AcroSchool

The Must-Have Equipment for Acrobatics

For decades, acrobats and gymnasts have been dazzling and amazing us with circus acts of balance, dance, flexibility, and gravity-defying skills. They’ve trained hard to create these wonderful works of art, but what exactly have they used to help them perfect the skills that make their acts so beautiful and mesmerizing?

There are many different types of acrobatics found in circus acts, and those disciplines require specific equipment to achieve and refine their art. Below are the types of acrobatic art forms we can find in circus acts across the world and the essential items one must have to start, excel, and progress in becoming the greatest acrobat one can be.

  • Acrobat practicing balance
  • Wooden handstand blocks
  • Incline mat for acrobatics

Acrobalance – Must-Have Equipment

One of the most popular forms of acrobatics, acrobalance requires a strong focus on both hand and leg balance. The following equipment is essential:

  • Balance Boards: These help master stability on one or two feet, essential for transitions and finding your center of gravity during tricks.
  • Handstand Blocks: Low wooden blocks are perfect for beginners as they reduce wrist strain and help improve balance while training handstands.

Wood blocks with an incline are recommended to mimic partner hand-to-hand setups while reducing wrist strain. Both solid and inclined blocks are valuable tools for mastering balance skills.

  • Acrobalance practice
  • Wooden handstand blocks
  • Balance board

Acro Dance – Must-Have Equipment

Acro dance combines gymnastics and performance art, requiring versatile tools for mastering intricate skills. Recommended equipment includes:

  • Incline Mats: Ideal for learning rolls, handsprings, and flips by providing momentum to complete rotations.
  • Octagon Mats: Assist with handspring techniques, back flexibility, and improving overall form.
  • Panel Mats: Adjustable and versatile, these mats add height and cushioning for practicing aerials and walkovers.
  • Incline mat for acro dance
  • Octagon mat for acrobatics

Aerial Hoop – Must-Have Equipment

In aerial hoop acrobatics, artists perform spinning, swinging, or static skills from a steel hoop. Essential tools include:

  • Double Tab Hollow Hoops: Versatile for static poses or swinging when hung from two points, or for dynamic spins when connected to a single point.
  • Single Tab Solid Hoops: Ideal for spinning and swinging tricks, offering greater momentum and longer spin durations.
  • Aerial hoop setup
  • Hollow double tab hoop

Contortion – Must-Have Equipment

Contortionists showcase extreme flexibility with the following essential equipment:

  • Leg Stretchers: Help improve hip flexors, hamstrings, and overall leg flexibility.
  • Yoga Straps: Aid in back stretches, ensuring safety while enhancing flexibility.
  • Adjustable Handstand Canes: Provide progression from lower to higher levels, supporting advanced handstand tricks.
  • Yoga strap for back flexibility
  • Leg stretcher
  • Adjustable handstand canes

Gymnastics and Tumbling – Must-Have Equipment

Tumbling and gymnastics are foundational to many circus acts. Key tools include:

  • Air Tracks: Portable, inflatable mats that provide bounce for tumbling skills.
  • High-Performance Trampolines: Offer enhanced spring and safety for flips and jumps.
  • Split-Base Canes: Mimic real-life partner instability for advanced balancing practice.
  • Acrobat practicing on air track
  • High-performance trampoline
  • Split-base handstand canes

FAQ

  • What equipment is best for beginners starting acrobatics? Balance boards, incline mats, and low-stretch silks are ideal for beginners.
  • How can I practice acrobatics safely at home? Always use padded mats, ensure equipment is stable, and practice at lower heights with a spotter if possible.
  • What’s the difference between low-stretch and medium-stretch aerial silk? Low-stretch silk is better for beginners as it offers more control, while medium-stretch is preferred for advanced practitioners performing dynamic moves.
  • Are there specific safety tips for using handstand blocks? Use on flat, non-slip surfaces, and start with blocks that are lower to the ground to build confidence.
  • How do I maintain my acrobatic equipment? Clean mats and silks regularly as per manufacturer instructions and inspect all equipment for wear and tear before each use.