Sporting acrobatics is a very old sport. On ancient amphoras, vases and monuments we find illustrations of acrobatic exercises. The word “acrobat” comes from the ancient Greek. Acrobatics has also been part of the cultural heritage in China since time immemorial, even today. Acrobatics flourished in Europe at the end of the 18th century, especially when the circus became popular here. Later, due to the rapid development of sport in the 20th century, acrobatic forms were incorporated into various sports.

As an independent sport, acrobatic gymnastics flourished particularly in the Eastern Bloc countries. Russia, Bulgaria and Poland, involved in major international competitions since 1939, therefore also have the greatest tradition and are at the forefront. In 1976, during the second world championships in Saarbrücken (Germany), the Belgian club ‘KINDERVREUGD’ from Antwerp with the federation ‘BVLO’ had the opportunity to join Belgium with IFSA. Since then, Belgium has participated in European and World Championships with various medal winners. Since 1999 the acro discipline has been affiliated with the International Gymnastics Federation FIG. In recent years, Belgium has climbed higher and higher in the World Summit. Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Great Britain are the absolute toppers to which we have been able to add Belgium since a few years.

You could describe it as a combination of gymnastics, dancing and acrobatics. Characteristic of acrogym is that it is not practiced individually but as a team. Elements are shown where cooperation and trust are important. There are different compositions of teams.

A balance exercise contains, in addition to agility, flexibility and dance, especially balance parts, whereby the sub-partner keeps the top partner in balance. The balance exercise shows static elements such as towers. A certain position is assumed that must be maintained for at least 3 seconds. This also requires a lot of strength. The upper partner does, for example, a spread angle support or handstand.

A dynamic exercise, also referred to as a tempo, contains more dynamic elements in which the lower partner throws the upper partner in the air. The top partner then for example makes a stretch jump, somersault, or double somersault. The partners must also tumble synchronously. Finally, there is a combination exercise in which both balance and tempo elements are performed.

Acrogym is a jury sport, which means that the grade the group gets for their exercise is determined by jury members. The judges give points for difficulty, technical and artistic. In addition, the individually executed elements are also considered.

Became curious? Maybe Acrogym is something for you!

Jellica Collier