What is Acroyoga?

When I tell people about my passion for Acroyoga, I'm often asked: what is it?

If you look for its definition on Google, it would say something like:

"A physical practice combining yoga and acrobatics, bringing in holistic healing elements of therapeutics. It usually includes a group of (at least) two people, where someone is lifted. It takes inspiration from circus arts, cheerleading, and dance."

For me, apart from the blend of the different disciplines, it goes a step further. Acroyoga means community, trust, playfulness, connection and so much more. It builds on a variety of principles that can be applicable to a wide range of people.

Elena & Teresa belly basing in Trento during the Acrofusion Teacher Training in Trento 2020 © Acroseeds

Some people get addicted to it for the adrenaline rush, the tricks, the sensual, playful, and sometimes flirtatious part. Others come back and stick to it for the joint, compassionate and empowering sense of unity. Of yourself - body and mind - with others.

I discovered Acroyoga by accident at the studio where I was going for aerial yoga classes. The teacher was organising a workshop and asked me whether I wanted to join. I was hesitant. Mostly because I knew more or less from the description of the practice that it involved lots of physical contact.

While growing up I never had much physical contact (or skinship) in my family. Even though I was born and raised in Italy - where kissing on each other cheeks is a custom for greeting each other and giving hugs is an ordinary practice -  the Chinese cultural heritage taught me not to touch people who are strangers unless unavoidable. Plus, add my hyperhidrosis to the mix! Due to my insecurity, I ended up refusing and not going to the workshop. 🙈

However, curiosity was still there and eventually, I joined one class as a trial and fell in love with it.

I was scared to be rejected. Either because of my super sweaty hands and feet or for other possible reasons. Soon enough I came to realise that the people populating the Acroyoga community are full of compassion, love and acceptance.

At first, I got addicted to the practice because of the tricks (how pumped was I when I first did a ninja star or a hand-to-hand?). But when I look back, I see how much I've learned on a personal level.

I've learned to be more confident in what I am capable of. To have more trust not only in myself but also in others - in the power of community and communication.

To listen to my own needs and limitations (physical and emotional), because it is only by tuning in and prioritising yours that you can give and respect to others.

After the pandemic, touch and physical contact have taken a different meaning. And I also practice less compared to before. But if this post has made you curious about what Acroyoga is, I do encourage you to give it a try; to connect with another human, unleash your playfulness and tap into a different way of communicating.