Buying an aerial hoop?

There can be a lot of questions when buying an aerial hoop, ‘what size should I get’, ‘aluminium or steel, which ones best’ and ‘can I hang it from a tree in my garden?’ In most cases, I find myself replying with the same question: what do you want to use it for? Selecting the best hoop often comes down to how you intend to use it.

Aerial hoop performances can range as widely as the materials used to manufacture them. This in mind, one shoe does not fit all. As an instructor in a busy studio my equipment needs differ completely to when I am performing with a doubles partner.

So, how do you want to use your apparatus?


Remember aerial hoop routines can be:
Solo Performances involving one acrobat
Double which enables two performers to simultaneously perform on the same apparatus
Synchronised routines are performed in synch on separate pieces of equipment.

Once you have answered this, you can start to think about the size and structure of your hoop.

Size:
Aerial hoops are available in a variety of sizes, starting at 90cm in diameter they increase incrementally at 5 cm to a maximum of 110cm. The most popular size commonly used in training studios measure mid-way through the range at 95cm.However, a reputable school will have a variety of sizes available to accommodate the different heights and sizes of their students.

 Performers can select the most appropriate size by sitting on the floor with their back flush against a wall. The distance from the floor to the top of the head + 10cm represents the a reliable indicator as to which size to select. Always check with your supplier whether their measurements correspond to internal or external diameters as this can affect which one you order.

Typically, hoops that show case double routines do not need to be wider or larger- however they do need to be fabricated out of a material that is strong enough to sustain the weight of two people.

Material:

Aerial hoops are produced in a variety of materials:

 

The advantage of aluminium sourced aerial hoops are that they are lighter. This is something to consider not only when calculating your working load but also when deciding upon your intended use. Aluminium hoops are perfect for solo performances, however, most have a maximum working load limit of 92-95kg which renders them unsuitable for doubles work.  Most teaching studios prefer to use aluminium hoops for teaching as they reduce the damage caused to an individual who may accidently crash into them whilst learning.

Steel hoops can  be produced from either hollow or solid steel tubing. If a thick enough hollow tube is used then a doubles routine is easily achieved if the working load limit is less than the combined weight of both performers. Solid steel hoops are often preferred for multi performer use, however, the additional weight will require extra consideration when selecting a suitable rigging point.

 

Typically, aerial hoops made from steel will strain before they break or snap. By comparison aluminium frames can break without any prior warning.

Coatings:

Manufactured hoops are often covered with an epoxy resin powder coating that has been baked on. An additional coat of lacquer is often applied as a top coat.

Coatings are very important in protecting the integrity of the raw material used to produce the hoop. In particular these coatings aid in reinforcing the external structure in addition to protecting it from climatic conditions and water ingress which can cause the base material to rust, which in turn effects both the integrity and robustness of the apparatus.

When purchasing a hoop always request certification of compliance: these should highlight the:

• Weight
• Working Load Limit
• Breaking Load limit

This information is useful when securing insurance, consulting with structural engineers and developing particular acts.

A practice log should be kept as a record of how many hours has been spent on the equipment, this should be inclusive of both rehearsal and performance time. As a guideline it is recommended that tensile or pressure testing is carried out every 300 hours on aluminium hoops to ensure that they have not been compromised by use.

How many tabs?

Tabs are attached to each aerial hoop during manufacturing. Most options can include a uni or singular tab, however duo-tabs or multi-point tabs are also available.

Multi-point tabbed hoop usually feature attachment fittings which enable the performer to flit between using a uni-point, popular for spinning routines and duo points which are stabilised for swinging routine or moves which are performed on the top of the apparatus.

Uni-point hoops can be rigged with a swivel, a device installed with two steel bearings which enables the hoop to spin freely, without becoming tangled. As with all aerial arts equipment these are usually supplied with a certificate of compliance. Always ensure that the equipment weight is included in your rigging calculations, and that you select a product that will take the correct weight for the acrobats performing in

Good quality aerial equipment is expensive, reflecting the time, knowledge, materials and testing required to make it safe for use. Always use a reputable stockist, but be aware of their policies which may be specific to the purchasing of aerial equipment.

If you are approaching a local fabricator to commission manufacturing of your own hoop, ensure that:

1.  the welders are suitably qualified,
2. the material used is a suitable grade of metal
3. all joints are adequately prepped
4. the end result is tensile tested
5. you get your finished product coated in a material that will not peel or become compromised with the use of tape.

a well produced aerial hoop will not only last a long time but will help to keep you safe when training and performing.

Roll Up...It's time to get your CIRQUE on!

With the current economic climate and increase in unemployment affecting everyone in the UK it comes with no surprise that many of those eager to crack into industry sectors become more prepared to up and move sticks to land the ideal job.

But to what cost does this have to our British born industries. When economists and government officials discuss the ‘foreign drain’ on our home grown talent, how many of them are thinking about the unique and crafted performers that Britain so tentatively nurtures every year.

The umbrella of performing arts is often conceptualised as an all-encompassing cabaret of music, dance and physical theatre-however far too often we forget to remember that Britain is home to one of the largest circus communities in Europe. From the grace of flying trapeze, through to the sensual skill of contortion, there is nothing as seductive as the circus.

 

Within the UK Circomedia in Bristol and Circus Space in London attract thousands of students every year, keen and eager to specialise and develop this timeless craft. Under represented within British media the call for graduate work is competitive or non-existent. With the demand for performers coming from abroad Britain loses its highly trained circus performers to troupes abroad.

In an interview with the Observer, Daisy Drury, director of development at Circus Space comments that ‘the text based theatre tradition’ within the UK often limits graduates who are find it easier to find employment abroad, particularly in Europe where a tradition of visual and circus entertainment Is much stronger.

Whilst many British performers have become advocates for the UK within internationally renowned powerhouse Cirque du Soleil the Arts sector is becoming dedicated to keeping British talent on home turf. Occupying a strong presence within the Olympic Games 2012, BBC test cards and nationally through music festivals, circus is finally getting people to stop and notice it.

Roll out Circus Maximus; the UK’s first ever circus competition.

Co-ordinated by Underbelly ProductionsUnderbelly productions and Circus Space, this live competition will see acts competing for the chance of a lifetime. On offer:

• £5,000 cash prize
• Two week s free rehearsal space at Circus Space
• First look agreement with Underbelly Productions to produce a body of work for a live show.

Free to enter, anyone from professionals to hobbyists can compete. With a focus on creativity, originality, entertainment value and delivery this is a show with no boundaries.

Those interested in applying are required to submit a 5-10 minute video of the entire act they wish to perform as part of the competition. If shortlisted by a panel of judges into the heats, each act will be required to perform in front of a live audience inside underbelly’s iconic upside purple cow enclosure on the Banks of the Thames outside London’s Southbank Centre in May, warming us all up for a grand final show on Saturday 1^st June, 2013.

 

 

Interested?

 

Applications must be submitted online at: www.underbelly.co.uk/circusmaximusapply

by 23:59 on Sunday 24^th March, 2013. Acts shortlisted for the heats will be announced on Wednesday 3^rd April, 2013 on their basis of their eligibility, ability, originality and variety.

Committed to making this available for everyone contributions for travel and accommodation expenses at the Heats and Finals are available. For more information about the competition, including venue plans and technical availability for rigging and production visit the website or contact circusmaximus@underbelly.co.uk

The Big Knit

For the past nine years Big Knit supporters have knitted millions of little woolly hats for the smoothie bottles at major drinks provider innocent. For every bottle sold, the company donates 25p to age concern to help support older people during the chilly winter months.

Since its launch 9 years ago the scheme has raised £1 million, which has gone towards reducing isolation and poor living conditions for the 3.8 million people living on their own in the UK.

Becoming a Big Knitter is easy, all you need is some knitting needles, patience and some creativity!Patterns are available from the folowing website http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/bigknit including ones for willfull beginners or the more fearless of knitters.

just make sure your Millinery skills make their way to:

 The Big Knit,

innocent Drinks,

Fruit Towers,
342 Ladbroke Grove,

 London

W10 5BU

by the 1st of October, giving them enough time to hat up the hundreds of bottles that will hit the high street to help keep Britain warm and healthy!

antigravity yoga

Tipped off as being the next big fitness fad of 2013, Antigravity Yoga has officially hit the shores of the UK. With top celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow and Geri Halliwell already endorsing its benefits, it no surprise that many of us are already hunting out our legwarmers.

 

A seasoned aerialist, I am always on the hunt for new and engaging exercise routines to help keep my body in good condition. Whilst regular yoga classes help to maintain a flexible sense of self, I still found myself trying to hang off of various pieces of equipment in the gym out of frustration of being the right side up It is no surprise that when I got the opportunity to give this a go that I literally jumped at the chance.

A fusion of yoga and aerial arts, Antigravity Yoga is an exercise regime that allows you to explore the possibilities of your own flexibility within a hammock developed out of a structural fabric suspended by two points. Originally developed by an acrobatic performance troupe headed by Christopher Harrison in 1990, the hammock brings with it an artistic licence that enables its user to freely express themselves through a series of suspended poses.

These zero compression inversions not only promote a strong sense of wellbeing and improved flexibility; it is also host to a wider range of benefits including:

• Hydration of the vertical disks
• Increased muscular flexibility
• Core strengthening
• Improvements to the circulatory and lymphatic systems
• Greater cerebellum functioning
• Increased kinaesthetic awareness
• Hormone stimulation

Challenging and accessible to all fitness levels dedicated students can look forward to noticeable results. In particular I was surprised at how much further I was able to stretch in the absence of strain usually experienced in more floor based exercises. Like traditional yoga the end of the class featured a time for relaxation. Within the structure of the hammock you are enclosed within your own cocoon allowing for pure indulgence and tranquillity. The only thing missing was a desert island disc and nice cold glass of gin!

Classes typically run for 1 hour and can cost anything between £10-£12. Attend with plenty of water, avoiding a heavy meal beforehand. Wear loose comfortable clothes and in the absence of friction burs keep your arms covered! Local classes can be found through www.antigravityyoga.co.uk.