Partnering in body movement comes in many forms from many different communities. In the circus world it is in the form of partner aerial, partner contortion, and partner acrobatics – balancing and lifting each other to new heights. In the dance world you might see dance partners in similar movements styles when practicing dance lifts, cheer-leading as a sport incorporates partner and group movements in lifts and tosses, and in the yoga community you find partner stretch classes and AcroYoga (which incorporates the healing arts of yoga with the more acrobatic elements of circus arts).
Here at The Last Carnival we like to create community based practices. We offer small private group classes and workshops teaching movements and proper spotting. We ignite our collective potential as we support each other to reach new heights. Here is a little more information on how you and your friends you know and ones you have yet to meet can become part of this community experience….
Partner Acrobatics:
Trust is the currency that we exchange in partner acrobatics. With this blanket of trust we become empowered and empower others. Once we learn the right tools to use, we can unlock that power in others and ourselves. In our technique toolbox we keep strength building, inversions with spotting, movement transitions, balance, tipping points, and the physics of movement.
As we build strength by using acrobatic and gymnastic training techniques we can expand the vision of our personal power. Push ups, down dog push ups, abdominal exercises and partner conditioning drills are some of the building blocks that bring the mind and body into strong teamwork. We also cultivate the ability to coach each other to encourage positively and teamwork.The inversions and spotting give the chance to build trust and efficient acrobatic techniques for headstands, handstands etc.
Partner Acrobatics training happens when we gather together in a group of 3 or more: Base, Flyer & Spotter(s). The base creates the foundation for the acrobatics, the flier trusts and dances through the air and the spotter makes sure this all happens safely! These practices build a playful, strong community that can help us all realize our true potential.
Partner Stretch :
This is a great complementary practice as a warm up or cool down to any other partner practice but also works wonders as its own practice.
In partner stretch lessons you will be taught how to use each other’s bodies to push deeper into stretches than you could go on your own and how to help each other find and keep proper body alignment in your stretches. Students will also learn spotting techniques to assist their partners in advanced poses. These lessons are for people with any range of motion wanting to deepen their flexibility and understanding of stretching. Our hope is to bring an acrobatic style stretching to this community and others to help people reach their full potential in this and other practices. Partner Stretch lessons are not only great cross conditioning for aerialists, martial artists, yogis, acrobats, and dancers; it is great for anyone who is wanting to loosen those tight muscles up and move through the day with a little more fluidity.
Dance Lifts:
confidently lift, catch and carry their partner somewhat seamlessly while combining the acrobatic elements with the dance elements of the practice. Dance lifts can be incorporated into many different styles of dance. In dance lift lessons students will learn the techniques needed to properly base, fly, and be creative with your dance.Family Acrobatics :
In this particular partner acrobatics experience we invite parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents to bring your kids to class and learn how to not only enjoy fun family fitness, but learn how to connect and support each other through this trust building partner practice. During this practice you will find that creative movement invites you to experience the full spectrum of your being through opportunities to: give and receive; to support and to be supported; to be strong and sensitive. The first steps in this practice is listening and relearning to be open in both directions. Family Acrobatics designed to be accessible to everybody at any fitness level and encourages personal transformation and family bonding in an atmosphere of acceptance, celebration and safety. We encourage you to be courageous and live a life where fitness is a workout but not work and family time is fun time finding ways to live healthy and creative lives together.
*With any of The Last Carnival workshops if you have any medical or physical injuries or limitations please let the instructor know so they can either alter or change movements to fit your needs.
Partner Acrobatics thoughout History:
