LYRA / AERIAL HOOP
an unofficial definitionWhat is lyra?
NAME(S): Lyra, Aerial Hoop, Cerceau, Aerial Ring
TYPE: Hard apparatus, bar apparatus
MATERIALS: Circular steel bar, hung from a nylon/rope strop
The Lyra is a hard steel bar apparatus shaped in a perfect circle, that can be hollow, fully solid or something in between. It is suspended from the ceiling by a nylon strop, soft rope or silk Hammock and allows the user to display flexible shapes, creative movement, dynamic drops, flips, rolls, catches and extremely fast spinning within, above and below the hoop.
Lyra can be hung at many different heights, very low, mid height or high, but generally at its very highest (for more advanced hoop work) the top of an Aerial hoop is usually no higher than about 3 metres off the ground, unless they are being winched.
It is usually fully taped the whole way around to assist with grip, but sometimes the steel is powder-coated and smooth or left bare. The Lyra has become one of the most iconic and recognisable pieces of equipment used in circus and aerial arts.
origins & History
The Lyra/Aerial Hoop is actually a relatively modern apparatus in the long history of circus arts. While Trapeze dates back to the mid-19th century, the Lyra did not become widely recognised as a circus apparatus until the late 20th century. Its iconic name stems the instrument of the lyra or lyre, because the first hoops were sometimes cast in the shape of the lyra, as full steel circles were difficult to make.
While evidence of the apparatus was first recorded in the 1800’s by a circus artist named Caedo, Lyra is widely believed to have been popularised in the 1980s within the contemporary circus movement in Europe. Many sources credit its development to performers working with the French circus school Cirque du Soleil and other experimental circus companies that were exploring new aerial equipment other than the traditional Trapeze and Rope.
FAQS
Is Lyra/Hoop suitable for complete beginners?
Yes! Anyone can try Aerial Hoop. We have classes for complete newbies, all the way through to advanced level. No prior experience necessary.
What Lyra/Hoop classes do you offer?
Intro Lyra/Hoop
Beginner Lyra/Hoop
Intermediate Lyra/Hoop
Advanced Lyra/Hoop
Advanced Lyra/Hoop Flow
Open Play Hoop
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