Acro Laps: The Breathtaking Blend of Acrobatics and Dance

An Introduction to Acro Laps

Acro laps is a fun and challenging form of acrobatics that involves complex partnering skills and choreography. In an acro laps routine, performers execute acrobatic moves, dance elements, and gymnastic skills while maintaining constant physical contact with their partner(s). Acro laps combines the artistry and grace of dance with the athleticism and technique of acrobatics to create a visually stunning performance.

The Origins of Acro Laps

Acro laps grew out of acro dance, which emerged in the early 2000s. Acro dance blended acrobatics and dance styles like jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. Over time, acro dancers began linking skills together into seamless routines set to music, giving rise to the fluid, dynamic style we now know as acro laps.

The term "acro laps" comes from "acrobatics" and "laps," referring to the close contact between partners as they flow from one skill to the next. Some key pioneers who helped develop acro laps include gymnasts turned circus performers like the Faivre family and choreographers like Michael Plain.

Basic Skills and Moves

Acro laps routines comprise a range of fundamental acrobatic skills adapted for athletic dance choreography. Here are some of the most common acro laps moves:

• Lifts - One partner supports or lifts the other partner into poses, jumps, or other acrobatic skills.
• Balances - Partners maintain precarious poses while supporting each other's weight and balance.
• Split catches - One partner holds the other as they execute a front or side split in the air.
• Cartwheels and walkovers - Gymnastic skills like cartwheels are incorporated into fluid transitions.
• Contortion - Bendy partners bend their bodies into artistic poses.
• Adagio - Slow, controlled acrobatic movements performed with grace and artistry.

Partnering Skills

Good partnering skills are absolutely vital in acro laps. Partners must have excellent awareness, coordination, balance, and strength to support each other's bodies. Key partnering abilities include:

• Communication - Partners must actively communicate both verbally and nonverbally.
• Spotting - Partners watch each other intently to ensure safety and prevent injuries.
• Trust - Partners need complete trust in each other.
• Timing - Perfect timing allows seamless transitions between skills.
• Grip strength - Strong grips keep holds secure.

Choreography and Performance

Acro laps routines showcase creative choreography that links acrobatic skills with dance transitions. Routines are choreographed to complement the athletes' abilities and incorporate striking visuals, formations, and stage patterns.

Performers wear athletic, gymnastic-style costumes that allow free range of motion. Makeup and hairstyles are dramatic and eye-catching. Music choices are lively, upbeat, and motivating.

Routines last 2-4 minutes and are performed for audiences on stages or competitive floors. Performers play to the audience using expressions and stage presence.

Acro Laps Competitions

Acro laps has emerged as a popular competitive sport. Major competitions include:

• Acrobatic Gymnastics - Acro laps is an event in major gymnastics competitions.
• International Acro Cup - This event is dedicated specifically to acro laps.
• World Acro Cup - The top international acro laps competition.
• US National Acro Cup - The premier acro laps event in the US.
• ProAm Competitions - Events for professional and amateur acro performers.

Competitors are judged on criteria like difficulty, execution, artistry, and overall impression. Winners receive titles, medals, and prestige.

Acro Laps Training

Serious acro laps training starts with a strong foundation in dance, gymnastics, and acrobatics. Athletes build skills like flexibility, strength, balance, and tumbling. Partnering skills are then honed through extensive rehearsals.

Coaches choreograph routines to highlight the pair or group's abilities. Drills improve technical execution, timing, and flow. Cross-training, conditioning, and proper nutrition also support performance.

With rigorous training, acro laps performers gain the skills needed to execute extraordinary feats of strength, flexibility, and agility - all while maintaining seamless transitions and captivating artistry.

The Future of Acro Laps

Acro laps continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness. As a relatively new sport, improvements in training, innovation in choreography, and more opportunities for competition will allow acro laps routines to achieve ever-increasing levels of difficulty, creativity, and athleticism.

The breathtaking capabilities of elite acro laps pairs and groups hint at the vast possibilities still to be explored. With its blend of technical prowess and artistic expression, acro laps has secured its place as one of the most impressive and inspiring emerging athletic arts.

FAQs

What is acro laps?

Acro laps is a dynamic acrobatic sport that combines complex acrobatic skills with dance choreography. Partners maintain constant contact as they execute gymnastic-style acrobatic moves with dance transitions between skills.

What are some common acro laps moves?

Common acro laps moves include lifts, balances, split catches, cartwheels/walkovers, contortion poses, and adagio (slow, graceful skills). Partners support each other's bodies to perform incredible acrobatic feats.

How is acro laps different from acro dance?

Acro dance blends dance and acrobatics in short combinations. Acro laps links skills into longer, seamless routines with fluid transitions and more difficult choreography. The constant contact between partners is also unique to acro laps.

Where do acro laps competitions take place?

Major acro laps competitions include gymnastics events like Acrobatic Gymnastics, and dedicated acro laps competitions like the International Acro Cup, World Acro Cup, US National Acro Cup, and ProAm events.

How can I get involved with acro laps?

Take gymnastics, dance, and acrobatic classes to develop a strong foundation. Seek out acro laps classes and coaches in your area. Partnering skills take time to develop, so find a compatible partner and practice together often.