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Acrobatics

arts Maturity 7-9 Next article →

Acrobatics is a way to show great skill.

Chinese acrobat in midair being watched by other acrobats
Chinese acrobat in midair being watched by other acrobats

People use balance and agility to do amazing feats. They may flip, roll, or move with great control. These skills are used in many ways. You can see them in circuses, dance, and sports.

Native acrobats in India (c. 1863)
Native acrobats in India (c. 1863)

These traditions are very old. Ancient Greeks practiced these skills. In China, acrobatics were part of village harvest festivals. This has been true since the Tang dynasty.

Hydria acrobat BM VaseF232
Hydria acrobat BM VaseF232

Some people even paint these acts. Famous artists have painted acrobats in the circus.

There are many types of acrobatics. Some artists work high in the air. They might use a trapeze, which is a bar hung by ropes. Others use aerial silks. This is a long piece of fabric hanging from the ceiling. Some artists use a hoop made of steel.

Other people work on the ground. Tumbling involves rolls and somersaults. Some performers are contortionists. They show extreme flexibility with their bodies. Others do acrobalance. This is when pairs or groups make shapes together.

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🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:AerialShowgirlsTissu1.jpg
AerialShowgirlsTissu1.jpg
File:Hydria acrobat BM VaseF232.jpg
Hydria acrobat BM VaseF232.jpg
File:Gnathian pelike with female acrobat (Berlin Ant F 3444) 02 - crop.jpg
Gnathian pelike with female acrobat...
File:Native acrobats in India (c. 1863).jpg
Native acrobats in India (c. 1863).jpg
File:Chinese acrobat in midair being watched by other acrobats.jpg
Chinese acrobat in midair being watched...
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