Memorial Day Acroyoga Learning Lab In The Park

Join us for a three-hours-long acroyoga learning lab in Central Park on Memorial Day from 2 to 5 pm!

About this Event

Join us for a three-hours-long acroyoga learning lab in Central Park on Memorial Day from 2 to 5 pm!

What is acroyoga?

Acroyoga is basically partner acrobatics. One person is on the ground and lifts the other person into the air. That’s the base. The person in the air is called the flyer. And a third person is the spotter, who guides the flyer safely down to the ground in case of a fall. The practice brings out the inner kid to play while also being an intensely physical workout. Surprise benefits are how it develops trust and communication.

What is a learning lab?

A learning lab is an innovative teaching format. When a new student arrives, they are paired with a more advanced student. They are given a mini-lesson to learn from each other, which the more advanced student already knows. Thus the more advanced student can guide the novice through the mini-lesson while providing feedback and answering questions. Once the novice knows the mini-lesson, they can teach it to the next person.

The space hosts learning and mentoring student pairs who are working on different mini-lessons. Each student progresses through the curriculum at their own pace as they learn new mini-lessons, repeat them until they are solid, and can go back to review. Students switch between learning new mini-lessons and teaching mini-lessons to others. The teacher aspect allows them to gain deeper mastery. The process of explaining to someone else and encountering their questions challenges students to develop a deeper understanding.

Note: Depending on who shows up, learning labs may be run differently. For example, if only beginners show up, it would be run more like a traditional group class. If only one or two people show up, it would be run more like a private.

What is the agenda?

1. Opening circle
2. Acro-specific warm-ups
3. Safety briefing
4. Multiple rounds of mini-lessons
5. After: Optional time to hang out and jam

Who is Thomas?

Thomas Fischer co-developed the learning lab format with Mitra Martin about six years ago in Los Angeles for Argentine Tango. The Oxygen Tango lab is still running strong and has expanded to three locations. At the start of this year, Thomas and Alyssa started bringing the learning lab format to acroyoga and sensual bachata. Learning Labs for both run twice each week. You probably notice that his neck doesn’t move much. That’s because he broke his neck a few years ago in a car accident as a passenger. The experience of dealing with physical limitations gave him a deeper understanding of how to learn the skills and also how to help other people successfully learn with whatever limitations they may have.

Okay! I want to come out and play!

1. Sign up on Eventbrite.
2. Look out for an e-mail on Memorial Day with the exact location in Central Park.
3. Pack a yoga mat or blanket.
4. Wear snug-fitting clothes that allow you to move around. (Loose fabric and loops get caught.)
5. Come out.

Suggested packing list

• Yoga mat or blanket
• Plenty of water
• A snack
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray

Central Park Permit

Central Park doesn’t issue permits for major holidays. Thus we are staying under the limit that requires a permit. That means, no more than 19 people, and the event is free. To ensure the limit, you have to sign up on Eventbrite. The exact location in Central Park is only disclosed on Memorial Day. Please, don’t share the location. If you can’t make it anymore, please cancel your ticket so that someone else can come.

Note: You will have to sign a liability waiver and consent form. Photos and videos will likely be taken by the participants and organizer to share on social media and possibly used in marketing.

Host or Publisher Thomas Fischer and Alyssa Malgapo