Words of the week : Aerial Cradle vs Russian Cradle
Learn more about Circus and the various acts and disciplines! This week, let’s focus on aerial acrobatics and in particular craddles.
we have to be careful not to mix up aerial cradle and russian cradle. In the first one, the carrier is most of the time upside down while with the russian cradle, the carrier stand up.
These two disciplines, with the trapeze, are part of a certain aesthetics of the risk since the flyer, thrown usually really high, is in no circonstances belays. The obligation of having an net (or latter a mattress) was brought out only in the 50s.
Aerial Caradle
The aerial cradle is an aerial apparatus made by a rectangular metal framework, often affixed under the cupola of a circus tent, in which the carrier kneels to assist the flyer in performing various aerial acrobatics. Knees bent, head upside down, the carrier throws the flyer up in the air.
Russian Cradle
The russian cradle is made of one or two gantries equipped with platforms fastened to the ground at variable heights facing forward, upon which stands a carrier, or one on each end as required. The carrier is attached to the platform at the waist, feet on small platforms, allowing the carrier to be in a confortable standing position and to have a great amplitude for his moves. This position allows the carriers to propel one or more flyers, who then execute various aerial acrobatics.
Sources: National Circus School
Centre national des arts du cirque
