Sports Acrobatics Activities

Acrobatics is a beautiful, dynamic and spectacular sport for both men and women. The sport develops courage, strength, stamina, co-ordination, flexibility, jumping abilities, adroitness etc.

Sports acrobatics unites its power and poise, with grace and beauty to create an intriguing sport. Acrobats in groups of two, three and four perform routines with the heads, hands and feet of their partners. Although Sports Acrobatics is the official name of the sport, it is often referred to as acrobatics, acro sports or simply sports acro.

At this time only one club offers Sports Acrobatics within South Australia. This club (the University of Adelaide Gym Club) has currently restricted it's offering to adults only.

Spectator appeal

With up to four acrobats performing at one time, there is more for the spectator to watch. Greater heights, flashier movements, and a greater variety of skills, movements and positions exist in the combinations possible among participants.
Sports acrobatics offers great depth, diversity, originality and novelty.

Cooperation

The partnering nature of group work teaches individuals to cooperate with one another. Trust in a partner is a must and this attitude leads to an appreciation of the needs of others. When partners have worked together for a while, they work effectively as a team.

Synchronised activities

At the beginners levels, even a series of simple movements, performed by partners, has a greater effect than the same movements done by one person. Still, within the routine, there is room for individual expression.

The impact of a well-coordinated women's trio for example shows great teamwork and strong personal interaction, creating an impressive display for the audience.

Body shape

Sports Acrobatics suiting different body shapes (i.e women's trios requires a top, middle and base).

Age

Sports Acrobatics suits competitors of any age - in particular it is popular with participating, retiring and retired Gymnasts. Gymnasts find it extends their gymnastics skills and competitive life, while Gymnasts who have retired, or who might otherwise retire, find their skills easily transfer to Sports Acrobatics, and often find they enjoy training. Similarly Gymnasts also find it easy to continue participating in both sports, especially the large majority of individuals who participate for fun, fitness and social benefits.
Competitors in their late 20s and early 30s are competing internationally today in Sports Acrobatics. Nadia Comaneci retired from Gymnastics in her teens, while Soviet Gymnast Svetlana Grzdova switched over to Sports Acrobatics after her Gymnastics career ended. She and her husband became world champions a decade later.

Events

Sports acrobatics has five group events: women's pairs, men's pairs, mixed pairs, women's trios and men's fours.