Acrobatic Arts holds a global search every year for young dancer/athletes committed to elevating awareness and appreciation of their respective disciplines, including acro and aerial, as well as baton twirling.

Meet the game-changers - our 2024 Ambassadors - in this episode! They're taking their chosen disciplines to new heights with sheer hard work, passion, and dedication. Get ready to be inspired and find out why they proudly hold the title of Ambassador!

2024 Ambassadors

Acrobatic Arts:

✨@anfhunt, Anthony Hunt

✨@xandrasandoval, Alexandra Sandoval

✨@KinsleyStella, Kinsley Stella

✨@lydon_dances , Lydon Thach

Baton Arts:

✨@cheyennesorensonn, Cheyenne Sorensonn

Aerial Arts:

✨@Acrowithali, Allison Bogdanowicz

✨@Julie.circus, Julie Salt

✨@kiarnah.dance, Kiarnah Vassallo

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

Join us as host Loren Dermody chats with the amazing Sarah Reis! Sarah's journey is a blend of gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics, leading her to become a renowned educator and competition director. With degrees in Kinesiology and Education, plus a Master's in Human Performance Coaching Sciences, she's a powerhouse in the dance world. In this episode, discover:

• How acrobatics enhances dance performance
• The behind-the-scenes of organizing dance competitions
• Tips for studios to balance competition and comprehensive education

This episode is a must-listen! Tune in now and get inspired by Sarah's insights!

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.danceteachingstandards.com

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

Join us for a dynamic Q&A episode of the Acrobatic Arts Podcast with one of our favorite guests, Dr. Leisha Strachan! This episode is packed with expert insights. Dr. Strachan, a sports psychologist and professor at the University of Manitoba, addresses common questions from acro instructors, including:

• Exam Preparation: Tips to help students overcome anxiety and perform confidently.
• Performance Anxiety: Strategies for students who excel in practice but struggle on stage.
• Injury Engagement: Ways to keep injured athletes involved and motivated during recovery.

Don't miss this chance to gain valuable tools and techniques from one of our most popular guests! Tune in now to enhance your teaching and support your students' success!

Click Here To Listen!

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