About Us

Intro To PADA

Phoenix AcroDance Academy (PADA) commenced operations on 14th September 2018 in Harborne, Birmingham. In response to the pandemic in 2020, the academy relocated to Bournville and subsequently secured a permanent location at Bellfield Junior School in Northfield, Birmingham. Phoenix AcroDance Academy currently offers multiple classes over five days per week during term time. We take pride in being a small academy that delivers high-quality teaching and learning for each student. The academy operates as a cohesive team dedicated to mutual support, fostering a strong sense of belonging among students while imparting valuable life skills alongside acrobatics training.

PADA has performed at prestigious venues such as Birmingham Hippodrome, Indigo at The O2 London, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Artrix Bromsgrove, Alton Towers Scarefest, The Crescent Birmingham, and Blackpool Winter Gardens Opera House. PADA is a non-competitive academy; most performances are showcase events, which are not competitions but provide valuable performing experiences in professional environments that can also be shared with fellow dance schools. Our students thoroughly enjoy these performances and the events as a whole. Over the past two years, PADA has participated in CHANCE2DANCE events across the UK.

Bi-Annually, PADA hosts a showcase in a professional theatre, affording students the opportunity to display their skills and collaborate as a team to create a remarkable show. Besides these showcases, PADA has competed in local dance competitions, earning multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals, and securing 1st place and the highest score in Inter Acro Groups in both 2021 and 2023 with a score of 95 out of 100. Although rare, PADA occasionally participates in competitions to provide students with the experience of competitive performance.

Students have the opportunity to take Acrobatic Exams, for which the academy has a 100% pass rate with distinctions and excellent results. These exams, accredited by OFQUAL, enable students to earn UCAS points and OFQUAL credits. The academy emphasises teamwork and mutual support among students, fostering a sense of community while teaching valuable life skills alongside acrobatics.

PADA is home to students from multiple nationalities who collaborate effectively as a team, contributing to the organisation's diversity and fostering a sense of belonging among all students. Additionally, PADA has supported students on the Ukrainian Sponsorship Scheme in the UK since its inception, providing them with the opportunity to continue their training in acrobatics, dance, and aerial arts despite having to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.

Our Aim

Our aim is to train the next generation of acrobatic dancers and enable all students to achieve their maximum potential in the performing arts. Additionally, we strive to teach valuable life skills such as responsibility, confidence, leadership, teamwork, commitment, and self-discipline to support their future endeavours.

Our Ethos

To value students as individuals; celebrating their achievements and supporting their individual needs within a framework of equal opportunities.
To encourage self-discipline, the acceptance of personal responsibility for their own behaviour and to be caring and sensitive to the needs of others and the environment.
To provide opportunities for personal development so that the students become responsible members, valuing and respecting themselves and others.

Our Curriculum

To deliver the education programme as defined in Acrobatic Arts, Alixa Flexibility, Aerial Arts, IDT Global Syllabi in an exciting and relevant way that motivates the children to learn and raises expectations of achievement.
To provide a broad and balanced curriculum that creates learning opportunities, which provide for the all-round growth of the individual child.

Our Staff

To use the expertise of individual staff to encourage teamwork and promote quality teaching and learning.
To value all of our staff and to provide opportunities for their professional development.

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