Trapeze (sport)
The trapeze is a gymnastics device for the purpose of aerial acrobatics , or an artistic prop of the circus arts.
description
A basic distinction is made between static, swinging and flying trapeze and the dance trapeze suspended at one point. The trapeze itself consists of two braided hemp, cotton or steel ropes and a steel rod. There are different versions for duo, solo and group work. In order to minimize the risk of injury, mats, nets or loungers are usually used.
application
It belongs to the old genre of acrobatics and is mainly presented in circuses , variety shows or at company events. The trapeze can be used by both children and adults. Due to the relatively low body weight, many exercises are a little easier for children to perform than for adults, usually with a higher BMI, and for this reason the device is often chosen for entry into the world of artistry. The most important physical dexterity, strength and agility elements here are:
- Swing
- Garbage
- Balance
- Support
- Hang
Related devices
A swivel is often attached between the ceiling and the attachment of the device at the suspension point of the cloth, rope, ring and rarely also the trapezoid in order to facilitate rotation around the vertical . Rotations are also possible without a vortex with a correspondingly high suspension, but the device must also turn back completely.
All three sports equipment can be used by two or more artists. Here, an artist, the catcher, hangs upside down in the sports equipment, while the second person, the aviator, is mainly held in various positions by the catcher. In the case of performances with several artists at the same time, it is often common to work simultaneously. H. each artist on his own trapeze, cloth or rope.
Entrances, tricks, transitions, slopes, waste and exits are possible on all props. Most of the time, there is also a trick on the other devices. The tricks are then not exactly identical, but are based on a similar principle.
Vertical rope
The vertical rope is a special rope with a diameter of approx. 4–5 cm that is hung from the ceiling via a swivel so that it can be twisted. Special requirements are placed on the rope, as the artist must neither be injured by a rope that is too rough, nor should the rope be too smooth in order to avoid undesired slipping. The rope often has a loop so that tricks that are not possible on the aerial silk (e.g. twirling around with one arm) can be demonstrated.
Aerial silk
Air ring
There is also the air ring. Like the rod of the trapezoid, it consists of a rod wrapped with tape, depending on the version with one or more loops on the suspension. Often called the lyre, it forms the most important devices in aerial acrobatics, together with the vertical cloth, vertical rope, trapeze and straps. The air ring is also sometimes combined with the aerial cloth by attaching the cloth to the ring.
literature
Matthias Christel: Movement Arts: Motor Learning in Circus Education, 2009, p. 41
See also
In sailing , a trapeze is a device for weight trimming.
