Air canvases - one of the newest types of circus art

Air canvases - this is one of the types of circus art, which later became used in a simplified form in fitness. They are two strips of fabric that are attached to one point at a height of not less than 6 m. The air cloths allow the artist to climb over them, perform twists, vises and other tricks, including spectacular and dangerous cliffs. More information about this art form, which causes delight and horror in the audience, we will discuss further. And also share the secrets, how you can join it with minimal risks.

History of appearance

This is one of the youngest trends in circus art. Its origins can be found in gymnastics, which was performed in a suspended state on belts. It first appeared in the XVII century in China.

But aerial acrobatics could appear only in the XX century, when synthetic fabrics were invented - a material that looks easy, beautifully streams, can be made of any color and, most importantly, stands the weight of a person without the risk of ruptures.

The exact origin of the modern version of this art is difficult to track. According to some statements, it appeared in 1959. Before the students of one of the French circus schools was set a difficult task - to perform a non-standard and complex number. One of the graduates presented acrobatics at altitude, using air canvases.

However, at that time this idea did not take root.

The development and flourishing of art

In 1987, before Andre Simard, a professional athlete and circus, faced a task similar to the problem of a French circus student. He just started his cooperation with Cirque du Soleil, and the leadership put forward demands to him - to invent something new that will amaze the viewer. It is not known whether Andre knew about the 1959 performance, but he knew about the technique of work of Chinese gymnasts (according to the colleagues who worked with him at the time). In any case, you can say for sure that it was he who first used air canvases as it is today accepted in circus art. Andre Simard said that such acrobatics reminds him of his flights in a dream, but already in reality. Approximately in 1995, certain standards were formed (by that time Cirque du Soleil had already demonstrated a new spectacle around the world). And in 1996, Gerard Fazoli, the famous French acrobat, convinced his colleagues that aerial gymnastics on canvases should be included in the curriculum of all French circus schools.

Speech order

Of course, it is difficult to describe the circus number with words. Aerial acrobatics means that the artist climbs on long canvases, which are fixed on the circus dome at a height of 6-15 m. After that, between him and the fall is only his strength, endurance and agility. No insurance is possible - the artist can get confused and suffocate in it.

After the necessary height is typed, the circus begins to perform various elements - torsions, coups, rocking, small flights, different types of twine. Most often at the end of the issue, the artist several times wraps the case with a sheet and then releases it, performing a dizzying fall from the height. At the last moment, he stops him, again clutching at the cloth. This is the most dangerous and entertaining element of the program.

Equipment

The fabric from which the air curtains are made is chiffon, polyester and other strong nylon materials. It must necessarily be inelastic, so that the circus can accurately control its movement. The width of the canvas most often depends on the size of the artist. For women and men, the average complexion is 1.5-2 m, for large men - 2.5-2.8 m. The rules for choosing widths are as follows: the fabric should be wide enough to wrap the body of the artist, but at the same time fit into the palm of your hand Assembled condition.

Risks

Speaking at height and without insurance is always a danger. Artists face the risk of falling, which can lead to bruises, bruises, fractures, internal injuries, including bleeding, paralysis or death.

The trainings themselves can also have unpleasant consequences: skin damage from constant friction against the fabric, dislocation, stretching and muscle damage due to excessive load, dizziness and nausea from torsion and height.

One of the most beautiful and dangerous types of circus art - it's no exaggeration to say about air canvases.

Training should be conducted only with strict adherence to safety regulations and strict adherence to the instructor's instructions.

Moreover, the halls where training is conducted must be regularly inspected by accredited institutions that check the maximum loads that cloth and fasteners can withstand.

Simplified version

What to do if you really want to fly in reality, but do not want to expose yourself to excessive risks? Air gymnastics on canvases in a simplified version is now available not only to Olympic athletes and professional circus artists. Many fitness studios teach this interesting direction of acrobatics or include its elements in a standard yoga program or other areas of training. Occupations on airborne canvases are carried out at a low altitude, which minimizes the risks of damage (but does not exclude them, bruises and sprains can be obtained by falling from 1 meter).

To start training, it is not necessary to be in perfect physical form - the initial levels are calculated just for beginners in fitness in general, including obese people. But additional exercises to strengthen the muscles of the hands and the press will only help you to achieve better results faster.

Do not forget that this is an intense sport, so the first 4-6 weeks after the session, you will ache all the muscles, and the palms will cover with calluses. But if you are looking for a boring and effective form of training, then you should try aerial gymnastics.