Acro dance is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic

elements. It is defined by its athletic character, its unique choreography, which seamlessly blends dance
and acrobatics, and its use of acrobatics in a dance context.[1] It is a popular dance style in amateur
competitive dance as well as in professional dance theater and in contemporary circus productions such
as those by Cirque du Soleil. This is in contrast to acrobatic, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, which are
sports that employ dance elements in a gymnastics context under the auspices of a governing
gymnastics organization (such as FIG) and subject to a Code of Points. Acro dance is known by various
other names including acrobatic dance and gymnastic dance, though it is most commonly referred to
simply as acro by dancers and dance professionals.

An elbow stand, performed as part of an acro dance routine

Acro is an especially challenging dance style for dancers as it requires them to be trained in both dance
and acrobatic skills.

Acrobatic dance emerged in the United States and Canada in the early 1900s, as one of the types of acts
performed in vaudeville. Although individual dance and acrobatic acts had been performed in vaudeville
for several decades prior to 1900, it was not until the early 1900s that it became popular to perform acts
that combined dance and acrobatic movements.[2]

Acrobatic dance did not suddenly appear in vaudeville; rather, it appeared gradually over time in a
variety of forms, and consequently no individual performer has been cited as its originator. Sherman
Coates (1872–1912),[3] who performed with the Watermelon Trust from 1900 to 1914, was recalled by
fellow dancers as the first acrobatic dancer they had ever seen.[4] Another of the earliest documented
acrobatic dance performers was Tommy Woods, who became well known for his slow-motion acrobatic
dance in Shuffle Along, in which he would execute acrobatic movements precisely in time with the
music.[5] In 1914, acrobat Lulu Coates formed the Crackerjacks, a popular vaudeville troupe that
included acrobatic dance in their performance repertoire up until the group disbanded in 1952.[6] Many
other popular vaudeville companies combined acrobatics and dance in their shows, including the Gaines
Brothers.

Since the decline of the vaudeville era, acrobatic dance has undergone a multi-faceted evolution to
arrive at its present-day form. The most significant aspect of this evolution is the integration of ballet
technique as the foundation for dance movements, thus bringing into acro dance a precision of form
and movement that was absent in vaudeville acrobatic dance. Also, vaudeville acrobatic dances were
often little more than acrobatics set to music, whereas modern acro dance is fundamentally dance, with
its acrobatic movements performed in a dance context.
cartwheel

Lawnmower

Lawnmower

Pitch tuck

Pitch tuck

Swizzle

Swizzle

Shoulder stand

Shoulder stand

Group tricks generally require three or more dancers. Examples of this are:

Bridge pyramid

Triple cartwheel