acrobat

Acrobatics constitute the basis of every circus skill. A clown falling through a chair, a rider jumping onto his horse, a juggler making a backflip while catching his clubs, they all carry out acrobatic exercises. Acrobatics constitute the first training for every prospective circus performer. At a very early age children from circus families are trained to become acrobats, whereas other young people fall in love with acrobatics during their training hours in a gymnastics club. Many talented Belgian acrobats ended up in a circus after having been scouted by some circus manager in a local gym.

An acrobatic act consists of a succession of various positions and movements, such as somersaults, backflips, cartwheels, handstands and bridges. When these basic exercises are combined with apparatus such as a seesaw or a trapeze they result in sensational stunts. To achieve that goal the acrobat practises the same movements time and again, thus showing infinite patience and stamina. Achieving perfection is his perpetual challenge. Strength, limberness and a strong sense of balance are the major characteristics for an acrobat. Moreover guts are essential!