acrobatic

Acrobatic is an adjective describing movements, techniques, or performances that involve feats of balance, agility, and coordination. It is closely associated with acrobatics, the practice of performing tumbling, aerial, and balancing acts. Acrobatic acts may be solo or collective and are commonly seen in circus arts, gymnastics, dance, and certain sport disciplines.

Core elements include tumbling (floor sequences), hand balancing, balance on objects, aerial arts (silks, hoop), partner and group work, contortion, and high-level flexibility. Training emphasizes strength, flexibility, spatial awareness, timing, and trust between partners. Safety measures include progression, spotting, proper equipment, and conditioning.

Historically, acrobatics has roots in ancient civilizations and was developed in various forms across cultures. In the modern era, it became a central component of circus arts and has influenced contemporary dance and performance theatre. The term acrobatics derives from Greek akrobatēs, from akros 'topmost' and bainein 'to walk'. The adjective acrobatic describes related techniques or performances.

Within sport, acrobatic elements appear in disciplines such as acrobatic gymnastics, aerial silks competitions, and certain choreographed routines in figure skating, diving, and free running. While entertaining, acrobatic performances require training, discipline, and professional oversight to mitigate injury risks.