Join us at this 3-day event celebrating our Hall of Fame Class of 2026 — AND 30 Years of the World Acrobatics Society (1996-2026). worldacro.org
Introducing the Legend Class of 2026 Inductees:
ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS & CHEER – Ineke Van Schoor, Julie Van Gelder & Kaat Dumarey World champion acrobatic trio from Belgium
ACTION SPORTS – Bob Woolf Internationally recognized for his 33-year career as an acrobatic stunt performer and mascot for the Phoenix Suns, “Phoenix Suns Gorilla.”
ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS – Ivan Ivankov World champion all-around gymnast from Belarus.
DIVING – Steven LoBue World medalist professional cliff diver from the U.S., who was the first to do five somersaults during a three-second freefall.
PROFESSIONAL ACROBATICS – John Nyrnberg Seidel Danish acrobat whose 43-year career as a hand balancer and contortionist won international acclaim.
TRAMPOLINE/TUMBLING – Kalon Ludvigson The most decorated U.S. athlete in trampoline and tumbling history, who later earned a PhD in Pharmacology.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Dan Millman American former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, college professor, and renowned author.
GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Sarah Jane Clifford Inspirational American gymnastics coach, judge, and gym owner whose passion is teaching special needs youngsters.
ACROBATIC EXCELLENCE AWARD – Cirque du Soleil A world leader in live entertainment, delivering 42 years of national and international exceptional acrobatic and artistic performances.
CHARLIE POND SERVICE AWARD – Scott Crouse Former President and current Vice President of WAS, whose commitment and positive contributions have been vital to WAS achieving its numerous milestones and goals.
2026 WAS Congress & Hall of Fame Banquet! Join us at this 3-day event celebrating our Hall of Fame Class of 2026 — AND 30 Years of the World Acrobatics Society (1996-2026).
For three decades, the World Acrobatics Society has brought together diverse disciplines from across the acrobatic community, fostering lifelong friendships and deep professional connections. Our annual gathering in Las Vegas has truly become a world acrobatic reunion, and we have been hard at work planning an unforgettable weekend at the Tuscany Suites & Casino, Las Vegas.
Please join us on Friday, September 11th, at 7:00 PM in the Tuscany/Siena Room for our Welcome Reception to greet the Class of 2026. On Saturday afternoon, September 12th, our Congress presentations feature a “Meet the Legends” Q&A, followed by a keynote presentation from former Cirque du Soleil artist and casting expert Charlie Burrows. The weekend will culminate Saturday evening with our iconic Hall of Fame banquet.
Our annual Class of Legends have been selected because they have demonstrated and achieved excellence at the highest level of acrobatics on a national and world level. They have been recognized not only as world-class athletes, but also as successful role models who have consistently given Their time and knowledge to society and helped the youth of today to become better athletes and better people.
Before you arrive, please visit the WorldAcro.org to register for this Anniversary weekend and join our Society.
The World Acrobatics Society is a world-wide organization for recognition of excellence, advancement of education, communication, and cooperation among individuals and organizations interested in fostering the growth and development of the various acrobatic disciplines and preserving their histories.
Image courtesy of World Acrobatics Society
This post was last modified on August 16, 2026 4:38 pm