Acro dance uses a combination of gymnastic movement, acrobatic techniques, and classical dance via choreographed routines. It is commonly seen in contemporary dance circles and popular productions like Cirque du Soleil, though it is not a formal type of dance at a competitive level. It is especially challenging as it ultimately requires a seamless integration of both dance and acrobatic skills.
Read on for some specific benefits that this unique activity can offer your teen.
Acro Dance is About Personal Creative Expression
Gymnastics and some types of dancing lend themselves to a certain set of formal elements and can be quite rigid. Where acro dance is more connected to contemporary dance and movement, it can allow for more room for creative expression.If your kids are creative and looking for an opportunity to express themselves, acro dance can be an excellent outlet for releasing emotional energy.
Dance Inspires Confidence
Many teens today struggle with body image issues, and sometimes it can be difficult to find a type of exercise that will genuinely challenge them and that they enjoy. Acro dance requires a high level of focus, strength, and body awareness. When teens have a good understanding of their body, have good core strength, and proper posture, they tend to walk through the world with confidence.
Dance is Hot Right Now
Most people are aware of the massive popularity of shows like Dancing with the Stars, and as a result more and more teens are becoming interested in dance. According to one study done by Solutions Research Group as reported in Today’s Parent, dance is a more popular choice for Canadian kids than hockey!Acro dance specifically is also popular right now, not only as a standalone sport but as a support training mode for those already enrolled in activities such as gymnastics and cheerleading.
A Low-Pressure Social Environment
Trying a new activity is a great way to make new friends, and a great thing about acro dance is that while it’s somewhat interactive, your teen won’t feel pressured into a team mentality in the same way that they might in regular gym class. Teens who like more individual activities will have a chance to work on their own, while still developing skills with others based on a shared interest.
Acro Dance is Great Training for a Range of Other Activities
Acro dance is a great way for those who already have a background in gymnastics to explore a contemporary movement style that incorporates plenty of the skills they may have developed earlier in life, like walk-overs, aerials, and handsprings. It’s also a good basis with which to train for other types of activities including any type of dance or gymnastics.
If you’re in the Toronto area and you’re interested in finding out more about these beneficial and popular dance classes, visit the Fit for Life Group for more information about the innovative acro dance and gymnastics programs they offer for kids of all ages.
