Dancers attended five intensive sessions learning the basics of tumbling including aerials, tiniscas, handsprings and spiders, as well as having a go on the silks.

Silks is a gravity-defying, graceful aerial art form that has been made famous in recent times by Cirque du Soleil and this skill of dance is usually part of the standard curriculum. 

With Mount Isa School of Dance the only dance school in Mount Isa, this program helps build and develop the skills of dancers in the area. 

“Dance, like any other sport, is constantly evolving and the bar is always on the rise,” Mount Isa School of Dance teacher Lara Lavers said.

“Incorporating acrobatic elements into choreography is the latest way for dancers to push the envelope, and it also gives our students an exciting new challenge.”

Two years ago a partnership was forged between Mount Isa School of Dance and North West Gymnastics coach Sally Hollier to teach the program to interested students. 

Ms Lavers said the two groups had similar goals to refine their students’ skills in different areas. “Sally mentioned she had a few elite gymnasts who had fantastic acrobatic skills but needed a little help to polish the dance elements of their routines,” Ms Lavers said.

“Similarly, the Mount Isa School of Dance had beautiful dancers with amazing flexibility and strength who were keen to learn some more advanced acrobatic tricks, so we struck a deal.”

Ms Lavers and Ms Hollier agree that joining forces has helped their students improve and refine their skills. 

“I think it also demonstrates what you can achieve when local groups put their heads together and work with the skills available in the community to create new opportunities for local kids,” said Ms Lavers. 

The Mount Isa School of Dance will hold its annual sign-up day in January. 

For more information join the Mount Isa School of Dance Facebook page.