It’s true both Acro Dance and Gymnastics tumble but the big difference is Gymnastics is a sport while Acro Dance is an artform. Acro Dance is a beautiful fusion of classical dance with the precision of Acro skill within unique and effortless choreography. Acro dancers move with more lyrical lines found in ballet, jazz, even modern dance. In Acro Dance, students dance in and out of their Acro skills. In Gymnastics the focus is on tumbling passes, a series of connected power skills. Acro dancers execute their movement effortlessly and with fluidity and agility. Acro dancers create skills and movement that appear to defy gravity and test the center of gravity.
Our training is different, too. Gymnastics has a deep sprung floor which allows for a super rebounding action when executing skills. In Acro Dance we have mats, studio floor or a stage for performances. Acro dancers train as dancers using their body core to absorb landings while making movement safe and appear effortless. Alignment is also different. In Acro Dance, the focus is on lengthening one’s body, core building, agility and artistry as in dance class. In Gymnastics, individuals use their core strength as well, often with the arms upward and forward, chin tucked, lengthening out and up off the floor executing powerful hard hitting tumbling passes on the floor and balance beam.
What are the benefits of Acro Dance for your dancer? Acro dance offers dancers cross-training for conditioning and strength building as well as increased flexibility. Following the Acrobatic Arts syllabus as we do at Pembroke School of Performing Arts allows us to train stronger and safer dancers. Adding Acro Dance to your movement repertoire creates a more diverse dancer, flexible and fluid creating an exciting artistic performer.
Pembroke School of Performing Arts staff is certified in Pre-school Acro, Modules 1 & 2 and several have participated in Acrobatics Arts Handspring and Aerial clinics. PSPA students have received numerous Acro awards regional and nationally for their Acro Dance performances. Pembroke School of Performing Arts Acro Program is the longest running Acro Dance program on the South Shore.
Have questions about Acro Dance for your dancer? Reach out to PSPA at 781 826 0506 to speak with Miss Kathleen, PSPA Artistic Director. We are here to help you soar to new heights.
“Acrobatic Arts is a fusion of dance technique, athleticism, agility and strength through acro skills that are seamlessly incorporated into dance choreography.” Acrobatic Arts
Dancing Through Life,
Miss Kathleen