Acro dance is a style of
dance that combines classical dance technique with precision
acrobatic elements. It is defined by its athletic character, its unique
choreography, which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics, and its use of acrobatics in a dance context. It is a popular dance style in amateur
competitive dance as well as in professional dance theater and in
contemporary circus productions such as those by
Cirque du Soleil. This is in contrast to
acrobatic,
artistic and
rhythmic gymnastics, which are sports that employ dance elements in a gymnastics context under the auspices of a governing gymnastics organization (such as
FIG) and subject to a
Code of Points. Acro dance is known by various other names including
acrobatic dance and
gymnastic dance, though it is most commonly referred to simply as
acro by dancers and dance professionals.