AcroYoga is a dynamic discipline that blends elements of yoga, acrobatics, Thai massage, and dance, creating an experience of physical and emotional collaboration between two or more people. Practiced in pairs or groups, it offers physical, emotional, and relational benefits through flight poses, supportive exercises, and relaxation techniques.
Born as an evolution of traditional yoga, AcroYoga is founded on consensual touch, mutual trust, and creative movement, transcending the boundaries between sport, performance art, and personal growth. It fosters openness, curiosity, and empathy while improving strength, coordination, and teamwork.
Origins and Philosophy: Partner Yoga and Reciprocal Stretching
AcroYoga has roots in ancient partner yoga traditions and assisted stretching techniques, where mutual support allows practitioners to explore alignments, openings, and balances that would be inaccessible alone. However, its modern form developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s through influences from:
- Basic acrobatics (for movement safety and precision),
- Thai massage (for therapeutic work and energetic connection),
- Contact improvisation (for fluidity and subtle partner awareness),
- Circus arts (such as foot juggling and aerial pirouettes).
More than just a physical practice, AcroYoga is a relational discipline that promotes:
✅ Healing through touch and mutual support,
✅ Inclusivity, adapting to all bodies and skill levels,
✅ Cooperation over competition, with a focus on playfulness and shared joy.
Key Schools in AcroYoga
Three major organizations have shaped the global spread of AcroYoga:
AcroYoga Montréal (Canada)
Founded by Jesse Goldberg and Eugenie Bondurant, this school codified many foundational principles, emphasizing safety, creativity, and accessibility. Their approach combines technical rigor with lightness, making the practice suitable for everyone.
Partner Acrobatics (USA/Europe)
This school integrates traditional acrobatics with contemporary circus elements, focusing on fluid transitions and spectacular sequences. It organizes festivals and teacher training worldwide.
AcroYoga.org (Jason Nemer)
Jason Nemer, a co-founder of the movement, developed a progressive method starting from basics (like the star pose) to advanced figures. His philosophy highlights:
- “Lift with love” – lifting your partner with intention and respect,
- “Spot with presence” – assisting with full attention,
- “Fly with trust” – surrendering to trust in movement.
| Role | Description | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Base | The person on the ground, supporting the flyer with hands, feet, or body. | Strength, stability, postural awareness |
| Flyer | The person being lifted, working on balance and lightness. | Trust, core control, flexibility |
| Spotter | The “guardian angel” who assists the pair, preventing falls and guiding. | Observation, readiness, communication |
Note: Roles are interchangeable and not tied to gender or body type. Practitioners are encouraged to experience all roles to develop empathy and versatility.
Practice and Activities
A typical session includes:
Warm-Up and Trust Games
Exercises in eye-body contact, synchronized breathing, and trust-building games (e.g., mirroring or guided falls).
Ground Yoga Preparation
Propedeutic yoga exercises to visualize flight movements and engage the necessary muscle groups.
Basic Acrobatics
- L-base, belly base, and standing acrobatics (foundational partner balances).
- Human pyramids (stacked poses).
- Transitions (smooth movements between poses, such as from star to folded leaf).
- Foot juggling, pops, and icarians (foot tosses and catches inspired by circus arts).
Therapeutic Work
- Levitations and traction to decompress the spine or relax muscles (e.g., therapeutic flying).
Improvisation and Play
Moments of free expression, where partners explore spontaneous movements like aerial dance.
Sequencing (Washing Machines)
Fluid choreographies combining multiple poses, often set to music (where dance comes into play).
Thai Massage and Reciprocal Stretching
Techniques of pressure, assisted stretches, and joint mobilizations to prepare the body and deepen connection.
| Discipline | Contribution to AcroYoga | Practical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Yoga | Alignment, breath, and mindfulness. | Plank to handstand with support |
| Acrobatics | Lifting techniques and safety. | Hand-to-hand balances |
| Contact Dance | Weight sharing and fluidity. | Rolling and body contact |
| Circus Arts | Spectacle and precision. | Foot-to-hand, cascades, waterfalls |
| Thai Massage | Tension release and energetic connection. | Supine stretches, digitopressure |
| Athletics | Explosive power and motor control. | Pops (dynamic entries/exits), icarians |
Core Values: A Practice for Everyone
AcroYoga stands out for its:
🔹 Respect for diversity – No rigid “levels.” Beginners and advanced practitioners can adapt poses (e.g., using a wall for support).
🔹 Consensual touch – Every interaction is negotiated, and “no” is always respected.
🔹 Community focus – Jam sessions (informal gatherings) are central to learning through observation, assistance, and celebration.
🔹 Relational healing – Many practitioners report benefits in anxiety management, self-confidence, and nonverbal communication.
“AcroYoga isn’t about how high you can fly, but how deeply you can connect.”
— A shared principle in Acro communities.
Why Practice AcroYoga?
Physically: Enhances strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness.
Mentally: Trains presence, patience, and resilience.
Socially: Builds inclusive communities where age, gender, or ability are not barriers.
Emotionally: Transforms fear into trust and individualism into collaboration.
How to Start?
- Find a certified school (self-teaching often leads to incorrect techniques and injuries).
- Join a jam (often free, in parks or gyms).
- Choose a partner you feel comfortable with (a friend, family member, or classmate).
- Bring: Comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and curiosity!
The Instructor: Daniele
Daniele teaches AcroYoga with passion and expertise, refined through years of international study and practice. He has completed AcroYoga Montreal Teacher Training (Level 1) and integrates Thai massage into his classes, offering a holistic and therapeutic approach.
Available Courses
- Introduction to AcroYoga
- Advanced flight and support techniques
- Specialized workshops (acrobatic, playful, or performance-focused)
- Personalized training paths