Learn acrobatics from the best in Harrogate

Founder Molly Layfield is looking forward to sharing her coaching skills with budding young gymnasts, at classes that will take place every Wednesday evening for ages six and over.

The first Astral Acrobatics class will be held on Wednesday, September 8, at Harrogate High School.

“We specialise in acrobatics, a beautiful and highly impressive discipline of gymnastics,” explains Molly, who fell in love with gymnastics as a child.

“Here at Astral Acrobatics, we pride ourselves in ensuring we provide a fun-filled experience for all, where gymnasts can learn and show off their new skills in a happy, safe and supportive environment.”

Initially, two sessions will be held on Wednesdays – one for six-to-nine-year-olds, and one for over-nines – but Molly hopes that as the club grows, more sessions will be offered.

“We hope to welcome as many gymnasts as possible through our doors. These additional classes will also include more elite classes to develop the talent of select gymnasts,” she says, adding that the emphasis will be on having fun and celebrating individual talent.

“Throughout all our classes, we will always remain firmly grounded in our strong values of providing the happiest and most supportive gymnastics club.

“We can’t wait to celebrate each and every single gymnast’s success in the sport, and to help them all achieve their absolute personal best, surrounded by their new friends and encouraging and enthusiastic coaches.

“The team at Astral Acrobatics are so excited for the journey ahead and to provide you all with an exciting new gymnastics club!”

Acrobatics, usually referred to as acro, is a discipline of gymnastics where no equipment is used; instead, gymnasts work together in pairs and groups to perform both impressive balance and dynamic elements.

“You could find yourself climbing up high on someone’s shoulders, throwing someone high in the air or making the ultimate human pyramid!” Molly says.

“As well as working with others, gymnasts also work on individual elements, such as cartwheels, handstands, flics and somersaults.

“Becoming an acrobatic gymnast not only allows participants to learn exciting new skills, but also sees amazing friendships form along the way. We can’t wait to welcome you to Astral Acrobatics!”

Molly began her career helping out at a local club when she was 11, and did her first assistant coaching qualification at the age of 14. Now a level 3 acrobatic gymnastics coach, she has worked at a number of different gymnastic clubs, and is looking forward to bringing the best of her knowledge to Astral Acrobatics.

“I want to combine the best parts of each of them into my own club, to make it the best possible club it can be. I also strive to get acrobatic gymnastics more into the public eye, as many people still just think of bars, beam and vault when they think about gymnastics.

“Being an acrobatic gymnast not only allows children to learn new skills and gain physical fitness, but also sees new friendships form whilst developing their communication and team building skills.”

All sessions will take place at Harrogate High School, with the class for six-to-nine-year-olds from 5pm to 6pm, and for aged nine and over from 6pm to 7pm.

For details of term dates, fees and all other information, visit https://astralacrobatics.co.uk.