Aerial straps
Encyclopedia
Straps, also known as aerial straps, are a type of aerial apparatus on which various feats of strength and flexibility may be performed, often in the context of a circus
performance. It is a cotton or nylon web apparatus that looks like two suspended ribbons. Straps are available in various configurations, including those with various types of loops at the ends and those without loops. A straps act usually includes held poses and postures done on the straps, dance moves performed on the floor away from the straps, partner acrobatics done on and off the straps, as well as having the straps pulled up and let down during the act.
The pioneers of contemporary aerial straps were identical twins Yuri and Valery Panteleenko, known as the Panteleenko Brothers. The brothers started their performance careers as part of a Russian illusionist’s magic show. During a show in Rostov-On-Don in 1969, Vladivien Levshin, the Rubanov Company’s acrobatic coach saw their athleticism and potential and began training them to perform what was to become a milestone act in the history of this apparatus. Previously, a straps routine would be performed from a static position, only moving up and down the straps. Levshin introduced swinging, circular, and two-person moves. These new elements, not to mention the brothers’ elegance and resemblance added a new level of grace and beauty to the balletic nature of the apparatus.
In 1972 the brothers debuted the act; by 1973 they had already won the U.S.S.R.’s All-Union Circus Competition, at that time considered to be the world’s most difficult circus competition. They subsequently began touring with the Moscow State Circus
.
In 1983 the brothers performed at the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo
but were largely ignored by the judges, receiving only the City of Monaco prize. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that the Panteleenko brothers’ style of performance gained wider acceptance. Today nearly all straps routines bear the mark of their original routine.
In 1989 Yuri died of a heart attack after a show. Despite this tragic loss, Valerie decided to continue on the Panteleenko Brothers act, taking on Igor Gruzen as Yuri’s replacement. They performed until 1995 when Valerie retired from performing at the age of 50 to become Head Rigger for Barnum's Kaleidoscape
, eventually retiring to Florida. Valerie died of cancer in January 2006 but was succeeded by his son Maxime, who is still performing.
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...
performance. It is a cotton or nylon web apparatus that looks like two suspended ribbons. Straps are available in various configurations, including those with various types of loops at the ends and those without loops. A straps act usually includes held poses and postures done on the straps, dance moves performed on the floor away from the straps, partner acrobatics done on and off the straps, as well as having the straps pulled up and let down during the act.
The Panteleenko Brothers
The discipline of aerial straps was originally a Chinese specialty where athletes would perform intensely muscular tricks up and down the straps. Many of the moves are similar to those of the Aerial Rings.The pioneers of contemporary aerial straps were identical twins Yuri and Valery Panteleenko, known as the Panteleenko Brothers. The brothers started their performance careers as part of a Russian illusionist’s magic show. During a show in Rostov-On-Don in 1969, Vladivien Levshin, the Rubanov Company’s acrobatic coach saw their athleticism and potential and began training them to perform what was to become a milestone act in the history of this apparatus. Previously, a straps routine would be performed from a static position, only moving up and down the straps. Levshin introduced swinging, circular, and two-person moves. These new elements, not to mention the brothers’ elegance and resemblance added a new level of grace and beauty to the balletic nature of the apparatus.
In 1972 the brothers debuted the act; by 1973 they had already won the U.S.S.R.’s All-Union Circus Competition, at that time considered to be the world’s most difficult circus competition. They subsequently began touring with the Moscow State Circus
Moscow State Circus
The title “Moscow State Circus” is used for a variety of circuses. Most commonly, it refers to one of the two circus buildings in Moscow, the “” and the “Bolshoi Circus” , or to traveling shows which may or may not be directly related to Russia.The Russian Circus rose to world acclaim during the...
.
In 1983 the brothers performed at the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo
International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo
The International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, known as Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo in French, is an annual festival held since 1974 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The festival includes the awarding of the Clown d'Or award as well as awards for other circus skills...
but were largely ignored by the judges, receiving only the City of Monaco prize. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that the Panteleenko brothers’ style of performance gained wider acceptance. Today nearly all straps routines bear the mark of their original routine.
In 1989 Yuri died of a heart attack after a show. Despite this tragic loss, Valerie decided to continue on the Panteleenko Brothers act, taking on Igor Gruzen as Yuri’s replacement. They performed until 1995 when Valerie retired from performing at the age of 50 to become Head Rigger for Barnum's Kaleidoscape
Barnum's Kaleidoscape
Barnum's Kaleidoscape was an American circus staged by Feld Entertainment, the owners of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, at a start-up cost of $10 million...
, eventually retiring to Florida. Valerie died of cancer in January 2006 but was succeeded by his son Maxime, who is still performing.