Highwire

Highwire is a term most often used to describe the practice of walking on a high tensioned wire, commonly called a highwire or tightrope walking. It is a discipline within circus performance and extreme sport, emphasizing balance, concentration, and precision.

A typical highwire act uses a wire or rope suspended between two points at height, with a balancing pole to help stabilize. Performers use harnesses and lanyards when required, and safety measures may include nets, tether lines, or backup rigging. Training covers balance, core strength, rigging literacy, and risk assessment. Highwire work is dangerous and usually conducted under professional supervision.

Historically, highwire acts have appeared in circuses and street performances since the 19th century in Europe and later worldwide. One of the most famous moments in modern highwire history was Philippe Petit’s 1974 walk between the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.

In a different context, HighWire (often styled as HighWire Press) refers to a digital publishing platform used by many scholarly journals. Based in the United States, it provides hosting, management, and distribution services for online academic content, including open access options.