Dance Class Defined: What to Expect in an Acrobatics Class

If you have a child who loves to flip, tumble, and dance, acrobatics may be a perfect class to try! Take a look and see what makes acrobatics a fun and challenging dance class for beginner through advanced dancers.

What is Acrobatics?

Acrobatics, or acro dance, is a blending of gymnastics skills with elements of dance. Acrobatics utilizes balance, flexibility, strength, coordination and body control to perform a variety of jumps, poses, rolls, and flips or tricks on the floor. Lessons start with the most basic elements and progress into more advanced and intricate skills, including partner work and stunts. Combined with music and dance, acrobatics is a unique and exciting class that encourages fun, grace, self-expression, and athleticism!

What to Expect in Class

Acrobatics classes will include a warm-up of the body, conditioning exercises such as push-ups and planks, and stretching. Students will work on a variety of skills on the mats, across the floor, and perhaps in stations each child rotates to. The teacher and assistants will provide lots of spotting to ensure safety and mastery of skills. Emphasis in early classes should be on body alignment and hand placement to ensure development of correct acro technique. Choreography may also be included so that your child can combine newly learned acro skills with dance technique.

Acrobatics classes are often offered to children as young as 3 years of age. Classes and levels build on one another so your child will advance as new skills are learned and mastered. Progressing up to the next level may be determined by mastery of specific acro skills (i.e. a bridge or handstand without assistance from the teacher/spotter). Skills your child will learn may include bridges, forward rolls, cartwheels, jumps, handstands, headstands, backbends, walkovers, aerials, and handsprings.

What to Expect at Your Studio

Some studios offer a stand-alone acrobatics class, ranging anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Other studios may incorporate acrobatics into a combination class with instruction in additional dance styles (such as ballet or tap).

The acro room should be stocked with tumbling mats or tumble flooring. Teachers will provide lots of support so students are spotted safely as new skills are learned.

You may wish to inquire about dance recital performances, as some studios have their acro classes perform on stage while others do not.

What to Wear to Class

Attire for acro classes varies from studio to studio, but leotards and form fitting shorts are generally sufficient for girls, while boys can likely wear T-shirts and shorts/pants. Most studios will have your child practice acro in bare feet, but double check your studio’s requirement. Jewelry should not be worn, and hair should be pulled away from the face in a ponytail, braid, or bun if it’s long enough to do so.

Where To Take Class

Are you interested in finding a great acrobatics class for your child? Click here to begin your search!

Watch an Acrobatics Class

See how Patty’s Dance Center in Granville, Ohio incorporates acrobatics classes into their studio curriculum!

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