Junior Company Acro

Acrobatics and tumbling have become a standard in the competitive dance world. At ROOTS we have a class that focuses primarily on the tricks and skills needed to keep up with the ever-advancing dance community.

Junior Company Acro is made up of ROOTS competitive dancers ages 9-12…and this class is no joke! Each week, these dancers are challenged to push themselves past their limit dead or alive be fearless in the pursuit of their goals, and encourage each other along the way.

“I am the luckiest teacher on the planet. Not only do the Acro students in my class encourage, love, and inspire one another… they have also learned to lead each other with compassion and grace when someone’s feeling down.” – Jordan, ROOTS Mentor

What happens in Junior Acro at ROOTS?

The class’s mentor, Jordan Grace, has created a unique curriculum for ROOTS Company dancers. At the beginning of the season, acro students are given a booklet of leveled skills charts.

Each chart is divided into five different categories of differing skills and tricks building from foundational to advanced:

1. Balancing
2. Flexibility
3. Strength
4. Limbering
5. Tumbling

Each week, dancers work through all three of the skills charts based on each individual dancer’s skill level. Once a dancer masters a skill and it’s approved by the mentor, they receive a gold star on their chart. At the end of the year, Jordan holds a Skill Evaluation to make sure that each dancer maintains all the skills they’ve received stars for.

Since the start of the season, these dancers have mastered many new skills like front and back walkovers, aerials, chest stands and more.

“It’s not every day that a student gets a new skill…but when they do the whole room is filled with cheer and excitement for their fellow classmate. In only one semester, I have seen such growth in character, work ethic, and in their ability to apply constructive correction. It’s very well been one of the most rewarding classes I’ve ever taught.” – Jordan, ROOTS Mentor

We asked some of the students what they loved about the class. Here’s what they had to say:

“I always look forward to Tuesday’s Acro class! Not only because it’s fun, but because it has helped me with my flexibly and achieve my aerial.” – Charley, acro student

“Acro class has challenged me to try and develop new skills that I never imagined I could do. Mrs. Jordan makes us feel like we can accomplish new skills by challenging us to push and believe in ourselves. It is hard work, but every class is SO MUCH fun because she makes it fun! It has been one of my favorite classes this year.” – Ava, acro student

“Acro class has helped me grow in many ways especially skills, flexibility, and strength. I have mastered my aerial, front walkover and many other skills. Jordan is an awesome mentor and pushes me to do better!” – Adeline, acro student