Why Everyone is Talking About ACRO
If you were to walk past the MacKillop building on a Thursday morning, you would probably hear laughter, cheers, and maybe even see a flip or two. That is because ACRO – our brand-new co-curricular has finally landed, and the girls are absolutely loving it.
How it all started
For years, there has been a buzz among our dancers about learning tricks and incorporating more acrobatic elements into performances. Our Head of Dance & Drama, Amanda Huxtable, shared, “I have had ACRO on the wish list for a while now, due to student interest, but 2025 turned out to be the perfect time” Why? Two of our talented alumni, sisters Emily and Sophie Molony, both trained Acro teachers, were ready to give back and share their expertise with our students. Plus, with the exciting plans for the new Cultural Centre, it felt right to make it happen.
What makes ACRO different
ACRO is about strength, control, and resilience – skills that flow beautifully into all other styles of dance. Students are discovering how conditioning and technique in ACRO can make them stronger, more versatile performers. And honestly, the boost in confidence that comes with someone nailing a new skill is priceless.
Who is jumping in?
We opened ACRO to girls in Years 7–9 and were blown away by the response. So many students signed up that we had to split them into two streams: Beginner-Intermediate and Intermediate–Advanced.
You do not need a background in gymnastics or dance to get started. Everyone gets graded at the beginning to find the group that suits them best, so there is room for anyone willing to give it a go.
Highlights so far
It is hard to pick just one moment. There have been backbends, cartwheels, and handstands galore, but the real magic is seeing the girls’ faces when they achieve something they once thought was impossible. The pride and joy are infectious – and it is making a huge difference to their wellbeing, too.
Parents are noticing
One parent summed it up perfectly:
“My daughter has loved the ACRO program this term. She had never tried anything like it before, but gained so much confidence. She came home every week practising her new skills and has found a real passion for it.”
What is next?
This is just the beginning. With the new Cultural Centre on the horizon, the plan is to grow ACRO even further, offering more year levels the chance to be part of it. For now, it is safe to say that the girls are hooked and we could not be more excited to watch this program leap, flip, and twist its way into the future.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 4, Term 3
The Joy of Dance Comes to Life on Stage
