Recently, an acrobat fell 25ft to the floor at the 2nd International Air Athletics Championship in Riga, Latvia[1]. In 2018, a Cirque du Soleil acrobat died after a fall during a performance[2]. In 2014, A ‘human chandelier’ fell during an aerial hair-hanging stunt at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus which sent eight acrobats plummeting to the ground[3]. These are just three examples of the long history of circus accidents. Risk is part of circus performance. The existence of danger enthralls the public when the artists fly but makes them cringe when they fall. But risk can lead to injuries and in extremely rare cases, death. The risk might come from an acrobat’s error, but the performer’s life also depends on proper rigging.

Safety Practices Crédit Photo : Fred Gérard Aerial acrobatics encompass all disciplines requiring the rigging of an apparatus at heights needed for disciplines like trapeze or aerial silks. They are considered to be the most dangerous disciplines for obvious reasons. The acrobatic rigger is the one who installs, inspects, tests and maintains the rigging equipment. Aerial rigging is essential. It ensures the safety of...