From Crow Pose to Cartwheels, An Introduction to Acro
A parent friendly guide to what Acro really is, why it is not just gymnastics, how we build safe foundations, and why families travel to AIM Studios in Aylesham for expert training.
The TikTok terms parents keep seeing
If you have been scrolling through TikTok or checking your child’s search history, you might have seen terms like “Crow dance,” “Acro tricks,” or “how to do a walkover.”
We get a lot of parents asking, “Is it gymnastics, is it yoga, what actually is it.”
If you are looking for safe, expert Acro training near Canterbury, you are in the right place.
What is Acro, and why it is not just gymnastics
Acro is the fusion of classic dance technique and the athleticism of gymnastics. It is where dancers blend movement seamlessly, for example a pirouette into a cartwheel, or a graceful leap into a chest stand.
- Gymnasts often train for sprung floors, power, rebound, and firm landings.
- Acro dancers train for stage performance, often on harder floors, so we teach soft landings and control.
In Acro we focus on absorption, using strength and technique to control the landing rather than relying on the bounce of a mat. That is why Acro is so valuable for dancers, it builds flexibility, balance, and strength while protecting joints long term.
The Crow connection, it is all about balance
The confusion about “Crow dance” is not entirely wrong. In Acro we use balances similar to yoga’s Crow pose to build wrist and core strength.
Before a student can move into a cartwheel or a handspring, they need a foundation. At AIM we follow the Acrobatic Arts syllabus, meaning we build skills progressively rather than throwing students into tricks they are not ready for.
We build them up, brick by brick
- Flexibility, safe stretching to open hips and shoulders.
- Strength, drills like dish holds and planks to build core stability.
- Balancing, learning to trust hands to hold body weight, where Crow style drills help.
From wobbly legs to perfect cartwheels
The cartwheel is a major milestone, but a safe cartwheel is about more than throwing legs over the head. Control and alignment are what separates a playground cartwheel from strong Acro technique.
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Lunge
Start deep and strong so the entry is stable. -
T shape
The body hits a horizontal line before hands touch the floor, building control and alignment. -
Lever
Control the landing and return to a lunge rather than crashing down.
This attention to detail is exactly how we keep progression safe while still helping children feel proud of their achievements.
Why travel to Aylesham for Acro
We know Canterbury city centre can seem like the obvious choice for activities. But for Acro, facilities matter.
Because Acro needs specific safety mats, tumbling tracks, and good ceiling height, it is difficult to find city centre studios that can host it safely and consistently.
That is why many families drive around 15 minutes down the A2 to our studios in Aylesham. At Artists In Motion we have purpose built studios with sprung floors and professional tumbling equipment.
- Easy parking, park right outside, no fighting for a space in town.
- Expert teachers, certified in Acrobatic Arts, trained to spot, correct, and progress safely.
- Full pathway, from “my first cartwheel” through to advanced tumbling and aerial arts.
Ready to join the Acro revolution
Whether your child is looking to master their Crow pose or perfect an aerial walkover, we have a mat waiting for them.
AIM Studios, Intex House, Cooting Road, Aylesham, CT3 3EP, Kent. Email jessica@artistsinmotion.co.uk