What is Acrobatic Gymnasics?
In Acrobatic Gymnastics, or Acro, gymnasts train and compete in pairs or groups, performing dynamic, static and individual skills, choreographed to music.
Acro does not use any equipment, just the floor square - and each other!
Many people are familiar with the spectacular acrobatics seen in shows such as Cirque du Soleil, where acrobats perform astonishing, high-quality acrobatic gymnastics as part of the show. This is what most people picture when they think of acrobatics — and Acro Gymnastics is the competitive sport from which many of these artists originate.
At its heart, Acro is a sport built on trust, teamwork and a shared goal. Gymnasts rely on one another to perform skills safely, beautifully and with precision, developing a strong partnership along the way.
Whether their dreams are local, regional, national or international, there are opportunities to compete in Acro at many different levels.
Partnership
As Acro is a team sport, many gymnasts find the friendship and comradery made in their partnerships are long lasting, not only throughout their gymnastics career, but also after they finish the sport.
There are 5 partnerships categories:
Women's Pair (2 Girls)
Women's Group (3 Girls)
Mixed Pair (1 Girl and 1 Boy)
Men's Pair (2 Boys)
Men's Group (4 Boys)
Partnerships are made up of one 'Top' and at least one 'Base'.
Typically the Tops are smaller than their Bases and as the name suggests - they're often found at the top of any balance or dynamic skill!
Bases are usually taller than the Tops and are responsible for catching and supporting the tops through dynamic and balance skills.
Both roles are equally challenging and complex in their own way, requiring technique and strength to master and perform skills to a competitive level.
Performance
Acro is all about performance, a passion to perform and entertain both the judges and the audience is a key element of any acrobatic routine.
Each partnership competes by performing between 1 and 3 routines. Routines are choreographed dance to music, where the acro skills are seamlessly integrated to best showcase the gymnasts level and abilities.
TYPES OF ROUTINES
Balance: Focuses on strength, poise, flexibility, and holding static pyramids or shapes for a required number of seconds.
Dynamic: Features explosive power, including aerial throws, somersaults, twists, and catches.
Combined: Performed at elite levels, mixing both balance and dynamic elements into a single routine.
Progression
progression
Acrobatic Gymnastics in the UK uses the National Development Plan (NDP) grades system, which progresses from beginner regional tiers up to elite international age groups.
Grades 1–3 typically cater to regional level competitors, while Grades 4–5, IDP, and FIG (Federation of International Gymnastics) age-group levels feed into national and international squads.
