The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Caroline Twells, founder of Caroline Green Dance and Theatre Arts. Caroline shares her dance journey, studio's offerings, and the transformative power of AcroDance exams. From fostering individual strengths to building life skills, this episode is a must-listen for dancers, teachers, and studio owners. Tune in now for a dose of dance wisdom and motivation!

About Caroline Twells
Miss Caroline started her dancing career at the age of 5. At the age of just 20, she opened the school in a small village hall on the outskirts of Derby.

33 years later the school is one of Derby's biggest, most unique and thriving schools. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dance where she gained the Certificate in Ballet Teaching studies and became a RAD registered teacher and mentor. She is a Licentiate and Associate of the NATD & ISTD and holds both Module 1 & 2 with Acrobatic Arts for which she is also an examiner. Miss Caroline has extensive experience in Teaching, Coaching, Performing, Choreographing & Directing spanning more than 28 years.

Miss Caroline is the Head Coach and Programme Director of our Cheer programme also based at the studio called Derby Diamonds Cheer. Other qualifications include a Module 1 Alixa Flexibity, Diploma in Contemporary Dance, Zumba Qualified, BGU & NCSSE Cheerleading Coach, RSA Exercise to Music & LAMDA Grade 8. She also has an enhanced DRB and First Aid qualifications.

Caroline has performed with leading companies for more than 20 years. Roles include ‘Nancy' in Oliver, ‘Irene' in Crazy for You, ‘Charity' in Sweet Charity, ‘Ado Annie' in Oklahoma, ‘Lilly' in Annie to name but a few. Other shows include West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Barnum, 42nd Street, Jekyll & Hyde, Kiss me Kate, Mame & Annie get your Gun and Singing in the Rain.

She is also Founder and Director and Choreographer of Derby Youth Musical Theatre which was formed in 2013 and who have produced sell out productions of Our House, Grease, Phantom of the Opera & Guys & Dolls, West Side Story & Legally Blonde.

Caroline recently trained as a DDMIX teacher with Darcey Bussell and is incredibly excited to introduce these new lessons to her studio!

Caroline Green Dance & Theatre Arts: https://www.cgdta.co.uk/

CGDTA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cgdta

CGDTA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgdta/

Derby Diamonds Cheerleaders on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dd_cheerleaders/

Derby Youth Musical Theatre on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derbyyouthmusicaltheatre/

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 Wendy Holmquist provides essential mental health tips and some really good reminders! Discover how to support your dancers' emotional well-being, create a safe space, and nurture resilience in your dance studio. Don't miss this opportunity to empower both yourself and your students! Tune in now for valuable insights and actionable strategies to prioritize mental health in dance.

Need some visuals? Check out Wendy's Weekly Mini presentation, Mental Health Tips with Wendy Holmquist, on YouTube!

About Wendy

Wendy Holmquist began her dance education at age 13 in her grandmother's studio, Markall School of Dance. With more than 45 years experience she has been the proud owner/director of Dance Dynamics Studio in Thunder Bay for the past twenty plus years.

Wendy has spent many hours researching and exploring different syllabi, articles, videos and webinars to develop programs the where emphasis lies around forming technically correct multi-disciplined performers, at the same time providing unique and everlasting life experiences. The studio's programs vary to encompass children of all ages and aspirations.

Wendy's dance education is comprised of exams/certification from accredited organizations; Acrobatic Arts, AcroDance Competition Adjudicator, Dance Teachers Stage Division Jazz, ADAPT(Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers), Al Gilbert Dance Educators, Dance Teachers Club of Boston &American Society of Dance Teachers -Jazz Division, Dance Olympus, and Progressing Ballet Technique, and CLI Continuing Dance Education, and Mental Health First Aid.

Wendy has an extensive background as a fitness instructor/trainer where she was employed at Vic Tanny's, YM/YWCA, the City of Thunder Bay, and Confederation College Fitness Centre, and received certification through the Ontario Fitness Leadership program and was a certified Nautilus instructor.

As an Acrobatic Arts Examiner Wendy travels throughout Canada and the United States and most recently through Zoom, where she evaluates young acro dancers as they progress through the 12 level syllabus providing valuable critiques and encouragement for them to move onto their next levels. She is also certified to examine the Acrobatic Arts Pin Program.

Wendy holds certificated as a Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor. RWID is a rhythm and dance program that incorporates evidence-based practices from sensory integration, applications to physical skills, and behavioral strategies. Special attention is given to helping improve outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and other learning differences and special needs.

Wendy continues to push her staff to continue being leaders in the industry ensuring using the latest technologies and tools available. To this end she has also partnered with CLI (Creative, Learning, Inspiring) Studios giving her staff year round access to some of the top professionals in the industry – Caitlin Kinney, Nick Lazzarini, Mijo, Comfort, Jamie Goodwin & Twitch to name a few.

Wendy is proud to continue as part of the Acrobatic Arts amazing faculty and looks forward to many more years.

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

Join us as we welcome back Dr. Linda Bluestein, M.D., an esteemed integrative pain medicine physician and former ballet dancer. In this episode, Dr. Bluestein delves into the intricacies of hypermobility disorders, emphasizing the crucial role of proactivity in their assessment and treatment. This episode is a vital resource for all dance teachers, as it offers the potential to bring about significant positive changes in the lives of their dancers. This is an absolute must-listen for all dance teachers!

Important Links

Bendy Bulletins: Bendy Bulletins are free, concise informational resources designed to improve the quality of life for those with hypermobility syndromes. Find out more: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/bulletins

Hope for Hypermobility: Part 1—An Integrative Approach to Treating Symptomatic Joint Hypermobility
https://journals.lww.com/topicsinpainmanagement/Fulltext/2023/03000/Hope_for_Hypermobility__Part_1_An_Integrative.1.aspx
Hope for Hypermobility: Part 2—An Integrative Approach to Treating Symptomatic Joint Hypermobility
https://journals.lww.com/topicsinpainmanagement/Fulltext/2023/04000/Hope_for_Hypermobility__Part_2_An_Integrative.1.aspx

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

Join our experts, Loren Dermody and Mandy Yip, as they unveil a groundbreaking collaboration between READY SET DANCE and Acrobatic Arts: READY SET ACRO!

Loren and Mandy will take you through the components of this innovative AcroDance program, designed exclusively for preschoolers. Discover the safe and effective pathway it provides for healthy early childhood development. Don't miss out on this incredible episode!

Find out more about Ready Set Acro: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/readysetacro

Ready Set Dance: https://readyset.dance/US/

Mandy Yip, Acrobatic Arts Founder + CEO
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.

Loren Dermody, Acrobatic Arts Research + Development
Loren has been with Acrobatic Arts since the beginning and she continues to share her creativity and years of experience towards the growth of new programs and the expansion of the syllabus. She is an Acrobatic Arts course conductor, examiner, head of research and development for the company as well as being the current host for the Acrobatic Arts Podcast.

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

Join us for an exciting episode as we welcome Ai Notohara from Yokohama City, Japan. With national Baton Twirling titles in Japan and Canada, professional dancing in New York, and performing in Cirque Du Soleil's KA, Ai's expertise is remarkable. In this episode, Ai shares the exciting story of launching Acrobatic Arts in Japan and the unique approach it demands. Don't miss out on this incredible exploration of the AcroDance world in Japan!

From Yokohama City, Japan, Ai competed in her first All Japan Baton Twirling Championships when she was 4 years old and eventually represented Japan in the World Championships. She holds national titles in Japan and in Canada. She dances professionally in New York, and was cast in Cirque Du Soleil's, KA. She also teach twirling and dance in Japan, USA, and Canada.

Acrobatic Arts Japan: https://youtu.be/Kq4UDQVrLQg

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

Get ready as Mandy Yip, our Founder + CEO, and special guest Derek Piquette unveil the exciting NEW AcroFIT Challenge by Acrobatic Arts, launching this July 2023! Tune in to hear the details about this exciting and fun 14-day initiative designed to support our Certified Teachers in their efforts to help students reach their AcroDance goals!

AcroFIT Challenge Info + Registration: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/acrofitchallenge

Need some visuals? Check out this Weekly Mini presentation, The AcroFIT Challenge, on YouTube!

Mandy Yip, Acrobatic Arts Founder + CEO
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.

Derek Piquette
Derek is dancer, director, choreographer, and teacher extraordinaire! With over a decade of experience and a career that has taken him all over the world, Derek is a true star in the dance world. From performing on So You Think You Can Dance to touring with Cirque du Soleil, Derek has done it all. He's also a gifted teacher and choreographer, with a knack for inspiring young dancers to reach for the stars.

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

In this episode, we will be exploring the innovative ADRC (AcroDance Resource Center) and its incredible benefits for your studio. Discover how you can safely share levels with your students for at-home practice, while also offsetting your ADRC subscription costs. Join us as Mark Nash, the USA Division Manager, walks you through the ins and outs of this program and how it can work wonders for your studio. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation packed with valuable insights!

Need some visuals? Check out Marks's Weekly Mini presentation, How Sharing Levels Can Pay for your Subscription Fee, on YouTube!

Mark is the US Division Manager for Acrobatic Arts, as well as an acro adjudicator, educator and certified examiner. He enjoys choreography and has won the Josephine-Hermene Schwarz award as well as received commissions to choreograph repertory and full-length works for various dance companies throughout the US. He was a professional dancer and has danced for Dayton and Cincinnati Ballets, and Ballet West.

Mark is also an eight-time Men's World Baton Twirling Champion, and has taught numerous world champions as well. He values education and has Master's Degrees in Business and Arts Administration, as well as many dance related certifications. Mark is also a devoted husband and father of three, and lives in California.

Email: [email protected]

FB https://www.facebook.com/nashmark/

IG @nashmark23

Nash Twirling Academy https://www.nashtwirlingacademy.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/

We are thrilled to have Drew Burgess back on the Acrobatic Arts Podcast! In this episode, we will be discussing the importance of cross training for acrodancers and Drew will be sharing his invaluable insights. He will not only emphasize the significance of cross training, but also the various options and benefits available that can help your dancers significantly improve their skills. Don't miss out on this episode packed with practical advice and useful information! Tune in now!

About Drew Burgess

Ohio native, Drew made his industry debut on Live with Regis during Amazing Kids Week. Upon relocating to California, he trained at L.A.'s best studios including EDGE, Millennium, Fusion, and the PAC Annex. Drew is highly sought after as a performer, choreographer, guest teacher, dance supervisor, & dance captain. Drew can be seen on teaching & adjudication panels for: Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Dance Teachers Club of Boston, Headliners, DanZa, 10+ Dance Masters of America Regional Chapters, Dance Educators of America, & the Rhee Gold Company. A former competitor himself, Drew's regional titles include Master, Junior, and Teen Mr. Dance of Ohio, as well as, Mr. Dance of the Pacific Coast. Nationally, Drew is a former Jr. Mr. Dance of America and Mr. Dance of America. Drew is certified by test to teach through DMA & DEA in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, & Acrobatics and is an active member in both organizations. Drew is also proud to be Acrobatic Arts Certified (M1-M3) & part of their U.S. Division Staff of Course Conductors & Examiners.

Drew's passion for dance circles the globe with guest workshop classes, technique clinics, & choreography, year-round. His corporate & live entertainment credits include performances with the Radio City Rockettes, Taylor Swift, & The Baha Men. Drew's students have accolades including: Teen Miss Dance of Arizona, Male Dancer of the Year, Miss Dance of Ohio, & Mr. Dance of America. His National Choreography merits include the Sherry Gold Memorial Choreography Award from DMA & Best Small Group & Production from NexStar. Drew has toured worldwide with Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance as a Swing in Rock the Ballet 2 and Romeo & Juliet. He was honored to serve as the Tap Director for four years at Spisak Dance Academy in Glendale, Arizona; and now resides in Columbus, Ohio and is part of of the teaching staff at Straub Dance Center.

Follow Drew on Instagram: @drewdances

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

Are you looking for ways to boost your studio's revenue and attract more students to your AcroDance program? Look no further, because Michelle McBride, Acrobatic Arts' very own Brand Manager & Graphic Designer is here to share her expert advice on how to effectively market your program and take your studio to the next level. So sit back, relax, and get ready to take notes, because this episode is full of valuable tips and tricks you won't want to miss!

Michelle McBride

Michelle has a degree in visual communication design and has worked in the industry for 20 years. She works with Acrobatic Arts as a marketing director and also consults several local studios. She has worked with large national and international brands to small local businesses and government agencies. Michelle has been a dance instructor for over 20 years and is a certified instructor in the Acrobatic Arts syllabus, AcroDance Preschool, Aerial Arts and is a certified adjudicator.

Need some visuals? Check out Michelle's Weekly Mini presentation, How to market your AcroDance Program, on YouTube!

Design
https://www.instagram.com/michelle.mcbride.design/

https://www.behance.net/michellemcbride

Acro
https://www.instagram.com/miss.dishy.acro/

Additional Acrobatic Arts Marketing Resources

AcroDance Resource Centre
https://www.acrobaticarts.com/curriculum/curriculum-resource-center-app

AcroDance PreSchool Program
https://www.acrobaticarts.com/training-courses/acrodance-pre-school-certification-live-online

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, we are thrilled to have Melanie Hadfield-Walker, an experienced dance teacher and studio owner, sharing her insights on how she effectively manages a busy schedule in the dance studio. Balancing exams, choreography, and multiple levels of dancers can be a daunting task, but Melanie has found strategies that work. Join us as she shares her tips and tricks for success, and offers valuable advice for anyone looking to optimize their dance season management. Let's get started!

Melanie Hadfield-Walker

Melanie began her dance and acrobatics journey at the age of 2 at her mums dance school in Doncaster and hasn't stopped dancing since. She went on to love all genres of dance as well as competitive gymnastics. Initially specialising in ballet she was three times awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Yorkshire Ballet Seminars and performed a ballet solo for Royalty at a Royal gala performance.

She trained at Northern Dance, Leeds Dance College and Merseyside Dance and Drama College completing teaching exams with the ISTD before embarking on a successful career as a professional dancer. Her career enabled her to travel the world performing on stage and screen and to work with some amazing choreographers.

She has since gained Fellowship qualifications with the I.S.T.D and A.B.D.

She is an approved tutor for the I.S.T.D DDE qualification and a dual examiner for A.B.D. She is a TDCI adjudicator and acrobatics certified adjudicator. She regularly delivers workshops around the country as well as lecturing for UKDCC and ABD scholarships.

As principal of Starlight Academy in Leeds she enjoys sharing her passion for dance and acrobatics on a daily basis and is committed to ongoing training as a dance professional.

Acro has always been a passion and Melanie was delighted to join Acrobatic Arts as an examiner and course conductor.

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