GIANNA dance moms aren’t the only ones in the spotlight.
A lot of dads are getting into the act too, with one in five parents being an aerials dancer.
The dance is a way to share a sense of family and bonding.
It’s not a sport, but it can be a way for kids to have fun with each other.
Aerials is also known as an indoor activity that combines dancing with swimming.
“If you’re a mom and dad, you’re doing it for the kids, and the kids will enjoy it too,” said Heather, a GIANna dance mom from New York City.
“It’s a really good way to bond with your kids.”
And while many dads can’t dance in their backyard, there are plenty of other ways to get in the act.
One of the top aerials events in the world is the Aerial Expo, held in Washington, D.C. It happens every year, and attracts thousands of participants, mostly kids.
“Every time we come up here, we’re seeing so many moms,” said Michelle, a mom from Maryland.
“I think it’s because aerials is so fun for kids, especially young children, who are learning to dance and learning how to be an athlete.
Aerial is really about being a part of something larger than yourself.”
While aerials can be fun for all ages, it can help dads to bond, said Michael, a father of four from Los Angeles.
“The biggest thing we do with the kids is we spend a lot of time together and we play soccer, and it helps the kids learn to trust each other,” he said.
“As dads, we have to work harder to make sure we’re on the same page, because if we are not, it’s going to be a disaster.”
Aerials can help raise the level of bonding for kids.
For Michelle, who is the mother of three, Aerials brings a sense for family and community to her kids.
It makes her smile.
“We just go to the gym every day and play aerials with the other kids and that really helps build the trust between us,” she said.
While many parents can’t or won’t dance, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
Aeries are a great way for families to bond and have fun together, said Heather.
And it’s important for all parents to try aerials.
“You’re making the world a better place by having a sport where kids can really feel safe, where they feel safe to be themselves, where everyone is on the best of terms, where everybody is safe,” said Michael.
“So if we can make that happen, then we have a chance to build a better world.”