Dec 15, 2020
This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Mandy Yip, CEO and Founder of Acrobatic Arts, Inc. Yip’s company runs training and certification courses for dance teachers in the art of AcroDance — a program that promotes flexibility, strength, balancing, limbering, and tumbling. Acrobatic Arts produces the most comprehensive, researched program available for AcroDance, which explains why the syllabus is followed in over 6,500 dance studios in over 30 different countries.
As a lifelong learner, Mandy has attended and achieved certification in countless courses, including contortion, hand balancing, inclusive learning, tap, jazz, gymnastics, and safe coaching, to name a few. And all of these courses have primed her to create her own dynamic training program. On the podcast, Mandy primarily discusses how learning is the key to success in any field — especially dance — and how individuals within the dance industry are particularly keen on being generous with their dance knowledge.
Moving Quotes:
“I think teachers would be surprised at how much others are willing to share and how generous the industry is with the information that we have. We tend to think of ourselves as a bunch of little islands, and we’re really not. All it takes is a phone call to change that for yourself."
“What’s so beautiful about the dance industry and about our industry is that we are so giving… I learned so much from mentors who were willing to let me come and sit."
“Mentorship opportunities aren’t just in the phone book or on the Internet. You have to call people and ask, ‘Would you be willing?’"
“Our society wants the results without the work. But I think that, as educators, we really need to stay focused on doing the work in order to get the results. That’s in everything."
“If we had more women entrepreneurs in the world, we would see a whole rejuvenation of our communities."
“I’m just so passionate about making sure that every teacher on Earth has the tools necessary to give safe [acrobatics] instruction. Because it can be very dangerous if it’s done incorrectly."
Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
3:43: Mandy describes Acrobatic Arts, including an overview of its instructional curriculum and how its program has evolved since the pandemic broke out.
9:09: As a trainer of dance educators, Mandy discusses what she believes are some of the most important parts of dance education.
11:53: Yip retells her story — how an early love of dance turned into two thriving self-owned businesses — and discusses the dance industry’s beautiful willingness to teach each other.
17:11: Yip describes the joys and difficulties of entrepreneurship and shares some lessons about starting a business.
22:00: Mandy gives a rundown of the types of programs that Acrobatic Arts offers.
24:28: Mandy, who displays a remarkable business acumen, explains how she received her unconventional business training.
26:28: Yip discusses the importance of women entrepreneurs, particularly in the world of dance.
30:22: Yip shares one key to success for dance teachers, dancers, and general entrepreneurs.
32:31: Mandy explains her company’s road forward, including a look at both short term and long term goals.
Bullet List of Resources –
Mandy Yip
Acrobatic Arts