Loren Dermody and Mandy Yip are back just in time for convention season! Tune in for laughs, fresh insights, and real talk on why teachers who keep learning light the way for their students. From new opportunities like Prodigy and Accelerate to the best booth parties around, this episode is your ticket to staying inspired, connected, and ahead of the curve—all while having a blast.

Mandy Yip, Acrobatic Arts Founder
With over 350,000 dancers participating in Acrobatic Arts classes every week, Mandy Yip manages the delivery of training programs and the Acrobatic Arts syllabus in over 65hundred dance studios around the world. She also created the most comprehensive and researched Acrobatic Arts Curriculum, as well as innovative apps such as the AcroDance Resource Center. Mandy is a highly sought-after industry expert, known for her engaging workshops and clinics across North America, Europe, and Australia.

Prodigy Dance Convention: https://www.prodigydanceconvention.com/

Accelerate Acro Convention: https://accelerateacroconvention.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

Acrobatic Arts: https://www.acrobaticarts.com

Tune in as Loren Dermody welcomes Leah Holliday for her first live podcast appearance. Together, they explore the ins and outs of the heli (helicopter cartwheel)—one of AcroDance's most eye-catching skills. Learn practical progressions, helpful drills, and teaching tips to help your dancers develop that signature swoop. If you're looking to add something special to your classes, this episode is full of useful insights you won't want to miss. Listen now!

About Leah

Leah has been teaching acro and dance for over 25 years. She was born and raised in Regina, SK and studied dance and baton twirling at the Martin School of Dance. Not only was she known as a well accomplished dancer but she represented Canada in Baton Twirling at numerous World Championships as a soloist and team member. Leah has been with AA for 4 years. She is a course conductor and examiner. Leah teaches dance and acro in Calgary, AB and she teachers Master Classes for Acrobatic Arts.

Need some visuals? Check out Leah's Weekly Mini presentation, Heli Progressions with Leah Holliday, on YouTube!

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

What makes a costume truly work for acro dancers? In this episode, host Loren Dermody talks with Lorianne Hagan and Claudia Reed, two seasoned professionals with deep roots in both dance and costuming, about the evolving world of acro and contemporary dancewear.

They share their personal journeys, discuss how industry trends and teacher feedback are shaping costume design, and offer practical advice for choosing costumes that support both movement and storytelling. Whether you're a studio owner or a teacher, you'll find fresh perspectives on helping your dancers feel comfortable, confident, and creative on stage.

Tune in for an honest, expert look at the challenges and opportunities in dance costuming today with tips you can use for your next show or recital!

Lorianne Hagan

Lorianne Hagan is a respected dance educator, choreographer, and industry professional with decades of experience in dance, acrobatics, and acrobatic gymnastics. She holds a BFA in Dance from Webster University and trained in New York City at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.

Her career has included performing and directing for Circo Magnifico, teaching at Webster University for 14 years, and as a Studio Director for MJ Performing Arts Academy in St. Louis.

Lorianne's students have gone on to Broadway, national tours, and regional theaters like The Muny and Stages St. Louis. She has been recognized in Dance Teacher Magazine, named Region 4 USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year, and nominated for the William T. Kemper Award.

A former board member of Dance Masters of America, she now serves as Senior Sales Manager at Weissman, where she combines her deep industry knowledge with a passion for supporting performance creators.

Claudia Reed

Claudia Reed is a senior marketing and business leader with 35 years of experience in fashion retail, branding, and customer strategy—all centered around growing purpose-driven businesses and nurturing creative communities. For nearly 20 years, she has brought that expertise to the dance industry through her work at Weissman, a leading global costume and dancewear company.

Throughout her tenure, Claudia has played a key role in evolving the Weissman brand and building out functions across the company—from marketing, ecommerce, and creative—all with a focus on ensuring customers take center stage.

In her current role as Senior Vice President of Sales, she is especially passionate about listening to studio owners, amplifying their voices, and helping dance businesses grow through customer-focused strategies that blend creativity with data-driven insights.

Find out more: www.weissmans.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

How can dance teachers and studio owners truly support their most flexible students? In this essential episode host Loren Dermody welcomes back Dr. Linda Bluestein, renowned physician, former dancer, and expert in hypermobility, for her sixth appearance during Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month.

Dr. Bluestein reveals why early recognition of connective tissue disorders is critical in dance, sharing practical signs teachers can spot, from difficulty building muscle to recurring injuries and even digestive issues. She explains why standard screening tools like the Beighton score often fall short for dancers, and offers actionable advice on what really works in the studio.

Learn how to recognize the subtle signs of hypermobility, prevent common injuries, and empower your dancers to thrive. Whether you're a studio owner or passionate teacher, this episode will give you the knowledge to make a real difference in your dancers' lives.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with Dr. Linda Bluestein, exclusively on The Acrobatic Arts Podcast!

Important Links

Bending Boundaries: The Role of Joint Hypermobility in Dance

About Dr. Linda Bluestein

In addition to her private medical practice, Hypermobility MD, Dr. Bluestein is the founder and co-host of the podcast, Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, and former co-host of “Hypermobility Happy Hour.”

Dr. Bluestein is the Director of Education for the nonprofit, EDS Wellness, Inc. and founder and executive director of Bendy Bodies, an organization dedicated to empowering hypermobile performing artists.

She has published a number of original research papers; presents work at national and international conferences, and is a contributing author for the book, Disjointed - Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders.

Dr. Bluestein is a member of the Board of Directors for the Bridge Dance Project, the Allergy and Immunology Working Group for the International Consortium on EDS and HSD, the Advisory Board for Doctors for Dancers, and the Resources Committee for the Dance Healthy Alliance of Canada.

More information about Dr. Bluestein can be found on her website, www.hypermobilitymd.com.

Links:

Hypermobility MD

Hypermodbility MD Podcast

Bendy Bodies

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

In this episode, Acrobatic Arts Master Teacher Jemma Harris breaks down the deceptively tricky, yet totally adorable, Teddy Bear Headstand. Discover expert tips and progressions to help your students master this foundational acro skill. Build a solid base for future success for your students, with these skill-specific drills!

About Jemma

Jemma began her dance journey at the age of 3 with Beats Per Minute Performing Arts on the Sunshine Coast training in all genres of dance. Jemma completed examinations in the RAD and Comdance syllabi gaining Distinction for Advanced 2 RAD, and Honours Plus for Modern Jazz Shield, Theatrical Shield and Gold Cross Tap.

At the completion of her training Jemma was awarded scholarships to a range of prestigious pre-professional programs including; Broadway Dance Centre and Brent Street. However was offered a contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines only two weeks after turning 18.

Jemma spent 3 years travelling the world and performing in production shows and musicals on board, including a feature role in “Saturday Night Fever” the musical and a soloist and showgirl in a diverse range of theatre shows.

Now, as a highly qualified teacher Jemma is passionate about progressing students safely with a rounded and broad skillset in the performing arts, starting at the very beginning with the tiniest humans. Jemma is passionate about early childhood development and laying the foundations from the very beginning and loves sharing her passion in this area as a course conductor for AcroDance Pre School and Ready Set Acro.

Jemma's qualifications span from Comdance Jazz, Tap and Theatrical through to Acrobatic Arts M1, M2 and M3, Alixa Flexibility, PBT as well as Aerial Arts. She loves sharing her knowledge with other like minded teachers through course conducting Acrobatic Arts M1, M2 and Aerial Arts and is honoured to be apart of a world renowned program!

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

Don't miss this exciting episode with Drew Burgess! From his world-class expertise to his knack for solving tough challenges, Drew shares how Acro Chat is revolutionizing support for dance teachers and studio owners. Whether you're looking for inspiration, guidance, or just a little TLC, this is the episode you need to hear!

About Drew Burgess

Ohio native, Drew made his industry debut on Live with Regis during Amazing Kids Week. Upon relocating to California, he trained at L.A.'s best studios including EDGE, Millennium, Fusion, and the PAC Annex. Drew is highly sought after as a performer, choreographer, guest teacher, dance supervisor, & dance captain. Drew can be seen on teaching & adjudication panels for: Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Dance Teachers Club of Boston, Headliners, DanZa, 10+ Dance Masters of America Regional Chapters, Dance Educators of America, & the Rhee Gold Company. A former competitor himself, Drew's regional titles include Master, Junior, and Teen Mr. Dance of Ohio, as well as, Mr. Dance of the Pacific Coast. Nationally, Drew is a former Jr. Mr. Dance of America and Mr. Dance of America. Drew is certified by test to teach through DMA & DEA in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, & Acrobatics and is an active member in both organizations. Drew is also proud to be Acrobatic Arts Certified (M1-M3) & part of their U.S. Division Staff of Course Conductors & Examiners.

Drew's passion for dance circles the globe with guest workshop classes, technique clinics, & choreography, year-round. His corporate & live entertainment credits include performances with the Radio City Rockettes, Taylor Swift, & The Baha Men. Drew's students have accolades including: Teen Miss Dance of Arizona, Male Dancer of the Year, Miss Dance of Ohio, & Mr. Dance of America. His National Choreography merits include the Sherry Gold Memorial Choreography Award from DMA & Best Small Group & Production from NexStar. Drew has toured worldwide with Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance as a Swing in Rock the Ballet 2 and Romeo & Juliet. He was honored to serve as the Tap Director for four years at Spisak Dance Academy in Glendale, Arizona; and now resides in Columbus, Ohio and is part of of the teaching staff at Straub Dance Center.

Find out more about Acro Chat with Drew Burgess: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/training-courses/acrochat-with-drew-burgess
Follow Drew on Instagram: @drewdances

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 company Principal Sandra Elliott and Master Teacher Vicki Fletcher unveil Acrobatic Arts' new Advanced Acro Teacher Certifications: Aerial & Back Handspring, plus Back Tuck & Back Layout. Discover how these courses can improve your teaching by focusing on high-level spotting techniques and skill mastery. Learn to identify and correct common errors and build yours and your dancer's confidence in these skills. Don't miss out! Tune in now!

About Sandra Elliott

With over 30 years teaching experience, Sandra has also been enjoying her role as a course conductor and examiner with Acrobatic Arts since its inception in 2012. She assisted in developing the Module 1 Teacher's Certification Course. In addition, she developed the Graduate Student Teacher's Certification course, the Adjudicator Certification for AcroDancecourse and the Pin Examiner Certification course.

Sandra is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and has her Bachelor of Education Degree, with a major in dance. Throughout her teaching career, she has successfully prepared students for all levels of RAD exams. One of her students achieved her Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal while another student participated in the RAD's Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition (formerly ‘The Genee') who later became a member of the Citie Ballet Company and is currently a member of Ballet Kelowna. Sandra has also been closely involved in the training of many students who have gone on to dance in professional shows including The Music Man (Broadway), Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, Movin' Out (Canadian Tour), Cirque Du Soleil (Las Vegas), So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Celine Dion and Taylor Swift. One of those students was the 2013 winner of UK's Got To Dance and a competitor in World of Dance Season 2. He is currently running his own contemporary company ‘Untitled' out of the UK.

Sandra's choreography has won many overall, title and choreography awards. She is passionate about not only developing artistic dancers that have excellent technique but she also loves helping dancers to understand how the things they learn in dance can translate into their personal lives helping them to push themselves to be the best they can be.

About Vicki Fletcher

Vicki Fletcher was born and currently lives in Ontario Canada and has been dancing since the age of 2. She soon realized that her love for all forms of dance was something she wanted to share with others through teaching. She began teaching at the age of 17 and has been doing it ever since. Vicki brings 25 years of teaching experience in jazz,tap,acro,lyrical, stretch and conditioning and musical theatre.

Vicki graduated from Dance Masters of America's Teacher's Training School at Kent State University and the University of New York in Buffalo and is also certified through the Ontario's Gymnastics Federation.

Vicki has adjudicated dance competitions and has taught workshops at many studios in Canada. She feels it is very important to stay current with your training so attends workshops and conventions whenever she can. She has won many awards for her creative and innovative choreography and her students have won numerous awards,scholarships and titles. Many have gone on to pursue their own careers in dance whether it be performing in companies or on cruise ships, studying dance in University and becoming teachers themselves.

Through her years of teaching Vicki has become more and more passionate towards the acro aspect of dance and has had great success in building a strong acro studio. This love for acro and the desire to see it done safely by teachers and students is what makes being a part of Acrobatic Arts so exciting for her.

She is looking forward to working with students and teachers from all over the world who share her passion for acro.

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

Protect your passion and safeguard your business! Join Loren Dermody and Joanne Klenk, National Dance Insurance Program Director at Promark Partners Insurance Services, as they dive into the world of dance studio insurance. Discover tailored coverage for AcroDance and Aerial Arts, learn how to minimize risk, and get answers to your most pressing insurance questions. Don't miss this essential episode for dance studio owners and teachers!

Need some visuals? Check out Joanne's Weekly Mini presentation, Insurance for Acro & Aerial Arts with Joanne Klenk, on YouTube!

Reach Joanne

Joanne Klenk, CPCU
Dance Insurance USA | Promark Partners Insurance Services
National Dance Insurance Program Director
jklenk@promarkinsurance.com
Ph: 716-633-8401
danceinsuranceusa.com
IG: @danceinsuranceusa

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