There are three general categories of ground acts in Circus.
The first type of ground act requires the performer(s) to move their body in unusual ways — requiring strength, flexibility and balance. These are called acrobats or contortionists. The performer may be balancing on the ground, on an object or on another person.
The second type of ground act involves manipulating your body around a stationary object. The performer may be ‘dancing’ or doing ‘acrobatic tricks’ on a pole or lollipop lyra or a type of hand balancing apparatus called canes.
The third type of ground act involves manipulating an object with your body. Common props include hoop, poi, silk fans, fire fans, juggling objects, unicycle, cyr wheel, stilts, or globe walking. There are many variations of props.
Formal in person classes are limited in Middle Tennessee. However, many of these skills can be learned at home from watching videos or taking on-line courses. The only requirements necessary to get started in most cases is a small investment in a circus toy, the desire to learn and some self-discipline. In other words, practice, practice, practice.