What is Acro Dance?

Understanding the Difference Between Acro Dance and Gymnastics

Acro dance, combines classical dance technique with acrobatic skills. It integrates strength, flexibility, and balance into expressive choreography. This dynamic style is often seen in competitive dance performances, where artistry and athleticism work together to create stunning routines.

So, What’s the Difference Between Acro Dance and Gymnastics?

At first glance, acro dance and gymnastics might seem pretty similar—both involve impressive physical skills and acrobatic feats. However, the way they’re performed and judged is where the two really differ.

1. Artistic Expression vs. Technical Scoring

In acro dance, the focus is on artistic expression. Acrobatic elements are integrated into the choreography, and the goal is to tell a story through movement. You won’t see points awarded for individual skills; instead, dancers are judged on how well they execute the entire routine, with deductions for mistakes like poor form or timing issues.

In gymnastics, it’s all about technicality. Gymnasts are scored based on the precision of each individual skill, with specific points given for difficulty and execution. Every move is evaluated on its own, and the goal is to perform the hardest tricks as perfectly as possible.

2. Scoring: Performance vs. Perfection

When it comes to scoring, acro dance is more about the overall performance. There’s no point system for individual skills, but dancers can be deducted points for skills that aren’t performed with proper control, timing, or form. The goal is to put together a seamless, captivating performance, not just nail a single move.

On the flip side, gymnastics scores each skill on its own. The goal is to perform the most difficult tricks with the highest level of control and technique. So, it’s more about mastering individual skills, while acro dance is about blending them into a complete routine.

3. Training Approach: Building Technique and Control

Acro dance training blends dance technique with acrobatic skills. Dancers learn to incorporate tricks like walkovers, aerials, and handstands into their routines while maintaining proper dance form and style. It’s a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and body awareness—plus, it’s all about smooth transitions between moves.

Gymnastics, however, is much more specialized. Athletes practice specific apparatus like vaults, bars, or the beam, and their training is centered around mastering each individual skill. It’s a very focused approach, while acro dance requires more integration of skills into artistic movement.

4. Surfaces and Safety

Acro dance is typically performed on hard floors or stages, meaning dancers have to rely on their form and control to land their acrobatic moves safely. It’s a little more risk involved, but that’s also what makes the art form so impressive.

In gymnastics, athletes train on padded surfaces, and mats are often used to make landings safer. This equipment helps support the training process and reduces the risk of injury, but it also changes the way skills are practiced and executed.

How I Help Dancers Train Acro Safely—Virtually

At Acro Unlimited, I take a progressive, spot-free approach to training that is perfect for virtual lessons. I’ve designed a method that is both safe and effective, even when training from home. Here’s how it works:

• ✅ Safe for growing bodies: With my background in kinesiology and as a certified personal trainer, I make sure each progression is safe and appropriate for young, growing dancers. My approach helps prevent injury while promoting long-term success.

• ✅ Clear, progressive steps: Every acro skill is broken down into manageable steps. This ensures that dancers master each progression before moving on, so they build a solid foundation.

• ✅ Spot-free method: Instead of relying on physical spotting, my method teaches dancers to feel each skill in their own bodies. This builds independence, strength, and awareness—making it safer for them to train on their own.

• ✅ Virtual flexibility: Whether your dancer is at home, in a studio, or on the go, they can access personalized training from anywhere. I offer individual feedback during classes, so virtual training can be just as effective as in-person lessons.

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Common Acro Dance Skills We Train

Some of the skills we focus on include:

• Front and back walkovers

• Aerials and aerial prep drills

• Handstands, chest stands, and scorpions

• Limbers, needles, and other acro poses

Each skill is broken down into clear steps, so dancers can feel confident and in control every time they move on to something new. It’s all about mastering the basics before advancing to more complex skills, which helps keep training safe and effective.

Why Choose Acro Dance?

Acro dance offers so many benefits to dancers:

• 💪 Builds strength, flexibility, and control

• 🤸‍♀️ Improves balance, coordination, and confidence

• 🎭 Boosts stage presence and performance skills

• ✅ Focuses on safe training methods that minimize injury risk

Whether you’re just starting or you’re looking to level up your skills, acro dance is a fun and effective way to improve as a dancer while adding an exciting element to your routine.

Start Your Acro Journey Today

Ready to take your dancer’s skills to the next level? I offer both virtual group classes and private lessons tailored to each dancer’s individual needs and goals.

📅 Weekly virtual classes | 🎥 Recorded lessons available | 📝 Personalized feedback

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