Acro Dance

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Our Acro classes combine elements of dance and acrobatics, focusing on strength, flexibility, control, and technique. This exciting and dynamic style helps dancers develop skills such as balances, limbering, tumbling, and partner work, all while maintaining strong dance technique.

We follow the Acrobatic Arts syllabus, an internationally recognised programme designed to safely and effectively train dancers in acrobatic technique.

All of our teachers delivering Acro are fully qualified in Acrobatic Arts, ensuring students receive high-quality, progressive, and safe training at every stage.

The syllabus is carefully structured to build skills step by step, focusing on:

• Flexibility and strength development
• Balance and control
• Limbering and tumbling skills
• Safe progressions and technique

From Nursery to Primary 6, classes are mixed ability within age groups. This allows dancers to:

• Progress at their own individual pace
• Build confidence in a supportive environment
• Develop strong foundations before advancing

Each student works through the Acrobatic Arts levels as they are ready, ensuring safe and steady progression.

From Primary 7 and above, dancers are assessed and placed into levelled classes:

• Pre-Intermediate
• Intermediate
• Advanced

This ensures that training becomes more focused and tailored, supporting dancers as they develop more advanced skills.

Students entering Pre-Intermediate classes should be able to:

• Demonstrate pre-splits (4–6 inches from the floor) on one leg
• Hold a bridge for 20 seconds
• Show a chest, head, or forearm stand (demonstration level)
• Walk down the wall to bridge and recover
• Perform a one-handed cartwheel or step-hop retire cartwheel

Students in Intermediate classes are expected to:

• Demonstrate pre-splits (4–6 inches from the floor) on one leg
• Hold a bridge for 30 seconds
• Hold a chest, head, or forearm stand for 5 seconds
• Perform a kick over from bridge or front limber
• Execute a flying cartwheel or pop cartwheel
• Begin linking movements into smooth sequences with control

Students in Advanced classes should be able to:

• Demonstrate full splits on one leg
• Hold a bridge for 60 seconds
• Hold a chest, head, or forearm stand for 10 seconds
• Perform front and back walkovers
• Execute side aerials or front handsprings
• Combine skills into controlled, fluid sequences with performance quality

Placement into these classes is based on assessment to ensure that dancers are working at the appropriate level for their skill and safety.

Acro classes help dancers develop:

• Strength and flexibility
• Coordination and balance
• Control and technique
• Confidence and resilience

Students will work on a range of skills including rolls, handstands, cartwheels, walkovers, aerial work, and more advanced tumbling as they progress.

• Builds core strength and flexibility
• Improves balance, coordination, and body awareness
• Supports progression in other dance styles
• Develops confidence and determination
• Encourages safe and correct technique

From Pre-Intermediate level and above, Acro classes take part in our school shows, giving dancers the opportunity to perform their skills on stage and be part of larger group routines.

Acro is a fun and challenging discipline that complements all areas of dance training, helping students become stronger, more versatile, and confident performers.