The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

Acrobatic Arts Inc
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Arts
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to the Acrobatic Arts Podcast! Join our host, Loren Dermody, as she interviews some of the top leaders and innovators from the dance and acrobatic industry. Acrobatic Arts is passionate about providing current and relevant information for everyone. If you are interested in hearing open and honest conversations with professionals from all over the world, then you are sure to find these episodes intriguing and full of inspiration!

  1. Sep 23

    Ep. 144 What Cirque Casting Directors Actually Look For with Marqui Kumavat

    She auditioned for Cirque du Soleil for seven years before getting the call. Now she's the one deciding who makes the cut. Dance Casting Specialist and Talent Scout Marqui Kumavat reveals what actually catches her eye in an audition room, why technique alone won't get you hired, and the business side of a dance career most young performers never learn. Plus, your shot at a backstage experience with Cirque's Drawn to Life at Accelerate Acro Convention. Full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-144-what-cirque-casting-directors-actually-look-for-with-marqui-kumavat About MarquiDance Casting Specialist and Talent Scout, Cirque du Soleil Marqui began her performance career early, booking her first major role at just 11 years old in the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where she later became Swing, Dance Captain, and Assistant Choreographer. Her journey eventually led her to Cirque du Soleil, where she currently serves as the Dance Casting Specialist. With Cirque, Marqui has held several key creative roles, including Senior Artistic Advisor for The Beatles LOVE and Dance Master for both Mystère and LOVE.  Her choreography, staging, and direction has helped bring Cirque’s artistry to stages and global platforms around the world spanning performances at the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Life Is Beautiful, The Today Show, and special collaborations for The Beatles, Loungefly, HP, and MGM. Beyond Cirque, Marqui’s stage experience includes performances with Royal Caribbean, The Walt Disney Company, Universal, Feld Entertainment, and special events such as One Night for One Drop alongside Hans Zimmer and Walk the Moon. As an educator, she has had opportunities to teach at Steps NYC, TAPS Professional Program, Tremaine Dance Conventions, NYCDA, and CLI Conservatory. 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 Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

  2. Sep 9

    Ep. 143 Spotlight Series: Balanced Development with Sandra Elliott

    By popular demand, this one's back. Sandra Elliott, Acrobatic Arts Principal and the eye behind our syllabus, joins Loren to answer a question every dance teacher needs to ask: are your dancers developing evenly on both sides? One sided training doesn't stay small. It builds into twisted bridges, unstable landings, and injuries that follow a dancer for life. Sandra breaks down how it happens and what to do about it, starting in your very next class. If you teach dance, don't miss this one. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-143-spotlight-series-balanced-development-with-sandra-elliottAbout Sandra With over 35 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 AcroDance course and the Pin Examiner Certification course. Sandra is currently the Principal of Acrobatic Arts responsible for administering aspects of different courses along with ongoing training of new and existing examiners with the company. 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 as well as 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. Previous Episodes featuring Sandra Elliott Ep. 118 – Assistant Teachers: The Secret to Studio Growth with Sandra Elliott - https://youtu.be/t0a3urn5Ti8Ep. 106 – Advanced Acro: Tumbling Unlocked with Sandra Elliott & Vicki Fletcher - https://youtu.be/Y519uEvllz8Ep. 104 – Acro Exam Ready: Examiner's Top Tips (3-5) with Sandra Elliott - https://youtu.be/iq1xj2rplf0Ep. 77 – Adjudicator Certification for AcroDance with Sandra Elliott - https://youtu.be/MreAM8Ys5foEp. 57 – Exploring the Acrobatic Arts Pin Program with Sandra Elliott - https://youtu.be/a9T7V_dEaWAEp. 37 – One-sided Dancers: Is it a Concern? with Sandra Elliott - https://youtu.be/IpFzA0hAzSYEp. 32 – Common Corrections in Exams Primary to Level 3 with Sandra Elliott - https://youtu.be/JlUoYpgRYrc 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

  3. Aug 26

    Ep. 142 Handstand Walking with Drew Burgess

    Drew Burgess is back, and this time he's diving into handstand walking, the skill he says tells him everything about a dancer the first time he sees them attempt it.He breaks down progressions for every level, starting as early as a plank, and shares the hand squeezing trick that gets dancers to stack their hips like a rocket. There's also a studio wide challenge idea to keep every class pushing for more reps and more steps. If you teach acro, this one gives you something to use in class tomorrow. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-142-handstand-walking-with-drew-burgess About Drew Drew Burgess is a nationally recognized choreographer, adjudicator, educator, coach, and consultant specializing in dance and acrobatics. He serves on faculty and adjudication panels for prestigious organizations including Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, Impact Dance Adjudicators, Kids Artistic Revue, Rainbow National Talent Competition, and Encore Performing Arts, among others. As a former competitive dancer, Drew held multiple regional titles including Master, Junior, & Teen Mr. Dance of Ohio, Mr. Dance of the Pacific Coast, and the national titles of Jr. Mr. Dance of America and Mr. Dance of America. He is certified by test to teach through DMA and DEA in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics and maintains active membership in both organizations. Drew is also Acrobatic Arts Certified (M1-M3) and is honored to be part of their staff as a USA Division Course Conductor and Examiner. He is also a proud faculty member of Accelerate: The World's Largest AcroDance Convention. Drew's professional performance credits include working with the Radio City Rockettes, Taylor Swift, and The Baha Men. He toured internationally as a professional dancer in Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance, performing in both “Rock the Ballet 2” and “Romeo & Juliet” as a multi-track swing in each show. His choreographic achievements include the Sherry Gold Memorial Choreography Award from DMA, Overall Choreography Awards for Small Group and Production from NexStar, and Industry Dance Awards Nomination from KAR. Drew's students have earned distinguished honors including Teen Miss Dance of Arizona, Miss Dance of Ohio, Mr. Dance of America, positions with the Radio City Rockettes, Walt Disney World, D1A Texas Tech Pom Squad, NFL Cincinnati Bengals (“Ben-gals”) Cheerleaders and Female Junior Solo Gold & Silver Medalist from IDO World AcroDance Championships. Currently based in Columbus, Ohio, Drew is on the weekly teaching staff at Straub Dance Center and Drake Dance Academy. He previously served as Tap Director at Spisak Dance Academy in Glendale, Arizona for four years. Drew has filmed educational content for CLI Studios and recently worked as a Guest AcroDance Coach for The Ohio State University Dance Team. He continues to share his expertise through year-round guest workshops, technique clinics, and choreography sessions worldwide. Listen to Drew's Previous Episodes Ep 56 Analyzing and Refining The Aerial with Drew Burgess - https://youtu.be/d58YRZ_Lgts Ep 60 Maximizing Potential: Cross Training in Acro with Drew Burgess - https://youtu.be/vjCbbwtp0WU Ep 80 Balancing & Limbering Fighting the Good Fight with Drew Burgess - https://youtu.be/PDdXl7ON3xA Ep 107 Acro Chat Coaching, Creativity, & Connection with Drew Burgess - https://youtu.be/IYS18yM0GA4 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

  4. Aug 12

    Ep. 141 Spotlight Series: Building a Lasting Career in Dance with Katie Schaar

    By popular demand, we're bringing back one of our favorite conversations. Katie Schaar has danced and choreographed for Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, the Grammys, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and world tours for P!nk, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift. She's also the co-creator of Sugarfoot Therapy and founder of MOTI Physiotherapy in LA. In this episode, Katie shares how she built a career that spans performing and choreography, what she learned from mentors like Mia Michaels and Tice Diorio, and why she believes movement diversification is one of the best things a dance teacher can teach. She also gives real talk on emotional resilience for young performers and the value of income diversification for working artists. Since this episode first aired, Katie has kept building. She's continued running teacher training workshops for Sugarfoot Therapy across the country, both virtually and in person. MOTI Physiotherapy also continues to grow, expanding access to specialized sports and orthopedic rehab care in LA. If you're a teacher mentoring dancers toward the next stage of their journey, whether that's a professional career or simply a healthier relationship with the art form, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-141-spotlight-series-building-a-lasting-career-in-dance-with-katie-schaar About KatieKatie Schaar has nearly two decades of experience as a Los Angeles-based dancer, choreographer, & dance teacher. Credits include Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, the American Music Awards, MTV VMA's, the BRIT Awards, the Grammy's, films The Muppets and Rock of Ages, the 2015 Super Bowl Halftime Show, and world tours for P!NK, Katy Perry & Taylor Swift. She has a BA from Loyola Marymount University, where she studied Communications Studies and Dance. Katie co-created Sugarfoot Therapy, a physical therapy-based conditioning & injury prevention program for dancers; and she is the founder and Director of Operations at MOTI Physiotherapy in LA. Sugarfoot Therapy Teacher Training Workshops: https://sugarfoottherapy.com/teacher-training-workshops/Sugarfoot Therapy: www.sugarfoottherapy.comMOTI Physiotherapy: www.motipt.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

  5. Jul 29

    Ep. 140 Acrobatic Arts in Japan - An Update with Ai Notohara

    Since launching Acrobatic Arts in Japan in 2022, Ai Notohara has been quietly doing something remarkable. In this update episode, Ai shares how the program is now running inside a Tokyo elementary school in partnership with Japan's Ministry of Education, why she teaches acro in English, and what it meant to bring her students to Canada to compete for the very first time. A great listen for anyone who loves seeing acro grow beyond borders. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-140-acrobatic-arts-in-japan-an-update About Ai Notohara 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 Listen to Ai's previous episodes: Ep. 63 Exploring Acrobatic Arts in Japan with Ai Notohara: https://youtu.be/6rrR_oYSffs 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

  6. Jul 15

    Ep. 139 Spotlight Series: Mental Blocks, Anxiety, and Self-Talk with Dr. Leisha Strachan

    When a student freezes on a skill they've done a hundred times, what do you do? Dr. Leisha Strachan, sports psychologist and dance teacher, joins us to talk about the mental side of skill development, from breaking through blocks to managing performance anxiety. She covers practical tools like affirmations, breathing techniques, thought stopping, simulated practice, and imagery scripts that teachers can actually use in class. This is a Spotlight Series re-release of one of our most listened-to episodes, and it's easy to see why. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-139-mental-blocks-anxiety-and-self-talk Sources Referenced MindShift App AcroDance Resource Center Psyching for Sport - Terry Orlick The Mental Athlete - Kay Porter Sports Phsychology for Coaches www.projectscore.ca www.sportpsychologyforcoaches.ca About Dr. Leisha Stachan 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 Positive youth development Sport participation Children Youth Sport psychology Education Doctor of Philosopy - Sport Psychology, Queen's University (2008) Master of Human Kinetics - Sport Psychology, University of Windsor (2004) Bachelor of Education, University of Manitoba (1999) Bachelor of Physical Education, University of Manitoba (1997) 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 Ep. 117 The Four C's Every Teacher Needs with Dr. Leisha Strachan

  7. Jul 1

    Ep. 138 Golden Buzzer - From the Studio to the Stage with Jill Ford

    Jill Ford has been part of the Acrobatic Arts family from the very beginning. As a Course Conductor and owner of Supernova Acro Studio in Edmonton, she has spent years building something truly special. And then it happened. Jill, her daughters Zoe and Jada, and their entire Supernova crew took the stage on America's Got Talent as the Acro Canine Crew and Terry Crews ran straight to that golden buzzer. In this episode Loren and Jill go way back, and that history makes this conversation something really special. They get into the origin story of Supernova, Jill's deep commitment to Acrobatic Arts, how she kept the whole thing a secret with a studio full of young dancers and excited families, and yes, the dogs. They talk about what it actually felt like standing in those wings, the moment the golden buzzer went off, and what has changed since that confetti fell. This one is for every studio owner who has ever dreamed big for their students. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-38-golden-buzzer-from-the-studio-to-the-stage-with-jill-ford About Jill Jill was originally from Regina, Saskatchewan where she danced competitively in the areas of ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics and baton twirling for 17 years. She went on to teaching dance, baton and acrobatics in her home city and now resides in Edmonton, Alberta where she has opened her own studio specializing in Acrobatics and Baton Twirling. She completed her bachelor of Education (k-5) at the University of Regina which has furthered her expertise as an acrobatic and dance teacher. Jill has travelled the world as an athlete and coach representing Canada at 8 World Baton Twirling Championships and now continually is committed to keeping young children involved in the areas of acrobatics, dance and baton twirling. She is very happy and honoured to be part of the Acrobatic Arts staff and loves sharing her passion and knowledge with students and teachers! Jill's credentials include: Bachelor of Education, Canadian Dance Teachers Association Certified Teacher, Canadian Baton Twirling Association Level 2 Coach, Inductee of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Listen to other episodes with Jill Ford: Ep. 44 More Than You Think: The Benefits of Acro Exams with Jill Ford: https://youtu.be/Rh1gw-9674IEp. 68 Top 3 Tips for Front Aerials with Jill Ford: https://youtu.be/GvzYonPFHH8Ep. 86 Breaking Down the Handstand Forward Roll: Strategies with Jill Ford: https://youtu.be/xSAcCMtASpc 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

  8. Jun 17

    Ep. 137 Spotlight Series: Common Dance Injuries with Tim Buckley

    Physiotherapist Tim Buckley returns in this Spotlight Series episode to break down the most common dance injuries, how to spot the difference between normal soreness and actual injury, and why consistent training matters more than you think. From ankle sprains to shoulder issues, he explains what shows up most in different disciplines and shares prevention strategies that go beyond just "warm up better." If you've ever wondered when soreness crosses into injury territory, this one's for you. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-spotlight-series-common-dance-injuries-with-tim-buckley About Tim Tim Buckley is a Physiotherapist from Melbourne, Australia. He has worked exclusively with elite ballet dancers, circus artists and orchestral musicians during his 19 year career and has spoken twice at IADMS conferences in Australia and the USA.He was one of two full time physios with The Australian Ballet from 2006-2008 and toured Australia, China, England and France. He joined Cirque du Soleil in 2009 and toured Japan, South America and North America with ‘Corteo' and ‘Quidam', before settling in Montréal to work at Cirque's international headquarters as the Supervisor of Performance Medicine.Tim then toured again as the Head Physiotherapist on Cirque du Soleil's production, ‘Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities' in 2014-15, before moving back to Melbourne in 2016. After another year at The Australian Ballet and completing a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy, Tim re-joined Cirque du Soleil where he worked as a ‘fly-in' Head Physiotherapist on several touring shows including Amaluna, Volta, Crystal and Twas The Night Before, as well as in Montreal on various creation projects.Tim is currently the Senior Advisor of Performance Medicine Operations for Cirque du Soleil, providing clinical support to the physical therapy teams on Cirque's global touring shows. Tim is a consultant Physiotherapist for Acrobatic Arts Inc, providing input on the continuing development of their syllabus and programs.Tim also co-owns The Academy, a circus training center in London Ontario, with his wife Meaghan Wegg.www.theacademycircus.comFacebook: The Academy CircusInstagram: @theacademycircus Previous Acrobatic Arts Podcast Episodes: Ep 7 Acrobatic Arts Australia, New Zealand and Asia Division Managers Meaghan Wegg and Tim Buckley - https://youtu.be/_npmTPXgEtU
Ep Ep 28 Physiotherapist Tim Buckley - Dance Injuries, Pt 1 - https://youtu.be/IsaiS8OmebIEp 29 Physiotherapist Tim Buckley - Listener Questions, Pt 2 - https://youtu.be/e9OPbP9LhXgEp 71 Student vs Professional Training with Tim Buckley & Meaghan Wegg - https://youtu.be/C4nuWxfBrTo 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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

See All (143)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Acrobatic Arts Podcast! Join our host, Loren Dermody, as she interviews some of the top leaders and innovators from the dance and acrobatic industry. Acrobatic Arts is passionate about providing current and relevant information for everyone. If you are interested in hearing open and honest conversations with professionals from all over the world, then you are sure to find these episodes intriguing and full of inspiration!

Information

  • Creator
    Acrobatic Arts Inc
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 by Acrobatic Arts Inc
  • Show Website
    The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

You Might Also Like