If there is one thing above all else that acro is a consistent reminder of, it is that collaboration is key. In the gym, this is obvious. Partnerships need to work closely together to ensure that they are constantly supporting and communicating with one another. If they don’t work together as a team, the skill inevitably fails. The same phenomenon is apparent outside of the gym as well. Acro is a sport that is steadily making strides into the Canadian gymnastics scene but this impressive growth over the last few years hasn’t happened all on its own. It has come from the efforts of many individuals who are working, oftentimes behind the scenes, to bring the discipline to the forefront of the broader gymnastics community. This involves collaboration. Collaboration between clubs, coaches, judges, Gymnastics Ontario, and so many more people who have helped the sport grow in the province and nationally to become what it is today. 

Just one of the many ways that they do this is through the organization of training camps that provide athletes, particularly those who are starting out in the sport, the opportunity to come together to learn from one another as well as from some pretty knowledgeable and experienced instructors. 

This past weekend, many acrobatic gymnasts had the opportunity to come together at OGC’s acro facility (the “Nest”) to do just this.

Organized by Ontario’s Acrobatic Coaching Chair and OGC’s own elite level acro coach, Scott Middleton, alongside Technical Vice-Chair Suzie Owen, a JO training camp was held on November 9, 2019 for level 5-7 acrobatic gymnasts. With approximately 35 athletes in attendance from 5 different clubs across Ontario (Fort Erie, Georgian Bay Phoenix Gymnastics & Acro, OGC, Olympia, and Quinte Bay), the camp was a great success. 

Under the guidance of Middleton, the athletes worked hard on the development and improvement of their partnership skills as well as base and top-specific training, including conditioning and peg work. They were also treated with the rare opportunity to work with renowned choreographer Mireille Stapleton on choreography and routines; and they were able to improve their acrobatic-specific tumbling skills with Rob Laudenbach. 

Thank you to the organizers, hosts, instructors and to all who helped put together this fantastic opportunity that will surely pay off in preparation of the upcoming competition season.