By Kari McKenna

The lights in Xfinity Center dimmed on April 10 in anticipation of the Gymkana Home Show. Throughout the night, the jumbotron displayed historic videos to show the team’s evolution, in celebration of eight decades of performing. 

The troupe is a combination of gymnastics and acrobatics, with an emphasis on healthy living. Gymkana Assistant Director Ben Prescott shared that while there are various traditions that have been upheld since 1946, “every year has its own personality.” 

Last weekend, members of the community, along with alumni of all ages, came to see the current generation of athletes who were ready to perform. 

Junior environmental science and policy major Olive Beverly’s 15 yearlong experience with Gymkana began at the troupe’s annual all-ages summer camps in 2011.

“It’s been a community that I’ve kind of grown up in … the coaches now were my counselors when I was a kid, and … I’ve grown up with other kids who are now also on the team,” she said.

The troupe’s bond was evident through several acts that required complete trust in one another. Performances included balancing on stacked chairs, ladders, pyramids and various other intricate tasks. Throughout the show, they relied on each other to remain upright.

“The cohesion of this team is what keeps me calm and what keeps everyone calm … it’s a team thing,” said senior environmental science and technology major Jake Amster. 

Supportive coaches led the team, along with athletes relying on each other.

When the coaches weren’t spotting their athletes jumping on trampolines or through rings of fire, they were making cameos throughout the anniversary performance, which showcased their own talents. 

Each coach is a past member of Gymkana representing a range of generations. Their combined skill sets uphold tradition, adding a unique spin on each year. Prescott shared that the constant turnover throughout the troupe creates a show that is constantly evolving.

“There are acts that we’re performing now that we performed 80 years ago in 1946 … but within those acts [there are] different people, different skills, different innovations and twists,” Prescott said.

Just after 9 p.m. on April 11, the troupe took its final bow to conclude the 80th anniversary Home Show. While Home Show was their final performance of the semester, the troupe will continue to practice through April and May to retain both their skills and bonds with each other.

The Dean of the School of Public Health, Boris Lushinak, addressed the troupe in a speech on the jumbotron. 

“You’ve had 80 years of history on this campus. Go out there and do incredible things for yet another 80 years,” Lushniak said.

Featured Image: The Gymkana Troupe poses during one of their pyramid routines. Photo courtesy of Ana Gonzalez Hernandez.