Acrobatic gymnastics

Acrobatic gymnastics is a competitive discipline of gymnastics where partnerships of gymnasts work together and perform routines consisting of acrobatic skills, dance and tumbling, set to music. The sport is governed by World Gymnastics. There are three types of routines: a 'balance' routine, where the focus is on strength, poise and flexibility; a 'dynamic' routine, which includes throws, somersaults and catches, and a 'combined' routine which includes elements from both balance and dynamic. Acrobatic gymnasts perform in one of five units: pairs (same-gender or mixed) or same-gender groups (three for women, four for men). In each partnership, the gymnasts' different sizes and abilities will be balanced to complement each other in order to carry out the complex moves. Some will mainly carry out supporting and pitching roles and are known as bases. They are then balanced with usually smaller gymnasts who become the 'tops'. In men's and women's groups there are also one or two 'middles', who are like another base who usually will support the top while balancing on the base. In competition, partnerships perform a routine to music, which has usually been choreographed specifically for them. The gymnasts carry out their acrobatic moves and combine them with dance, all in time to and in keeping with the style of the music. Partnerships are judged on artistry/dance, execution of skills, and difficulty of skills, with the scoring emphasis on execution. The rules for the sport, known as the Code of Points, are governed by the FIG. These rules are subject to change every four years in line with the Olympic cycle, as in other disciplines of gymnastics.