Aerials are the most extensive set of circus arts.
Static trapeze is the traditional, single-bar, single-performer trapeze. Most of the motion is spinning, around the bar or around the ropes. A performer will also climb off the bar and uses the ropes alone.
Double trapeze is for two performers. They either work in tandem, with one on the bar and one up on the ropes, or with one on the bar holding onto the other. The lighter performer might roll or "fall" forward from the other's shoulders, to be caught in the "hook" of their feet.
Triple trapeze is a wide, static trapeze with four ropes. Cirkids also has a "double-triple-trap", which is one bar mounted over the other. and allows for six performers to gyrate around the bars and the ropes. This requires many rehearsals, but it is mezmerizing when the performers are absolutely in synch.
Swinging trapeze is just what it sounds like. While the trapeze swings, the performer may drop to an ankle, toe, or heel hang.
Flying trapeze is what is most commonly thought of as "trapeze". The "catcher" hangs from a central trapeze or cradle bar, by his or her knees. The "flier" swings from a second trapeze, releases the bar and flies into the catcher's arms.
Corde lisse is a single rope usually about 25-30mm thick, made from made from soft cotton. The performer climbs high, flips a couple of loops of rope around various body parts, then free-falls to a stop somewhere off the ground.
Tissu uses ten-meter ribbons of fabric (continuous-thread tricot, to be precise), in place of rope. It's very stretchy and the performer does many of the same things as with a corde lisse, as well as wrapping themselves up in the fabric.
Lyra is a steel ring less than a meter in diameter, hanging from a swivel on a single rope. It can have an ankle loop at the top of the ring. Lyra mixes trapeze and contortion. If the lyra is high off the ground, a safety wire is used.
