Synchronized Cartwheels in Pairs and Trios

The cartwheel becomes an expressive tool: pairs and trios perform it at the same time, in mirror image or in canon to music. Students work on reach and timing and finish with a short showcase.

How to play

1. Each student does 3 cartwheels to each side to find their strong side and check their level (4 min).
2. Pairs side by side, 6 feet apart: cartwheel at the same time to the same side, counting 1, 2, 3 out loud to start together (5 min).
3. Mirror pairs: back to back, each partner cartwheels to their own side, moving away from the other (5 min).
4. Trios in canon: cartwheels start one after another, one beat apart, following the music (6 min).
5. 20-second showcase from each trio with an entrance, cartwheels and final pose; the others rate timing and reach with a thumbs up or down (5 min).

Rules

• Keep at least 6 feet between partners turning at the same time.
• In mirror work, always turn away from each other, never toward each other.
• Anyone who cannot do a full cartwheel uses a low or half cartwheel: the trio adapts to everyone's level.
• Cartwheels are done on mats or a smooth floor with no obstacles.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: marks the canon with wheelchair spins and arm gestures within the trio.
• Hearing impairment: the start is cued by a partner's visual signal instead of a spoken count.
• Wrist injury: replaces the cartwheel with a 360-degree floor spin or turning jumps.

Learning goals

• Perform a cartwheel with good reach to both sides.
• Coordinate one's own action with partners and music.
• Use a gymnastics skill with expressive intent.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 12
• speaker: 1

Teacher tip

Choose music with a clear beat, around 100-110 beats per minute. If space is tight, have half the trios rehearse while the other half watches.

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