Acrobatic Dance

Form of dance which blends acrobatic stunts with dance!

Acrobatic dance, also known as Acro dance or just Acro, is a challenging dance style which combines classical dance techniques with acrobatic stunts (tricks) in such a way that the movements flow in and out of one another – not robot like. It combines the suppleness of a contortionist with the gracefulness of a dancer.

The distinction between plain acrobatics and acrobatic dance:

Acrobatics is basically stunts and tricks set to music. Acrobatic dance is fundamentally dance with its acrobatic movements performed in a dance context. Dance elements from ballet, jazz, modern, or even tap are used as the foundation for dance movements in the choreography. The most common tricks or stunts consist of tumbling, back bends, hand-stands, cartwheels, various splits and many more complicated exercises.

Dancers who perform this style of dancing must:  

• Be very fit
• Be flexible
• Have upper body strength to be able to hold your body weight
• Have good balance and muscle control 
• Strong back muscles and stomach (abdominal) muscles

The above are necessary as it is a physically demanding activity and it is important when performing tricks to prevent injuring yourself. A high degree of discipline and concentration is also required for performing the stunts.

Acro dancers.

Acro has been taught and performed in South Africa for more than 50 years. It is also recognized as a sport and is a registered discipline with the South African Gymnastics Federations. It is a popular dance style which can be seen in professional dance theater, such as Cirque du Soleil. 

American dance company - Pilobolus.

An example of a dance group who performs acrobatic dance is Pilobolus, an American dance company. They include acrobatics, body contortions and a mix of humor and invention in their choreography. Watch them perform in the clip below.

Love as always & forever, in dance
Mia xxx