⬅️ Back
Yoga 0213
AcroYoga
Asanas & Flows
8-Hours
Master the art of conscious partner yoga through embodied communication, therapeutic lifting, and inclusive alignment. This intensive 8-hour course transforms traditional yoga into a practice of trust, support, and shared presence.
AcroYoga: The Yoga of Communication & Trust
AcroYoga is a dynamic, playful practice that blends yoga, acrobatics, and Thai massage, fostering trust, communication, strength, and mindfulness. This intensive 8-hour course explores foundational techniques, principles, and practices of AcroYoga, emphasizing safety, alignment, partner dynamics, and compassionate non-violent communication.
Participants will build a solid foundation in basing, flying, and spotting techniques while exploring the integration of breath, balance, and connection in dynamic partner-based yoga sequences.
Prerequisites: Foundational yoga experience and comfort with partner work
Lead Trainer: E-RYT and Certified AcroYoga Teacher
AcroYoga transcends physical postures to become a "yoga of trust"—a conscious partner practice that cultivates deep support, attunement, and shared presence. This isn't circus-style acrobatics, but rather a nuanced, mindful approach that honors each practitioner's unique body and capabilities.
Through embodied communication and therapeutic lifting techniques, students develop the skills to create safe, inclusive spaces for diverse bodies while building profound interpersonal connections through movement.
What Makes This Different
• Trauma-informed communication
• Therapeutic focus over performance
• Inclusive alignment principles
• Consent-based practice protocols
Learning Objectives: Building Skills & Trust
Communication & Consent
Develop skillful communication, consent protocols, and trust-building techniques through clearly defined AcroYoga roles of base, flyer, and spotter.
Physical Mastery
Cultivate strength, sensitivity, and balance in L-basing fundamentals, partner flows, and seamless transitions between static poses.
Therapeutic Applications
Learn Lunar (Therapeutic) flying variations, supported stretching, and massage-influenced flows for healing and restoration.
Inclusive Teaching
Facilitate safe practice for diverse bodies using precise spotting techniques, clear verbal cues, and trauma-sensitive approaches.
Course Structure: Six Comprehensive Modules
This 12-hour intensive is carefully structured to build skills progressively, ensuring safety and confidence at each stage. Each 2-hour module focuses on specific aspects of AcroYoga practice, from foundational communication to advanced therapeutic applications.
Foundations & Roles
Duration: 1 hours
Key Learning Components: Communication protocols, role definitions
L-Basing Fundamentals
Duration: 1 hours
Key Learning Components: Static poses, bone-stacking principles
Partner Flows
Duration: 2 hours
Key Learning Components: Dynamic sequencing, "Washing Machines"
Flying Transitions
Duration: 2 hours
Key Learning Components: Inversions, hand balancing, spotting
Therapeutic AcroYoga
Duration: 1 hours
Key Learning Components: Lunar practices, healing applications
Integration & Teaching
Duration: 1 hours
Key Learning Components: Practicum, feedback, reflection
Module 1: Foundations & Sacred Communication
Circle Opening Protocols
Every AcroYoga session begins with intentional circle opening and consent-check protocols. Students learn to create sacred space through verbal and non-verbal communication, establishing clear agreements before any physical contact occurs.
Role Definitions
Understanding the trinity of AcroYoga roles is fundamental to safe practice. The Base provides stable foundation, the Flyer moves with trust and awareness, and the Spotter ensures safety through vigilant support and clear communication.

Key Concepts
  • Consent as ongoing dialogue
  • Base, Flyer, Spotter responsibilities
  • Trust-building exercises
  • Communication boundaries
  • Sacred space creation
Module 2: L-Basing Fundamentals
Throne Pose
The foundational seated pose where base creates a stable "throne" with vertical legs. Flyer learns to find soft seat and gentle gaze while base maintains bone stacking and core connection.
Front Bird
Classic flying pose emphasizing flyer's hip stacking and spine length while base maintains active, stable leg position. Demonstrates principles of mutual support and alignment.
Back Bird
Gentle backbend variation teaching spinal extension and heart opening. Base learns precise foot placement while flyer develops trust in supported backward movement.
Folded Leaf
Therapeutic inversion where flyer "drifts down slowly, surrendering hips to support." Introduces healing aspects of AcroYoga through passive, restorative positioning.
These foundational poses establish core principles of bone stacking, spine alignment, and mutual core connection. Students learn that strength comes not from muscular effort alone, but from intelligent structural alignment and shared awareness.
Module 3: Partner Flows & Washing Machines
Dynamic sequencing transforms static poses into fluid "Washing Machine" loops—continuous cycles that build momentum, trust, and playful connection. These flowing transitions require heightened communication and shared breath awareness.
Example Washing Machine Cycle
A classic sequence moves from Throne → Front Bird → Star → Transition back to Throne, creating a seamless loop. Partners learn to "pass breath" and maintain "easy rounds" with "momentum shared" throughout the cycle.
The washing machine concept teaches practitioners to find ease within challenge, developing the ability to maintain presence and communication even during complex transitions. Safety protocols include clear "down" signals for immediate exit.

Flow Principles
  • Breath synchronization
  • Momentum sharing
  • Clear exit signals
  • Soft transitions
  • Playful presence
Module 4: Flying Transitions & Hand Balancing
Low Flyer Transitions
Ground-level transitions that build confidence and spatial awareness. Students learn to move between poses close to earth before progressing to higher variations.
Foot-to-Hand Variations
Advanced connection points requiring precise hand placement and grip strength. Base and flyer develop mutual trust through gradual skill building.
Hand Balancing Drills
Solo and partner exercises developing wrist strength, shoulder stability, and core integration necessary for advanced AcroYoga expressions.
Safe Spotting Strategies
Comprehensive spotting protocols including standardized stance, verbal coverage, and proximal support techniques for maximum safety.
This module emphasizes building mutual trust through progressive skill development. Students rotate through all three roles, learning to spot transitions with vigilant awareness while developing their own capacity for supported inversions and hand balancing variations.
Module 5: Therapeutic AcroYoga (Lunar Practice)
"In Lunar practice, we shift from Solar (dynamic) energy to receptive, healing presence. The goal is not achievement but restoration."
Supine & Prone Supports
Passive stretches and supportive holds that allow the flyer to completely surrender into healing. Base learns to provide consistent, nurturing support while flyer develops capacity for deep release and trust.
Flying Therapeutics
Forward and back flow sequences including low and high whale variations. These Thai massage-inspired supports create space for emotional release and physical restoration through gentle, sustained holds.
Healing Applications
  • Spinal decompression
  • Hip opening sequences
  • Shoulder release work
  • Nervous system regulation
  • Trauma-informed touch
This module requires the highest level of sensitivity and communication, as therapeutic work can bring up emotional responses and requires trauma-informed awareness from all participants.
Module 6: Integration & Teaching Practicum
Triad Formation
Students organize into groups of three, with each person preparing to teach one aspect of AcroYoga practice to their partners.
Role Rotation
Each student takes turns being base, flyer, and spotter, experiencing all perspectives of the teaching and learning process.
Teaching Practice
Students teach short flows with emphasis on clear verbal cues, safety protocols, and attunement to their partners' needs and boundaries.
Witnessing & Feedback
Structured feedback sessions help students integrate their learning and develop confidence in facilitating AcroYoga for others.
This final module synthesizes all previous learning into practical teaching skills. Students discover their unique teaching voice while practicing trauma-informed communication and inclusive facilitation techniques. The emphasis remains on creating safe, welcoming spaces for diverse bodies and experience levels.
Essential Practices & Sanskrit-Inspired Cuing
Trust Temple (Throne)
"Base legs vertical, flyer's seat soft—rooted seat, gentle gaze." The foundational pose that establishes trust and proper alignment principles.
Front Bird
"Flyer hips stacked, spine long; Base legs active, stable." Classic flying pose emphasizing mutual support and structural integrity.
Folded Leaf
"Flyer drifts down slowly, surrender hips to support." Therapeutic inversion teaching complete trust and surrender to partner's support.
Washing Machine Flow
"Easy rounds, passing breath—transition soft, momentum shared." Dynamic sequencing that builds playful connection and flow state.
Communication Protocols
Essential verbal cues include "Down" for safe exit, "Go"/"Ready"/"Switch" protocols for seamless transitions, and continuous check-ins using both verbal and non-verbal consent signals throughout practice.
Teaching Guidelines & Safety Protocols
Healing-Arts Framework
AcroYoga is taught within a therapeutic context rather than performance or spectacle. Every interaction emphasizes consent, trauma sensitivity, and trauma-informed communication. Students learn to recognize signs of overwhelm and create space for emotional processing.
Communication Tools
Multi-modal communication includes hand signals for silent direction, regular voice check-ins during poses, and non-verbal consent cues. Partners develop sensitivity to micro-expressions and body language that indicate comfort or distress.
Accessibility Considerations
Comprehensive variations accommodate different body sizes, mobility levels, and strength differences. No pose is mandatory, and alternative expressions honor each student's unique physical capabilities and emotional boundaries.

Critical Safety Protocols
  • Always spot during transitions
  • Avoid spine-compressive lifts
  • Monitor joint strain (wrists/shoulders)
  • Rotate spotting roles regularly
  • Use standardized spotting stance
  • Maintain verbal coverage throughout
Session Structure
Standard sequencing begins with partner yoga warm-up, progresses through L-base fundamentals, explores dynamic flows, and concludes with therapeutic recline poses for integration and nervous system regulation.
Required Materials & Recommended Readings
Core Reference Text
AcroYoga Flight Manual serves as the foundational text, providing detailed pose breakdowns, safety protocols, and philosophical foundations for conscious partner practice.
Periodic Table of AcroYoga
Visual reference chart mapping trust elements and progressive exercises. This university-developed resource helps students understand pose relationships and skill progressions.
Reflective Journal
Personal documentation of experiences in each role—base, flyer, spotter. Students explore what trust felt like, communication breakthroughs, and moments of challenge or growth.
Supplemental Handouts
  • Role responsibility matrices with clear guidelines for each position
  • Flow diagrams illustrating "washing machine" sequences with transition cues
  • Therapeutic pose scripts with trauma-informed language and modifications
  • Emergency protocols and injury prevention checklists
Assessment & Certification Requirements
Active Participation (30%)
Engagement in all partner drills, consent initiations, and role rotations. Assessment focuses on willingness to explore boundaries, communicate needs clearly, and support others' learning process.
Teaching Practicum (40%)
Demonstration of trio setup, effective role rotation, clear cueing, and flow facilitation. Students must show competency in creating safe space and adapting instruction for different bodies and skill levels.
Reflective Journaling (30%)
Written insights on communication patterns, trust development, and therapeutic applications. Journals demonstrate integration of course concepts with personal experience and teaching philosophy.
Successful completion grants 2 credits toward Techniques, Training & Practice hours, contributing to the 75-hour minimum requirement for advanced certification programs.
Transforming Practice Into Healing Art
"AcroYoga, when carefully framed as a healing-art modality, offers profound opportunities to cultivate embodied trust, communication, and therapeutic presence."
This comprehensive syllabus ensures alignment with Bright Moon Institute's core values, balancing strength with sensitivity, play with reverence, and interpersonal connection as a pathway to holistic healing. Students emerge not just as skilled practitioners, but as conscious facilitators capable of holding sacred space for transformation.
The integration of traditional yoga wisdom with contemporary trauma-informed practices creates a unique learning environment where physical skill development serves deeper purposes of connection, healing, and community building. Each student discovers their own authentic teaching voice while learning to honor the diverse needs and boundaries of future students.
Beyond the 12-hour intensive, graduates often continue their journey through advanced modules, Thai massage integration, or specialized therapeutic applications. The foundation established here supports lifelong learning in the art of conscious touch and healing partnership.