The Acrobatic Arts Podcast

Physiotherapist Tim Buckley returns in this Spotlight Series episode to break down the most common dance injuries, how to spot the difference between normal soreness and actual injury, and why consistent training matters more than you think. From ankle sprains to shoulder issues, he explains what shows up most in different disciplines and shares prevention strategies that go beyond just "warm up better." If you've ever wondered when soreness crosses into injury territory, this one's for you. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-spotlight-series-common-dance-injuries-with-tim-buckley About Tim Tim Buckley is a Physiotherapist from Melbourne, Australia. He has worked exclusively with elite ballet dancers, circus artists and orchestral musicians during his 19 year career and has spoken twice at IADMS conferences in Australia and the USA.He was one of two full time physios with The Australian Ballet from 2006-2008 and toured Australia, China, England and France. He joined Cirque du Soleil in 2009 and toured Japan, South America and North America with ‘Corteo' and ‘Quidam', before settling in Montréal to work at Cirque's international headquarters as the Supervisor of Performance Medicine.Tim then toured again as the Head Physiotherapist on Cirque du Soleil's production, ‘Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities' in 2014-15, before moving back to Melbourne in 2016. After another year at The Australian Ballet and completing a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy, Tim re-joined Cirque du Soleil where he worked as a ‘fly-in' Head Physiotherapist on several touring shows including Amaluna, Volta, Crystal and Twas The Night Before, as well as in Montreal on various creation projects.Tim is currently the Senior Advisor of Performance Medicine Operations for Cirque du Soleil, providing clinical support to the physical therapy teams on Cirque's global touring shows. Tim is a consultant Physiotherapist for Acrobatic Arts Inc, providing input on the continuing development of their syllabus and programs.Tim also co-owns The Academy, a circus training center in London Ontario, with his wife Meaghan Wegg.www.theacademycircus.comFacebook: The Academy CircusInstagram: @theacademycircus Previous Acrobatic Arts Podcast Episodes: Ep 7 Acrobatic Arts Australia, New Zealand and Asia Division Managers Meaghan Wegg and Tim Buckley - https://youtu.be/_npmTPXgEtU Ep Ep 28 Physiotherapist Tim Buckley - Dance Injuries, Pt 1 - https://youtu.be/IsaiS8OmebIEp 29 Physiotherapist Tim Buckley - Listener Questions, Pt 2 - https://youtu.be/e9OPbP9LhXgEp 71 Student vs Professional Training with Tim Buckley & Meaghan Wegg - https://youtu.be/C4nuWxfBrTo 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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

From setting his sights on Cirque du Soleil at just ten years old to joining the company at eighteen, Joey Vice has built his career on focus and belief. In this conversation Joey opens up about the mental tools that helped him handle pressure, avoid burnout, and stay grounded on tour. He shares how journaling, visualization, and self-respect became his keys to success and why a strong mindset is just as important as strong technique. Whether you're a dancer, teacher, or parent, Joey's perspective on fear, focus, and balance will leave you inspired to keep pushing forward. About Joey Meet Joey, a versatile performer and choreographer who has made significant strides in the dance industry since his teenage years. At the age of 18, his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication propelled him to become the lead role in Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA. Now, as a freelance choreographer and teacher in Los Angeles, Joey continues to create innovative routines and jaw-dropping tricks for various projects. His talent has taken him far, and he has danced for renowned artists like 070 Shake and Marina. Joey's primary objective is to transform the lives of others and inspire dancers globally! @joeythedancer 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 faculty favorite Sarah Reis joins host Loren Dermody to talk all things All Things Acro, from her journey as a longtime teacher to creating the mats every studio needs. Hear Sarah's best tips for building an acro program, what to look for and avoid when buying equipment, and why supporting teachers is at the heart of everything she does. About Sarah Reis In her early development Sarah split her time between gymnastics and dance then later got into circus work and competitive rock climbing. The combination of these skills led her to a performance career as a stunt double in the thriving Vancouver film scene. While enjoying a professional performance career she worked on various projects including cruiseship contracts, print, television, film and nightlife productions. Sarah has always felt it was important to continue her education and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2006. After graduation Sarah started work as an artistic sport rehabilitation specialist in a Physiotherapy clinic during the day while teaching dance in the evening. At the clinic Sarah primarily designed return to training programs for injured artistic athletes.Sarah is a certified teacher in acrobatics through the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA) and is a level three coach in women's artistic gymnastics with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Sarah holds longstanding certificates with many established dance teacher, Pilates and fitness related organizations. Sarah eventually returned to school to study contemporary dance at Simon Fraser University and completed a second degree in Education. Sarah spent some time working in the school district, holding an official teaching license with the BC ministry of Education in the specialty of performing arts and physical education. In 2008 she completed her Master's degree in Human Performance Coaching Sciences from the University of Victoria where she researched in the field of athletic motor development and later developed the curriculum for the International Dance Teaching Standards teacher education program for developing dance educators. Sarah began her doctorate research in Leadership Education but has since switched her focus to Dance Medicine. Within her research Sarah is interested in AcroDance teaching methodology and recently presented at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. When not touring as a public speaker, Sarah is the director of a large dance competition and manages a physiotherapy clinic among other small businesses. Sarah has spent the last decade touring worldwide presenting at various universities, dance conventions and conferences and can also be seen live from Los Angeles with CLI Studios. With a strong creative pull Sarah has been choreographing AcroDance lines and productions for more than twenty years and continues to be passionate about student development when she is home and able to teach in her hometown. Module three certified, Sarah is an examiner and course conductor here at Acrobatic Arts. www.allthingsacro.com All Things Acro on Instagram www.danceteachingstandards.com Listen to Sarah's previous episodes: Ep. 12 Tips for Cartwheel Rebounds and Roundoff - Sarah Calvert Ep. 42 Mats for AcroDance Training with Sarah Reis Ep. 53 Life Lessons in Dance with Sarah Reis Ep. 54 Life Lessons in Dance with Sarah Reis, Pt 2 Ep. 98 Balancing Competition and Education in Dance with Sarah Reis Ep. 103 Thoracic Mobility: The Key to a Flexible Spine with Sarah Reis 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

From Acrobatic Arts' earliest days filming in Mandy Yip's living room to producing documentaries for the National Film Board of Canada, Rachel Bower has spent her career behind the lens capturing movement, passion, and human stories.In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from competitive baton twirling to professional videography, and the crucial role she played in building the Acrobatic Arts app.She offers insider tips on filming dance and acro, from planning and camera setups to capturing clean audio, managing media, and creating trust with dancers on set. Whether you're a dance teacher filming audition reels or a creative interested in visual storytelling, Rachel's wisdom and warmth will inspire you. About Rachel Bower Choosing subjects of deep personal interest and connection Rachel Bower has worked on documentaries in the Middle East, Africa, Ukraine, Romania, and North America. She has worked as a director, camera operator, and editor for the Outdoor Life Network, CBC and CTV. Rachel had directed and written 20 episodes for CBC's documentary series Land and Sea. She has produced, directed and written six episodes for the documentary series Our Community on AMI (Accessible Media Inc.). Rachel produced a series DISRUPT that showcases artists with disabilities. The series was recently renewed for a second season.Her independent documentaries have been screened at film festivals around the world. IN THE SAME BOAT and THE SINGING LUMBERJACK won best documentary at the Silver Wave Film Festival. MEET MAURICE CROSBY won best musical score at the British Documentary Film Festival. I AM SKYLAR won 6 short best documentary awards at various film festivals around the world. She created, developed, wrote and directed ACROSS AND DOWN for CBC's Passionate Eye, which won two Leo Awards for best short documentary and best sound. She produced, wrote and directed THE NOODLE GROUP for CBC's short docs, which is streaming on CBC Gem. Rachel was one of 25 crew members from across Canada to receive a scholarship to the Women in the Director's Chair program at the Banff Centre for the Arts. She was one of four directors chosen from Atlantic Canada to participate in the Director/Composer Mentorship Program though the Atlantic Canada Film Festival Association, the Guild of Canadian Film Composers and Symphony Nova Scotia. Rachel won a National Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) Dave Rogers Award for Best Short Feature and a Maritime Philanthropy Award Outstanding Special Event. Rachel Bower Productions: http://www.rachelbowerproductions.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

What if your classes could do more than build dance skills? In this episode, Dr. Leisha Straughn unpacks the Four C's every teacher needs: Confidence, Competence, Connection & Character, and how to weave them into your studio with simple, intentional strategies. Walk away with tools you can use right away, plus discover Project Score, a free resource designed to help teachers put the Four C's into action. Dr. Leisha Strachan is a professor at the University of Manitoba with a research focus on positive youth development through sport. She is also interested in research with coaches and parents in the deliberate delivery of positive sport experiences for children and youth. Research Areas Positive youth development Sport participation Children Youth Sport psychology Education Doctor of Philosopy - Sport Psychology, Queen's University (2008) Master of Human Kinetics - Sport Psychology, University of Windsor (2004) Bachelor of Education, University of Manitoba (1999) Bachelor of Physical Education, University of Manitoba (1997) Leisha has been involved in sport and dance for the majority of her life. She began baton twirling at Crestview Community Club in Winnipeg at the age of 5 and continued for 18 years. She is a former Canadian Senior Freestyle Champion (1994), Grand National Solo and 2-Baton champion (1994), CBTF Senior Athlete and Overall Athlete of the Year (1994), and a 7-time Canadian Contingent member competing in freestyle (highest placing - 6th in 1994) and pair events garnering 2 world bronze medals for her efforts (with Kristin Macaraeg). In her time on the national team, she traveled to France, Japan, Holland, Italy, and Hawaii. Leisha is one of the founding coaches of Aerial Fusion Baton, which has been in existence for 25 years. In addition to being a Level 3 certified coach, she is also certified as a Module 1 teacher in Acrobatic Arts. She is also a certified M1, M2, M3, and Masters judge. She has had the opportunity to coach provincial and national team members and continues to choreograph for different athletes across Canada, England, and Scotland. IG @drls250 Previous Episodes Ep 4 Protecting Your Mental Health Dr Leisha Strachan Ep 31 Overcoming Dancer Anxiety + Mental Blocks with Dr. Leisha Strachan Ep. 69 Turning Dance Transitions into Triumphs with Dr. Leisha Strachan, Pt 1 Ep. 69 Turning Dance Transitions into Triumphs with Dr. Leisha Strachan, Pt. 2 Ep. 97 Mental Skills for Acro Success with Dr. Leisha Strachan

It started with a few students and a fresh approach and turned into a method that's changing how dancers train. In Part 1 of this 2-part episode, we dive into how The Godfrey Method grew from kitchen floors to packed studios, blending strength, flexibility, and a focus on how dancers move, not just what they do. Get their take on class flow, creative cueing, and what every teacher should stop doing right now. Plus: A first look at their upcoming Teacher Resource Center + August intensive. Hit play and bring their genius into your studio. About The Godfrey Method The Godfrey Method, founded by Jonathan and Chelsea Godfrey in 2020, is a modern approach to dance education born from years of work with their own students. Developed during the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, it was created to support dancer growth and learning even in uncertain times.More than just technique, The Godfrey Method emphasizes strength, body awareness, and injury prevention—areas often overlooked in traditional training. It's designed to build strong, versatile dancers while promoting long-term career longevity.At its core, The Godfrey Method is a community-driven, research-backed program that empowers both dancers and educators. As we grow, we remain committed to innovation, connection, and excellence in dance. Looking to take your teaching to the next level? Check out over 200 videos on Godfrey Method On Demand at app.thegodfreymethod.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 Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com

From TV sets and stages to the studio floor, Christina Kotsopoulos brings her unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and teaching insight to this episode of The Acrobatic Arts Podcast. Christina shares how Acro helped her grow as both a performer and educator, how she overcame fear after a childhood injury, and what teachers can do to help students shine both safely and confidently. Plus: Get the inside scoop on Accelerate, the AcroFit Challenge, and why Acrobatic Arts continues to lead the way in AcroDance education. About Christina Christina Kotsopoulos, originally from Toronto, Ontario, has an extensive background in film, television, and dance. Her credits include Pop IT! (TVO Kids), Lego Girls (Family Channel), The Next Star (YTV), Backstage (Disney), and The Boys (Amazon Prime). She was named America's Senior Dancer of the Year in 2014, after which she moved to New York City to study at SUNY Purchase College Conservatory for Dance, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2018. She also studied abroad at the Academie Voor Theater en Dans in Amsterdam. Christina's performance credits include BC/EF Broadway Backwards starring Ariana DeBose, NORMA choreographed by Al Blackstone, and the Capezio Dance Awards. She has also appeared in music videos, including “Strangers and Thieves” by Jesse Malin, and worked on commercials such as the Genesis Car Reveal and XtendBarre Fitness on the Open Fit App. She recently performed at The Tin Building's opening and at a Boot Barn event choreographed by Karla Garcia. In addition to her performing career, Christina has worked as skeleton crew on many productions like Zombies 3, Dance Lab NYC, and An American in Paris. She also teaches and adjudicates dance across North America. https://www.instagram.com/christinakotsopoulos/ 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