Trapeze

Categories: Circus skills | Sailing vessels and rigging

For the rock band, see Trapeze (band).

A trapeze is a horizontal cross-bar used by acrobats (more specifically, "aerialists"). It is often popularly associated with circuses.

The trapeze is a short bar that is hung by two cords from a support higher up; when these cords and the support are included, the trapeze is shaped like a trapezoid.

Static trapeze refers to a trapeze act in which the performer moves around the bar and ropes while the bar itself stays mostly in place. Swinging trapeze refers to an act done while the trapeze swings. The performer builds up swing from a still position, and uses the momentum of the swing to make the moves easier and more exciting.

In flying trapeze, a performer grabs the trapeze bar and jumps off a high platform, so gravity creates the swing. The performer often releases the bar and is caught by another performer, the "catcher," who is on another trapeze. Flying trapeze is usually done over a net.

The flying trapeze and its association with circuses was made even more popular by the 1867 George Leybourne song "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze", which was based on the success of trapeze artist Jules Léotard.

Other types of trapeze

In dinghy sailing, a trapeze is a system used to allow the crew to hang their weight outside the boat for more effective hiking.

In recreational diving and technical diving, a decompression trapeze is a tool used to make decompression stops more secure and comfortable..de:Trapez (Sport)