What is an AcroDance Class?🤸
Exploring the Fusion of Acrobatics and Dance for Kids
AcroDance or Acro classes for kids have become a trending topic. Offering a unique blend of acrobatics and dance moves that create a dynamic and enjoyable dance genre. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the world of AcroDance, its benefits, what your child can learn. Getting started is easier than ever – we’ve even included some videos so you can practice some moves at home!
The Fusion of Acrobatics and Dance: What is AcroDance?
AcroDance is a captivating fusion of acrobatics and dance, designed to instill a range of skills in children. By incorporating strength and flexibility into gymnastic-based tricks, AcroDance seamlessly combines classic dance techniques with the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements. The result is a physical and athletic dance style with a unique choreography that sets it apart from more technical dance forms like ballet.
Benefits of AcroDance for Kids: Beyond the Fun
While Acro classes for children are undeniably fun, the benefits go beyond just enjoyment. Parents are increasingly drawn to AcroDance for its positive impact on their children’s development – both mentally and physically.
1. Increased Strength
Acro offers a playful yet effective way for kids to build both upper and lower body strength. Through engaging dance lessons, children unknowingly enhance their muscle strength, laying the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle.
2. Grow Confidence and Self-Esteem
Confidence is a key takeaway from any dance form, and Acro is no exception. Improved confidence extends to various aspects of a child’s life, including stress reduction from academic pressures and the development of a positive body image. Our classes also develop resilience by facing challenges head on. There is big elements of goal settings and achievement in these classes.
3. Improved Flexibility and Balance
AcroDance excels in enhancing flexibility and balance, crucial skills that endure into adulthood. The dynamic nature of this dance style accelerates the development of flexibility, allowing children to push their physical boundaries.
4. Better Coordination
Mastering acrobatic elements in AcroDance naturally leads to improved coordination. Moves like cartwheels and hand walking, common in Acro routines, contribute to the development of seamless coordination.
5. Enhanced Social Skills and Self-Expression
AcroDance fosters sociability as children collaborate with peers to execute dance routines. It provides a shared interest that sparks conversations and forms lasting bonds. Additionally, the dance style serves as a medium for self-expression. Offering children an emotional outlet and a positive way to channel their energy.
Have a practice at home before coming into the studio…
We’ve created TWO taster videos here so you can get a sneak peek at some of the exercises and dances that we do in class. The first video is a warmup dance that we often use in our classes. The second video is some of the skills you’ll learn in your first few classes. Practicing these moves at home will help you feel a little more comfortable when you do come in to the studio for your first few classes!
BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS HERE
What is the difference between Acro / Acrodance and Gymnastics?
AcroDance and gymnastics, though sharing elements of strength and flexibility, differ in their primary focus and presentation. AcroDance seamlessly blends acrobatics with dance, emphasizing artistic expression and seamless choreography. It intertwines classic dance techniques with the precision of acrobatic elements, resulting in a unique, performance-oriented dance style. In contrast, gymnastics concentrates on competitive routines showcasing strength, flexibility, and precise execution of gymnastic skills. While both disciplines share foundational elements, AcroDance prioritizes creativity and storytelling. Making it a dynamic form of artistic movement, whereas gymnastics leans more towards structured routines and technical prowess within the framework of competitions.
The History and Evolution of AcroDance
Acro’s roots are in traditional Chinese dance, later appearing as a favored style on the Vaudeville stage. A theatrical genre from the 19th century, based in and around North America. More recently, Acro gained popularity with the wide spread success of the contemporary circus productions of Cirque du Soleil. In fact, some Cirque du Soleil directors have helped to create the Acrobatic Arts program that we follow in our classes.
Pioneers like Sherman Coates and Tommy Woods laid the foundation for what would evolve into a dynamic and athletic dance form. From its early days in vaudeville, Acro has continued to evolve, incorporating elements of gymnastics and dance to become the engaging style it is today.
What to Expect From an AcroDance Class at RSD
At The Renaissance School of Dance (RSD), Acro classes offer a comprehensive program focusing on flexibility, strength, balance, limbering, and tumbling. Certified instructors follow the renowned Acrobatic Arts syllabus, incorporating safe and effective progressions. From preschool-level basic like log rolls to advanced tumbling skills like round-off back handsprings, the program ensures a well-rounded development for young dancers. Heavily focusing on progressions, the program ensures dancers are training safely to prevent injuries both short term and long term.
Kid-Friendly AcroDance Techniques and Movements
In the first month of AcroDance classes at RSD, children gradually develop essential techniques and skills. These include stretches to enhance flexibility, strength-building exercises like plank positions and supermans. Limbering movements like basic backbends lead to advanced moves like walkovers and backflips. 
Enroll Your Child in the World of AcroDance
If you’re seeking a dance school that combines expertise with a passion for teaching acro dance, look no further than The Renaissance School of Dance. Located in Papatoetoe, South Auckland, our certified instructors provide a safe and supportive environment for your child to develop not only dance skills but also confidence and self-expression.
Ready to witness the benefits of Acro? Book your free trial class today and let your child embark on a journey of strength, flexibility, and artistic expression through the captivating world of AcroDance.
