Static trapeze
Encyclopedia
Trapeze
A trapeze is a short horizontal bar hung by ropes or metal straps from a support. It is an aerial apparatus commonly found in circus performances...
. In contrast to the other forms of trapeze
Trapeze
A trapeze is a short horizontal bar hung by ropes or metal straps from a support. It is an aerial apparatus commonly found in circus performances...
, on static trapeze the bars and ropes mainly stay in place.
Most often, the static trapeze is about 1.5 feet wide. The ropes are at least two human lengths, as many figures are performed on the ropes above the bar. The ropes can be made of many materials, including cotton or hemp, and often have a wire woven inside.
It can be performed by a single artist or a two partners working together. A single artist will do tricks above and below the bar, the ropes playing just as important a part as the bar. A partner act will involve the partners working together — supporting each other's weight, throwing, lifting and catching each other.
Self-standing trapezes can be purchased for home use.
Repertoire
Static trapeze routines are choreographed from a number of standard tricks, movements, and positions, including:- half beats
- full beats
- knee beats
- catcher's lock
- pullover
- bird's nest
- mermaid
- angel
- gazelle
- coffin
- candlestick
- rockette
- knee hang
- ankle hang
- toe hang
- butt hang
- around the world
- one-arm hang
- flag
- russian rolls
- split under the bar