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Who is a Acrobat?
The job of feet is walking, but their hobby is balancing ~ Amit Kalantri
We’ve all been to a circus and witnessed circus acrobats showcase their talent with complete perfection. In fact these days acrobats are not just limited to circus or television reality shows but are also a part of the Olympics. People who choose to become acrobats entertain the audience by displaying their agility, coordination, and balancing act. Both individual and group performances are possible for individuals. People who choose to become acrobats might create their own routine to display the specific acrobatic skills they are good at. People who aspire to be artists and pursue their passions might consider this profession. If you want to know more about the circus acrobats career, continue reading the article. Here we will discuss how to become an acrobat, details about aerobic gymnastics, and acrobats in the circus.
Acrobat in a Nutshell
Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.
Quick Facts for Acrobat
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Industry
Entertainment
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Average Salary in India
₹26666.67
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
Individuals can take up a career as acrobats, it is not gender-specific. Men, women and others can choose a career as acrobats. There isn't any gender suitability anyone can work as an acrobat. It is not a gender-biased field and anyone who has the skills and abilities or wishes to acquire the skills can become an acrobat.
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Any special needs
No
People with special needs should not choose a career as acrobats. The career as acrobats is not suited to everyone, specifically those with physical disabilities. It is not suitable for candidates with special needs. An acrobat’s job is not quite appropriate for specially-abled people as it requires physical robustness to endure long hours of training and subsequent rehearsals are needed to perfect new work. But over the years the world has witnessed several specially-abled acrobats therefore if an individual can pull it off then he or she can become an acrobat.
Table of Contents for Acrobat
What is the role of Acrobat?
Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats delight viewers, creating balance, coordination, and resilience. They can do it individually or in groups. While acrobatics are often associated with skills that involve only the human body, circus people sometimes perform aerial services with props, such as flying trapeze, wire, wind cloth, or rope. Some circus acrobats use bases, such as hoops, balls, wheels, or Chinese poles. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats show great flexibility, strength, and perseverance, often recording their own ways to incorporate their specific strengths and skills. Travel is required, and a number of tangible risks exist, especially in the completion of aerial acrobatics. Safety gear may be required. The acrobatic skills often begin with youth activities, such as dance, rolling, or aerobic gymnastics, with advanced acrobatic skills learned by attending specialized training centers.
Understanding the work environment
Understanding specifications as well as limitations of the project, and collaborating with the employer, as well as lighting, music, and costume departments to ensure the routines are completed to a high standard.
Planning
Creating acrobatics steps that fit with the mood, music, theme, and that are audience-appropriate is one of the most important things for any entertainer let alone an acrobat. Therefore, individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must have a routine not just focussing on showing the skills one has but also towards meeting with the requirements.
Identifying the limitations
One must go through a self-analysis for himself or herself in order to understand the weak points. It is essential for not just an acrobat but everyone in order to improve his or her performance in the coming times. It enables the person to better himself in the artform.
Types of a Acrobat
Acrobatics Trainer: Being an acrobat trainer allows an individual to remain active physically while sharing his or her knowledge with others. These types of circus acrobats remain creative through choreographing routines for different forms of acrobatics regularly. It helps to know which age group one wants to teach, as some will require extra training and experience in order to qualify to do so. This is a great option that helps extend the longevity of the career. Acrobatics classes are generally populated by young dancers.
Arts Administrator: Experience in the field of aerobic gymnastics world gives a thorough understanding of the art in general, and transitioning to a desk job is a good option to stay involved in the field if one desires to have a less physically active career. It is an ideal position for those who can organise a budget and finance-related work, schedule meetings, rehearsals, or shows, find fundraisers, and be a support to the artistic director and overall vision of the entire company.
Marketing for acrobats: Work in this field could include activities like designing and maintaining web pages, designing flyers with other promotional and marketing materials, promoting events through social media, and several similar activities. Graphic design work may require additional training, which one could receive through online courses, community classes, or attending college to obtain a degree as well.
Choreographer: A choreographer dances designs and directs dance routines. Professional choreographers not only invent and perfect dance moves, but dance choreographers also practice them to make sure that they coordinate with music and provide entertainment for the audience. The word “choreography" actually comes from the Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as choreographers might work with individual dancers or large groups.
Actor: Individuals who opt for a career as actors’ primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character they are playing and to persuade their crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation.
What is the workplace/work environment of Acrobat like?
The workspace is very subjective in nature. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats can be traveling all the time in order to do shows or one could also be working full time with an acrobat hiring organisation. The work environment rarely involves one to be working on the desk. For any acrobat, it is more about practicing and making the skills better therefore he or she spends most of the time in a rehearsal area or stage.
Does Acrobat require travelling?
Likely
The career as acrobat can involve a lot of travelling especially if an individual is a performer. For example, individuals who opt for a career as an acrobat who works in a circus keep on travelling from one place to another in order to do shows.
Employment Shifts
Full Time, Hourly Basis
The shift timing of the individuals who opt for a career as acrobats can be really tiring and long once the show comes near as one devotes most of his or her time to practice the routine. There are no shifts as such, it all depends on the date of the show. Individuals in acrobat careers may have to practice for extra hours in order to correct his or her form or skills.
Employment Nature
Contractual, Permanent
The employment can be both permanent as well as contractual in nature. Some companies may form a contract which can be ranging between two to three years in length. It varies from company to company. Whereas it is a field where individuals who opt for a career as acrobats can work for themselves or as freelancers and in that case the work can be contractual in nature.
Work Place
event locations
Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats cannot work in an office, he or she keeps moving for shows from one place to another. The kind of work an individual is doing. If an acrobat is working for a circus then depending on the schedule he or she would have to work at the location of the circus.
Presence in Geographical Area
Urban
Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats can work in any type of geographical location, especially if he or she works as a freelancer. But if one works in any entertainment company then it is most likely that he or she would have to work in an urban location.
Time Pressure
Not Likely
There is not much time pressure as after a point of time the individuals who opt for a career as acrobats have learned the skills thoroughly. Therefore, time pressure is less likely to occur in acrobat careers.
Overtime Details
Individuals in acrobats career might have to work for extra hours in cases where there is a show to be done in a very limited time or maybe a few days before the performance.
Weekly Hours of Work
An acrobat is not like any corporate job. There are no specific work hours. It all depends on how much has to be done in how much time, apart from that it is a field which requires physical activity therefore nobody can do it for extremely long hours even in pressure.
How to become a Acrobat?
Steps to become a Acrobat
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Acrobat?
When it comes to how to become an acrobat, the first thing that they should know is the skills required to become an acrobat. Some of the essential acrobatic skills we have mentioned below. Here, in this section, we have discussed how to become an acrobat.
Physical strength: Successful individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must have excellent balance, physical strength, along with physical dexterity, so they can move their bodies without falling or losing their sense of rhythm. It is one of the basic requirements for an individual aspiring to be an acrobat. Being able to move effortlessly is the
Creativity: Circus acrobats need artistic ability and a sense of creativity in order to express ideas through movement. There are already so many great acrobats who have shown their best moves simply by being creative. Therefore, individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must have artistic ability and innovative ideas, to create a new and interesting dance
Interpersonal management: Having interpersonal management skills is essential to do well in every possible field including that of acrobats. Circus acrobats may find job opportunities by networking within their communities. Having contacts and knowing the right people always helps in an artistic
Leadership: After gaining experience of a few years individuals can get promoted to better work positions and become an instructor. It is important that acrobats must be able to direct a group of dancers to perform the routines that they have created. It is essential that one must possess leadership skills in order to guide and instruct people in enhancing their skill sets.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Acrobat?
We have mentioned some of the certificates need to become an acrobat.
Diploma in Acting & Performing Media
Internship Availability
Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats in the circus begin training early in their lives. Therefore, candidates while being young can also be working in this field. Students can either work under a trainer or an acrobat at a higher level in order to get a headstart. It is a field that requires people to be good at their skills as the competition is very tough. Therefore, knowing more about acrobats in the circus one desires to join in the future is important. Also, it can help in aerobic gymnastics network and contact building which can help acrobats to have a permanent job.
Career Path Progression for Acrobat
Acrobatics instructor: A acrobatics instructor is responsible for training students in dance technique and dramatic skills. These types of circus acrobats often specialise in some or the other form of acrobatics such as gymnastics, tight rope walking or trapeze. Sometimes the acrobatics instructor may form some of the routines, and other times he or she may hire a professional acrobat to do
Acrobatics Assistant: Dance assistants are responsible for leading dance classes for individuals or groups of people. Their duties are closely related to teaching various dancing techniques. These types of circus acrobats may work at production companies and also at schools, universities, and
Rehearsal Director: The rehearsal director is generally responsible for coordinating and supervising the rehearsals within a group of acrobats for instance in a circus. He or she may be known as the acrobat's 'right-hand man' and it is usually his or her responsibility to ensure that the acrobats know and are able to interpret the work as set by the
Physical Therapist or Medicine Specialist: If an individual has had extensive training, such as going through a college degree programme, then he or she would probably have a wide range of anatomy and kinesiology knowledge. This can be an excellent and lucrative field for an acrobat to enter. The ability to relate to an acrobat and understand the other acrobat’s body as a physical therapist or medical doctor will give him or her an advantage that is hard to beat.
Acrobat Jobs and Salaries
Acrobatics Instructor
- Average Salary 30000
- Junior Level Salary 25000
- Senior Level Salary 40000
Job Description
An acrobatics instructor teaches dance technique and theatrical techniques to students. They mostly specialise in some kind of balancing activity like gymnastics or aerial acrobatics. The acrobatics instructor would often plan many of the routines, as well as other times he or she will employ a skilled acrobat either an intern or employee work accordingly.
Salary Description
An acrobatic Instructor with less than one year of experience can expect an annual salary of Rs. two lakhs per year, relied on the responsibilities assigned to the applicant. The salary level also rises with the gradual increase in experience and the outstanding command over knowledge. Senior level acrobatics instructors would get more than eight lakhs per year.
Acrobatics assistants
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 25000
- Junior Level Salary 18000
- Senior Level Salary 38000
Job Description
Acrobatics assistants are responsible for leading individual or group acrobatics lessons. They are closely connected with the training process of different dance techniques. They can function in circus, production firms, as well as in educational institutes.
Salary Description
Salaries in this profession rely on the skills more than even experience at times. The entry-level pay could be two lakhs per year, and eventually it could be more than eight lakhs per year.
Rehearsal Director
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 25000
- Junior Level Salary 19000
- Senior Level Salary 32000
Job Description
In the field of acrobatics a rehearsal director is someone who has the job of coordinating and managing all the people who are acrobats. Not only that he or she manages the time and venue for the rehearsals.
Salary Description
The salary depends on the organisation who has hired a rehearsal director. Employers in the television industry pay much more than employers of a circus. Although, managing acrobats in a circus can be more difficult than the television crew.
What is the job outlook for Acrobat?
Employment of acrobats in the circus is projected to grow six per cent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment of acrobats in the circus is projected to grow 24 per cent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. An individual who possesses the required set of skills can experience job growth quite quickly as it is a field for artists. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats can showcase it and grab several job growth opportunities. The research group IBISWorld (Indian Market Research, Reports and Statistics) reported that in 2015, the dance studios industry generated Rs. 20 crore and that consumer spending on acrobatics instruction had increased gradually between 2010 and 2015.
There are relatively few sectors within the acrobat’s industry. In general, it can be divided into two main categories: professional and amateur. The professional circus acrobats industry is the traditional one in which workers are employed by companies to perform during a season that is typically about nine months in length. Other employees in the profession are responsible for carrying out duties like rehearsal or master dancers, administrators and recruiters, lighting and set designers and operators, makeup artists, and publicists. Approximately 20,100 acrobats were employed as of 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions for Acrobat
Que. Do you need a degree to be an acrobat?
Ans.While a college degree is not required to work as an acrobat, those interested in this art can pursue a bachelor's degree programme in liberal arts or any other related field that can help in providing a back-up.
Que. How many years does it take to become an acrobat?
Ans.It is very subjective in nature. Some people can master the skill in a few months but some may take one or two years in order to do well. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats are about balancing at large, so the one who can balance well will be able to learn it well.
Que. Is it too late to become a dancer?
Ans.The truth is, it is never too late to start anything in life and the same goes for acrobatics. Becoming a professional acrobat, however, is a lot more physically and mentally demanding than just dancing as a hobby or even at a semi-professional level.
Que. What does an acrobat do in theatre?
Ans.Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats are required in theatres where the script of the play demands scenes like some aerial performance or some balancing act.
Que. Who is a Choreographer?
Ans.A choreographer dances designs and directs dance routines. Professional choreographers not only invent and perfect dance moves, but dance choreographers also practice them to make sure that they coordinate with music and provide entertainment for the audience.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Research also proves that acrobatics also reduces stress and tension for the mind and body
Fact 2
Acrobatics is for every body type irrespective of a person’s weight as long as he or she has the ability to balance
Fact 3
It is a myth that only the female gender goes for aerial acrobatics. It is for both the genders
Fact 4
Acrobats are hired by filmmakers in order to perform stunts as well
