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Ski Ballet: A Forgotten Sport (PHOTOS)

Think skiing -- with all its equipment -- can't be elegant? Think again. Not so long ago, ski ballet, also known as 'acroski' was a serious sport.

Similar to figure skating, freestyle skiing and gymnastics, ski ballet became popular in the 1970s and was even a demonstration sport at the Winter Olympics of 1988 and 1992.

As opposed to Alpine skiing, which is scored on times, acroskiers were judged on their style and flair. Flips, tumbles, dance moves and spins were all a part of the show. According to Slate.com, competitors in the ballet ski event had 90 seconds to perform their routines to their song of choice.

Unfortunately, the International Olympic Committee declined to make ski ballet an official Olympic sport, and interest in ski ballet declined after 1992.

The slideshow above offers a glimpse back in time at the forgotten sport.