The Journey of an Athlete: From Toddler Tumbling to Advanced Acrobat

AcroSports Junior and Youth Program classes offer structured learning environments that guide young athletes and acrobats through progressive programming. Our classes aim to safely build coordination, strength, flexibility, and confidence. Classes in the Junior Program are structured into age-appropriate groups, and classes in the Youth Program are organized by age and skill level.

This outline is meant to accompany the Kids Classes Flowchart as a roadmap to guide parents through the progression of classes, and help visualize their child’s growth within AcroSports class programming. 

Here is a look at how a student might advance from their first class at 18 months old through to advanced levels of a specific discipline as an older child/teen.

Junior Program Classes for Ages 18 months – 6 years

AcroSports’ Junior Program classes are geared towards gross motor skill development through exploration, social interaction with peers, exposure to a structured movement environment, and fun! Developmentally appropriate skills are introduced in each class, which are distinguished by chronological age. A theme for movement is provided each week, and classes are centered around those themes. 

General Junior Classes

• Toddler Play Group (10-18mo): A starter social play group for parents/caretakers and babies exploring crawling and their first steps. 
• Tiny Tots I & II (18mo-3yrs): A playful parent/caregiver participation class focused on basic motor skills and coordination by guiding little ones through obstacle courses, tunnels, trampolines, swings, and exploration of the gym.
• Tootsie Rollers (3yrs): A transition class and student’s first exposure to classes without a parent/caregiver in the class/on the floor with them that introduces structured gymnastics-based activities in a fun and supportive environment.
• Tumblers (4yrs): Obstacle course based basic gymnastics skills introduction and practice such as log rolls rolls, donkey kicks, wall handstands, climbing, jumping, and more. 

Specialized Junior Classes 

Our Specialized Junior Program classes allow families to branch out and pick an area of interest for their child to develop in. Classes focus on learning the vocabulary and fundamental skills of the chosen discipline, as well as social growth, confidence, and a love for movement.

• TumbleDance (4-6yrs): Blend of dance and tumbling that promotes creative expression, rhythm, and coordination. 
• AcroFitness (5-6yrs): The basics of gymnastics on 4 apparatus- vault, bars, beam, and floor.
• Jr. Parkour (5-6yrs): Efficient and creative navigation through obstacles in the gym via running, jumping, landing, rolling, vaulting, and climbing.
• TumbleCircus (5-6yrs): Blend of acrobatics, object manipulation, clowning, and act creation for budding performers.

Youth Program Classes For Ages 6 – 17 years

The Youth Program allows students to develop specialized skills and refine techniques of a chosen discipline based on their interests, while still having fun. While the Youth Program begins at 6 years old for some classes, if a student is brand new to AcroSports, we highly recommend that they start in a 6yo appropriate Junior Program class before transitioning to the Youth Program.

With consistent once a week participation, it generally takes about a year to progress from one level to the next, and even longer as the levels advance.

Specialized Youth Classes 

• Dance 
  • Breakdancing (Beg – Adv): Introduction to the world of breaking including toprocks, footwork, freezes, power moves, and culture.
  • AcroDance: Creative, rhythmic expression of movement that includes basic gymnastics floor skills and acrobatics. 
• Gymnastics
  • Gymnastics (Beg – Level 5): Progressive skills on vault, bars, beam, and floor with an emphasis on proper form and body awareness. 
  • Tumbling (Beg – Level 4): Progressive skills on floor and the tumble track.
  • Trampoline (Beg – Level 4): Learn foundational safety and progression in trampoline skills, emphasizing body control, aerial awareness, and skill development.
• Parkour
  • Parkour (Beg – Adv): Efficient and creative navigation through obstacles in the gym via running, jumping, landing, rolling, vaulting, and climbing.
• Circus
  • Circus Arts: Blend of acrobatics, object manipulation, clowning, and act creation for budding performers
  • Aerial (Tier 1 – Tier 4): Students learn progressive skills on hard and soft aerial apparatus, including tissu, rope, trapeze, and hoop.

Summary

Every child’s journey is unique and progression depends on individual abilities, commitment, and goals. AcroSports’ aim is to create learning environments to help recreational youth athletes thrive in whatever capacity they desire. No matter the end goal, movement builds valuable life skills such as confidence, determination, and resilience- skills that benefit athletes inside and outside of the gym. Whether taking first steps or transitioning to the world of competitive sport, AcroSports offers a rewarding journey at every level.