Funambulism

The death-defying act of funambulism involves daring high wire walks and feats of balance that have long amazed circus audiences. Clowns often integrate funambulist stunts using slack wires and rolla bollas to add thrills to comedy routines.

History of Funambulism

Tightrope walking originated as a skill for rigging scaffolding and sailing among ancient Greeks and Phoenicians. It eventually became an impressive circus skill in the 1800s. Celebrated circus funambulist Blondin crossed Niagara Falls by tightrope in 1859 fueling public obsession with aerial daredevils.

This inspired clown troupes to incorporate rolla bolla balancing boards, slack wires, and tight wire walks into acts. Famed clown Tom Belling developed a signature style of using floppy shoes, slapstick comedy, and acrobatics to perform hilarious stunts on the high wire. Theorists say funambulism symbolizes humanity’s desire to defy gravity and achieve the impossible.

Types of Funambulist Equipment

Tightrope - Taught steel cable rope stretched between platforms for precision foot balancing.
Slack line/Slackware - Looser rope or tight webbing anchored at lower heights allows dynamic aerial dance moves.
Rollabolla - Round wooden spool platforms balanced atop poles or tubes of various heights.

Clowns integrate these tools with sidesplitting results.

Signature Funambulist Clown Skills

Clowns fuse funambulist skills with comedy by:

Parodying high wire stunts with wobbly struggles culminating in hilarious falls
Juggling or performing circus skills like one-arm handstands aloft slack wires
Balancing gigantically tall unicycles, utility ladders, and teeterboards on the slack wire
Subtly showcasing extreme strength and control amidst buffoonery
Using bright costumes and props that dazzle against aerial backdrops

This fusion of thrill and laughter creates an unforgettable emotional rollercoaster for audiences.

Today, circus schools worldwide teach funambulism skills, ensuring clowns can continue infusing comedy into dizzying aerial feats.