caution is best. Parents will be appreciative of your approach.