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Acrobatics, as both an athletic sport and a performing art, has exploded in popularity because of Cirque du Soleil replacing more traditional forms of dance such as tap and jazz. The Abbotsford Dance Center takes participants of all ages, shapes and sizes, with many having aspirations to one day perform with Cirque du Soleil. The Globe and Mail's staff photographer John Lehmann spent time recently with a class that soars almost as high as its lofty goals.

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Students work on the visual aspect of their performance training.

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Sarah Shaver, 14, demonstrates that flexibility is a big part of training.

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Clarissa and Hannah Gilbert practise their counterbalance move.

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Brooklyn Price, 9, takes to the air.

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