This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 Pink Issue of Showstopper Magazine.
Acrobatic Arts began with a big idea and a lot of heart. Founder Mandy Yip started the program to fill a gap she saw in the dance world: a structured, safe, and effective way to teach acrobatics. “I wanted to create a program that would give dance studios the tools they needed to properly train their students in acro,” she told us, “focusing on safety, technique, and progression.” She wanted to raise the standard of acro training in the dance world, “providing a syllabus that was easy to follow and allowed dancers to develop strong technical foundations while also excelling artistically.”
With a background in dance and acrobatics herself, Mandy knew exactly what challenges she was facing. “Having performed and taught in both disciplines, I knew that combining the two required a deep understanding of proper technique, injury prevention, and the ability to build skills progressively,” she revealed.
Now, Acrobatic Arts has changed the game, giving dancers the confidence to try new moves while keeping safety front and center.
Acrobatic Arts combines elements of dance, gymnastics, circus arts, and more. “Developing the syllabus was a collaborative process involving experts from various fields, including gymnastics, dance, and physiotherapy,” Mandy explained. She wanted to make sure the program was easy for any dance teacher to use—even those without an acro background—and that it would stay effective and relevant as the dance world evolved. To keep things fresh, the Acrobatic Arts team regularly works with industry pros and offers in-house training to keep their high standards.
The community we’ve built is like a big acro family! These workships and events are not just about learning—they’re about dancers and teachers connecting, sharing ideas, and inspiring each other across countries. It’s what keeps us all growing.
But Acrobatic Arts isn’t just about learning cool tricks—it’s about building qualities that help dancers succeed in the long run. Three elements in the syllabus that Mandy considers “essential for success in acrobatics” are discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.” Acrobatic Arts helps students develop these qualities by providing a structured and supportive environment where they can progressively build their skills. Our program is designed to challenge students while giving them the tools and guidance they need to succeed. Dancers feel empowered because no matter what end skill they are working on, there are always progressions leading up to it that they can successfully complete.”
Of course, none of this would be possible without putting safety first. Safety is at the heart of Acrobatic Arts. “[It’s] at the forefront of everything we do,” Mandy emphasized. The program’s structured, step-by-step approach helps dancers build a solid foundation, preparing them for more advanced tricks. “In acrobatics, skipping steps or attempting skills before mastering the fundamentals can lead to serious injuries,” Mandy explained. “Our approach not only helps prevent injuries but also enables young dancers to develop a deep understanding of their bodies and the mechanics of movement.”
This focus on safety and structure made Acrobatic Arts a go-to for dancers and teachers everywhere. As Acrobatic Arts grew, Mandy and her team saw that dancers and teachers needed even more specialized training. “We saw a need […] in areas like flexibility, side aerial progressions, as well as Aerial Arts,” Mandy shared. “We were inspired to diversify the program because we wanted to offer a holistic approach to acro training that supports every aspect of a dancer’s development.”
The program’s focus on all-around training has helped build a super supportive and enthusiastic community. Social media has been a huge part of building that community, with Acrobatic Arts’ content often going viral. “Social media has been an incredible tool for us to showcase the amazing work being done by Acrobatic Arts teachers and students around the world,” Mandy shared.
With so many people joining the Acrobatic Arts family, the program has grown way beyond Mandy’s original dreams, with certified studios in multiple countries. Did Mandy expect such a global impact? “Honestly, no,” she laughed. “My focus was always on creating a high-quality program that would serve dancers well, but I never imagined it would resonate with so many studios worldwide.”
Dancers feel empowered because no matter what skill they’re working on, there are always progressions leading up to it that they can successfully complete.
This didn’t happen overnight —it’s been a mix of careful planning and sticking to what matters most, with growth and improvement as the driving force behind Acrobatic Arts’ success. Reflecting on her journey, Mandy said, “The best advice I’ve received is to stay true to your vision and not be afraid of growth. When Acrobatic Arts started, I was hesitant to expand too quickly, but I learned that with the right systems and people in place, growth can be managed while still maintaining the integrity of the program.” This philosophy has helped Mandy keep the program’s core values intact while growing its reach across the globe.
The future looks just as exciting as the journey so far. With exciting expansions in the works—like digital offerings and a new certification for advanced dancers—Mandy and Acrobatic Arts are setting the standard for acrobatic dance training worldwide. Looking forward, Mandy hopes Acrobatic Arts will make an even bigger impact in the years to come. “My goal is to further expand the program’s reach, especially in regions where acrobatic dance is just starting to gain popularity.”
Learn More
Want to dive deeper into the world of Acrobatic Arts? Here’s what makes the program stand out:
Structured Training: Acrobatic Arts provides a progressive syllabus designed for dancers of all levels, ensuring safe and efficient skill development.
Comprehensive Certification: Teachers can become certified through rigorous training programs, gaining the tools to confidently instruct acrobatics in their studios.
Digital Resources: Online modules, student exams, and professional development webinars make it easier than ever to stay connected and keep learning.
Global Reach: With certified studios in over 30 countries, Acrobatic Arts connects a worldwide community of dancers and teachers.
Get more info at acrobaticarts.com.
