The classic Catherine’s Wheel is one of those AcroYoga washing machines that seems to invite endless creativity. Beyond the original sequence and its better-known variations, there is a whole world of advanced versions that take the basic idea in completely new directions.
This collection brings together some of the most challenging and creative Catherine’s Wheel variations I’ve found. Expect hand-to-hand, whips, Icarian pops, unusual transitions, and surprising new pathways—sometimes combined within the same sequence.
Unlike the classic Catherine’s Wheel and its more established variations on Acrodemy, these advanced sequences are not broken down into individual poses and transitions. Instead, this page is meant as a collection of ideas and inspiration for experienced AcroYoga practitioners.
Watch the videos, explore the different approaches, and choose the variations that inspire you. You may find your next challenge here—or perhaps an idea that leads you to create a Catherine’s Wheel variation of your own.
Ab Workout” – Reverse L-Sit & Bird Variation
Instead of Foot-to-Hand, this variation passes through a Reverse L-sit and Throne before popping into Bird. The challenging sit-up may even have inspired the name.
Hand-to-Hand Catherine's Wheel Variation
A Hand-to-Hand variation of the Catherine’s Wheel, demonstrated in both directions.
Creative Hand-to-Hand Catherine's Wheel
A creative and challenging Hand-to-Hand variation of the Catherine’s Wheel. This one is best seen rather than explained!
Catherine's Wheel with Pop
A great tutorial for the Catherine’s Wheel with Pop, showing both the Bird and Back Bird versions. Well worth watching before giving it a try.
No-Hands Needle Whip Catherine's Wheel
A challenging whip variation performed in a Needle position, with the flyer keeping her arms by her sides instead of holding the base’s forearms. Both the Bird and Back Bird versions are demonstrated.
Catherine's Wheel with Pop and Whip
A great tutorial covering Pop, Whip and no-hands Catherine’s Wheel variations, demonstrated from both Bird and Back Bird.
Three Catherine's Wheel Variations
This tutorial demonstrates three different Catherine’s Wheel variations, each with its own creative pathway. Well worth exploring for some new ideas and inspiration.
With Hand to Hand
A beautiful Catherine’s Wheel variation featuring Hand-to-Hand.
With Hand to Hand and pops
Catherine’s wheel with Hand to Hand and pops
With only 2 poses!
An advanced Catherine’s Wheel variation that skips both Bird and Foot-to-Hand, alternating only between Throne and Shoulder Stand as the flyer continues to rotate forward.
