acrobat

An acrobat is a performer who specializes in feats of balance, agility, and bodily control, typically featured in circuses, theatre, and contemporary performance. Acrobatics includes tumbling, hand balancing, contortion, and aerial arts such as trapeze, rope, silks, and hoop, as well as balancing acts and parkour-influenced choreography. Acts may combine multiple disciplines.

Etymology and history: The term derives from Greek akrobatos, meaning "going on tiptoe" or "high-walker," from akros meaning "high" and bainein meaning "to walk." Acrobatics has ancient roots across cultures; examples appear in classical Greek gymnastic displays, Chinese theater and street performances, and Indian traditional performance traditions. In Europe, organized circus acts developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, elevating acrobatics to a central performance métier.

Training and technique: Acrobats train intensively in strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Training often begins in youth and continues with progressive mastery of apparatus, tumbling sequences, and safety practices. Protective measures, spotters, and mats are commonly used. The risk of injury is acknowledged in professional settings, and contemporary training emphasizes conditioning and risk management.

Modern context: Today, acrobatics is a core component of many circuses and contemporary circus companies, as well as stage shows and film. It is taught in dedicated schools worldwide and practiced as a form of sport, art, and physical theatre.