Episodios

  • Ep. 132 What Acro Makes Possible - Kei Nguyen is Living Proof

    Ep. 132 What Acro Makes Possible - Kei Nguyen is Living Proof
    Apr 8 2026

    You heard from her teacher. Now meet the student. Kei Nguyen trained at Vancouver Academy of Dance, attended one of our very first Accelerate conventions in Airdrie, and went on to perform with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. In Episode 132, she's here to tell you how it happened and what she wants young acro dancers to know about making this a real career.

    About Kei Nguyen

    Kei's story began in Vancouver where, from a young age, they were trained in the disciplined arts of dance and rhythmic gymnastics. Forged further at the Circus School of Quebec, Kei developed a unique approach to staff manipulation. Over the years, Kei has added other circus disciplines under their belt, including hand to hand and aerial pole. Their diversity of skill sets is what sets them apart. Armed with a philosophy that every artistic experience is a feather added to their wingspan, they seek out adventure wherever it calls and leave a trail of sparkle under their feet. Now a traveler of cities and a multidisciplinary artist, Kei uses their learned skills and experience to evoke emotion in all those who witness their magic on stage.

    Follow Kei on IG at @heyitsk._

    A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-132-what-acro-makes-possible-kei-nguyen-is-living-proof

    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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    20 m
  • Ep. 131 Spotlight Series: The Why Behind the Skill with Sarah Reis

    Ep. 131 Spotlight Series: The Why Behind the Skill with Sarah Reis
    Mar 25 2026
    Ever wonder why certain skills are in the Acrobatic Arts syllabus? In this episode, Sarah walks through two of them -- the cartwheel rebound and the roundoff -- and breaks down not just how to teach them, but why they're there in the first place. Spoiler: the cartwheel rebound isn't a roundoff progression. And understanding that changes how you teach it.About Sarah Reis In her early development Sarah split her time between gymnastics and dance then later got into circus work and competitive rock climbing. The combination of these skills led her to a performance career as a stunt double in the thriving Vancouver film scene. While enjoying a professional performance career she worked on various projects including cruiseship contracts, print, television, film and nightlife productions. Sarah has always felt it was important to continue her education and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2006. After graduation Sarah started work as an artistic sport rehabilitation specialist in a Physiotherapy clinic during the day while teaching dance in the evening. At the clinic Sarah primarily designed return to training programs for injured artistic athletes.

 Sarah is a certified teacher in acrobatics through the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA) and is a level three coach in women's artistic gymnastics with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Sarah holds longstanding certificates with many established dance teacher, Pilates and fitness related organizations. Sarah eventually returned to school to study contemporary dance at Simon Fraser University and completed a second degree in Education. Sarah spent some time working in the school district, holding an official teaching license with the BC ministry of Education in the specialty of performing arts and physical education. In 2008 she completed her Master's degree in Human Performance Coaching Sciences from the University of Victoria where she researched in the field of athletic motor development and later developed the curriculum for the International Dance Teaching Standards teacher education program for developing dance educators. Sarah began her doctorate research in Leadership Education but has since switched her focus to Dance Medicine. Within her research Sarah is interested in AcroDance teaching methodology and recently presented at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. When not touring as a public speaker, Sarah is the director of a large dance competition and manages a physiotherapy clinic among other small businesses. Sarah has spent the last decade touring worldwide presenting at various universities, dance conventions and conferences and can also be seen live from Los Angeles with CLI Studios. With a strong creative pull Sarah has been choreographing AcroDance lines and productions for more than twenty years and continues to be passionate about student development when she is home and able to teach in her hometown. Module three certified, Sarah is an examiner and course conductor here at Acrobatic Arts. www.allthingsacro.com All Things Acro on Instagram www.danceteachingstandards.com A full transcription of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-131-spotlight-series-the-why-behind-the-skill-with-sarah-reis Listen to Sarah's previous episodes: Ep. 12 Tips for Cartwheel Rebounds and Roundoff - Sarah Calvert Ep. 42 Mats for AcroDance Training with Sarah Reis Ep. 53 Life Lessons in Dance with Sarah Reis Ep. 54 Life Lessons in Dance with Sarah Reis, Pt 2 Ep. 98 Balancing Competition and Education in Dance with Sarah Reis Ep. 103 Thoracic Mobility: The Key to a Flexible Spine with Sarah Reis Ep. 121 All Things Acro with Sarah Reis 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
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    9 m
  • Ep. 130 What Acro Makes Possible with Anabel Ho

    Ep. 130 What Acro Makes Possible with Anabel Ho
    Mar 11 2026
    What happens when a student leaves your studio and goes on to headline a Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas? For Vancouver Academy of Dance founder Anabel Ho, that question has a real answer -- and it traces back to Accelerate 2017. Anabel Ho joins us to talk about what the acro community has meant to her studio, the student whose discipline turned an impossible goal into a standing ovation on a world stage, and why the work you're putting in matters more than you think. About Anabel's Documentary Annabelle's family story is featured in Spring After Spring, a film by Knowledge Network that had its world premiere at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. It's a beautiful look at her mother's legacy and how dance has shaped their family for generations. Watch the trailer: www.vimeo.com/922149759 Learn more: www.springafterspring.com Vancouver Asian Film Festival: www.2025festival.vaff.org/events/springforspring/ About Anabel Ho Ms. Ho has taught and choreographed for the past 36 years. Her training spans the globe and covers the full spectrum of dance styles with an emphasis on classical ballet and Chinese dance. Ms. Ho has trained with internationally noted artists in North America and abroad. 
She is widely recognized for her many achievements around the world. Anabel has performed, taught, and choreographed throughout Canada and other regions, including the U.S.A., China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Poland, and Taiwan. 
Ms. Ho's credentials include Royal Academy of Dance International Examiner, Associate and Advanced Executant of the Royal Academy of Dance, Fully Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance, Associate of the Imperial Society Teachers of Dance (London, England), Acrobatic Arts Certified Teacher, Progressive Ballet Technique Certified and Gravity Yoga Certified. 
Ms. Ho has presented command performances for her Majesty the Queen, Governor General, and Prime Minister of Canada, as well as Royalties and Heads of State of many countries. She has been invited to adjudicate dance competitions throughout North America and has been commissioned to choreograph for several productions, including Rick Hansen's 100th Anniversary CBC TV Special, Nissan Go 2000 Dealership Convention, APEC Conference, International Dragon Boat Festival, Chinese Cultural Centre's Millennium Project "Gold, Maple, Dreams" Dance Production, C.B.C.'s Gung Haggis Fat Choy, and various other large events. 
Anabel has also acted as a choreography consultant for National Ice Dancing Champions Meaghan Wing and Erin Lowe. Ms. Ho produced dance performances for the movie "Deep Risings" and Buena Vista's Vancouver promotions of the Disney movie "Mulan". Ms. Ho was invited to choreograph for the Queen's Royal Visit to B.C., the 2010 Sea to Sky Bid for the International Olympic Committee, the United Nations World Urban Forum Closing Ceremonies, CCTV's New Year Special "The Same Song", and all the Premiers of Canada for the launch of the Canadian Pavilion at the Beijing Olympics. Ms. Ho was honoured to be an advisor to the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics Games. She directed and choreographed works presented to the International Olympic Committee, Governor General Michelle Jean and Premier Gordon Campbell. Her award-winning piece "Red Lanterns" was presented to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, celebrating Lunar New Year 2010. Ms. Ho takes pride in all her students and finds great reward in witnessing their growth – as dancers and as beautiful, unique individuals with a strong sense of self. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-130-what-acro-makes-possible-with-anabel-ho 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
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    27 m
  • Ep. 129 Spotlight Series: Confidence, Auditions, and Career Transitions with Sarah Davison

    Ep. 129 Spotlight Series: Confidence, Auditions, and Career Transitions with Sarah Davison
    Feb 25 2026

    Our Spotlight Series continues with Sarah Davison, Director of Casting and Performance at Feld Entertainment and a leader in performer development across large-scale live productions.In this episode, Sarah shares why self-confidence matters in auditions, how artists can show up authentically, and why planning for career transitions is essential. A valuable listen for teachers supporting dancers through auditions and helping them prepare for what comes next.


    About Sarah Davison

    Sarah Davison is a dancer, casting leader, and performing arts professional with a career spanning international performance, casting, and artist development. Originally from Toulouse, France, Sarah began her formal dance training at a young age and earned her degree in Dance and Choreography from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Lyon at just 16.

    Her performing career includes work with neo-classical and jazz companies in France, as well as original cast roles in major live productions including Céline Dion's A New Day, Le Rêve, and Viva ELVIS. Along the way, she trained and performed across multiple styles including ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, ballroom, and physical theater, with appearances on television and major live stages.

    After transitioning offstage, Sarah spent several years working in casting, where she supported dancers, athletes, and performers through auditions and professional pathways. She later led casting operations in Las Vegas, helping artists navigate some of the most pivotal moments of their careers. Alongside her casting work, Sarah has taught workshops and classes internationally and worked as a producer and project manager on live events.

    Today, Sarah is the Director of Casting and Performance at Feld Entertainment, where she supports casting and performance development for productions including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Monster Jam, and other character-based and live entertainment experiences. She remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of performers and helping artists prepare for long, sustainable careers in the performing arts.

    https://www.instagram.com/casting_by_sd/

    A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-129-spotlight-episode-confidence-auditions-and-career-transitions-with-sarah-davison

    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
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    27 m
  • Ep. 128 Hand Balancing, Reimagined with Meaghan Wegg

    Ep. 128 Hand Balancing, Reimagined with Meaghan Wegg
    Feb 11 2026

    Hand balancing is entering a new chapter. In this episode, Meaghan Wegg introduces the Hand Balancing syllabus under Aerial Arts and shares why balance is not a trick or a strength test, but a skill that can be taught safely and progressively. From reducing fear upside down to building confidence through clear structure, this conversation explores how a syllabus changes the way hand balancing is taught in studios. If you teach dancers, aerialists, or acro students, this episode offers a fresh perspective on balance, alignment, and what is now possible with a structured approach.

    Ready to bring Hand Balancing to your studio? Register now and be part of the first wave of teachers building this discipline the right way.

    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 Aerial Arts Division Manager with Acrobatic Arts. 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!

    A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-128-hand-balancing-reimagined-with-meaghan-wegg

    Listen to Meaghan's Previous Episodes:

    Ep. 114 Take it to the Air with Meaghan Wegg
    Ep. 83 Headstand Progressions for Beginners with Meaghan Wegg
    Ep. 71 Student vs Professional Training with Tim Buckley & Meaghan Wegg
    Ep. 46 Managing Headaches During Acro Class with Meaghan Wegg
    Ep. 7 Acrobatic Arts Australia, New Zealand and Asia Division Managers - Meaghan Wegg and Tim Buckley

    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
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    20 m
  • Ep. 127 Spotlight Series: Expert Advice on Auditioning for Dance Roles with Rick Tjia

    Ep. 127 Spotlight Series: Expert Advice on Auditioning for Dance Roles with Rick Tjia
    Jan 28 2026

    We're launching our Spotlight Series by revisiting the very first episode of the Acrobatic Arts Podcast, featuring Rick Tjia, dancer, choreographer, educator, and freelance casting director.

    This episode focuses on how teachers can help dancers leave a strong impression at auditions, support them after emotional outcomes, and guide them through video auditions clearly and professionally. Practical, direct, and immediately applicable for anyone supporting dancers on audition pathways.

    About Rick Tjia

    Rick's early training years began with tap dancing, eventually branching out into professional studies of classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance (training with teachers like David Howard, Finis Jhung, Christine Busch, Bruce Marks, Laura Young and Geri Houlihan). He also trained in other disciplines (trumpet, physics, and later on, guitar studies and various studies in business).

    After an extensive career in dance and acting that includes performances with Ballet Austin, Boston Ballet and Delta Festival Ballet, as well as three years of work in film and television in Los Angeles doing hip-hop, jazz, and ballet (with choreographers like Twyla Tharp, Joe Layton, and with film directors like Mark Rydell, and James Brooks), Rick joined La La La Human Steps in Montreal in 1993, with whom he danced and toured the world for 8 years. As with many dancers and musicians, Rick is also a composer, a dance and acrobatic choreographer, and judges dance competitions, and teaches various workshops around the globe.

    During his 16 years as a Talent Scout specializing in dance at Cirque du Soleil, Rick's contributions to the Casting Department also extended itself to contributing to and drawing up new operational and business strategies, as well as contributing to creative and innovative internal and external strategies of various types.

    ​Rick also works closely with International Performing Arts & Theatre (I-PATH) through leading dance education in the 21st Century.

    In 2016, he joined the creative team of the Cirque du Soleil Big Top touring show Volta as an acrobatic choreographer, and In 2018, he started up the online choreography market Choreography Online with two partners, which had its official public launch in September, 2019.

    Through Choreography Online he continues to cast for various live show and film projects, teach a Diploma in Choreography Program online, and manage Choreography Online's International Online Dance Competition. He is also an integral contributor to JamarGig, a new and innovative online casting and audition management system.

    Rick is also still a freelance casting director. If you are a professional performing artist who would like to be considered for future casting calls, please open a profile in the Choreography Online Casting database here: http://casting.choreography.onl/

    A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-127-spotlight-series-expert-advice-on-auditioning-for-dance-roles-with-rick-tia

    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
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    7 m
  • Ep. 126 What Acro Training Really Needs in 2026 with Mandy Yip

    Ep. 126 What Acro Training Really Needs in 2026 with Mandy Yip
    Jan 14 2026

    What's changing in acro and what actually matters most right now? In this episode, Mandy Yip joins Loren and the Acrobatic Arts podcast community to share what she's seeing across studios worldwide as we head into 2026.

    Mandy talks foundations, safe progressions, shifting student and parent expectations, and why clear curriculum is no longer optional. From time-strapped teachers to dancers craving clarity and autonomy, this conversation cuts straight to what works and what needs to change. If you teach acro and want safer training, stronger technique, and more confident dancers, this episode is a must-listen. Listen now and start 2026 with clarity.

    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.

    A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-126-what-acro-training-really-needs-in-2026-with-mandy-yip

    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
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    25 m
  • Ep. 125 Top Episodes of 2025

    Ep. 125 Top Episodes of 2025
    Dec 17 2025

    The finale episode of this year's The Acrobatic Arts Podcast features memorable moments from the 2025 line-up. Top take-a-ways in a countdown of the best include clips from Sarah Reis, Joey Vice, Dr. Linda Bluestein, Dr. Leisha Strachan, and Maria Cherniske. Thank you to our listeners, and a huge thank you to ALL our amazing guests this past year!

    Feel free to also send us your ideas for the topics and innovators from the dance and acro industry that will entertain, inspire, and take your teaching to the next level in 2026: Admin@acrobaticArts.com

    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/

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

    Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com
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    18 m