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Acrobat

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

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• Acrobatism
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• Acrobat
Encyclopedias
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
• Acrobat

(Gr. arcpo,l3areiv, to walk on tiptoe), originally a rope-dancer; the word is now used generally to cover professional performers on the trapeze, &c., contortionists, balancers and tumblers. Evidence exists that there were very skilful performers on the tight-rope (funambuli) among the ancient Romans. Modern rope-walkers (e.g. Blondin) or wire-dancers generally use a pole, loaded at the ends, or some such assistance in balancing, and by shifting this are enabled to maintain, or readily to recover, their equilibrium.