My child is interested in competing. How do they get involved?
We have extension and squad options for children who are progressing with confidence and want the chance to perform and compete. Coaches regularly share these options when a child would be a good addition to an extension or squad group. Trial and assessment sessions can be scheduled based on coach feedback or prior experience. Enrolment is by invitation only and is restricted at certain times of the year so competition preparation isn’t disrupted.
What’s your party cancellation policy?
We know plans change. Cancel 21 or more days before the party and 50% of the deposit is refunded; cancel with 20 days’ notice or less and the deposit is non-refundable. If a serious illness or injury stops the party going ahead, you can choose a free reschedule within three months or a $100 Skylark account credit towards regular classes. Requests need to come by phone or email, and refunds are processed within seven business days. If we have to cancel for reasons outside our control, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
When are parties held, and how do we book?
Lynbrook: Saturdays, 3:00-4:30pm. Mount Waverley: Sundays, 2:00-3:30pm. We run only one party per day at each venue, so your celebration gets the whole space and our full attention. Book through our portal using the links on the Birthday Parties page, and download the Party Pack for full inclusions and details.
What’s included in a party, and what does it cost?
One hour of gymnastics, ninja or combo activities run by qualified Skylark coaches, then 30 minutes in the party room to eat and celebrate, plus a small take-home memento for every guest. It’s $360 for up to 12 children and $25 for each additional child, with a $100 deposit at booking and final payment due the Friday of the week before, based on confirmed numbers. If the birthday child is a Skylark member, they participate free. You bring the food, cake and decorations – we handle the entertainment. Please note Skylark is a nut aware venue.
What ages are the parties for, and what are the options?
Birthday parties are for children aged 3-12. There are three options: a Ninja party (speed, strength and obstacle fun), a Gymnastics party (flips, balance and big energy), or a Combo party with the best of both. Activities are tailored for under-5s or over-5s.
Does my child have to compete in the acrobatics squad?
Yes. The squad program is a competitive program, and it isn’t the right fit for an athlete who doesn’t want to compete. Competitions and events are a compulsory part of the program – they’re where athletes get to show what they’ve been working on, and they’re an important part of their development. Full details on training calendars, uniform, billing and events are in the squad handbook and the Participation Agreement addendum. If your child loves acro but doesn’t want to compete, talk to us about other options.
What are the acrobatics levels, and how much training does each involve?
The Acrobatics Development Program (ADP) is the entry pathway: ADP Boys trains 1-2 sessions a week at Australian Levels 1-3; ADP 1 trains 2 sessions at Internal Foundation Level; ADP 2 trains 2 sessions at Australian Level 1; ADP 3 trains 2-3 sessions at Australian Levels 2-3; and ADP 4 trains 2-3 sessions at Australian Levels 3-4. From there the Squad pathway runs State Squad and National Squad (7+ years, 3 sessions a week plus local and national events) and Elite Squad (9+ years, 4-5 sessions a week plus local, national and international events).
Who is Competitive Acrobatics for, and how do you join?
Our Acrobatics pathway supports athletes from beginner through to elite, from 5 years and up, and runs from the Skylark Acrobatics HQ at Unit 4, 21-35 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley. New athletes join by invitation or application, with opportunities at a range of ages and experience levels. Submit an enquiry through the Competitive Acrobatics page and our team will be in touch.
What is acrobatic gymnastics?
Acrobatic gymnastics combines the strength, flexibility and athleticism of gymnastics with the creativity of dance and the excitement of performance. Athletes work together in partnerships and groups to create routines featuring balances, pyramids, throws and tumbling skills, choreographed to music. It’s a genuine team sport, and it suits a wide range of body types and strengths.
How is GymTeam different from recreational Gymnastics and Competitive Acrobatics?
Recreational Gymnastics is age-based and non-competitive, working through our 10-level curriculum. GymTeam adds routine work, competition preparation, dedicated strength and flexibility training and termly events – the weekly commitment is similar at one session, but the expectation of regular attendance is higher because the team works towards shared goals. Competitive Acrobatics is a full competitive pathway: two to five sessions a week, partnership and group work, and compulsory competition. GymTeam suits a child who wants challenge and performance without reorganising the family week.
