vault

best act: 1970, 1976, 1977, 1982, 2000

Traditionally a solo apparatus, the vault is presented by both female and male gymnasts in artistic gymnastics. In Gymkana, vault is one of the most prominent and signature group acts, combining gymnastics skills with circus elements, speed, and gasp-inducing close calls. Gymkana's vault is reminiscent of the vault "horse" that was first used professionally at the 1896 Olympics, which was replaced in the year 2000 by the modern vault table. However, Gymkana still uses the versatile long-and-skinny box, now often referred to as the “Swedish box,” to maximize creativity and create those breathtaking, daring moments. Troupers continuously innovate and experiment with new ideas. The act often includes criss-cross passes, synchronized skills, over-under passes, and flips onto, off of, and over the box. Vaulters also flip over troupers in a handstand or a bridge, a human stack-up, and a trouper doing circles or flares on the box. At Home Show and halftime shows, troupers traditionally flip through and over a hoop of fire, wowing audience members every time.

Typically Gymkana’s biggest act (second only to pyramids), vault has become a staple within the troupe’s productions and is typically performed at every show. Vault has thrilled audiences on major stages such as UMD men’s and women’s basketball halftimes, NBA halftimes in venues such as Capital One Arena and Madison Square Garden, America’s Got Talent, and the DC Cherry Blossom Parade.