Flying Trapeze DVDs

One of Cirque du Soleil's better shows in this reviewer's opinion. It was a permanent show located in Walt Disney World, Orlando. The flying trapeze act was clean, impressive and well filmed. Flyers swing on two levels and pass from bar to bar in the first part of the act, with a catcher during the latter half. Other acts include: german wheel, diablo, cycling, tightrope and the fast track; still one of the most impressive acts of Cirque du Soleil.

One of Cirque du Soleil's older shows, Nouvelle Experience is no longer touring. The flying trapeze act is more traditional than that of La Nouba, but does include an aerial cradle rigged above the fly bar. This DVD is well worth checking out as it includes some other great acts such as korean cradle and single/swinging trapeze, albeit in a more traditional circus show format than we are now used to with Cirque du Soleil.

Solstrom is a 13-part TV series featuring (about 130) acts from Cirque du Soleil and invited guests. Although the style and presentation of the acts is often childish, the standard of circus is always high. Includes acts from O, Mystere and Zumanity (not otherwise available on DVD) and new versions of acts from other shows. The flying trapeze act is not from a Cirque show, and is similar in style to Nouvelle Experience (with an aerial cradle as well as a swinging catcher). The filming is spoilt by cheesy music and a dancing rat(!) As a large collection of acts for an enthusiast, this is a great buy.

If you only buy one flying trapeze DVD it should be this one! This is the third and final show from Les Arts Sauts, a French troupe of 14 trapeze artists who have toured the world with their show. The show is an hour long and consists entirely of trapeze on a unique cross-shaped structure.

Lancaster,Curtis and Lollobrigida as a trio of trapeze flyers. Young Curtis wants to learn the famous triple somersault from old vet Lancaster, who's crippled from a fatal fall. In comes Lollobrigida making trouble for the two flyers both on the ground and in the air. Flying trapeze footage, filmed at the Cirque D'Hiver in Paris, is impressive and spread throughout the film.

An Art House film from South Africa tells the story of a boy from the slums who learns to be a trapeze artist. Includes some nice footage of flying trapeze and is extremely well filmed. This item is hard to get hold of and must be ordered from South Africa, although some websites do ship abroad.

This classic movie purports to be life inside the Ringling Brothers Circus. Inclusion in this list is tenuous because the flying trapeze footage is short, however it is worth a look if you are interested in traditional circuses.

An excellent DVD produced by Trapeze School New York. It contains videos of TSNY staff performing 30 tricks which are then shown in slow motion and explained.