As we previously learnt in the short ethnographic video, a lot of people nowadays are not aware of the wide range of possibilities the circus activities can offer, beyond juggling or acting in a childish way. Some instruments were recorded and documented in the Circus Society; some are the fire-staff, hoops, glowing pois, juggling balls or beanbags, and even unicycles!
To start with, a list of these instruments will be depicted, in order from the most hazardous to the simplest or safest.
One has to keep in mind that practice makes perfection, and any of these ones specifically take a lot. The chosen tool will fall or fail a million times before the member is able to develop the necessary passion and flowing relationship not only with their instrument, but themselves.
FIRE STAFF: A fire staff is a staff constructed out of wood or metal with Kevlar wick added to one or both ends; fire staffs are used for fire performance. There are two predominant styles for manipulating a fire staff: rotational and contact. In rotational fire staff manipulation, the performer's hands are used to manipulate the motion and rotation of the staff. Contact fire staff is a technique whereby the performer rolls the staff over parts of the arms, legs and body. Parafin is used to light up both ends to transform it into a fire staff.
UNICYCLE: A unicycle is a single-wheeled vehicle traditionally used during circus performances. It consists of a spoke wheel, pedals, and a tube shaped body attached to a seat. Unicycles are made like bicycles; individual parts are produced separately then pieced together by the manufacturer.
GLOWING POIS: Poi refers to both a style of performing art and the equipment used for engaging in poi performance. As a performance art, poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns. Poi artists may also sing or dance while swinging their poi. Poi can be made from various materials with different handles, weights, and effects (such as fire). Poi originated with the Maori people of New Zealand, where it is still practiced today. Poi has also gained a following in many other countries. The expansion of poi culture has led to a significant evolution of the styles practiced, the tools used, and the definition of the word "poi."
HOOPS: Hooping (also called hula hooping or hoop dance) generally refers to manipulation of and artistic movement or dancing with a hoop (or hoops). Hoops can be made of metal, wood, or plastic. Hooping combines technical moves and tricks with freestyle or technical dancing. Hooping can be practiced to or performed with music. In contrast to the classic toy hula hoop, modern hoopers use heavier and larger diameter hoops, and frequently rotate the hoop around parts of the body other than the waist, including the hips, chest, neck, shoulders, thighs, knees, arms, hands, thumbs, feet, and toes. The hoop can also be manipulated and rotated off the body as well. Modern hooping has been influenced by art forms such as rhythmic gymnastics, hip-hop, freestyle dance, fire performance, twirling, poi, and other dance and movement forms.
VEIL FANS: Dancing with fans is traditional in Middle Eastern dances, most Asian dances utilize a more traditional folding style fan which is often used as a group. The groups then perform together using the fans to create imagery and/or evoke a sense of grace and lightness. The traditional Korean fan dance (Buchaechum) has dancers that create group patterns representing birds, flowers, butterflies and even rolling waves.
