10 Foundational Acroyoga Washing Machines Every Flyer and Base Should Know

In Acroyoga, washing machines are continuous, cyclical flows that begin and end in the same base pose. They’re the ultimate training tool for developing smooth transitions and spatial awareness. Mastering these ten foundational machines builds the core vocabulary required for almost all intermediate and advanced acro flows.

Want to find more videos of any of these moves in our library? Each washing machine below links to a search of our video collection so you can see different bases, flyers, and styles in action.

1. Ninja Star

A washing machine built around the Ninja Star position, cycling the flyer through rotations while the base maintains a stable platform.

🔎 Search our library for “Ninja Star”

2. Four Step

A foundational machine that cycles through four distinct hand-grip and foot-placement transitions, building the base vocabulary for connecting poses in sequence.

🔎 Search our library for “Four Step”

3. Barrel Roll

Starting in either Front Bird or Throne, the flyer rotates through a series of planks and back-flying positions before returning to the starting point. The Barrel Roll teaches the base and flyer how to pivot together while maintaining a safe, continuous rhythm.

🔎 Search our library for “Barrel Roll”

4. Monkey Frog

A more advanced machine combining arm balances with leg releases — the flyer moves through frog-like positions while maintaining contact with the base throughout the cycle.

🔎 Search our library for “Monkey Frog”

5. Trapdoor

This machine frequently starts in Bird and utilizes the flyer’s momentum and the base’s footwork to drop the flyer into a brief moment of free fall or controlled rotation, catching them on the other side. It’s incredible for building trust and teaching the flyer not to tense up during rotational movement.

🔎 Search our library for “Trapdoor”

6. Corkscrew

The Corkscrew is a slightly more dynamic variation of standard rolls, usually flowing between Bird and Throne (or reverse variations). It requires precise foot-to-hip alignment and teaches bases how to use their legs as an axis for the flyer to rotate around.

🔎 Search our library for “Corkscrew”

7. Catherine’s Wheel

An essential flow that takes partners through a full rotation of Front Bird, Side Star, and Reverse Bird. It demands excellent shoulder mobility, a strong base of support, and clear communication, as the transitions require turning and shifting grips seamlessly.

🔎 Search our library for “Catherine’s Wheel”

8. London Spin

https://acroyogavideos.com/video/acro-catherines-wheel-tutorial-inte-Ez09-pPw08E/

A flowing sequence linking several positions with smooth, continuous transitions — a great showcase of how connected washing machines can look in performance.

🔎 Search our library for “London Spin”

9. Gran Torino

An intermediate washing machine known for its circular leg movements and overall aesthetic flow — a favorite for partners working on style and musicality in their transitions.

🔎 Search our library for “Gran Torino”

10. The Dream Machine

Often one of the first machines to introduce the flyer to inverted positions like Reverse Throne and Star. It’s an essential building block that bridges beginner static poses with more acrobatic, upside-down sequences.

🔎 Search our library for “Dream Machine”

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Looking for more washing machines, flows, and tutorials? Browse the full AcroYoga Video Library to search by title, channel, category, and level.