Why Acrobatics Is Great For Dancers

Industry Dance acrobatics classes are a fantastic way to increase flexibility, over-all co-ordination and improve body strength for dancing.

Industry Dance’s amazing acro coach Melanie Peyton-Smith, a professional acrobatics performer and trick rider in the Australian Outback Spectacular, says acrobatic training produces well-rounded, more confident dance students.

“Acro-training is particularly beneficial for dancers. It gives them awareness of their body and strength and power for performing leaps and different dance tricks,” says Melanie.

The dance world is constantly evolving, and the age a dancer is introduced to acro can make an enormous difference to their skill set.

“When they are introduced early their strength and technique gives a great base for their bodies to build on,” says Melanie.

Basic beginner classes, following a safe age appropriate progression, can be introduced at the age of four or five.

“This is a good time to start, as the children can begin to learn how to take direction and have basic body awareness,” says Melanie.

Acro has become very popular in recent years, especially in the competitive scene, with most competitions offering an acro category.

Tricks in dances have become the new trend in styles including but not limited to tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop.

“As a dancer nowadays, you are not seen as being competitive with the others unless you have acro tricks, too,” says Melanie.

“To be well-rounded is so important and to be aware of your body in the air with leaps and turns will absolutely improve with acro.”

“Strength and acro skills are great for self esteem and confidence. Learning teamwork and being brave to push past fears they have is so beneficial. Taking direction is also a great discipline to have for life in general.”

There are always risks in any sport. Melanie stresses that Industry Dance has many safety regulations in place to minimise students acquiring unwanted injuries.

Acro tricks in dance have become popular but the studio does not recommend dancers devising new acrobatic tricks to include in any dance practice outside the studio.

The dancer’s safety and correct form during the performance of any skills is paramount to avoid possible injury. Melanie Peyton Smith is a certified instructor with extensive experience as a performing artist and as an acrobatics teacher.

“At ID, mats are always used during acro sessions and correct technique is taught to avoid as many injuries as possible. Injuries occur when dancers teach themselves tricks at home,” she said.

If your child would like to learn acrobatics we'd love you to come and try a class! Contact us to find out more.