Static trapeze, also known as fixed trapeze, is a type of circus apparatus. In contrast to the other forms of trapeze, static trapeze the bars and ropes mainly stay in place.
Most often, the static trapeze is about 2 ft (0.6 m) wide and the bar is generally 1–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm) inches in diameter. The ropes are usually 3–5 metres long, as many figures are performed on the ropes above the bar. The ropes can be made of many materials, including cotton, hemp and corde lisse ropes. It can be performed by a single artist or two partners working together in what is referred to as duo trapeze. A single artist will do tricks above and below the bar, with the ropes being a central part of above bar tricks.
Doubles (duo) static trapeze is a partner act that involves partners working together. Although partners often alternate roles during acts, generally the act involves a "base" and a "flyer role". The base often holds the weight of their partner in postitions such as "catches", used commonly in Flying trapeze to catch their partners. The flyer is the partner who is suspended and thrown etc. by their partner. This form of trapeze is popular for circus companies such as Cirque du Soleil, and is traditionally performed by a male and female, base/flyer pair. Doubles trapeze is often conducted on a wider trapeze in which the bar extends out on either side of the rope, to act as pegs to allow two performers to stand in the space more easily.
Multiple/group trapeze acts entail using of more than one trapeze, typically two or three. In these acts, multiple people perform simultaneously. The most common type of multiple trapeze, aside from multiple performers each on their own trapeze, is a "triple trapeze". Multiple trapeze can also refer to abstract aerial equipment with trapeze like structures, for example an apparatus with two trapeze bars parallel to one another so that two performers may sit on the bars in a stacked fashion (duplex trapeze).
A triple trapeze is a type of static (still) trapeze with three trapezes combined using one bar. Therefore, there are four ropes connecting this trapeze to its rigging. Triple trapeze performances often specialize in synchronized tricks and symmetrical shapes. One example of a triple trapeze act can be seen in Cirque du Soleil's show Varekai . An experimental cage-like structure was created for the show, but was ultimately scrapped in production. However, the structure did appear in the 'making of' documentary Fire Within.
Static trapeze routines are choreographed from a number of standard tricks, movements, and positions, including:
Calisthenics or callisthenics (/ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪk/) is a form of strength training that utilizes an individual's body weight as resistance to perform multi-joint, compound movements with little or no equipment.
Contortion is a performance art in which performers called contortionists showcase their skills of extreme physical flexibility. Contortion acts often accompany acrobatics, circus acts, street performers and other live performing arts. Contortion acts are typically performed in front of a live audience. An act will showcase one or more artists performing a choreographed set of moves or poses, often to music, which require extreme flexibility. The physical flexibility required to perform such acts greatly exceeds that of the general population. It is the dramatic feats of seemingly inhuman flexibility that captivate audiences.
A trapeze is a short horizontal bar hung by ropes, metal straps, or chains, from a ceiling support. It is an aerial apparatus 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.
Because ballet became formalized in France, a significant part of ballet terminology is in the French language.
Professional wrestling throws are the application of professional wrestling techniques that involve lifting the opponent up and throwing or slamming them down. They are sometimes also called "power" maneuvers, as they are meant to emphasize a wrestler's strength. Many of these moves are used as finishers by various wrestlers, who refer to them by several different names that reflect their gimmick. Moves are listed under general categories whenever possible.
Bondage in BDSM is the activity of tying or restraining people using equipment such as chains, cuffs, or collars for mutual erotic pleasure. According to the Kinsey Institute, 12% of females and 22% of males respond erotically to BDSM.
The push-up is a common calisthenics exercise beginning from the prone position. By raising and lowering the body using the arms, push-ups exercise the pectoral muscles, triceps, and anterior deltoids, with ancillary benefits to the rest of the deltoids, serratus anterior, coracobrachialis and the midsection as a whole. Push-ups are a basic exercise used in civilian athletic training or physical education and commonly in military physical training. They are also a common form of punishment used in the military, school sport, and some martial arts disciplines. Variations of push-ups, such as wide-arm push-ups, diamond push-ups target specific muscle groups and provide further challenges.
Strikes can be offensive moves in professional wrestling, that can sometimes be used to set up an opponent for a hold or for a throw. There are a wide variety of strikes in pro wrestling, and many are known by several different names. Professional wrestlers frequently give their finishers new names. Occasionally, these names become popular and are used regardless of the wrestler performing the technique.
Trampolining terms are used to describe various positions and types of skill performed in the sport of trampolining.
In professional wrestling, a pin is a move where a wrestler holds an opponent's shoulders to the mat in an attempt to score a fall. A pinfall is a common victory condition, where the attacker pins an opponent and the referee makes a three count before the opponent gets released from the pin.
In weight training, a kettlebell is a cast-iron or cast-steel ball with a handle attached to the top. It is used to perform many types of exercises, including ballistic exercises that combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. Kettlebells are the primary equipment used in the weight-lifting sport of kettlebell lifting.
The flying trapeze is a specific form of the trapeze in which a performer jumps from a platform with the trapeze so that gravity makes the trapeze swing.
A freeze is a b-boying technique that involves halting all body motion, often in an interesting or balance-intensive position. It is implied that the position is hit and held from motion as if freezing in motion, or into ice. Freezes often incorporate various twists and distortions of the body into stylish and often difficult positions.
This is a general glossary of the terms used in the sport of gymnastics.
The leg raise is a strength training exercise which targets the iliopsoas. Because the abdominal muscles are used isometrically to stabilize the body during the motion, leg raises are also often used to strengthen the rectus abdominis muscle and the internal and external oblique muscles.
An acrobatic flip is a sequence of body movements in which a person leaps into the air and then rotates one or more times while airborne. Acrobatic flips are performed in acro dance, free running, gymnastics, cheerleading, high jumping, tricking, goal celebrations and various other activities. This is in contrast to freestyle BMX flips, in which a person revolves in the air about a bicycle.
A roll is the most basic and fundamental skill in gymnastics class. There are many variations in the skill. Rolls are similar to flips in the fact that they are a complete rotation of the body, but the rotation of the roll is usually made on the ground while a flip is made in the air with the hips passing over the head and without any hands touching the ground. Rolls also help recover from a fall safely.
Corde lisse is an aerial circus skill or act that involves acrobatics on a vertically hanging rope. The name is French for "smooth rope". In English-speaking parts of the world, it is also referred to as "aerial rope".