The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

What if your classes could do more than build dance skills? In this episode, Dr. Leisha Straughn unpacks the Four C's every teacher needs: Confidence, Competence, Connection & Character, and how to weave them into your studio with simple, intentional strategies. Walk away with tools you can use right away, plus discover Project Score, a free resource designed to help teachers put the Four C's into action.

Dr. Leisha Strachan is a professor at the University of Manitoba with a research focus on positive youth development through sport. She is also interested in research with coaches and parents in the deliberate delivery of positive sport experiences for children and youth.

Research Areas

Education

Leisha has been involved in sport and dance for the majority of her life. She began baton twirling at Crestview Community Club in Winnipeg at the age of 5 and continued for 18 years. She is a former Canadian Senior Freestyle Champion (1994), Grand National Solo and 2-Baton champion (1994), CBTF Senior Athlete and Overall Athlete of the Year (1994), and a 7-time Canadian Contingent member competing in freestyle (highest placing - 6th in 1994) and pair events garnering 2 world bronze medals for her efforts (with Kristin Macaraeg). In her time on the national team, she traveled to France, Japan, Holland, Italy, and Hawaii. Leisha is one of the founding coaches of Aerial Fusion Baton, which has been in existence for 25 years. In addition to being a Level 3 certified coach, she is also certified as a Module 1 teacher in Acrobatic Arts. She is also a certified M1, M2, M3, and Masters judge. She has had the opportunity to coach provincial and national team members and continues to choreograph for different athletes across Canada, England, and Scotland.

IG @drls250

Previous Episodes

Ep 4 Protecting Your Mental Health Dr Leisha Strachan

Ep 31 Overcoming Dancer Anxiety + Mental Blocks with Dr. Leisha Strachan

Ep. 69 Turning Dance Transitions into Triumphs with Dr. Leisha Strachan, Pt 1

Ep. 69 Turning Dance Transitions into Triumphs with Dr. Leisha Strachan, Pt. 2

Ep. 97 Mental Skills for Acro Success with Dr. Leisha Strachan

Part 2 is here and it's packed. The Godfreys go deeper into how flexibility training should feel, why class should be a conversation, and the one mindset shift that could change your entire teaching approach. Plus: behind-the-scenes of their collab with Acrobatic Arts and what's coming next.Don't miss this. Your dancers will feel the difference.

About The Godfrey Method

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It started with a few students and a fresh approach and turned into a method that's changing how dancers train. In Part 1 of this 2-part episode, we dive into how The Godfrey Method grew from kitchen floors to packed studios, blending strength, flexibility, and a focus on how dancers move, not just what they do. Get their take on class flow, creative cueing, and what every teacher should stop doing right now. Plus: A first look at their upcoming Teacher Resource Center + August intensive. Hit play and bring their genius into your studio.

About The Godfrey Method

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Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

She turned “I'm going to do that” into a Cirque du Soleil career and now she's rewriting the rules for Aerial Arts in dance studios. Meaghan Wegg shares how she went from farm kid to global performer, why aerial isn't as scary as you think, and the one thing teachers must stop skipping. If you've ever thought about adding hoop or silks to your studio… this is the sign. Listen now before your competitors do!

Meaghan Wegg

Meaghan grew up dancing where she studied Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Acro. In 2001, Meaghan was accepted in to L'Ecole Nationale de Cirque in Montreal where she specialized in aerial hoop and contortion with additional training in Ballet, Contemporary and Modern. Upon graduation in 2005, Meaghan performed professionally as a principal dancer in many roles, including the cast of ‘Tomorrow' (Pigeons, International) and the cast of ‘Loft' (7 Fingers). From 2009 – 2012, Meaghan performed on tour globally with Cirque Du Soleil's ‘Quidam' as a feature aerialist.

Following an extremely successful performance career, Meaghan shifted her focus to coaching and choreography. In 2013 Meaghan graduated with a diploma from L'Ecole Nationale de Cirque (Montreal, Canada) with a major in Research of Acrobatics, and a minor in Hand to Hand partnering for dancers.

Currently she works as a private acrobatic coach and choreographer, and attracts students from around the world with a focus on career development, choreography and professional stage preparation. Meaghan founded Move With The Beat dance competitions in 2013. She is the Australia, New Zealand and Singapore Division manager for Acrobatic Arts since 2015. Most recently she has launched her Aerial Arts Online syllabus guiding teachers with her course for their students and class preparations. Meaghan started The Academy Circus as a local London, Ontario circus and acrobatic facility in 2017.

Meaghan recently has been hired for global choreographic projects in Australia, Montreal, France, China and India creating large scale shows for special events, Casino shows and year end performance university shows. She is passionate about welcoming everyone into the performance industry while sharing tips and tools about making it a reality. She is now an on call Artistic Coach with Cirque du Soleil. Meaghan is very happy to be settled in her home town of London Ontario with her small family!

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

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Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

From TV sets and stages to the studio floor, Christina Kotsopoulos brings her unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and teaching insight to this episode of The Acrobatic Arts Podcast. Christina shares how Acro helped her grow as both a performer and educator, how she overcame fear after a childhood injury, and what teachers can do to help students shine both safely and confidently. Plus: Get the inside scoop on Accelerate, the AcroFit Challenge, and why Acrobatic Arts continues to lead the way in AcroDance education.

About Christina

Christina Kotsopoulos, originally from Toronto, Ontario, has an extensive background in film, television, and dance. Her credits include Pop IT! (TVO Kids), Lego Girls (Family Channel), The Next Star (YTV), Backstage (Disney), and The Boys (Amazon Prime). She was named America's Senior Dancer of the Year in 2014, after which she moved to New York City to study at SUNY Purchase College Conservatory for Dance, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2018. She also studied abroad at the Academie Voor Theater en Dans in Amsterdam.

Christina's performance credits include BC/EF Broadway Backwards starring Ariana DeBose, NORMA choreographed by Al Blackstone, and the Capezio Dance Awards. She has also appeared in music videos, including “Strangers and Thieves” by Jesse Malin, and worked on commercials such as the Genesis Car Reveal and XtendBarre Fitness on the Open Fit App. She recently performed at The Tin Building's opening and at a Boot Barn event choreographed by Karla Garcia.

In addition to her performing career, Christina has worked as skeleton crew on many productions like Zombies 3, Dance Lab NYC, and An American in Paris. She also teaches and adjudicates dance across North America.

https://www.instagram.com/christinakotsopoulos/

Prodigy Dance Convention: https://www.prodigydanceconvention.com/

Accelerate Acro Convention: https://accelerateacroconvention.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

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

Loren Dermody and Mandy Yip are back just in time for convention season! Tune in for laughs, fresh insights, and real talk on why teachers who keep learning light the way for their students. From new opportunities like Prodigy and Accelerate to the best booth parties around, this episode is your ticket to staying inspired, connected, and ahead of the curve—all while having a blast.

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.

Prodigy Dance Convention: https://www.prodigydanceconvention.com/

Accelerate Acro Convention: https://accelerateacroconvention.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

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

Tune in as Loren Dermody welcomes Leah Holliday for her first live podcast appearance. Together, they explore the ins and outs of the heli (helicopter cartwheel)—one of AcroDance's most eye-catching skills. Learn practical progressions, helpful drills, and teaching tips to help your dancers develop that signature swoop. If you're looking to add something special to your classes, this episode is full of useful insights you won't want to miss. Listen now!

About Leah

Leah has been teaching acro and dance for over 25 years. She was born and raised in Regina, SK and studied dance and baton twirling at the Martin School of Dance. Not only was she known as a well accomplished dancer but she represented Canada in Baton Twirling at numerous World Championships as a soloist and team member. Leah has been with AA for 4 years. She is a course conductor and examiner. Leah teaches dance and acro in Calgary, AB and she teachers Master Classes for Acrobatic Arts.

Need some visuals? Check out Leah's Weekly Mini presentation, Heli Progressions with Leah Holliday, on YouTube!

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

What makes a costume truly work for acro dancers? In this episode, host Loren Dermody talks with Lorianne Hagan and Claudia Reed, two seasoned professionals with deep roots in both dance and costuming, about the evolving world of acro and contemporary dancewear.

They share their personal journeys, discuss how industry trends and teacher feedback are shaping costume design, and offer practical advice for choosing costumes that support both movement and storytelling. Whether you're a studio owner or a teacher, you'll find fresh perspectives on helping your dancers feel comfortable, confident, and creative on stage.

Tune in for an honest, expert look at the challenges and opportunities in dance costuming today with tips you can use for your next show or recital!

Lorianne Hagan

Lorianne Hagan is a respected dance educator, choreographer, and industry professional with decades of experience in dance, acrobatics, and acrobatic gymnastics. She holds a BFA in Dance from Webster University and trained in New York City at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.

Her career has included performing and directing for Circo Magnifico, teaching at Webster University for 14 years, and as a Studio Director for MJ Performing Arts Academy in St. Louis.

Lorianne's students have gone on to Broadway, national tours, and regional theaters like The Muny and Stages St. Louis. She has been recognized in Dance Teacher Magazine, named Region 4 USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year, and nominated for the William T. Kemper Award.

A former board member of Dance Masters of America, she now serves as Senior Sales Manager at Weissman, where she combines her deep industry knowledge with a passion for supporting performance creators.

Claudia Reed

Claudia Reed is a senior marketing and business leader with 35 years of experience in fashion retail, branding, and customer strategy—all centered around growing purpose-driven businesses and nurturing creative communities. For nearly 20 years, she has brought that expertise to the dance industry through her work at Weissman, a leading global costume and dancewear company.

Throughout her tenure, Claudia has played a key role in evolving the Weissman brand and building out functions across the company—from marketing, ecommerce, and creative—all with a focus on ensuring customers take center stage.

In her current role as Senior Vice President of Sales, she is especially passionate about listening to studio owners, amplifying their voices, and helping dance businesses grow through customer-focused strategies that blend creativity with data-driven insights.

Find out more: www.weissmans.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:

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Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

How can dance teachers and studio owners truly support their most flexible students? In this essential episode host Loren Dermody welcomes back Dr. Linda Bluestein, renowned physician, former dancer, and expert in hypermobility, for her sixth appearance during Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month.

Dr. Bluestein reveals why early recognition of connective tissue disorders is critical in dance, sharing practical signs teachers can spot, from difficulty building muscle to recurring injuries and even digestive issues. She explains why standard screening tools like the Beighton score often fall short for dancers, and offers actionable advice on what really works in the studio.

Learn how to recognize the subtle signs of hypermobility, prevent common injuries, and empower your dancers to thrive. Whether you're a studio owner or passionate teacher, this episode will give you the knowledge to make a real difference in your dancers' lives.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with Dr. Linda Bluestein, exclusively on The Acrobatic Arts Podcast!

Important Links

Bending Boundaries: The Role of Joint Hypermobility in Dance

About Dr. Linda Bluestein

In addition to her private medical practice, Hypermobility MD, Dr. Bluestein is the founder and co-host of the podcast, Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, and former co-host of “Hypermobility Happy Hour.”

Dr. Bluestein is the Director of Education for the nonprofit, EDS Wellness, Inc. and founder and executive director of Bendy Bodies, an organization dedicated to empowering hypermobile performing artists.

She has published a number of original research papers; presents work at national and international conferences, and is a contributing author for the book, Disjointed - Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders.

Dr. Bluestein is a member of the Board of Directors for the Bridge Dance Project, the Allergy and Immunology Working Group for the International Consortium on EDS and HSD, the Advisory Board for Doctors for Dancers, and the Resources Committee for the Dance Healthy Alliance of Canada.

More information about Dr. Bluestein can be found on her website, www.hypermobilitymd.com.

Links:

Hypermobility MD

Hypermodbility MD Podcast

Bendy Bodies

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

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In this episode, Acrobatic Arts Master Teacher Jemma Harris breaks down the deceptively tricky, yet totally adorable, Teddy Bear Headstand. Discover expert tips and progressions to help your students master this foundational acro skill. Build a solid base for future success for your students, with these skill-specific drills!

About Jemma

Jemma began her dance journey at the age of 3 with Beats Per Minute Performing Arts on the Sunshine Coast training in all genres of dance. Jemma completed examinations in the RAD and Comdance syllabi gaining Distinction for Advanced 2 RAD, and Honours Plus for Modern Jazz Shield, Theatrical Shield and Gold Cross Tap.

At the completion of her training Jemma was awarded scholarships to a range of prestigious pre-professional programs including; Broadway Dance Centre and Brent Street. However was offered a contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines only two weeks after turning 18.

Jemma spent 3 years travelling the world and performing in production shows and musicals on board, including a feature role in “Saturday Night Fever” the musical and a soloist and showgirl in a diverse range of theatre shows.

Now, as a highly qualified teacher Jemma is passionate about progressing students safely with a rounded and broad skillset in the performing arts, starting at the very beginning with the tiniest humans. Jemma is passionate about early childhood development and laying the foundations from the very beginning and loves sharing her passion in this area as a course conductor for AcroDance Pre School and Ready Set Acro.

Jemma's qualifications span from Comdance Jazz, Tap and Theatrical through to Acrobatic Arts M1, M2 and M3, Alixa Flexibility, PBT as well as Aerial Arts. She loves sharing her knowledge with other like minded teachers through course conducting Acrobatic Arts M1, M2 and Aerial Arts and is honoured to be apart of a world renowned program!

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