82 episodes

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!

The Acrobatic Arts Podcast Acrobatic Arts Inc

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 10 Ratings

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!

    Ep. 82 OFQUAL Recognition: Acrobatic Arts UK's Journey with Jennifer Shirkey

    Ep. 82 OFQUAL Recognition: Acrobatic Arts UK's Journey with Jennifer Shirkey

    Join us for an enlightening episode as we delve into the significance of OFQUAL recognition for Acrobatic Arts UK with special guest Jennifer Shirkey. Discover how this accreditation elevates standards in dance education and opens new avenues for professional development. Jennifer shares insights into the journey toward OFQUAL approval and discusses the exciting future prospects for Acrobatic Arts in the UK. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the intersection of excellence, safety, and innovation in the world of AcroDance training!
    Find out more about Acrobatic Arts Ofqual Recognition here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/ofqual
    Questions? Email Jennifer at jennifer@AcrobaticArts.comAbout Jennifer Shirkey
    Jennifer Shirkey is from Regina, Saskatchewan where she danced competitively in the areas of Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Acrobatic for 15 years. She successfully completed her majors in RAD Ballet and was accepted to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's summer program where she was given the opportunity to further develop her skills and dance technique.She went onto the University of Saskatchewan to complete a bachelor's degree in International Studies and advanced certificate in Economics. She also studied abroad in Guatemala and completed a marketing internship in Madrid, Spain. Her career focus has been in sales, marketing and logistics. While traveling the world over the last 15 years, Jennifer's passion for dance and the arts inspired her to attend dance classes to fulfill her love of dance. Today, she maintains her commitment and involvement in dance as a Ballet Barre Works instructor at Ballet Barre Works Studio and various other studios in Calgary.
    Jennifer, is currently managing the UK Division and looks forward to supporting Acrobatic Arts' expansion into Europe in the near future.
    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/

    • 13 min
    Ep. 81 Certifying for Success: How Studio Owners Gain the Competitive Edge with Mark Nash

    Ep. 81 Certifying for Success: How Studio Owners Gain the Competitive Edge with Mark Nash

    Attention Dance Studio Owners! In this episode Acrobatic Arts Associate Director, Mark Nash shares invaluable insights on why Certification is a game-changer for studio owners. Whether you're seeking to boost your studio's reputation, attract more students, or simply stay ahead in the industry, Mark breaks down the essential reasons why Certification is a must. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to studio success with Acrobatic Arts!
    Need some visuals? Check out Marks's Weekly Mini presentation, Why YOU Want to Certify as a Studio Owner with Mark Nash, on YouTube!
    Mark is the Associate Director of 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: mark@acrobaticarts.com
    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/

    • 18 min
    Ep. 80 Balancing & Limbering: Fighting the Good Fight with Drew Burgess

    Ep. 80 Balancing & Limbering: Fighting the Good Fight with Drew Burgess

    Dive into a must-listen episode for acrodance teachers who relish deep dive conversations about acro and its fundamental building blocks. Join host Loren Dermody and AcroDance guru Drew Burgess as they explore Drew's passion for balancing and limbering—the "quietest moments" of class. This rich and profound discussion promises invaluable insights to enhance your understanding and teaching of acro. Tune in for a deeply enriching conversation on the Acrobatic Arts Podcast!
    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

    • 27 min
    Ep. 79 The Importance of Progressions with Kate Evans

    Ep. 79 The Importance of Progressions with Kate Evans

    In this insightful discussion, Kate Evans, Master Teacher and seasoned dance educator, emphasizes the crucial role of progressions in safe and effective skill development. Discover the significance of patient and progressive approaches, gain insights into injury prevention, and understand the nuanced journey of skill progression.Kate's expertise provides a comprehensive view of dance education, making this episode a must-listen for those eager to enhance their understanding of skill development in the world of acro, aerial, and dance. Tune in now for a deeper dive into the foundations of lifelong success in dance!
    About Kate Evans
    Kate commenced her training at the age of 2 and danced throughout her entire childhood under the training of Maria Shanks. She trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre. Kate completed all examinations in classical ballet with the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and in all genres with Comdance including Jazz, Tap, Theatrical and Ballet.
    Following this she trained full time at Brent Street Studios (Sydney) and completed her Certificate IV in Performing Arts.
    After graduating from high school Kate was accepted into BA Medicine at University of NSW however deferred, and accepted the position at Brent Street Studios.Kate recommenced her BA Medicine however transferred her focus into a Bachelor of Psychology after 2 years, completing and attaining the BA in Psychology at the Queensland University of Technology.
    Kate has had a professional career and gone on to share her love of the performing arts and acrobatics/aerial arts through teaching students, professionals, certifying teachers, examining and adjudicating, at a range of locations both locally and globally. Kate has always had a passion and love for teaching and commenced teaching in her early teens. Whilst completing her Bachelor of Psychology Kate also attained dance teaching qualifications including Comdance Modern Jazz Teachers Diploma, Comdance Tap Teachers Diploma, Comdance Classical Ballet Teachers Diploma and Comdance Theatrical Teachers Diploma. Kate also attained her Certificate in Ballet Teaching with the Royal Academy of Dance and is currently a registered teacher for the RAD.
    Kate now runs and manages her own Performing Arts and Acro and Aerial studio in QLD, Beats Per Minute Performing Arts, and Beats Per Minute Acro and Aerial. With over 22 years teaching experience Kate has trained students from the age of 2 years to Professional in all areas of dance, acrobatics, aerial and singing with many of her former students dancing and teaching professionally around the world in musicals, movies and cruise ships.
    Kate is Alixa Flexibility Certified Module 1, 2, 3 and Course Conductor, delivering teacher certification courses to teachers globally. Kate also hold qualifications in Progressing Ballet Technique, Aerial Arts Hammock and Hoop certified teacher, and a Ready Set Dance and Ready Set Ballet licensee.
    Module 3 certified, Kate is a Course Conductor and Examiner for Acrobatic Arts, and manages the Australia, New Zealand, and Asian divisions of Acrobatic Arts Examinations faculty. Kate is also Course Conductor and Office manager for Aerial Arts. Kate has a passion for the biomechanics of dance/acro/aerial and endorsing safe and progressive dance/acro/aerial training. Kate is honoured to be be apart of the Acrobatic Arts faculty and thrilled to be sharing her passion and knowledge with the next generation of students and teachers!Beats Per Minute Performing Arts - https://www.instagram.com/beatsperminutepa/
    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

    • 16 min
    Ep. 78 The Library Aesthetic: Josef Brown's Dance Revolution

    Ep. 78 The Library Aesthetic: Josef Brown's Dance Revolution

    Get ready to uncover the dance magic behind The Library Aesthetic! In this episode, host Loren Dermody dives deep into a compelling conversation with visionary Josef Brown. Discover the inspiration fueling The Library Aesthetic's dance revolution, its Netflix-style subscription allure, and exclusive AcroDance insights! Tune in and let Josef Brown ignite your dance passion in this must-listen episode!
    About Josef Brown
    Josef's professional career began with the International Opera Company production of, Aida before he joined The Australian Ballet (Soloist), Modern Dans Topluluguu in Ankara, Turkey, Nomad Dance Theatre then Sydney Dance Company.He performed in the GFO Production of Man of La Mancha, was Charlie Redding in Officer and a Gentleman and developed and played the iconic role of Johnny Castle in the original stage adaptation of, Dirty Dancing - the classic story on stage, which he toured throughout Australia and New Zealand, opened on London's West End and throughout the United States as part of the pre-Broadway tour (1500+ shows over 4.5 years).Josef returned to Australia to take on the role of Patrick in the multi-Logie Award winning series, Dance Academy, Dale Canning on Home & Away, Auctus in Spartacus - Gods of the Arena, Daniel in Sam's Story before playing Matt Turner for over two years on the beloved Aussie drama, Neighbours.More recently Josef played Graham King on Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries, Dr. Mike on Home & Away and Bryce Anderson in the feature film, Buckley's Chance.
    Josef was Associate Producer, Writer and Camera on the ABC TV documentary, Art, During Siege, Producer/Writer on the webisode series, At the Fork, co-founded CINEMOVES - a forum for dance & movement on screen and was a sitting member of the NSW Minstry of the Arts, Dance Board.
    Josef was also a Writer on multiple episodes of NEIGHBOURS and has written numerous articles and interviews on dance for MDM Dancewear.
    https://thelibraryaesthetic.com/IG: @thelibraryaestheticFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094376723332
    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

    • 27 min
    Ep. 77 Adjudicator Certification for AcroDance with Sandra Elliott

    Ep. 77 Adjudicator Certification for AcroDance with Sandra Elliott

    Are you a teacher or aspiring competition adjudicator looking to enhance your AcroDance expertise? Look no further! In this episode Acrobatic Arts company Principal Sandra Elliott takes you through the details of the Adjudicator Certification for AcroDance, an online study-at-your-own-pace program designed just for you. Certify yourself before your next adjudication contract and set yourself apart in the world of AcroDance! Listen NOW!
    Need some visuals? Check out Sandra's Weekly Mini presentation on YouTube!
    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

    • 9 min

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