The aerial hoop (also known as the lyra, aerial ring or cerceau/cerceaux) is a circular steel apparatus (resembling a hula hoop) suspended from the ceiling, on which circus artists may perform aerial acrobatics. It can be used static, spinning, or swinging. It can be single point or double point. Tricks that can be performed include the Candlestick, Bird's Nest and Crescent Moon.[1]

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (April 2026) |
Mechanism
editLyras hang from their rigging via a spanset. Most aerial hoops connect at either one point (single tab configuration) or two points (double tab configuration), with some tabless variations tied directly onto the hoop rather than on a tab. The number of tabs an aerial hoop has will depend on how it will be used, the intended effect, and the performer's comfort level. All rigging hardware that connects to an aerial hoop must be safety tested and certified to ensure the performer is safe.[2]
Footnotes
edit- ↑ "Circus Dictionary". National Institute of Circus Arts. Archived from the original on 13 October 2009. Retrieved October 1, 2009.
- ↑ "aerial silks and aerial hoop rigging testing and safety committee". Orbsoul. National institute of aerial safety. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
References
edit- Introduction to Rigging: Aerialist Essentials by Simply Circus
- Basic Circus Arts Instruction Manual: Chapter 8 - "Manual for Safety and Rigging." [PDF, 3.3 MB] European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (FEDEC), 2008.
- FM 5-125: Rigging Techniques, Procedures, and Applications. US Army, 1995.
- Jayne C. Bernasconi and Nancy E. Smith. Aerial Dance. United States: Human Kinetics, 2008. (ISBN 0-7360-7396-5) View at Google Books
- Hovey Burgess, Judy Finelli. Circus Techniques. Brian Dube, 1989. (ISBN 0-917643-00-3)
- Carrie Heller. Aerial Circus Training and Safety Manual. National Writers Press, 2004. (ISBN 0-88100-136-8)
- Shana Kennedy. Aerial Skills Illustrated 2007. Project 630570 at Lulu.com, 2007.
- Rebekah Leach and Julianna Hane. The Aerial Hoop Manual Volume 1. AerialDancing.com
- Sharon McCutcheon, Geoff Perrem. Circus in Schools Handbook. Tarook Publishing, 2004. (ISBN 0-9756874-0-9)
- Steven Santos. Simply Circus: "Rigging I". [PowerPoint presentation, 572 KB]
- Elena Zanzu, M.A. Il Trapezio Oscillante: Storie di Circo nell'Aria. (The Swinging Trapeze: Histories of the Circus in the Air.) Bologna University, Italy, 2004–2005. Language: Italian.
External links
edit- Aerial Arts FAQ (From Simply Circus)