None — Circus Acrobatics
The art of acrobatics has been around for more than 2,500 years. In ancient China, acrobats performed in village festivals. The art form continued to develop through history. During the Middle Ages, acrobats in Europe displayed their skills for royal courts, adding song and juggling to their shows. By the late 19th century, tight rope walking, tumbling and other forms of gymnastics were folded into the acrobatic displays.
Today's circus acrobats perform dazzling, complex feats requiring balance, agility, coordination, concentration and timing. Many of the stunts are performed high above the audience. Here are some examples of equipment used to perform those high-flying aerial acrobatics:
• Rope (also known as corde lisse). From a distance, this looks like an ordinary rope. However, the one used for aerial acrobatics is made of soft cotton and about one inch in diameter. It has one loop at the top.
• Spanish web. This is similar to the rope, except it has extra loops for the hands and/or feet. The extra loops enable an acrobat to spin.
• Aerial silks (also known as tissue, fabrics, ribbons or chiffon). An aerial silk is a long piece of cloth hung at the middle to suspend two performers.
• Trapeze. The trapeze, or suspended horizontal bar, is a common fixture in circus acts. There are several different variations. The static trapeze hangs about six feet from the ground and does not move. The swinging trapeze has a bar that hangs at least 10 feet from the ground and is suspended by 12 foot ropes. The flying trapeze consists of two swinging trapezes, one located close to a stationary platform. A performer swings back and forth between the two trapezes. Multiple trapezes are built in various configurations. Some are side by side, while others are over-under (like rungs on a ladder).
Getting into the Act
Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. Regular exercise helps control weight, maintains balance, stamina and flexibility, reduces the risk for obesity-related health problems and improves concentration and cognitive performance. There are many different ways to workout. Some people are taking workouts to an extreme by learning and practicing some of the same moves used by aerial acrobats in the circus.
Researchers estimate there are more than 500 companies and 200 schools specializing in circus arts. Rachel Stegman, Owner and Instructor at Circus School of Arizona in Scottsdale, says aerial acrobatics provide a total body workout, building muscles, toning the body, and improving flexibility. Those who perform on a higher level also get in a good cardiovascular workout. Aerial acrobatics may not lead to a significant weight loss because participants build muscle as they lose fat (muscle weighs more than fat). However, clients will be more toned and eventually need smaller sized clothing.
Stegman doesn't recommend aerial aerobics for younger children. However, she will teach older, mature children and adults. She works with participants to make sure they perform the moves correctly and safely. Since many people are afraid of heights, the elevated acrobatics are only offered to advanced class participants.
Stegman warns the aerial acrobatics classes are not easy. Clients are typically very sore after the first few times until the body builds strength. Initially, participants will also have to endure calluses, abrasions, bruises, blisters and skin tears. However, as the skin toughens the risk for minor skin injuries decreases.
With proper instruction, performers of circus acrobatics are less likely to be injured than participants of other collegiate sports. However, Stegman says it's important to find an instructor who has been trained by a qualified coach and has a great deal of experience as both a performer and teacher.
For information about the Circus School of Arizona, click here.
For general information on acrobatics:
USA Gymnastics Women's Sports Foundation
WSOC
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