A relatively new type of dance style that’s making waves around the world will be featured this fall at a convention in Coquitlam.
Dance Attack, which has been hosting acro workshops in Ontario, is heading west with its acro gatherings: In April, it held an event in Regina, Sask., and, this November, the company plans to expand its base to the Tri-Cities.
Organizer Lexi Cox, a Pinetree secondary graduate, is one of six faculty members who will lead up to 125 youth — ages seven to 18 — through the half-hour sessions at Omega Gymnastics.
Cox, who studied at the Port Moody School of Dance and CirKids and has her bachelor of fine arts from Ryerson University in theatre performance and dance, will be joined by:
• Tyler Ayres of Cirque du Soleil/TADA;
• Shannon Teat, a talent agent for daCoasta;
• Aldeana Bawtinheimer of Aldeana’s Acrobats;
• Sarah Calvert of MED Coaching Sciences;
• and Katelyn Ettinger of Power Tumbling/NCCP.
Students of any dance level are invited to participate to learn new skills as well as to see Ayres and Aldeana’s Acrobats perform. And teachers are also welcome to observe for the day and take ideas back to their studios.
Cox, a dance adjudicator who critiqued at the B.C. provincials in Victoria this past spring, said understanding the core techniques as well as trying out new trends keeps competitors on their toes. “At this stage, the kids want to learn more and experience the latest trick,” the 29-year-old performer, choreographer and instructor said.
“Acro” — or acrobatic — dance blends gymnastics and dance, made popular by such groups as Cirque du Soleil. It uses no props and includes such elements as the front aerial, hand walking and a one-hand front walkover for solo routines. For double tricks — that is, with a partner — dance elements can include the lawnmower, swizzle and shoulder stand.
Cox said while many students don’t usually move to to the pro leagues, they can acquire life skills through acro dance — among them, coordination, focus and team play.
• To register for the convention on Nov. 19 at Omega Gymnastics (125B Glacier St., Coquitlam), which is sponsoring the event in part along with The Giggle Dam, visit danceattackworkshop.com. Scholarships and prizes are available.
