Acrobatics comes from a Greek term to mean ‘walk on tiptoe, strut’. As a performance art form it has existed since entertainment began. Minoan vases from around 2000 BC depict acrobatic feats; ancient Greeks and Romans practiced acrobatics, and in the middle ages entertainers in the European courts often included acrobatic performances. Acrobatics also has widespread roots in Asian countries.

Emphasis is on poise, control, strength, flexibility, coordination and agility; with tumbling, flips, turns, handstands and gymnastics skills. Acrobatics blurs the boundaries between art and sport.