How to Be Circus Aerialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Circus aerialists are talented performers who perform feats of strength and skill in the air. Their performances require a great deal of physical fitness, as well as grace and agility. As a result of the hard work and dedication required to become an aerialist, circus aerialists gain a myriad of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

Physically, aerialists develop strength and coordination as they practice their routines, helping them to stay in shape and maintain healthy joints and muscles. Mentally, the focus and discipline needed to perfect the art of aerial performance helps to build confidence, focus, and concentration. Emotionally, aerialists learn to trust themselves and their bodies as they hone their skills, often resulting in increased self-esteem.

the camaraderie and support found within the circus community can help to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Steps How to Become

1. Make sure you are in good physical condition. Participating in a circus as an aerialist requires great physical strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Consider starting a regular exercise routine to improve your physical fitness.
2. Take classes. Look for local classes or workshops related to aerial performance. These classes can help you build strength, flexibility, and coordination as well as teach you the basics of aerial performance.
3. Find an aerial instructor. Once you have a basic understanding of aerial performance, find an experienced aerial instructor to help you learn and perfect the skills needed for an aerialist.
4. Practice regularly. Make sure to practice regularly in order to perfect your skills and build strength and endurance for performing in the circus.
5. Try out for a circus. When you have mastered the skills necessary for an aerialist, apply for a job with a circus or similar performing group. You may need to audition in order to get the job.

Being a successful circus aerialist requires dedication and staying up-to-date with the latest skills and techniques. To stay competent, one must continuously work to hone their abilities through practice and studying. By regularly setting aside time for practice, an aerialist can refine their technique and learn new skills.

attending workshops and classes can help aerialists stay current with the ever-evolving industry. With this knowledge, they can keep up with the trends and be in the best position to show off their skills and impress their audience. Practicing and taking classes helps an aerialist stay competent, which in turn allows them to perform at their best and stand out amongst the competition.

You may want to check Circus Barker, Circus Merchandise Clerk, and Circus Cook for alternative.

Job Description

1. Rigging Technician: Constructs, inspects, maintains and dismantles aerial rigging equipment for aerial performances.
2. Acrobat: Performs stunts, tumbles and poses on the trapeze, aerial silks and other apparatuses.
3. Rigger: Ensures the safety of aerial performers by setting up and adjusting rigging systems.
4. Choreographer: Creates and rehearses aerial routines for performances.
5. Aerial Instructor: Teaches classes in aerial arts and techniques.
6. Safety Supervisor: Monitors and supervises the safety of aerial performers during rehearsals and performances.
7. Spotter: Assists aerialists by spotting them during performances.
8. Equipment Technician: Maintains and repairs aerial apparatus.
9. Costume Designer: Designs and creates costumes for aerial artists.
10. Performer: Executes aerial stunts and acts in performances.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Strength and flexibility
2. Balance, coordination and agility
3. Courage and risk-taking
4. Concentration and focus
5. Timing and rhythm
6. Body awareness
7. Ability to follow direction
8. Problem solving skills
9. Creative expression
10. Ability to learn new skills quickly

Being an aerialist in a circus takes a tremendous amount of strength, flexibility, and skill. Being able to hold your body in the air for extended periods of time is essential for this job, as is being able to contort into different shapes and positions. Circus aerialists must have strong upper body and core strength to support their own weight, as well as the ability to perform flips, spins, and other stunts while suspended in the air.

They must also have an understanding of physics in order to understand how their movements will affect their flight patterns and the laws of gravity. In addition, aerialists must be able to rely on their spotters to provide them with a safe environment, as well as being able to trust their own instincts when performing any stunt. With all of these skills, circus aerialists are able to bring entertainment and awe to audiences around the world.

Circus Stage Manager, Circus Artist Manager, and Circus Fire Breather are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What is your experience as an aerialist?
• How would you rate your physical fitness?
• What safety measures do you take when performing?
• How do you prevent and control falls during performances?
• What is the most difficult aerial act you have ever attempted?
• Do you have any special tricks or stunts that are unique to your aerial performance?
• Are you comfortable performing in front of large crowds?
• How do you stay motivated during long or difficult practices?
• Are you able to work as part of a team or do you prefer to work alone?
• What kind of feedback and support do you require from the Circus team to help ensure a successful performance?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Aerial Hoop/Lyra. A metal hoop suspended from the ceiling and used as an apparatus for aerial acrobatics (eg: spinning, hanging, and other movements).
2. Trapeze. A static or moving bar suspended from the ceiling and used for performing aerial acrobatics (eg: swinging, spinning, and other movements).
3. Aerial Silks. Long lengths of fabric suspended from the ceiling used for aerial acrobatics (eg: climbing, wrapping, and other movements).
4. Aerial Corde Lisse. A single length of rope suspended from the ceiling and used for aerial acrobatics (eg: spinning, wrapping, and other movements).
5. Static Trapeze. A trapeze with no support system, such as a static bar or rope, used for performing stationary poses in the air (eg: handstands, planches, and other positions).
6. Rope Climbing. A technique used to ascend a rope suspended from the ceiling and used for performing aerial acrobatics (eg: spinning, hanging, and other movements).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. The USA Circus Artists Union (UCAA)
2. European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (FEDEC)
3. The Professional Circus Performers Association (PCPA)
4. The International Circus Association (ICA)
5. The United Circus Artists of America (UCAA)
6. The Association of Aerial Arts Professionals (AAAP)
7. The International Circus Educators Association (ICEA)
8. The National Association of Professional Circus Artists (NAPCA)
9. The North American Circus Professionals Association (NACPA)
10. The International Jugglers' Association (IJA)

We also have Circus Ticket Seller, Circus Concession Worker, and Circus Costume Designer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Trapeze. A type of aerial apparatus used in circus performances, consisting of a suspended bar with two ropes or straps attached to it.
2. Lyra. An aerial apparatus shaped like a hoop, used in circus performances.
3. Static Trapeze. A type of trapeze that is suspended from a single point without a swing, allowing the aerialist to perform static poses and transitions.
4. Silks. Long, thin fabric hangings that are used in aerial acts.
5. Aerial Hoop. A type of aerial apparatus made from a metal hoop that is suspended from the ceiling.
6. Straps. Fabric straps used in aerial acts, usually made from a webbing material such as nylon or cotton.
7. Harness. A device worn by aerialists to safely secure them to the apparatus while performing aerial feats.
8. Static Rope. A type of rope that is suspended from a single point without a swing, allowing the aerialist to perform static poses and transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of physical skills are required to become an aerialist?

Aerialists need to have a high level of strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.

How high do aerialists typically perform?

Aerialists typically perform high above the ground, ranging from 10-50 feet.

What is the most common apparatus used by aerialists?

The most common apparatus used by aerialists is the aerial hoop or lyra.

How much practice is required for an aerialist to master a new routine?

An experienced aerialist typically requires between 8-12 hours of practice to master a new routine.

What safety equipment do aerialists use?

Aerialists typically use a safety line, crash mats, and a belay system for added protection during performances.

What are jobs related with Circus Aerialist?

• Circus Trapeze Artist
• Circus Tent Maintenance Worker
• Circus Safety Supervisor
• Circus Videographer
• Circus Groundskeeper
• Circus Juggler
• Circus Creative Director
• Circus Sound Technician
• Circus Social Media Coordinator
• Circus Tent Manager

Web Resources

• The Three-Ringed Life: An Aerialist Reflects on Soaring with the … festival.si.edu
• Soaring with the Circus: Depression-era Aerial Acts – … dirtpoor.as.ua.edu
• The Three-Ringed Life: An Aerialist Reflects on Soaring with the … www.si.edu