Acrobatic Inverness dance students from TFX Performing Arts set for exams first
TFX Performing Arts is hosting the first-ever acrobatic arts exam sessions for local students this month.
The Inverness-based organisation said it believed the exams are the first to take place in the area in offering students accreditation for their efforts.
Acrobatic dance, or “acro” as it is known by dancers, is the fusion of classic dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements.
More than 20 students aged between seven and 12 are all set to perform for an examiner for this first exam session for at different levels.
Assistant company director Kayleigh Redford said: “Although many offer classes in acrobatic arts, none have taken the next step and offered the official grading.
“Often defined by unique choreography, acro dancers seamlessly blend musicality, emotional expression, line and extension with acrobatic movements in a dance context.
“Training in both dance and acrobatic elements is required.”
She added: “This style has become increasingly poplar as it has been featured on shows such as Can You Dance? and Dance Moms.
“With fully certified acrobatic arts teachers Jade McIntyre and Claire Darcy, classes at TFX start from age three right up to 18.
“TFX is very lucky to have such an experienced team.”
Ms McIntyre, a qualified acro teacher, said: “The accelerated rate of progression in the students taking exams has been astounding to see.
“All of the children are working hard and have a professional approach to the whole class from how they handle the technical exercises right down to their uniforms.”
Ms Darcy said: “I first started to teach acro at TFX around seven years ago and we started with one class.
“Now we have seven classes on our timetable and teach almost 90 students.
“I love teaching and feel very proud to be a part of the first exam session in this part of the world.”
TFX is enrolling now for classes beginning in January.
n For more information, visit www.tfxperform.com
