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Trapeze Variations

When a person mentions trapeze, more often than not, they may think "flying trapeze", however, there are many different types. First of all, according to Wikipedia, " A trapeze is a short horizontal bar hung by ropes, metal straps, or chains, from a ceiling support commonly found in circus performances. Trapeze acts may be static, spinning, swinging or flying, and may be performed solo, double, triple or as a group act."  With many options, this gives a performer or aerialist avenues for creativity with versatility and ability. 

 

In aerial, we often speak about whether or not an apparatus is 'static' or spinning. A 'static' trapeze is where the bar itself stays generally stable or non-spinning or swinging while the aerialist moves around the bar and ropes performing a wide range of movements and poses.  These trapezes are hung in a way where each rope is attached to its own rigging point (double point) vs on a single point. This keeps the trapeze from spinning. "Static trapeze provides a solid foundation for beginners, allowing them to develop strength, coordination, and body awareness at a manageable pace," as stated in an article from Vertical Wise. In addition, "beginners can focus on learning fundamental moves, such as mounts, hangs, poses, and simple transitions, without the added challenge of managing swinging or momentum."  A dance trapeze, refers to a trapeze in which the ropes of the trapeze are often both attached to a single swivel (single point), allowing the trapeze to spin in either small or large circles (or orbits).  This type of trapeze "emphasizes artistic choreography and draws influence from contemporary dance.  Performers combine elements of dance and aerial acrobatics to create visually captivating routines with seamless transitions." 

 

What is the difference between a swinging and flying trapeze?  Swinging trapeze "combines skills used in static trapeze but with the added challenge of swinging back and forth. The performer’s body weight initiates the swinging motion, making it more difficult to execute moves."  Performers start in a standing or sitting position, and "must synchronize their movements with the swinging motion, maintaining control and timing for precise execution. Swinging trapeze challenges performers to adapt their technique to the dynamic nature of the apparatus, developing a greater sense of body control and flow." The trapeze bar is also weighted and often has cable inside the supporting ropes for extra strength to withstand the dynamic forces of the swing. Performer Rosin Morris has a great performance and example of a swinging trapeze HERE or from Korri Aulakh swinging trapeze act in Circ Opera 2.0 at the Finnish National Opera on 20 December 2022.  Flying trapeze "refers to a trapeze act where a performer, or "flier," grabs the trapeze bar and jumps off a high platform, or pedestal board, so that gravity creates the swing. The swing's parts are the "force out" (sometimes called the "cast out") at the far end of the first swing, the beat back and the rise (also known as "seven") as the performer swings back above the pedestal board, and then the trick is thrown at the far end of the second swing. The performer often releases the bar and is caught by another performer, the "catcher," who hangs by their knees on another trapeze, or sometimes on a cradle, which can be either stationary or also swinging." Flying trapeze can be seen HERE from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey via their YouTube channel. "This incredibly demanding art, though traditional, has evolved for over a century within Ringling Bros. to become increasingly more impressive & modern as trapeze artists find new ways to surpass what was previously considered possible." 

 

There is also a trapeze called a Washington trapeze (also known as a head trapeze or heavy trapeze) that was invented by Kaye Washington in the 1800's. Washington trapeze is a "variation on static and swinging trapeze where the aerialist performs various headstand skills on the bar, which is typically much heavier than a normal trapeze bar and has a small (about 4-inch round) headstand platform on it. The trapeze is supported by wire cables rather than ropes, and the apparatus will often be lifted and lowered during the act."  The artist must "balance him or herself on the head on the trapeze bar, thanks to a small “headrest” screwed down to the bar, and then launch into a series of balancing acts on the hands or feet," according to Canadian artist Marie-Josée Lévesque 

 

Lastly, There are also Multiple Trapeze types. "Multiple trapeze configurations involve two or more trapezes joined together. They can be arranged side by side or vertically. This type offers versatility and variety in performances.  Multiple trapezes "enable performers to create intricate routines that involve synchronized movements, lifts, and unique formations.  Performers can explore innovative shapes, transitions, and interactions between the trapeze bars, creating visually stunning and captivating performances."

Please stay tuned to the next blog regarding parts of a trapeze !! In the meanwhile, for additional reading on trapeze, please check out the previous blog on famous circus performers: The Flying Cordonas 

 

Written by Coach Alicia 

Fly Circus and Aerial Arts 




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