This video was taken at a clinic at (one of my former clubs), Can-Am in Saskatoon. It was the early 1990s. Her coach was Mr. B, an “acrosport” specialist. The clinician at this event was Yuval Ayalon.
The International Gymnastics Federation and others have a commitment to grow Acrobatic Gymnastics.
How’s that going? …
The third FIG Academy for Acrobatic Gymnastics was hosted in Montreal (CAN) during the first week of August at the magnificent facilities of the Cirque du Soleil and the nearby National Circus School, which is located across the street.
This Academy was attended by 15 coaches from three federations: Brazil, USA and Canada – a somewhat disappointing number considering that this was a world-wide invitation. …
In the meantime, the Academy Programme continues with a Spanish language Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics in Brazil and one for Aerobic Gymnastics in Finland in the coming two weeks and a French language Academy for Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics currently finishing in Senegal.
Shout out for Hardy Fink, the Director of FIG Education & Academy Programmes. I think he’s doing a great job of building out coach education for all disciplines worldwide.
For many years coaches have suggested that Cirque du Soleil “help” those sport disciplines who provide most of their acrobatic employees: Artistic Gymnastics, Acrobatic Gymnastics, Trampoline and Tumbling.
There have been some initiatives.
For example, Cirque pays a cash prize to Senior gold medalists at the Canadian Championships.
Now something new. In 2008 a contractual agreement was signed with Cirque provinding support to the F.I.G. Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Committee.
Some coaches are financially supported to train athletes in their own gyms. Scholarships were made available to active athletes.
And now Cirque is providing some support to gymnasts working together in a camp in the Ukraine, in preparation for a future world tour with “Quidam”.
I don’t know the details. All this I got from an interview with Bernard Petiot, Cirque du Soleil Vice-President Casting and Performances, at the World Acrobatic Gymnastics championships in Warsaw.
Those gymnasts who easily won Britain’s Got Talent did not retire. Instead some went on to win World Championships.
… Adam Buckingham, Adam McAssey, Alex Uttley, Jonathan Stranks won the men’s four title at the World Acrobatic Gymnastic Championships while Douglas Fordyce and Edward Upcott scooped the men’s pair gold.
Coach Neil Griffiths, the mastermind behind Spelbound’s reality TV success, could barely contain his joy at the results in Wrozlaw. …
Seems to me that numbers of competitors must be increasing in the USA.
Great news. Acrobatic Gymnastics is a terrific sport.
The country’s best acrobatic gymnasts are heading to Kissimmee, Fla., for the 2010 Acrobatic Gymnastics National Championships, July 24-28, at the Silver Spurs Arena.
The Acrobatic Gymnastics National Championships showcase more than 500 of the nation’s top and up-and-coming acrobatic gymnasts, from the junior and senior elite to Junior Olympic Levels 5-10. …
If you somehow missed seeing the popular YouTube clip of acrobatic gymnasts winning Britain’s Got Talent, click here.
They are splitting the £100,000, giving 15% to their gym. Nice.
The seven boys and six girls (from age-12 to 24) are members of Spelthorne Gymnastics Club of Ashford, Surrey. The spelling of the troupe’s name is a reference to the club.
Best case scenario, Acrobatic Gymnastics could be added as a demonstration sport for the 2012 Olympics.
… Simon (Cowell) said: “On live TV, that was one of the most astonishing things I’ve ever seen. In Olympic terms, it would have won a gold medal.” Those words may be prophetic.
Olympics chiefs, who introduced medals for BMX bike riding at Beijing 2008, are discussing including another new event for 2012.
Spelbound insist acrobatic gymnastics is a better candidate than skateboarding, which is being considered. …
I doubt that will happen. Skateboard is in. They want Shaun White.
Certainly Spelbound will get a feature spot in the London Olympic opening ceremonies, though.
Susan Boyle who finished second on the same show in the past went on to sell millions of CDs.
Congratulations once again to Adam McAssey, Adam Buckingham, Alex Uttley, Jonathan Stranks, Douglas Fordyce, Edward Upcott, Nicholas Illingworth, Katie Axten, Leighanne Cowler, Lauren Kemp, Hollianne Wood, Abigail Ralph and Amy Mackenzie.
These kids may turn “pro”. But hundreds or thousands of others will be inspired to take up the formerly little known sport. My own gym, Altadore, just started Acrobatic Gymnastics this year.
… Spelbound was one of the most popular acts discovered during the Britain’s Got Talent 2010 auditions. Now, after an incredible performance, the talented gymnasts have become the first act voted through to this Saturday’s live final. …
… Simon Cowell was also impressed telling Spelbound: “I have never seen anything like this in this country… I agree with the guys, this is what this show is all about it’s finding undiscovered talent and that’s what you are. Absolutely super.”
I keep hearing that Acrobatic Gymnastics is dying, their best athletes departing for the circus too soon. But this success should rejuvenate the sport, at least in the U.K.
… Acrobatic Gymnastics has been withdrawn from the competition program of the 2010 Pacific Rim Championships due to only two countries entering teams into the event …
These days my favourite form of competitive gymnastics is Acro. What amazing things can the human body do without any apparatus?
I keep hearing that discipline is dying. But here’s some good news:
Never before seen as part of the program, Acrobatic Gymnastics will be a demonstration sport at this year’s Pacific Rim Championships. The world’s best acrobats will be on show from April 29 – May 2
