Aerial paintings - 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 at least 6 m. Aerial canvases allow the artist to climb them, perform twisting, hanging and other tricks, including spectacular and dangerous cliffs. More about this type of art, which causes delight and horror among the audience, we will tell further. And also share the secrets of how you can join him with minimal risk.
Appearance story
This is one of the youngest circus arts. Its origins can be found in gymnastics, which was performed in a suspended state. It first appeared in the 17th century in China.
But aerial acrobatics could only appear in the 20th century, when synthetic fabrics were invented - a material that looks easy, flows beautifully, can be made in any color and, most importantly, can withstand a person’s weight without risk of tearing.
The exact origin of the contemporary version of this art is difficult to trace. According to some claims, it appeared in 1959. The students of one of the French circus schools were given a difficult task - to fulfill a non-standard and complex number. One of the graduates presented acrobatics at height, using aerial canvases.
However, at that time this idea did not take root.
The development and flowering of art
In 1987, Andre Simard, a professional athlete and circus performer, faced a task similar to that of a French student circus performer. He had just begun his collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, and the leadership put forward demands for him - to invent something new that would amaze the viewer. It is not known whether Andre knew about the performance in 1959, but he knew about the technique of the Chinese gymnasts (according to colleagues who worked with him at that time). In any case, we can say for sure that it was he who first used the air canvases as is customary in circus art today. Andre Simard said that such acrobatics reminds him of his flying in a dream, but already in reality. Around 1995, certain standards were formed (by then Cirque du Soleil was already showing a new spectacle around the world). And in 1996, Gerard Fazoli, the famous French acrobat, convinced his colleagues that canvassing should be included in the curriculum of all French circus schools.
Order of performance
Of course, it is difficult to describe the circus number in words. Aerial acrobatics implies that the artist climbs up long canvases, which are fixed on the circus dome at a height of 6-15 m. After that, only his strength, endurance and dexterity stand between him and the fall. No insurance is possible - the artist can get confused and suffocate in it.
After the desired height is gained, the circus performer begins to perform various elements - torsion, coups, rocking, small flights, different types of twine. Most often, at the end of the number, the artist wraps the canvas several times with a canvas and then releases it, performing a dizzying drop from a height. At the last moment, he stops him, clutching the fabric again. This is the most dangerous and spectacular element of the program.
Equipment
The fabric of which the air canvases are made is chiffon, polyester and other strong nylon materials. It must be inelastic so that the circus performer can precisely control her movement. The width of the canvas most often depends on the size of the artist. For women and men of average build it’s 1.5-2 m, for large men - 2.5-2.8 m. The rules for selecting the width are as follows: the fabric should be wide enough to wrap the artist’s body, but at the same time fit in the palm of your hand assembled condition.
The risks
Performances at heights and without insurance are always a danger. Artists are at risk of falling, which can cause bruising, bruises, fractures, damage to internal organs, including bleeding, paralysis or death.
Workouts themselves can also have unpleasant consequences: damage to the skin from constant friction against the tissue, dislocations, sprains 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 is no exaggeration to say about aerial paintings.
Training should only be carried out with strict adherence to safety regulations and strict adherence to the instructions of the instructor.
Moreover, training halls should be regularly inspected by accredited institutions that check the maximum loads that the fabric and fastenings can withstand.
Simplified version
What if you really want to fly in reality, but do not want to expose yourself to excessive risks? Simplified aerial gymnastics on canvases is now available not only to Olympic athletes and professional circus performers. Many fitness studios teach this interesting area of acrobatics or include its elements in the standard program of yoga or other areas of training. Classes on air canvases are held at a low altitude, which minimizes the risks of damage (but does not exclude them, bruising and stretching can be obtained by falling from 1 meter).
To begin training, it is not necessary to be in perfect physical shape - the initial levels are designed just for beginners in fitness in general, including overweight people. But additional exercises to strengthen the muscles of the hands and the press will only help you achieve better results faster.
Do not forget that this is an intense sport, therefore, for the first 4-6 weeks after classes, all your muscles will ache and your palms will be covered with calluses. But if you are looking for a fun and effective type of training, then you should try aerial gymnastics.