My approach to acrobatics has developed from the urge to look for freedom in movement. It led me to the wonderful paradox between meditation and acrobatics, the attempt to find tranquility in the chaos, to understand whether it is possible to create a practice that is inspired by the eye of the storm.
The main goal is to find a movement quality that supports simple actions like walking and running, as well as acrobatic feats without a difference in effort, mental fatigue or structural tension.
To do this, we will search for high levels of awareness and precision so the body can react quickly to the changes in skeletal stress, and to maintain flow without unnecessary distractions.
In classical acrobatic disciplines – Preparation, Climax and Landing are being treated as completely different aspects while usually one is more important than the other.
In "Zen Acrobatics" the practitioner aspires to transform all 3 states into one motion that can ultimately connect to any other type of movement.
Examples for inputs that are used in this learning process are: Sounds of take-offs and landings, alignment in relation to the space, 'Eye -Focus', application of forces, integration of breath, momentum and more.
Those are being covered in addition to the classical Element analysis, anatomical Instructions and basic conditioning. The acrobatic training allows the mover to tune into a "mind-quality" which is usually present only in extreme sports or full – contact sports.
The mover becomes animalistic and functional, and while attempting complicated feats he turns on "survival instincts" which allows him to reflect on his movement from an entirely different point of view. The risks turn into a play of one's body with gravity and the idea of falling is gradually being forgotten and turned into a way of moving/being that is rooted in lightness, fluidity and the willingness to improvise.
Personally, this type of practice over the year has given me confidence, joy and a more calm and serene mind. It allows me to tap into somewhat of a child-like state which supports me both in my artistic career and in my personal life.
This workshop requires Mats or Gymnastics sprung floor.
