AcroYoga combines acrobatic concepts with a yogic consciousness. The seed for AcroYoga was planted in 1998 with the introduction of Yoga into the Special Blend Repertoire. They coined the term acroyoga in 1999 to describe their movement fusion of acrobatics, dance and yoga.

It took full bloom in Winnipeg (Manitoba) during an early morning hotel room Jam Session, 12-4 am, with Daniel Aubin of the Acromaniacs (an acrobatic duo from Hamilton) in March 2003. After exchanging insights and techniques, we concluded that Yoga and Acrobatics have a common ground; “being in the moment".

The application of bandhas (internal locks) dristi (gaze) ujiay breath (sounded breath) and vinyasa flow (synchronization of movement with breath) to a partner acrobatic practice gave birth to Acro Yoga.

Incorporating aesthetics from various dance forms ( B-boying, (break and street dance) – modern – jazz – ballet, improvisation, and mask-work) gave birth to AcroYoga Fusion: the fusion of AcroYoga with dance aesthetics. Being ‘in the moment’ and in balance with another person is the essence of AcroYoga.

Jessie and I have 3 children and own and operate a yoga school. Our hobby and passion has been Acro-Yoga.It is very sacred (and fun) to us when we do have time to celebrate this art form. Our form of AcroYoga has morphed organically out of our dance. We didn’t create anything new all we did was put our personal expression on movement forms that already existed and remembered sequences that have been in the universe since the beginning of time. To claim ownership of an organic process is against everything we stand for.”
-Eugene Poku & Jessie Goldberg.

This list like all history is subjective. Just because it isn’t documented doesn’t means it didn’t happen. There were and are individuals in this world who should be on this time line but I have never heard of them so I cannot list them. I apologize for this. If anyone has information and documentation of anyone else who should be on this list please contact me.
-Eugene Poku

Krishnamacharya

Year: 1938

Description: Some basic backbends.

Link:Krishnamacharya AcroYoga Video

Acrosage

Year: 1985

Developer: Benjamin Marantz

Description: It is a combination of massage with acrobatics. He laid the groundwork for all the basic flying transitions.

Link:www.acrosage.org

Contact Yoga

Year: 1980’s

Developer: Ken Nateshvar Scott

Description: Laid the foundation for the therapeutic aspect of partner/acro-yoga.

Link: contactyoga.com

Acroyoga Montreal (AYM)

Year: 1999 Term AcroYoga 1st used in Canada by AYM

Year: 2003 AcroYoga Fusion 1st used in Canada by AYM

Developer(s): Eugene Poku and Jessie Goldberg

Description: Variety performers who were influenced by yoga and acrobatics, combining these styles into their dance art to form what is today called Acro-Yoga.

Link:www.acroyoga.com

Acro-Yoga Inc.

Year: 2003 practice was called ContactAcro

Year:2005 name changed to AcroYoga

Developer(s): Jason Nemer and Jenny Sauer-Klein

Description: Influenced by circus and contact yoga, developed a form that became known world wide as Acro-Yoga.

Link:www.acroyoga.org