Word of the week : Trampoline Wall
Every two Mondays, learn more about Circus arts! This week, find out more about one of the latest circus discipline in vogue: the Trampoline-wall.
Originating from Canada, this trampoline hybrid circus discipline has been on the rise for the past few years.
The trampoline-wall was born in Montréal in the 80s, but the discipline has only been shown to the public in the 90s in Cirque du Soleil shows such as Dralion and La Nouba, which unveiled this new way of bouncing on a trampoline. LOVE and Zarkana followed, and other Québec-based companies like Cirque Éloize with iD and Les 7 Doigts de la Main with Amuse soon joined in the fun. Flip FabriQue has made it its trademark, as a trampoline-wall act can be enjoyed in each and every one of their show (Attrape-moi, Transit, Crépuscule, Raviver les braises).
“Trampo-wallists” jump off a five to ten-metre wall to bounce on a giant trampoline. The idea is to combine aerial tricks by using the speed created by the jump. This allows acrobats to walk on vertical walls, enter through a window or land on a roof.
A high technical level and great artistic adaptability help the acrobat give impressive and exceptional performances. Being inspired is also essential as acrobats are continually seeking new ways to break new “air” as they take to the air, one of the main difficulties of the trampoline-wall.
Although the required equipment to perform this discipline is rather simple: a wall and two, three or even four trampolines, facilities are still rare and professional training is only offered at the École de Cirque de Québec and Montréal’s National Circus School.
Enjoy this video of Cirque du Soleil’s C:Lab showing members of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association as they experience the trampoline-wall:
