The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

We're launching our Spotlight Series by revisiting the very first episode of the Acrobatic Arts Podcast, featuring Rick Tjia, dancer, choreographer, educator, and freelance casting director.

This episode focuses on how teachers can help dancers leave a strong impression at auditions, support them after emotional outcomes, and guide them through video auditions clearly and professionally. Practical, direct, and immediately applicable for anyone supporting dancers on audition pathways.

About Rick Tjia

Rick's early training years began with tap dancing, eventually branching out into professional studies of classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance (training with teachers like David Howard, Finis Jhung, Christine Busch, Bruce Marks, Laura Young and Geri Houlihan). He also trained in other disciplines (trumpet, physics, and later on, guitar studies and various studies in business).

After an extensive career in dance and acting that includes performances with Ballet Austin, Boston Ballet and Delta Festival Ballet, as well as three years of work in film and television in Los Angeles doing hip-hop, jazz, and ballet (with choreographers like Twyla Tharp, Joe Layton, and with film directors like Mark Rydell, and James Brooks), Rick joined La La La Human Steps in Montreal in 1993, with whom he danced and toured the world for 8 years. As with many dancers and musicians, Rick is also a composer, a dance and acrobatic choreographer, and judges dance competitions, and teaches various workshops around the globe.

During his 16 years as a Talent Scout specializing in dance at Cirque du Soleil, Rick's contributions to the Casting Department also extended itself to contributing to and drawing up new operational and business strategies, as well as contributing to creative and innovative internal and external strategies of various types.

​Rick also works closely with International Performing Arts & Theatre (I-PATH) through leading dance education in the 21st Century.

In 2016, he joined the creative team of the Cirque du Soleil Big Top touring show Volta as an acrobatic choreographer, and In 2018, he started up the online choreography market Choreography Online with two partners, which had its official public launch in September, 2019.

Through Choreography Online he continues to cast for various live show and film projects, teach a Diploma in Choreography Program online, and manage Choreography Online's International Online Dance Competition. He is also an integral contributor to JamarGig, a new and innovative online casting and audition management system.

Rick is also still a freelance casting director. If you are a professional performing artist who would like to be considered for future casting calls, please open a profile in the Choreography Online Casting database here: http://casting.choreography.onl/

A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-127-spotlight-series-expert-advice-on-auditioning-for-dance-roles-with-rick-tia

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

Acrobatic Arts: https://www.acrobaticarts.com

What's changing in acro and what actually matters most right now? In this episode, Mandy Yip joins Loren and the Acrobatic Arts podcast community to share what she's seeing across studios worldwide as we head into 2026.

Mandy talks foundations, safe progressions, shifting student and parent expectations, and why clear curriculum is no longer optional. From time-strapped teachers to dancers craving clarity and autonomy, this conversation cuts straight to what works and what needs to change. If you teach acro and want safer training, stronger technique, and more confident dancers, this episode is a must-listen. Listen now and start 2026 with clarity.

Mandy Yip, Acrobatic Arts Founder
With over 350,000 dancers participating in Acrobatic Arts classes every week, Mandy Yip manages the delivery of training programs and the Acrobatic Arts syllabus in over 65hundred dance studios around the world. She also created the most comprehensive and researched Acrobatic Arts Curriculum, as well as innovative apps such as the AcroDance Resource Center. Mandy is a highly sought-after industry expert, known for her engaging workshops and clinics across North America, Europe, and Australia.

A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-126-what-acro-training-really-needs-in-2026-with-mandy-yip

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

Acrobatic Arts: https://www.acrobaticarts.com

The finale episode of this year's The Acrobatic Arts Podcast features memorable moments from the 2025 line-up. Top take-a-ways in a countdown of the best include clips from Sarah Reis, Joey Vice, Dr. Linda Bluestein, Dr. Leisha Strachan, and Maria Cherniske. Thank you to our listeners, and a huge thank you to ALL our amazing guests this past year!

Feel free to also send us your ideas for the topics and innovators from the dance and acro industry that will entertain, inspire, and take your teaching to the next level in 2026: [email protected]

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

Acrobatic Arts holds a global search every year for young dancer/athletes committed to elevating awareness and appreciation of their respective disciplines, including acro and aerial, as well as baton twirling.

Meet the game-changers - our 2025 Ambassadors - in this episode! They're taking their chosen disciplines to new heights with sheer hard work, passion, and dedication. Get ready to be inspired and find out why they proudly hold the title of Ambassador!

2025 Ambassadors

Acrobatic Arts:

‍♂️@anfhunt, Anthony Hunt

‍♂️@noel.pardee, Noel Pardee

‍♂️@patrickdavis_dance, Patrick Davis

‍♂️@sydneyslauko, Sydney Slauko

‍♂️@vienna.snow, Vienna Vanmill

Aerial Arts

@cherishtheovation, Aurora-Charlotte Woodward

@juliaf.dance, Julia Fagnan

Baton Arts:

✨ @bryanna_twirler, Bryanna Bartholomew

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

From setting his sights on Cirque du Soleil at just ten years old to joining the company at eighteen, Joey Vice has built his career on focus and belief. In this conversation Joey opens up about the mental tools that helped him handle pressure, avoid burnout, and stay grounded on tour.

He shares how journaling, visualization, and self-respect became his keys to success and why a strong mindset is just as important as strong technique. Whether you're a dancer, teacher, or parent, Joey's perspective on fear, focus, and balance will leave you inspired to keep pushing forward.

About Joey

Meet Joey, a versatile performer and choreographer who has made significant strides in the dance industry since his teenage years. At the age of 18, his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication propelled him to become the lead role in Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA. Now, as a freelance choreographer and teacher in Los Angeles, Joey continues to create innovative routines and jaw-dropping tricks for various projects. His talent has taken him far, and he has danced for renowned artists like 070 Shake and Marina. Joey's primary objective is to transform the lives of others and inspire dancers globally!

@joeythedancer

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

Sit Back. Block. Fly. The Blueprint for Strong, Confident Back Handsprings. From Broadway Dance Center to Acrobatic Arts, Maria Cherniske has built a career inspiring dancers to move with confidence and joy. A professional performer, gymnastics coach, and Acrobatic Arts Course Conductor, Maria joins Loren to talk all things back handsprings; the progressions, drills, and mindset that help dancers master this milestone skill safely. From sit backs to shoulder blocks, she shares simple ways teachers can build strength, power, and confidence in every class.

About Maria

Maria Cherniske was born and raised in Connecticut where she took her first class at the age of three. Since then, her passion for the arts has continued to flourish. In addition to being a performer, Maria has taught dance to students of all ages for the past twenty-four years and is a coach for competitive level gymnastics.

Maria was a competitive gymnast trained by 2004 Olympic coach Alan Hatch and 2004 two-time Olympic silver medalist Annia Hatch. Following college, Maria continued her dance education at the Broadway Dance Center in New York. She trained under Rhapsody James in the 2012 winter session of Motivating Excellence. She was also a member of New York based dance companies Jamie J & Co and Humans Collective.

Maria has worked with choreographers such as Lisette Bustamante, James Jackson Jr, Dana Foglia, Rhapsody James, Luam Keflezgy, Kelly Peters, Derek Mitchell and Tanisha Scott. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, in an ad for Rocawear clothing, with super-model Coco Rocha at NYC's Fashion's Night Out, on national television with Icona Pop, in a live performance with Jordan Fisher for Nintendo and in a national commercial for the Wendy Williams show. She was also a principal in a commercial for Affinity Bank. In addition, Maria has done work for Nike and Adidas. She appeared in Music Videos with popular up and coming artists and performed live with artists Matt Hunter, Carey Nokey, and L Michelle. Maria was the assistant choreographer for Rob Thomas' music video “I Trust You”, an ad for New Jersey Lotto “Cash Pop” and co-choreographed for the Off-Broadway hit “La Cancion.”

Maria is on guest faculty at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. In 2012 she was selected to be a mentor for the program Creating Opportunities developed by world-renowned choreographers Lisette Bustamante and Chonique Sneed. In 2021 Maria became a member of the staff at Acrobatic Arts as a course conductor and adjudicator.

Maria is passionate about dance education and loves helping dancers build their confidence and find their voice as an artist.

www.MariaCherniskeDance.com

Weekly Mini Episodes Mentioned by Maria:

Jill Ford | 5 Drills for Back Handsprings (Weekly Mini Ep. 58)

Vicki Fletcher | Key Elements for a Solid & Safe Back Handspring (Weekly Mini Ep. 20)

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

Acrobatic Arts faculty favorite Sarah Reis joins host Loren Dermody to talk all things All Things Acro, from her journey as a longtime teacher to creating the mats every studio needs. Hear Sarah's best tips for building an acro program, what to look for and avoid when buying equipment, and why supporting teachers is at the heart of everything she does.

About Sarah Reis

In her early development Sarah split her time between gymnastics and dance then later got into circus work and competitive rock climbing. The combination of these skills led her to a performance career as a stunt double in the thriving Vancouver film scene. While enjoying a professional performance career she worked on various projects including cruiseship contracts, print, television, film and nightlife productions. Sarah has always felt it was important to continue her education and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2006. After graduation Sarah started work as an artistic sport rehabilitation specialist in a Physiotherapy clinic during the day while teaching dance in the evening. At the clinic Sarah primarily designed return to training programs for injured artistic athletes.

Sarah is a certified teacher in acrobatics through the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA) and is a level three coach in women's artistic gymnastics with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Sarah holds longstanding certificates with many established dance teacher, Pilates and fitness related organizations. Sarah eventually returned to school to study contemporary dance at Simon Fraser University and completed a second degree in Education. Sarah spent some time working in the school district, holding an official teaching license with the BC ministry of Education in the specialty of performing arts and physical education. In 2008 she completed her Master's degree in Human Performance Coaching Sciences from the University of Victoria where she researched in the field of athletic motor development and later developed the curriculum for the International Dance Teaching Standards teacher education program for developing dance educators. Sarah began her doctorate research in Leadership Education but has since switched her focus to Dance Medicine. Within her research Sarah is interested in AcroDance teaching methodology and recently presented at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science.

When not touring as a public speaker, Sarah is the director of a large dance competition and manages a physiotherapy clinic among other small businesses. Sarah has spent the last decade touring worldwide presenting at various universities, dance conventions and conferences and can also be seen live from Los Angeles with CLI Studios. With a strong creative pull Sarah has been choreographing AcroDance lines and productions for more than twenty years and continues to be passionate about student development when she is home and able to teach in her hometown. Module three certified, Sarah is an examiner and course conductor here at Acrobatic Arts.

www.allthingsacro.com

All Things Acro on Instagram

www.danceteachingstandards.com

Listen to Sarah's previous episodes:

Ep. 12 Tips for Cartwheel Rebounds and Roundoff - Sarah Calvert

Ep. 42 Mats for AcroDance Training with Sarah Reis

Ep. 53 Life Lessons in Dance with Sarah Reis

Ep. 54 Life Lessons in Dance with Sarah Reis, Pt 2

Ep. 98 Balancing Competition and Education in Dance with Sarah Reis

Ep. 103 Thoracic Mobility: The Key to a Flexible Spine with Sarah Reis

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

In this special episode, Loren and Carolyn team up to co-host a conversation all about AcroFLEX Acrobatic Arts' newest workshop designed to change the way teachers approach flexibility training. They dive into the spark behind AcroFLEX, the research that fueled its creation, and who it serves. You'll hear how the F.L.E.X. method equips teachers with practical, safe, and adaptable tools to build both strength and range in their dancers. If you've ever wondered how to confidently teach flexibility in a way that supports every dancer's body, this episode is for you.

Learn more and register for the AcroFLEX Workshop: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/training-courses/acroflex-workshop

About Loren Dermody

Loren envisions living in a world where everyone dances, loves, laughs, lives their passion, and listens to Prince every single day!

A renowned and sought-after coach and choreographer, Loren started studying dance, acrobatics, and baton twirling at a very young age in Regina, Saskatchewan. Throughout her competitive career she competed nationally and internationally in dance and baton twirling as an individual and in groups. Hard work and dedication brought her and her teammates incredible success including a Gold Medal at the World Baton Twirling Championships in Padova, Italy and recognition as inductees into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.

Over the last 30 years, when she's not choreographing award-winning routines for hundreds of dancers and athletes in dance, baton and acrobatics, you can find her traveling the world, upgrading her certifications, attending professional development events, workshops, and conferences that keep her on top of the most recent developments and current trends in the industry.

In addition to holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Studies from the University of Calgary, Loren is a CBTF Certified Coach & Judge; WBTF Certified Judge; Certified Yoga & Meditation Teacher; ADAPT Jazz and Tap Certified Teacher; Certified RWID Instructor; Certified PBT Teacher; Alixa Flexibility Module 3 Certified Teacher; Acrobatic Arts Certified Teacher, Course Conductor, & Examiner; Level 1 Certified Trainer in the Genius of Flexibility Method; Level 2 NCCP Accredited Coach; Y.P.A.D Certified Teacher; member of IADMS; member of the Yoga Alliance; and a member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (Jazz & Acrobatics).

Loren has been with Acrobatic Arts since the beginning and is excited to contribute her creativity, years of experience, and her love for teaching alongside the most talented staff in the world!

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

From Acrobatic Arts' earliest days filming in Mandy Yip's living room to producing documentaries for the National Film Board of Canada, Rachel Bower has spent her career behind the lens capturing movement, passion, and human stories.

In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from competitive baton twirling to professional videography, and the crucial role she played in building the Acrobatic Arts app.

She offers insider tips on filming dance and acro, from planning and camera setups to capturing clean audio, managing media, and creating trust with dancers on set. Whether you're a dance teacher filming audition reels or a creative interested in visual storytelling, Rachel's wisdom and warmth will inspire you.

About Rachel Bower

Choosing subjects of deep personal interest and connection Rachel Bower has worked on documentaries in the Middle East, Africa, Ukraine, Romania, and North America. She has worked as a director, camera operator, and editor for the Outdoor Life Network, CBC and CTV.

Rachel had directed and written 20 episodes for CBC's documentary series Land and Sea. She has produced, directed and written six episodes for the documentary series Our Community on AMI (Accessible Media Inc.). Rachel produced a series DISRUPT that showcases artists with disabilities. The series was recently renewed for a second season.

Her independent documentaries have been screened at film festivals around the world. IN THE SAME BOAT and THE SINGING LUMBERJACK won best documentary at the Silver Wave Film Festival. MEET MAURICE CROSBY won best musical score at the British Documentary Film Festival. I AM SKYLAR won 6 short best documentary awards at various film festivals around the world.

She created, developed, wrote and directed ACROSS AND DOWN for CBC's Passionate Eye, which won two Leo Awards for best short documentary and best sound. She produced, wrote and directed THE NOODLE GROUP for CBC's short docs, which is streaming on CBC Gem.

Rachel was one of 25 crew members from across Canada to receive a scholarship to the Women in the Director's Chair program at the Banff Centre for the Arts. She was one of four directors chosen from Atlantic Canada to participate in the Director/Composer Mentorship Program though the Atlantic Canada Film Festival Association, the Guild of Canadian Film Composers and Symphony Nova Scotia. Rachel won a National Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) Dave Rogers Award for Best Short Feature and a Maritime Philanthropy Award Outstanding Special Event.

Rachel Bower Productions: http://www.rachelbowerproductions.com

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

In this episode, Loren Dermody sits down with Acrobatic Arts Principal Sandra Elliott to talk about the opportunity hidden in every studio—the potential of young dancers to grow into confident leaders. Sandra shares how assistants transform classrooms, support teachers, and gain skills that last a lifetime. With a new season beginning, it's the perfect time to think about how your students can step into leadership and how your studio can benefit from developing the next generation of teachers. Tune in to discover why investing in your assistants might be the smartest move you make this season.

About Sandra Elliott

With over 30 years teaching experience, Sandra has also been enjoying her role as a course conductor and examiner with Acrobatic Arts since its inception in 2012. She assisted in developing the Module 1 Teacher's Certification Course. In addition, she developed the Graduate Student Teacher's Certification course, the Adjudicator Certification for AcroDancecourse and the Pin Examiner Certification course.

Sandra is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and has her Bachelor of Education Degree, with a major in dance. Throughout her teaching career, she has successfully prepared students for all levels of RAD exams. One of her students achieved her Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal while another student participated in the RAD's Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition (formerly ‘The Genee') who later became a member of the Citie Ballet Company and is currently a member of Ballet Kelowna. Sandra has also been closely involved in the training of many students who have gone on to dance in professional shows including The Music Man (Broadway), Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, Movin' Out (Canadian Tour), Cirque Du Soleil (Las Vegas), So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Celine Dion and Taylor Swift. One of those students was the 2013 winner of UK's Got To Dance and a competitor in World of Dance Season 2. He is currently running his own contemporary company ‘Untitled' out of the UK.

Sandra's choreography has won many overall, title and choreography awards. She is passionate about not only developing artistic dancers that have excellent technique but she also loves helping dancers to understand how the things they learn in dance can translate into their personal lives helping them to push themselves to be the best they can be.

If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel on YouTube. Subscribe Now!

Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/

Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com