The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

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 is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 143 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts The Acrobatic Arts Podcast, a arts show with 143 episodes published.

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  Episode #144

  Ep. 144 What Cirque Casting Directors Actually Look For with Marqui Kumavat

  Sep 23, 202625 minS6

  She auditioned for Cirque du Soleil for seven years before getting the call. Now she's the one deciding who makes the cut. Dance Casting Specialist and Talent Scout Marqui Kumavat reveals what actually catches her eye in an audition room, why technique alone won't get you hired, and the business side of a dance career most young performers never learn. Plus, your shot at a backstage experience with Cirque's Drawn to Life at Accelerate Acro Convention. Full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-144-what-cirque-casting-directors-actually-look-for-with-marqui-kumavat About Marqui Dance Casting Specialist and Talent Scout, Cirque du Soleil Marqui began her performance career early, booking her first major role at just 11 years old in the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where she later became Swing, Dance Captain, and Assistant Choreographer. Her journey eventually led her to Cirque du Soleil, where she currently serves as the Dance Casting Specialist. With Cirque, Marqui has held several key creative roles, including Senior Artistic Advisor for The Beatles LOVE and Dance Master for both Mystère and LOVE.  Her choreography, staging, and direction has helped bring Cirque’s artistry to stages and global platforms around the world spanning performances at the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Life Is Beautiful, The Today Show, and special collaborations for The Beatles, Loungefly, HP, and MGM. Beyond Cirque, Marqui’s stage experience includes performances with Royal Caribbean, The Walt Disney Company, Universal, Feld Entertainment, and special events such as One Night for One Drop alongside Hans Zimmer and Walk the Moon. As an educator, she has had opportunities to teach at Steps NYC, TAPS Professional Program, Tremaine Dance Conventions, NYCDA, and CLI Conservatory. 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 Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com  

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  Episode #142

  Ep. 142 Handstand Walking with Drew Burgess

  Aug 26, 202625 minS6

  Drew Burgess is back, and this time he's diving into handstand walking, the skill he says tells him everything about a dancer the first time he sees them attempt it. He breaks down progressions for every level, starting as early as a plank, and shares the hand squeezing trick that gets dancers to stack their hips like a rocket. There's also a studio wide challenge idea to keep every class pushing for more reps and more steps. If you teach acro, this one gives you something to use in class tomorrow. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-142-handstand-walking-with-drew-burgess About Drew Drew Burgess is a nationally recognized choreographer, adjudicator, educator, coach, and consultant specializing in dance and acrobatics. He serves on faculty and adjudication panels for prestigious organizations including Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, Impact Dance Adjudicators, Kids Artistic Revue, Rainbow National Talent Competition, and Encore Performing Arts, among others. As a former competitive dancer, Drew held multiple regional titles including Master, Junior, & Teen Mr. Dance of Ohio, Mr. Dance of the Pacific Coast, and the national titles of Jr. Mr. Dance of America and Mr. Dance of America. He is certified by test to teach through DMA and DEA in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics and maintains active membership in both organizations. Drew is also Acrobatic Arts Certified (M1-M3) and is honored to be part of their staff as a USA Division Course Conductor and Examiner. He is also a proud faculty member of Accelerate: The World's Largest AcroDance Convention. Drew's professional performance credits include working with the Radio City Rockettes, Taylor Swift, and The Baha Men. He toured internationally as a professional dancer in Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance, performing in both “Rock the Ballet 2” and “Romeo & Juliet” as a multi-track swing in each show. His choreographic achievements include the Sherry Gold Memorial Choreography Award from DMA, Overall Choreography Awards for Small Group and Production from NexStar, and Industry Dance Awards Nomination from KAR. Drew's students have earned distinguished honors including Teen Miss Dance of Arizona, Miss Dance of Ohio, Mr. Dance of America, positions with the Radio City Rockettes, Walt Disney World, D1A Texas Tech Pom Squad, NFL Cincinnati Bengals (“Ben-gals”) Cheerleaders and Female Junior Solo Gold & Silver Medalist from IDO World AcroDance Championships. Currently based in Columbus, Ohio, Drew is on the weekly teaching staff at Straub Dance Center and Drake Dance Academy. He previously served as Tap Director at Spisak Dance Academy in Glendale, Arizona for four years. Drew has filmed educational content for CLI Studios and recently worked as a Guest AcroDance Coach for The Ohio State University Dance Team. He continues to share his expertise through year-round guest workshops, technique clinics, and choreography sessions worldwide. Listen to Drew's Previous Episodes Ep 56 Analyzing and Refining The Aerial with Drew Burgess - https://youtu.be/d58YRZ_Lgts Ep 60 Maximizing Potential: Cross Training in Acro with Drew Burgess - https://youtu.be/vjCbbwtp0WU Ep 80 Balancing & Limbering Fighting the Good Fight with Drew Burgess - https://youtu.be/PDdXl7ON3xA Ep 107 Acro Chat Coaching, Creativity, & Connection with Drew Burgess - https://youtu.be/IYS18yM0GA4 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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  Episode #141

  Ep. 141 Spotlight Series: Building a Lasting Career in Dance with Katie Schaar

  Aug 12, 202637 minS6

  By popular demand, we're bringing back one of our favorite conversations. Katie Schaar has danced and choreographed for Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, the Grammys, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and world tours for P!nk, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift. She's also the co-creator of Sugarfoot Therapy and founder of MOTI Physiotherapy in LA. In this episode, Katie shares how she built a career that spans performing and choreography, what she learned from mentors like Mia Michaels and Tice Diorio, and why she believes movement diversification is one of the best things a dance teacher can teach. She also gives real talk on emotional resilience for young performers and the value of income diversification for working artists. Since this episode first aired, Katie has kept building. She's continued running teacher training workshops for Sugarfoot Therapy across the country, both virtually and in person. MOTI Physiotherapy also continues to grow, expanding access to specialized sports and orthopedic rehab care in LA. If you're a teacher mentoring dancers toward the next stage of their journey, whether that's a professional career or simply a healthier relationship with the art form, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-141-spotlight-series-building-a-lasting-career-in-dance-with-katie-schaar About Katie Katie Schaar has nearly two decades of experience as a Los Angeles-based dancer, choreographer, & dance teacher. Credits include Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, the American Music Awards, MTV VMA's, the BRIT Awards, the Grammy's, films The Muppets and Rock of Ages, the 2015 Super Bowl Halftime Show, and world tours for P!NK, Katy Perry & Taylor Swift. She has a BA from Loyola Marymount University, where she studied Communications Studies and Dance. Katie co-created Sugarfoot Therapy, a physical therapy-based conditioning & injury prevention program for dancers; and she is the founder and Director of Operations at MOTI Physiotherapy in LA. Sugarfoot Therapy Teacher Training Workshops: https://sugarfoottherapy.com/teacher-training-workshops/ Sugarfoot Therapy: www.sugarfoottherapy.com MOTI Physiotherapy: www.motipt.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

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  Episode #140

  Ep. 140 Acrobatic Arts in Japan - An Update with Ai Notohara

  Jul 29, 202612 minS6

  Since launching Acrobatic Arts in Japan in 2022, Ai Notohara has been quietly doing something remarkable. In this update episode, Ai shares how the program is now running inside a Tokyo elementary school in partnership with Japan's Ministry of Education, why she teaches acro in English, and what it meant to bring her students to Canada to compete for the very first time. A great listen for anyone who loves seeing acro grow beyond borders. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-140-acrobatic-arts-in-japan-an-update About Ai Notohara From Yokohama City, Japan, Ai competed in her first All Japan Baton Twirling Championships when she was 4 years old and eventually represented Japan in the World Championships. She holds national titles in Japan and in Canada. She dances professionally in New York, and was cast in Cirque Du Soleil's, KA. She also teach twirling and dance in Japan, USA, and Canada. Acrobatic Arts Japan: https://youtu.be/Kq4UDQVrLQg Listen to Ai's previous episodes: Ep. 63 Exploring Acrobatic Arts in Japan with Ai Notohara: https://youtu.be/6rrR_oYSffs 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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  Episode #139

  Ep. 139 Spotlight Series: Mental Blocks, Anxiety, and Self-Talk with Dr. Leisha Strachan

  Jul 15, 202631 minS6

  When a student freezes on a skill they've done a hundred times, what do you do? Dr. Leisha Strachan, sports psychologist and dance teacher, joins us to talk about the mental side of skill development, from breaking through blocks to managing performance anxiety. She covers practical tools like affirmations, breathing techniques, thought stopping, simulated practice, and imagery scripts that teachers can actually use in class. This is a Spotlight Series re-release of one of our most listened-to episodes, and it's easy to see why. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-139-mental-blocks-anxiety-and-self-talk Sources Referenced MindShift App AcroDance Resource Center Psyching for Sport - Terry Orlick The Mental Athlete - Kay Porter Sports Phsychology for Coaches www.projectscore.ca www.sportpsychologyforcoaches.ca About Dr. Leisha Stachan 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 Ep. 97 Mental Skills for Acro Success with Dr. Leisha Strachan Ep. 117 The Four C's Every Teacher Needs with Dr. Leisha Strachan

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