Acro dance (acrobatics) is newer style to the dance world, and can be similar to gymnastics or cheerleading. Honestly, sometimes I think that acro is more gymnastics than it is dance. In my experiences with acro, it is hard to choreograph. Blending between acro tricks and dancing isn’t easy, and often looks choppy or out of place. Acro can be a style of dance that is very impressive and entertaining to watch, but it has to be done well. I will include a few videos in this post of what acro dance can look like!

Concerns With Acro:

Acro can be very interesting to watch, and can be fun to do. However, lots of dancers, teachers, and other people in the dance world have issues with acro. Some of the main concerns include: long lasting injuries, improper training, and the focus on tricks over artistry.

• Long Lasting Injuries: An online article by Rosenthal Chiropractic talks about how many dance injuries are to the back, knees, hips, ankles, and feet. The article also states that after the rise in acro dance, neck injuries became more common dance-related injuries. These injuries are often complex, and are connected to multiple parts of the body. Also, when dancers get injured, many teachers tend to encourage dancers to dance through their injuries. This is not helpful, and can lead to more intense injuries, and even long-term or life-long injuries. While acro is not the only style of dance that causes injuries, injuries are definitely more common in acro dancers.
• Improper Training: I have experience both proper and improper acro training in my life. Many years ago, when my studio first started offering acro, the techniques that were taught were not fully safe or correct. Technique was thrown out the window in favour of being able to learn fancy tricks. I know there are other studios in Victoria who teach incorrect technique, but I will keep that anonymous. However, as time progressed, my studio’s acro classes were taught properly. We got new teachers, and those teachers were training in Acrobatic Arts (a program designed for teaching and doing safe acro). I think it’s important for acro, and all styles of dance, that studios hire teachers who are properly educated on what they are teaching. Acro should not be taught unless you are able to teach it safely.
• The Focus on Tricks Over Artistry: Some people in the dance community have expressed concern that acro is taking away from classic technique and artistry. It’s like I said in my last post, competitive dance has turned into a showing-off, trick-focused activity. Dance, especially competitive dance, is turning away from what dance should be in favour of tricks and skills to score high. I think there is a balance, it’s okay for some tricks to be in a routine, but when a dance is mostly tricks, it isn’t even dance anymore. This does not apply to acro dances, but I think that acro dance has inspired this change in the dance world.

Examples of Acro:

The first example is an acro solo from the show Dance Moms. If you notice that the camera pans to the audience or the judges, this is because this is from a TV show.

The next example is one I found on YouTube. I have never seen this before now, but it is a small group acro routine that was competed at a dance competition.

The final example is actually a friend of one of my friends. She trains in Vancouver, and this video is from her winning performance as a member of Team Canada at the IDO World Acrobatic Championships.

Conclusion:

Overall, I think that acro dance is a very interesting style of dance. I have been trained in acro to an extent, and have always somewhat enjoyed acro. It is definitely not my favourite style, but I enjoy watching good acro. If we put the issues with acro aside, proper acro can be innovative, creative, and inspiring for dancers to watch. I think acro will continue for a long time, but I hope that there is a shift against having acro present in all styles of dance. Acro is it’s own style, and should not be merged with every single other style at dance competitions.

Sources:

Rosenthal, S. (n.d.). Dance Injuries: Advice from a Chiropractor and Dance Dad. Rosenthal Chiropractic. https://www.rosenthalchiropractic.com/dance-injuries-advice-from-a-chiropractor-and-dance-dad