"Equilibristics" is a blanket term that is used to describe a variety of circus arts that involve balancing or maintaining equilibrium. Training in these arts can get quite extensive, because they include wide-ranging skills such as juggling and holding people up in the air with the feet while lying in a prone position. Many circuses feature demonstrations of equilibristics, both inside the main performance area and outside, where is serves as a promotional tool. Examples of arts in this discipline can be seen in a variety of other settings as well, such as nightclubs and parades.
Types of Acts
Some well-known examples of equilibristics include juggling, unicycle riding, stilt walking, tightrope walking and some acrobatics. This discipline covers a range of techniques, both with and without props, and performances can involve solo artists or teams of trained performers. Many feats of equilibristics are widely considered amazing to watch; for example, some people are able to manipulate very large items with their raised feet and legs from a supine position, performing tricks such as spinning canoes during the performance.
Training
Depending on the type of equilibristics someone wants to learn, there are many ways to receive training in this discipline. Some people go to circus school, learning about a variety of circus techniques in addition to these types of skills. Circus schools typically place an emphasis on cooperation between members, with people learning the finer points of the industry while they engage in physical training that can sometimes be quite grueling.
Practice is Vital
People who want to learn things such as simple juggling and unicycle riding can often take weekend workshops in which they learn the basics, and some people also teach themselves from books and instructional videos. The important thing in equilibristics training is practice. Talented people must practice almost every day to keep themselves limber and to refine their sense of balance. Some people find that it helps to practice with an instructor or someone who is skilled in order to pick up pointers and develop useful skills.
Visual Appeal
Equilibristics involves retaining balance in challenging situations, so it often looks quite stunning to observers. Many circuses use equilibristics performances in promotional parades and outside their facilities to draw people in, because the appearance of many of these acts is appealing and catches the eye of many people. Such performers are also sometimes involved in promotions for night clubs and various events, keeping guests entertained and interested during the events.