Story and Photos by Pat Krause
The USA Gymnastics Region 1 Acrobatic Region Championships were held this past weekend at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Villas Arena — a spectacular and, I believe, brand-new experience for our Valley. This event brought together 681 young athletes from 20 different teams across Arizona, Las Vegas, and California, all gathering for one unforgettable showcase of strength, flexibility, and grace.
Hundreds of kids — many just elementary school age — competed with hopes of qualifying for tournaments in Rhode Island, and for a few, preparing to head to world competitions this week in Europe. That’s right, Europe! The level of talent here was jaw-dropping.
These children begin learning acrobatic skills at a very early age, and it shows. I sat in awe as young athletes tossed their partners high into the air, catching them in mid-handstand as if it were second nature. They performed backbends and full splits while suspended on another child's hands — sometimes just one hand! The control, strength, and sheer fearlessness were remarkable.
This is known as ACRO — acrobatic gymnastics — and it’s similar to what you might see in the Olympics, but performed in pairs or groups of three or four. Boys, girls, and mixed teams compete, each routine a carefully choreographed blend of tumbling, dance, balance, and lifts, always set to music. Every move is synchronized, requiring intense focus and hours of daily practice.
The judging was just as serious, with two rows of judges watching every detail. Some scored the level of difficulty, others the performance’s poise, precision, and style. It’s a high-level competition, and these kids showed up ready to shine.
One of the most exciting moments was watching a pair who are two-time national champions — and now, 2024 gold medalists at the World Age Competition. At just 15 and 17, they’re the youngest elite pair in the world. Seeing them perform was like watching the future of the sport unfold right in front of us.
Children can begin training in ACRO as young as four and often continue into their late teens or early 20s. The dedication they show is inspiring. Their beautiful, coordinated costumes add a touch of magic to the already thrilling performances. More than competition, it’s about discipline, friendship, teamwork, and learning to lift each other up — literally and figuratively.
I sincerely hope this event becomes a tradition here in the Coachella Valley. These kids are living proof of what young people can achieve when they’re given encouragement, opportunity, and a stage to shine. Their confidence, grace, and determination are something every child should experience — and something every grandparent should be lucky enough to witness.
Pat Krause
