What is Trapeze?

A trapeze is a short horizontal bar hung by ropes and suspended in the air. Trapeze artists have entertained audiences young and old for years, flying through the air with nothing preventing them from free falling aside from their skill and talent.

History

The first flying trapeze act took place at the Cirque Napoleon in Paris in 1859. A French acrobat by the name of Jules Leotard -- who popularized and lent his name to the one piece garment he wore -- would fly through the air with ease in breathtaking performances at French circuses. The act was developed at Leotard’s father’s house, where the acrobat would practice his routine above his father’s pool which functioned as a safety net.

Playing Surface

As previously mentioned, a trapeze is a horizontal bar suspended in the air by ropes which are secured and fastened to the ceiling. The trapeze can range anywhere from  25 to 40 ft off the ground, with a safety net below. Trapeze shows are typically a part of circus shows, which traditionally occur inside large tents. However, more recent shows feature flying trapeze artists in outside venues. There are also different trapezes for different acts.  

Trapeze Equipment

It’s important to have the proper equipment when performing a trapeze act. You will want everything to be in order and checked for safety.

Here is the essential trapeze equipment you should have:

• Tight clothes: This can include leotards, leggings, or workout clothes that are not too baggy. 
• Harness: The harness prevents your shirt from flying over your head when upside down. 
• Wrist Wraps: Helps provide extra protection and grip when performing. 

Objectives

In a traditional trapeze act, the acrobat will start by jumping off of a high board while holding the “fly bar” of the trapeze. After taking off, the acrobat will then land in the arms of a catcher, another acrobat hanging from another trapeze. The two will trade off with each other, swinging from trapeze to trapeze and performing various breathtaking acrobatic maneuvers. This will be done until the starting acrobat is eventually tossed back onto the fly bar in a move called “the return.” 

Rules and Regulations

Trapeze acrobats follow a specific set of rules and regulations for safety. The free-swinging nature of trapeze presents the risk of injury.

Here are the most important trapeze rules you should know:

• Acrobat riggers use a safety factor of 10, meaning that the system should support ten times the weight of the acrobat. 
• Entertainment venues must have certified riggers to install trapezes.

Strategy

Many safety strategies during a trapeze show are performed in such a subtle manner that they are practically invisible to the audience!

Here are the most important trapeze strategies you should know:

• Joysticks: To control height and speed, many acrobats will hold joysticks with them while performing. 
• Learning to fall: Falling requires a certain strategy. Acrobats learn how to fall into the safety net to avoid injury. 
• Hair Strength: This term originated from the acrobatic art of Hair Hanging, where performers hang from their hair while performing acrobatic maneuvers. Performers will focus on maintaining a healthy scalp to stay safe and secure while braided to the hanger. 

Lingo

Here is the common lingo and slang in trapeze:

• Apron: The part of the net at either end of the rig that curves upwards.
• Backend: The part of the swing closest to the platform.
• Belt: The harness worn by flyers where safety lines are attached. 
• Board Monkey: Slang for the person that runs the platform.
• Catch: The moment when an acrobat leaves the bar and is caught by another performer. 
• Departure: When an acrobat leaves the board. 

Trapeze Artists

There are many names for those who perform trapeze. They can be referred to as acrobats, performers, and trapeze artists, to name a few. Trapeze was dominated at one point by circus families such as the Codona family. Today it is most popular in the Cirque du Soleil.

Here are the most famous trapeze artists you should know:

• Jules Leotard
• Antoinette Concello
• Alfredo Codona
• Kristin Allen
• Elena Lev
• Joey Arias
• Cassiopee
• Raphael Cruz
• Ludovic Martin

Events and Competitions

Trapeze is a sport practiced around the world. Originating in France, trapeze made its way internationally through its popularity as a circus act.

Here are the most popular events in trapeze:

• Circus Star USA: Circus Star USA is a US-based circus arts competition attracting talent from all over the world. 
• WDM International Aerial Competition: The World Dance Movement International Aerial Competition provides the opportunity for aerial competitors to compete with individuals across 25 other countries from ages seven to over 40. 
• West Coast Aerial Arts Festival: The longest standing aerial competition in the United States, the WCAAF is comprised of 21 different categories based on age and experience level. 

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