Hey everyone! 👋 I’m so glad to be a part of this group and to learn from so many experienced Acro teachers and artists. Apologies in advance for the long post, but I'm excited to share a major realization I had during my own training and research, and I’d love to start a discussion! Like many of us, my initial understanding of the "Acro World" was built entirely on Gymnastics and local studio classes, which often reduced Acro Dance to segmented tricks. The question constantly lingered: Where is the dance aspect of "Acrodance" classes if the acrobatics are taught as individual, disconnected stunts? My perspective radically shifted in college. I was exposed to the responsive connection of Contact Improvisation, the low, continuous flow of Capoeira, and the methodical structure of Flow Acrobatics. I even learned partner tricks while taking a swing dance course. This journey was galvanized by interning at the boundary-pushing STREB Extreme Action Company (where I took trapeze!) and witnessing a truly integrated performance, Corps Extrême, by Chaillot National Dance Theatre, which fluidly combined tightrope walking, rock climbing, acrobatics, and dance. I realized the barrier wasn't physical skill; it was a limited framework for the art form I had held prior. This spurred my capstone project to explore the true origins of Acro Dance, revealing a profound global lineage. I learned that the discipline’s tumbling, flexibility, and balancing have roots in cultural practices like Mongolian Contortion and ancient rituals, proving they are a universal language of trust and expression, not just spectacle. Acro Dance is not merely rooted to Vaudeville and gymnastics; it is a global synthesis designed for narrative, efficiency, and profound flow. I want to challenge our understanding: How can we truly weave the acrobatics into the dance, utilizing global foundations, to honor a richer, more integrated history? My goal is to shift Acro Dance from a collection of tricks to an integrated movement philosophy. I am looking for ways to blend the following techniques, which I have encountered through workshops and research, into a seamless curriculum:

Welcome to Acro Dance School — the home for Acro Dance educators worldwide. This is a community-first space created for teachers who care deeply about their craft, about teaching with integrity, and about growing together. Acro Dance School exists to support Acro Dance teachers — many of whom have worked without a shared professional community — in becoming confident, connected educators who teach with clarity, structure, and intention. This is not just a place to access programs. It's a place to belong — and to grow. 🌍 What you’ll find here: • A global community of Acro Dance teachers • Conversations around teaching, safety, structure, and student progress • A space to ask real questions and share real experiences • Resources, programs, and courses all in one place 🤍 How this community supports your growth: This community thrives on participation. Here, you don’t have to figure things out on your own. Ask questions. Share what’s working in your classes. Celebrate wins. Work through challenges together. Learn from educators who value foundations, safety, and long-term progress. You don’t need to have everything figured out to belong here - that’s what this space is for. 👋 Start here Introduce yourself in the comments below in this thread: • Where are you teaching from? • How long have you been teaching Acro Dance? We’re so glad you’re here. Melissa Klassen - President The ADTA