About Phoenix AcroDance Academy

Founded on 14 September 2018, Phoenix AcroDance Academy (PADA) began its journey in Harborne, Birmingham. Following the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, the academy relocated to Bournville before establishing its permanent home at Bellfield Junior School in Northfield, Birmingham. Today, PADA delivers a wide range of classes across five days each week during term time.


As a small, family-focused academy, we are passionate about providing high-quality teaching and personalised support for every student. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where students feel valued, build lifelong friendships, and develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and other important life skills alongside their acrobatic training. This commitment to excellence has been recognised nationally, with PADA named a Finalist at The UK Small Business Awards 2026 in the Best Creative Arts Business category.


Over the years, our students have had the opportunity to perform at some of the UK's most respected venues, including Birmingham Hippodrome, Indigo at The O2 London, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Artrix Bromsgrove, Alton Towers Scarefest, The Crescent Birmingham, and the Blackpool Winter Gardens Opera House. While PADA is primarily a non-competitive academy, we strongly believe in giving students valuable performance experiences through showcases and professional events. In recent years, our students have also proudly participated in CHANCE2DANCE events across the UK.


As part of PADA’s continued growth and commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students, we are proud to introduce the PADA International Performing Team. This team will represent Phoenix AcroDance Academy at our first ever overseas event: That’s Showbiz International Dance Competition in Madrid, Spain, July 2027.

This milestone reflects the dedication of our dancers, the support of our families, and PADA’s ongoing mission to inspire, challenge, and celebrate every performer who steps through our doors.


Every two years, PADA produces a full-scale showcase in a professional theatre, giving students the chance to demonstrate their progress, celebrate their achievements, and work together to create an unforgettable performance. Although competitions are not our primary focus, we occasionally enter local and regional events to give students experience in competitive performance. Our dancers have achieved numerous gold, silver and bronze awards, including 1st Place and the highest-scoring Inter Acro Group in both 2021 and 2023 with scores of 95/100. In 2026, PADA achieved further success when 13 routines qualified for the Grand Finals at an East Midlands competition. The academy's acro duet, "Alegria," was awarded 1st Place with a score of 98/100, earning the second-highest score of the entire competition.


Students at PADA also have the opportunity to take OFQUAL-accredited Acrobatic Arts examinations. We are proud to maintain a 100% pass rate, with students consistently achieving distinctions and excellent results. These qualifications can contribute towards UCAS points and OFQUAL credits, providing valuable opportunities beyond the studio.


At the heart of Phoenix AcroDance Academy is a strong sense of community. Our students represent a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds, creating a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. We are especially proud to have supported students through the Ukrainian Sponsorship Scheme since its introduction, enabling young people displaced by conflict to continue their training in acrobatics, dance, and aerial arts while becoming part of the PADA family.


At Phoenix AcroDance Academy, we believe that every student has the potential to shine. Through expert coaching, exciting performance opportunities, and a supportive team environment, we help young people grow not only as performers but as confident, capable individuals. ✨


Our Aim

At Phoenix AcroDance Academy, our aim is to inspire and develop the next generation of acrobatic dancers by providing high-quality training in a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment. We are committed to helping every student reach their full potential in the performing arts, regardless of their starting point or experience level.


Beyond technical skills, we believe that participation in acrobatics and dance plays an important role in personal development. Through our classes and performance opportunities, we encourage students to build confidence, resilience, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, commitment, and self-discipline. These valuable life skills not only support success in the studio but also help prepare our students for future challenges and opportunities.


At PADA, we strive to create a strong sense of community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals while developing a lifelong love of performing arts.


Our Ethos

At Phoenix AcroDance Academy, our ethos is centred on creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to thrive both as a performer and as an individual.


  • We value every student as an individual, celebrating their achievements, recognising their unique strengths, and providing support tailored to their needs within a culture of equality, respect, and inclusion.
  • We promote self-discipline, responsibility, and respect, encouraging students to take ownership of their actions, demonstrate positive behaviour, and show kindness and consideration towards others and the world around them.
  • We nurture personal growth and development, helping students build confidence, resilience, and character so they can become responsible, respectful, and valued members of their communities.


Through our teaching, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning, teamwork, and achievement, empowering every student to reach their full potential both inside and outside the studio.

Our Curriculum

At Phoenix AcroDance Academy, we are committed to delivering a high-quality, engaging, and progressive curriculum that enables every student to develop their skills, confidence, and love of performing arts.


  • We follow recognised industry-leading syllabi, including Acrobatic Arts, Alixa Flexibility, Aerial Arts, and IDT Global, delivering each programme in a fun, challenging, and inspiring way that motivates students to learn, grow, and achieve their personal best.
  • We provide a broad and balanced curriculum that supports the development of the whole child, offering opportunities to build technical ability, creativity, confidence, discipline, teamwork, and performance skills.
  • We create meaningful learning experiences that cater to different ages, abilities, and learning styles, ensuring every student is supported on their individual journey and encouraged to reach their full potential.


Through our curriculum, we aim to develop well-rounded performers who not only excel in acrobatics, dance, and aerial arts but also gain valuable skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the studio.

Our Staff

At Phoenix AcroDance Academy, our staff are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a positive and professional learning environment where students can thrive, supported by a dedicated team of passionate and experienced instructors.


  • We utilise the strengths and expertise of our teaching team to deliver high-quality instruction, encourage collaboration, and provide the best possible learning experience for every student.
  • We foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement, ensuring that our staff work together to inspire, support, and motivate students throughout their training journey.
  • We value and invest in our staff, providing opportunities for ongoing professional development to ensure they remain up to date with the latest teaching practices, industry standards, and safety requirements.
  • We lead by example, promoting professionalism, respect, and a passion for learning that helps create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all members of the PADA community.


Through the dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm of our team, we strive to provide exceptional training and support, helping every student achieve their full potential both in performing arts and in life.

Our Aim

At Phoenix AcroDance Academy, our aim is to inspire and develop the next generation of acrobatic dancers by providing high-quality training in a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment. We are committed to helping every student reach their full potential in the performing arts, regardless of their starting point or experience level.


Beyond technical skills, we believe that participation in acrobatics and dance plays an important role in personal development. Through our classes and performance opportunities, we encourage students to build confidence, resilience, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, commitment, and self-discipline. These valuable life skills not only support success in the studio but also help prepare our students for future challenges and opportunities.


At PADA, we strive to create a strong sense of community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals while developing a lifelong love of performing arts.


Our Ethos

At Phoenix AcroDance Academy, our ethos is centred on creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to thrive both as a performer and as an individual.


  • We value every student as an individual, celebrating their achievements, recognising their unique strengths, and providing support tailored to their needs within a culture of equality, respect, and inclusion.
  • We promote self-discipline, responsibility, and respect, encouraging students to take ownership of their actions, demonstrate positive behaviour, and show kindness and consideration towards others and the world around them.
  • We nurture personal growth and development, helping students build confidence, resilience, and character so they can become responsible, respectful, and valued members of their communities.


Through our teaching, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning, teamwork, and achievement, empowering every student to reach their full potential both inside and outside the studio.

Our Curriculum

At Phoenix AcroDance Academy, we are committed to delivering a high-quality, engaging, and progressive curriculum that enables every student to develop their skills, confidence, and love of performing arts.


  • We follow recognised industry-leading syllabi, including Acrobatic Arts, Alixa Flexibility, Aerial Arts, and IDT Global, delivering each programme in a fun, challenging, and inspiring way that motivates students to learn, grow, and achieve their personal best.
  • We provide a broad and balanced curriculum that supports the development of the whole child, offering opportunities to build technical ability, creativity, confidence, discipline, teamwork, and performance skills.
  • We create meaningful learning experiences that cater to different ages, abilities, and learning styles, ensuring every student is supported on their individual journey and encouraged to reach their full potential.


Through our curriculum, we aim to develop well-rounded performers who not only excel in acrobatics, dance, and aerial arts but also gain valuable skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the studio.

Our Staff

At Phoenix AcroDance Academy, our staff are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a positive and professional learning environment where students can thrive, supported by a dedicated team of passionate and experienced instructors.


  • We utilise the strengths and expertise of our teaching team to deliver high-quality instruction, encourage collaboration, and provide the best possible learning experience for every student.
  • We foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement, ensuring that our staff work together to inspire, support, and motivate students throughout their training journey.
  • We value and invest in our staff, providing opportunities for ongoing professional development to ensure they remain up to date with the latest teaching practices, industry standards, and safety requirements.
  • We lead by example, promoting professionalism, respect, and a passion for learning that helps create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all members of the PADA community.


Through the dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm of our team, we strive to provide exceptional training and support, helping every student achieve their full potential both in performing arts and in life.

Robert Walker

AAC1, AAC2

Founder & Principal Teacher

Acrobatic Arts, Aerial Arts & Alixa Flexibility Certified

Mentor For Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teachers

Member of IDT Global

Rob Walker is the Founder and Principal Teacher of Phoenix AcroDance Academy, bringing over 18 years of experience in dance, acrobatics, and child development. With a lifelong passion for movement and a deep commitment to nurturing young performers, Rob has built PADA into a supportive, structured, and inspiring environment for dancers of all ages.


Rob began working with children at just 14 years old and has since dedicated his career to both the performing arts and support children in schools. His extensive training includes qualifications with Acrobatic Arts, Alixa Flexibility (Modules 1–4), Aerial Arts, and he is a teaching member of IDT Global and the BodyLab Conditioning Programme. Rob is also a Certified Module 2 Acrobatic Arts Teacher, achieving Distinction in both his practical and written examinations, and a Mentor for Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teachers.


His journey into Acrobatics and Circus Arts began early, when he was taken under the wing of his own acrobatics teacher to assist classes, spot tumbling, and support partnering work. This early mentorship shaped his teaching philosophy and led to professional opportunities, including working at a close friend’s dance school from its opening in 2011.


As a performer, Rob has an impressive competitive and performance background. He has taken part in numerous showcases and competitions, remaining undefeated in the Acrobatic Duets categories for 11 consecutive years. Rob has also performed multiple times as part of the Disney Performing Arts programme at Disneyland Paris and Disneyland Resort California, representing the UK on international stages.


In September 2018, Rob opened Phoenix AcroDance Academy, combining his technical expertise with a structured, syllabus‑based approach to training. His qualifications extend beyond the studio: Rob is a Cache Level 3 Qualified Teaching Assistant, with significant experience supporting children in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3. He has worked extensively with children with SEND, and supported children with Hyper‑Mobility, Selective Mutism, ADHD, Amputee students, and children with challenging behaviour — ensuring PADA remains an inclusive, understanding, and adaptable learning environment.


Rob is also a licensed chaperone with Birmingham City Council, further demonstrating his commitment to safeguarding and professional standards within the performing arts.


Today, Rob continues to lead Phoenix AcroDance Academy with passion, creativity, and a strong belief that every student deserves the chance to grow, achieve, and shine. His mission is simple: to help children & teens to build confidence, strength, and artistry — one skill at a time.


Tap Here For The List of Rob's Relevant CPD

Staff Team

Vanessa Gale
AAC1

Secretary, Teacher & Parent Liaison Link

Jorja Smith

Assistant Teacher

Voluntary

Adrian Gale

Admin & Finances


Becki Coombe

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)


Contact: info@thelearn2group.org.uk

Student Assistant Teachers

Mentored by the Principal Teacher

Ilinca Maria

Certified Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teacher

Chloe Caitlyn

Certified Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teacher