CSRA ACRO
What is Acro?
Donald Strogonoff, also known as "Mr. Don," is an experienced gymnastics coach and artist-in-residence. He has dedicated over 4 decades to coaching gymnastics and has owned and coached at three successful gymnastics gyms since 1975.
Throughout his coaching career, Donald has had the opportunity to Coach and Judge at National and international levels. He has traveled Canada, Germany, Poland, and Russia for coaching and judging gymnastics competitions. His educational background in Biomechanics, Sports Psychology, and Sports Medicine has equipped him with technical knowledge that enhances his coaching abilities.
Donald considers his most significant coaching achievements to be having eight girls on the National Team and supporting ten girls in pursuing college education through gymnastics. These accomplishments highlight his dedication to nurturing talent and empowering young athletes to achieve their goals both in sports and academics.
After retiring from full-time coaching, Donald got married and relocated to Thomson, Georgia. However, his passion for coaching led him to become the "Coaches' Coach" at a Competitive Cheerleading Facility in Thomson. He immersed himself in the world of cheerleading, coaching tumbling and cheer for two National Cheerleading Championship Teams in Martinez.
In 2006, Donald was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, which has unfortunately limited his ability to coach as extensively as he would like. However, despite this challenge, he has continued to contribute to the local community by designing and teaching an Acro-Tumbling program. This program aims to help dance companies in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) region incorporate acrobatic skills into their competitive dance routines. Donald provides private and semi-private lessons, sharing his expertise and assisting dancers in enhancing their performances with acrobatic elements.
MrDon's dedication, technical knowledge, and coaching accomplishments have made him a respected figure in the gymnastics and cheerleading communities. Despite facing personal challenges, he continues to make a positive impact on aspiring athletes and dancers through his Acro-Tumbling program.
What is Acro?
Acrobatics, often referred to as “acro,” is a captivating fusion of dance technique and athletic acrobatic elements. Let’s break down the five key components:
- Flexibility: Acro emphasizes safe and progressive flexibility training. Dancers work on achieving splits, backbends, and other graceful positions. This flexibility enhances their overall movement range.
- Strength: Acro builds strength through conditioning exercises. Students develop core strength, upper body power, and leg muscles. This strength is crucial for executing acrobatic tricks and lifts.
- Balance: Acro dancers practice intricate balancing skills. From basic balances to more advanced poses like the chest stand and forearm stand, balance is essential for creating visually stunning routines.
- Limbering: Limbering exercises improve joint mobility and suppleness. Dancers work on fluid movements, transitions, and dynamic stretches. This component ensures seamless transitions between dance and acrobatic elements.
- Tumbling: Tumbling involves floor-based gymnastic skills. Beginners start with forward rolls and cartwheels, while advanced students tackle back walkovers, aerials, and other impressive tumbling passes.
Remember, dancers who train through the Acrobatic Arts syllabus develop balanced skills, increased flexibility, and fearlessness. They’re technically skilled, less prone to injuries, and ready to perform effortlessly across the stage!