AcroYoga is a dynamic practice created by a group of yogis from San Francisco that wanted to innovate a new way to exercise the body, mind and spirit. They are on tour now, holding workshops and teaching people about their vision. They will be at Yoga Elements Studio (23/F, 29 Vanissa Building, Soi Chidlom, Patumwan, 02-655-5671, BTS Chit Lom. http://yogaelements.com) Mar 23-25. See website for details.

What is AcroYoga?

AcroYoga blends the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the loving kindness of Thai massage, and the dynamic power of acrobatics. These three ancient lineages form the foundation of a unique new practice that cultivates trust, connection and playfulness.

How did you form this variety of yoga?

We played a lot, with each other mainly, also with other acrobats, yogis and massage therapists. Those play-jam sessions developed the base of the practice. Jenny had a rich background in contact yoga (“Flying”), and Jason had many years experience in partner acrobatics. When our practices came together, AcroYoga was born.

What level should you be at to get the most from AcroYoga?

All levels can gain a lot from this practice. The limiting factor of what a student can get out of AcroYoga is their ability to be open to receiving. A yogi that has been practicing for 20 years could be blown away by how great it feels to do the same postures, upside down and suspended by someone’s feet. Having a beginner’s mind, as the Zen folks would say, is the best way to enter a class.

What’s the connection between yoga and Thai massage? Which came first?

I don’t know that anyone can answer which came first with certainty—they are both very old and have many similarities. The postures of yoga and the postures that a receiver of Thai massage would go through are at times identical. One difference is that in yoga you are the one creating the posture, using your own strength to provide the asana. Thai massage it has been called “lazy man’s yoga,” because the effort or energy comes from the practitioner.

Is it strictly for couples or can someone come solo?

The majority of our students come solo, and we gear the work to be approachable to any person, not just people that already know each other. Everything in an AcroYoga class starts off slow and builds. We start in a circle where we all meet each other and a theme is shared for what the exploration will be based around. We emphasize the fact, while in the circle, that we are all partners. Little by little, people’s fears and barriers begin to melt. Separation and isolation are learned behaviors. It is natural to be close and open with each other. It does not take much to come back to this universal truth.