This workshop series focuses on L-base, two person partner acro.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Unfortuntaely one of our original trainers (Bianca) is sadly no longer able to attend due to an ill family member. Emily Ross will be stepping in as replacement trainer. The workshop content has been tweaked slightly to make sure we squeeze all the best moves and knowledge from our amazing trainers.

Two types of flows will be taught across the weekend:

• Washing machines - A sequence of steps which once completed, returns you to the start so you can repeat the sequence again. Round and round like a washing machine! We'll start with some L-base transitions and move into washing machines during the training sessions.
• Pops - Pops are essentially tempos or throws where the flyer either becomes really light on the base, or is airborne for a moment. These are dynamic and seriously fun moves, but will require practice to perfect. We'll staret with intro to pops and move into some dynamic L-base tricks.

Dates

The workshops come in pairs so we can progress and build on skills across the weekend:

• Washing machine workshops x 2, 10am-12pm, Sat 12 & Sun 13 April
• Pops workshops x 2, 1:30-3:30pm, Sat 12 & Sun 13 April

You can book for just the washing machine workshops, just the whips and pops workshops, or for all 4 workshops.
There are only 18 spots available in each workshop. Places are likely to sell out so book quickly.

LocatioN

Castlemaine Circus, 35 Etty St Castlemaine (Old high school campus)

Workshop fees

2 x Washing machine workshops -  $75 | $65 early bird, before 28 February (4 hours of training)
2 x Whips and pops workshops - $75 | $65 early bird, before 28 February (4 hours of training)
OR
All 4 workshops - $125 | $110 early bird, before 28 February (8 hours of training)

Prerequisites

To attend the workshops, you need a base level of fitness, strength, and flexibility. You'll get mximum benefit if you are familiar with basic L-base shapes (e.g. bird, star and inversions) with enough stability so you're ready to learn how to move from one position to another.

If you're excited about these types of workshop but don't yet have the skills to particiapte, complete the Castlemaine Acro and Handstand mailing list form and we'll let you know about future opportunities, incuding beginner workshops. You can also check out the adult classes at Castlemaine Circus.

Q&A

Who's teaching the workshop?

Unfortuntaely one of our original trainers (Bianca) is sadly no longer able to attend due to an ill family member. Emily Ross will be stepping in as replacement trainer.

So our trainers will be Simone (Sim) and Emily (Em). They have a fun, inclusive teaching style. They both love L-base acro and have taught together for many years at Women's Circus and more recently at Spin Circus Festival. They are expert at meeting students wherever their capacity is at.

What is arco?
In partner acro, one person is the ‘base’. Their job is to lift, move, and support the other person, known as a ‘flyer’. The flyer’s role is to hold shape and to work in partnership with the base to move through a flow (or routine). While the base's role might sound hard and heavy, you don’t need to be a massive beefcake to be a great base. Acro uses tempos, momentum and our body’s structure in time with our muscles to make the seemingly impossible, possible.

What is L-base acro?
In this type of acro, the base lies on their back, most often with their hands and legs in the air. The flyer typically moves, rotates and spins between the base's feet, hands, and sometimes shins or thighs. You’ve probably already done the most basic L-base acro move as a child or with a child. It’s called ‘bird’ but you may know it as ‘superhero’. The base lies on the ground with their legs in the air. They use their feet to hold the flyer up by their hips. The flyer is parallel to the ground and has their arms and legs outstretched. From there, it all gets much more fun and interesting!

Do I need to come as a pair?
No, it’s not essential that you come as a pair, single indiviuals are welcome. However, if you’re already training as a pair or have someone you would like to work with, we encourage you to come together. Often, working consistently in the same partnership will allow you to progress more quickly.

What should I wear to class?
Whatever feels good to you and allows you to move freely. For flyers, generally leggings are a good option, and it’s best to avoid anything with pockets or really loose clothing that you or your base could get tangled up in.

How will I stay safe doing all these fun, crazy moves?
Typically, pairs will team up with another pair. One pair will practice while the other pair actively spots, being ready to catch the flyer when things don’t quite go to plan. As well as providing instruction for the acro, Simone and Emaily will provide instruction on how moves should be spotted to keep us all safe.

I'M COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN, TELL ME THINGS THAT WILL MAKE MY STAY EASIER

It's easy to catch the train to Castlemaine from Bendigo or Southern Cross Station (Melbourne) or anywhere in between - The most you'll pay is $11, trains typcially run every hour, and you can walk from Castlemaine train station to a massive range of accomodation options, shops, pubs, cafes etc.

Both training venues are walking distance from the train station and centre of town - If walking to the West End Hall from town, the fastest on-foot route is via the train station underpass (don't let online maps tell you otherwise as online maps don't seem to know about the underpass! Once your through the underpass, online maps will accurately tell you the best route).

If you need accomodation, book early - At this time of year, it's best to book any accomodation asap. If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Caravan Park right next to the Botanic Gardens has cabins and campsites. There's also a range of free bush camping a short drive from town. Otherwise check the usual accomodation sites or the Castlemaine Tourism site for other options. If accomodation becomes a barrier to participation, you're welcome to contact the organiser for advice.

If you need to recover after training - The Res is the best place to cool off. Castlemaine Fitness has an indoor pool and sauna. Walk down any street in the centre of town and you'll find cafes, bakeries, restaurents, and pubs. If you're looking for somewhere to eat, drink and hangout in the West End, The Mill is best, right oposite the Botanic Gardens.

Still got questions? 

Contact Event Organiser