Acro (Acrobatics/Tumbling)
Level 1 - All dancers new to acro - must be 6+ by their first class - most students take this level for 2 years
Level 2 - Must be able to go down into a backbend (without falling out) - most students take this level for 2 years
Level 3 - Must have a backbend rise & back walkover (without falling out) - most students take this level for 2-3 years
Level 4 - Must be working on back limber and scales - most students take this level for 3-4 years
Level 5 - Working on back handspring - some students progress to level 6 and some remain in level 5 through age 18
(NOTE: Students in this level MUST take BOTH the Acro 5 (T)echnique AND the Acro 5 (R)ecital classes each
week....NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE)
Level 6 - Must have continuous back handsprings (NOTE: Students in this level MUST take BOTH the Acro 6 (T)echnique
AND the Acro 6 (R)ecital classes each week ....NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE)
Acro is centered on fundamental acrobatic technique to increase flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, timing, body awareness, self-discipline, and confidence. Multiple levels of instruction begin with simple forward rolls, somersaults and cartwheels, and progresses through numerous levels that include walkovers, limbers, handsprings, and aerial tricks. Tumbling mats, belts and a specialty flooring are used to reduce the risk of injury for all dancers, but especially our acro dancers.
ACRO VS GYMNASTICS: There is a vast difference between Acro & Gymnastics. We teach "hard floor" tumbling with some dance movement incorporated in Acrobatic Arts. Gymnastics teaches on a "spring floor" that has actual springs in it to create more lift. Gymnastics also incorporates pommel horse, balance beam, bars, etc - none of which are part of Acro Dance & Tumbling. We encourage you to ask if you are unsure!
Our instructors are trained in the styles and techniques of the Acrobatics Arts and utilize multiple levels to properly advance students through each step of the program.
Students DO NOT MOVE UP IN LEVEL each year/season or based on age. Instructors will properly "level" each student throughout the season and again at the conclusion of each season. Any students whom should "level up" will be told by the instructor - otherwise - you would continue to sign up for the same level for future seasons until those skills sets are mastered.
COMBO class is suggested for 2-6 year olds just wanting to "tumble". Acro Level 1-4 and Advanced are offered during Fall session, combined leveling during Summer session.
Summer Session will not include any costumes or recital, but will include some technique as well as combinations.
Fall Session classes will culminate in an annual Recital and include added costs such as costume and recital fees.
Dress Code Required for ALL Students: Leotard with or without shorts OR Biketard are required for ALL Levels and BARE FEET! Hair should be up and away from face in a low pony tail, braid, etc.
*NO Socks are permitted - as they cause a slipping hazard. Students may tumble in Bare Feet OR may purchase a pair of Acro Shoes from our store. NO OTHER STYLES OF SHOES PERMITTED as this is a liability for the student and studio.
*NO lose tshirts/sweatshirts - as they tend to need constant adjustment and are a distraction
*LADIES please be aware that as your bodies mature it is necessary for you to wear sports bras and other tighter attire that is both covering and appropriate for a childrens dance class
Level 2 - Must be able to go down into a backbend (without falling out) - most students take this level for 2 years
Level 3 - Must have a backbend rise & back walkover (without falling out) - most students take this level for 2-3 years
Level 4 - Must be working on back limber and scales - most students take this level for 3-4 years
Level 5 - Working on back handspring - some students progress to level 6 and some remain in level 5 through age 18
(NOTE: Students in this level MUST take BOTH the Acro 5 (T)echnique AND the Acro 5 (R)ecital classes each
week....NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE)
Level 6 - Must have continuous back handsprings (NOTE: Students in this level MUST take BOTH the Acro 6 (T)echnique
AND the Acro 6 (R)ecital classes each week ....NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE)
Acro is centered on fundamental acrobatic technique to increase flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, timing, body awareness, self-discipline, and confidence. Multiple levels of instruction begin with simple forward rolls, somersaults and cartwheels, and progresses through numerous levels that include walkovers, limbers, handsprings, and aerial tricks. Tumbling mats, belts and a specialty flooring are used to reduce the risk of injury for all dancers, but especially our acro dancers.
ACRO VS GYMNASTICS: There is a vast difference between Acro & Gymnastics. We teach "hard floor" tumbling with some dance movement incorporated in Acrobatic Arts. Gymnastics teaches on a "spring floor" that has actual springs in it to create more lift. Gymnastics also incorporates pommel horse, balance beam, bars, etc - none of which are part of Acro Dance & Tumbling. We encourage you to ask if you are unsure!
Our instructors are trained in the styles and techniques of the Acrobatics Arts and utilize multiple levels to properly advance students through each step of the program.
Students DO NOT MOVE UP IN LEVEL each year/season or based on age. Instructors will properly "level" each student throughout the season and again at the conclusion of each season. Any students whom should "level up" will be told by the instructor - otherwise - you would continue to sign up for the same level for future seasons until those skills sets are mastered.
COMBO class is suggested for 2-6 year olds just wanting to "tumble". Acro Level 1-4 and Advanced are offered during Fall session, combined leveling during Summer session.
Summer Session will not include any costumes or recital, but will include some technique as well as combinations.
Fall Session classes will culminate in an annual Recital and include added costs such as costume and recital fees.
Dress Code Required for ALL Students: Leotard with or without shorts OR Biketard are required for ALL Levels and BARE FEET! Hair should be up and away from face in a low pony tail, braid, etc.
*NO Socks are permitted - as they cause a slipping hazard. Students may tumble in Bare Feet OR may purchase a pair of Acro Shoes from our store. NO OTHER STYLES OF SHOES PERMITTED as this is a liability for the student and studio.
*NO lose tshirts/sweatshirts - as they tend to need constant adjustment and are a distraction
*LADIES please be aware that as your bodies mature it is necessary for you to wear sports bras and other tighter attire that is both covering and appropriate for a childrens dance class
Class Placements
All students without prior dance experience are placed in classes based on age. Students transferring from another studio with prior dance experience should sign up for the class level they believe they fit into best. The first 1-2 weeks of class will be used to ensure proper placement of each student, and any students that we feel should be moved up or down in level will be done during the first two weeks of that scheduled class session.
After the first year of instruction with CMI, students should register for class levels based on the final evaluation from the instructor from the previous year. The first two weeks of classes in September will be used as assessment weeks. At that time, teachers may ask a student to move to a different class depending on the student’s ability, age, and class level.
Please wait until the week of July 22nd (for Summer session) OR the first week of October (for Fall session) to request any changes If you feel that your placement is not appropriate. At that time, a second evaluation may be requested, however, all decisions made at that time are considered final.
Please keep in mind that we are always going to keep your child’s best interest in mind regarding their skills and safety. Parents will receive an email each Spring containing the reports for each of their children enrolled that outlines the skills they have mastered. In addition, they are given recommended levels for the next dance session in the report that should be used when registering for classes the following season.
CMI reserves the right to refuse a student be enrolled in any class at anytime if we feel that the student is not ready for that particular class setting, training level, etc. and per our contract, no refunds will be issued nor due for future class tuition due.
After the first year of instruction with CMI, students should register for class levels based on the final evaluation from the instructor from the previous year. The first two weeks of classes in September will be used as assessment weeks. At that time, teachers may ask a student to move to a different class depending on the student’s ability, age, and class level.
Please wait until the week of July 22nd (for Summer session) OR the first week of October (for Fall session) to request any changes If you feel that your placement is not appropriate. At that time, a second evaluation may be requested, however, all decisions made at that time are considered final.
Please keep in mind that we are always going to keep your child’s best interest in mind regarding their skills and safety. Parents will receive an email each Spring containing the reports for each of their children enrolled that outlines the skills they have mastered. In addition, they are given recommended levels for the next dance session in the report that should be used when registering for classes the following season.
CMI reserves the right to refuse a student be enrolled in any class at anytime if we feel that the student is not ready for that particular class setting, training level, etc. and per our contract, no refunds will be issued nor due for future class tuition due.
