How Well Do You Know The World Of Tightrope Walking?

Tightrope walking, or funambulism, is the skill of walking on a taut wire or rope, traditionally associated with the circus. Tightwire performers use balancing tools or freehand to maintain balance while walking on a tensioned wire between two points. Highwire is a form of tightwire walking performed at much greater heights, while skywalk is a form of highwire performed at great heights and length between tall buildings, gorges, across waterfalls or other natural and man-made structures. Biomechanics is an essential aspect of tightrope walking, and acrobats maintain their balance by positioning their center of mass directly over their base of support, i.e., shifting most of their weight over their legs, arms, or whatever part of their body they are using to hold them up. A wire-walker may use a pole for balance or stretch out his arms perpendicular to his trunk, which distributes the mass away from the pivot point, thereby increasing the moment of inertia and reducing angular acceleration. Tightwire-walkers typically perform in very thin and flexible, leather-soled slippers with a full-length suede or leather sole to protect the feet from abrasions and bruises, while still allowing the foot to curve around the wire. The word funambulism or the phrase walking a tightrope is also used in a metaphorical setting not referring to any actual acrobatic acts.