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This is world of circus acrobatics – the original form
of acrobatics - descending from both the ancient Greeks and
Chinese, who performed this art in traveling circuses and
as a recreational activity. In recent years, however, this
most exciting and entertaining of circus acts has metamorphosed
into a competitive sport - a sport which maintains the thrill,
excitement, and tension of the circus, but adds a new dimension,
whereby the skills of the athletes involved can be judged
against each other. This event, taking place on a 12m x 12m
sprung floor, is known as sports acrobatics.
There are two core elements to sports acrobatics. These are
balance and tempo, and acrobats perform these elements - along
with choreography (to music), tumbling, and gymnastic elements
- on a 12m x 12m sprung floor area.
Balance is exactly what it says. One individual – known
as the base - forms a position (this may be any position,
or one where they are supported by others) and another individual
– known as the top - then holds a balanced position on
top of them. This may be anything from a standing position
on the base’s shoulders, to a one-handed handstand on
the base’s arm. This type of move demands a high amount
of control, poise, and a high amount of strength from both
performers. In addition to this the top has to have trust
in his base.
Tempo relates to any element that involves flight, such
as a somersault. Trapeze artists would be described as performing
a tempo move as they fly through the air and complete somersaults
before re-grasping the trapeze. In the same way the base(s)
of a sports acrobatics partnership launches the top into the
air enabling them complete straight and twisting somersaults
before either landing back on the floor or in the hands of
their partner(s). Any spectator watching this event feels
an element of excitement, and is left wondering how the top
can defy gravity by seeming to fly through the air.
Those who are judged to be the most proficient acrobats
are given the chance to perform a combined routine –
a mixture of balance and tempo - to show who are the best
overall competitors.
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