Acro, short for acrobatic dance, is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. It is defined by its athletic character, unique choreography, and use of acrobatics in a dance context. Acro dancers perform on hard stages with widely varying surfaces, which differ substantially from a gymnastics floor. Acro footwear, such as acro shoes or foot thongs, is used to provide necessary traction, cushioning, and abrasion protection. Acro classes teach flexibility, balance, strength, and coordination through conditioning exercises and progressions. Acros roots are in traditional Chinese dance and Vaudeville stage, and it has gained popularity with contemporary circus productions. Acro dancers should maintain an emotional connection to the movement, music, and audience while performing, and the style is not just about performing tricks.