The Russian Bar

I cannot say I knew much of this type of circus performance until earlier this year.  Now I am obsessed.  

The Russian Bar

If you combine the gymnastics of a balance beam with the ability to rebound like a trampoline, and the hand skills of uneven or parallel bars, you might understand a bit about the Russian Bar.

Most likely made of fiberglass, the flexible ~15 foot bar is made for springing or propelling a person into the air.  The bar is held on the shoulders of two bases (i.e. people) with the flyer on the bar.  The flyer performs the bouncing, the aerial tricks (twists, sommersaults, forward, backwards, and so on) and the landing back on the bar.

The Russian Bar act was created by Alexander Moiseev.   Fun Fact, Alexander won on separate occasions the gold and silver clowns while performing this act at the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo.  Interesting enough, that is where I first saw this type of act performed.  Cool!

The bases control the bar and the flyer's movements.  Bases give the 'all go' signal.  As well as guide the flyer's tempo and transitions.  

The longer the bar (multiple can be connected) the higher the lift as well as the amount of time the flyer can be aloft.  And one could most likely assume the risk.

The Dandy's 44th Annual International Circus  Festival Monte-Carlo 

I watched The Dandy's perform this exact routine in Monte-Carlo.  I have watched this video numerous times.  They are entertaining.  The music is clever.  And the stunts are hold your breath, close your eyes, amazing.  Enjoy.