Acrobatic gymnastics is a gymnastic discipline where partnerships of gymnasts work together and perform figures consisting of acrobatic moves, dance and tumbling, set to music.

There are three types of routines; a ‘balance’ routine where the focus is on strength, poise and flexibility; a ‘dynamic’ routine which includes throws, somersaults and catches, and (at FIG level 6 and above) a ‘combined’ routine which includes elements from both balance and dynamic.

Acrobatic gymnasts perform in pairs or groups and enter into and are judged at a specific level or age group category. In each partnership, the gymnasts’ different sizes and abilities will be balanced to complement each other in order to carry out the complex moves. Some will mainly carry out supporting and pitching roles, and are known as bases. They are then balanced with smaller gymnasts who become the ‘tops’. The different partnerships seen in competition are:

• women’s pair (two females)
• men’s pair (two males)
• mixed pair (a male base and a female top)
• women’s group (three females)
• men’s group (four males)

In competition, partnerships perform a routine to music that has usually been choreographed specifically for them. The gymnasts carry out their acrobatic moves and combine them with dance, all in time to and in keeping with the style of the music. Partnerships are judged on artistry, difficulty of skill and the execution of skills.

Interested parties can contact Celia Champion, our Facility Manager, for gymnast testing and more information.