The aerial ring or
aerial hoop is a type of circular steel apparatus that is suspended from the
ceiling, on which the circus artists may perform different types of aerial
acrobatics. The aerial ring sometimes has hand loop and also a bar across the
top. They can be used static or swinging. Tabs are basically the connection
points where the aerial hoop attaches well to the ringing. Most of the aerial
hoop connects at either one point as well as two points. These hoops has great
use in the circus industry and they are been used since a long time.
It is a great act to see
or stare at continuously when the spotlight shines brightly on a woman seen
twisting and twirling on a silk threaded to the high ceiling. When the woman
finally flips to the floor, the crowd watching the show roars into standing
ovation. But the techniques that the performer uses on the aerial flows to
literally dance in the air are too much modernistic and the concept as well as
the practice behind such air performances are not. It was in the early 2000 BC
that the famous Minoan culture finally featured depictions of several acrobats
in art as well as on the murals. This notable achievement did not take place in
any circus tent with a high ceiling on the back of the running bulls. Similar
type of depictions can be found in Egyptian and Greek art.
The earlier acrobatic troupes
are documented as being established in China at around 500 BC. all these
troupes were often compiled of daily people and peasants who basically
incorporate tables, ladders, jars, as well as bowls into their acts. These
troupes performed as they travel through the towns on the street corners as
well as in the town corners and not in any official building.
it was in the late 1700s
when the first modern three ring circus finally evolved under Philip Astley, a
famous circus owner who discovered the ring into the tent to restrict the area
in which the equestrian and also their horse could perform several tricks. Aerial ring is today also used by the performers for performing different types of
art. These types of rings are not seen frequently nowadays but their usage is
still there. Today also these equipments are used by the performers and they
enjoy using them and perform several types of acts.