Aerial rigging
Encyclopedia
Aerial rigging is the process of setting up equipment used to make humans fly, specifically aerial circus
equipment. The field is of critical importance, and a thorough grasp of the principles of rigging
is essential.
Aerial rigging is commonly practiced to different degrees by specialty fabricators, professional riggers, professional aerial artists
, and amateur aerial artists. Most aerial circus equipment is built by a few fabricators around the world that build equipment specifically for the circus industry.
Aerial artists, both professional and amateur, often become riggers out of necessity. They generally learn to rig what they need.
WLA (Weak Link Analysis)
is the process of systematically analyzing aerial rigging for the weakest link or links in the system. WLA is the most common process used by aerial riggers to assess and improve rigging. However, it is not the only system used.
Aerial rigging is also used in theater, filmmaking
, and television production to hang audio and video equipment.
Circus
A circus is commonly a travelling company of performers that may include clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and other stunt-oriented artists...
equipment. The field is of critical importance, and a thorough grasp of the principles of rigging
Rigging
Rigging is the apparatus through which the force of the wind is used to propel sailboats and sailing ships forward. This includes masts, yards, sails, and cordage.-Terms and classifications:...
is essential.
Aerial rigging is commonly practiced to different degrees by specialty fabricators, professional riggers, professional aerial artists
Acrobatics
Acrobatics is the performance of extraordinary feats of balance, agility and motor coordination. It can be found in many of the performing arts, as well as many sports...
, and amateur aerial artists. Most aerial circus equipment is built by a few fabricators around the world that build equipment specifically for the circus industry.
Aerial artists, both professional and amateur, often become riggers out of necessity. They generally learn to rig what they need.
WLA (Weak Link Analysis)
Hazard analysis
A hazard analysis is used as the first step in a process used to assess risk. The result of a hazard analysis is the identification of risks. Preliminary risk levels can be provided in the hazard analysis. The validation, more precise prediction and acceptance of risk is determined in the Risk...
is the process of systematically analyzing aerial rigging for the weakest link or links in the system. WLA is the most common process used by aerial riggers to assess and improve rigging. However, it is not the only system used.
Aerial rigging is also used in theater, filmmaking
Filmmaking
Filmmaking is the process of making a film, from an initial story, idea, or commission, through scriptwriting, casting, shooting, directing, editing, and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a theatrical release or television program...
, and television production to hang audio and video equipment.
External links
- Circus Arts Instruction Manual: Chapter 8 - "Manual for Safety and Rigging." [PDF, 3.3 MB] European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (FEDEC), 2008.
- FM 5-125: Rigging Techniques, Procedures, and Applications. [PDF, 3.6 MB] US Army, 1995.
- Steven Santos. Simply Circus: "Rigging I." [Powerpoint presentation, 572 KB]
- Aerial Arts FAQ
- Silk rigging tutorial and example
- THE Flying Trapeze Resource Page
- Acrobatic Rigging