This book belongs to______________________ ______________________ ______________________ (_____) ______-_________ ________@_____________

Simply Circus
Roman Ladders

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This handbook is Copyright 2005 by Steven Santos. No part of this book may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of Steven Santos and Simply Circus.

Simply Circus PO BOX 620753 Newton, Ma. 02462 www.SimplyCircus.com info@SimplyCircus.com

My Instructors Name and Contact Information is: ___________________________________ (___) ____-______ / _________@SimplyCircus.com

I am taking my class at: ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

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Roman Ladders are a wonderful equilibristic art that offers endless group performance opportunities. This book is designed to help you, the students of Simply Circus, learn to perform the Roman Ladders. In this class you will learn ways to ensure your own safety as a Roman Ladder performer, and how to ensure the safety of those work with. You will learn about the various parts of the Simply Circus Roman Ladder Rig, and how to take care of your rig. But most importantly you will learn how to get up and perform on the Roman Ladders. Once you have learned the basics, you can experiment with it, adding Acrobatics, Acrobalance, Juggling, Clowning and other skills to create unique performances. Allow me to welcome you to the wonderful world of

Roman Ladders!

PLACE HOLDER PHOTO Needs to be replaced before publication.

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Index
Name....................................................................................................................................................Pages Quick Information Page ............................................................................................................................1 Welcome Letter ..........................................................................................................................................2 Index............................................................................................................................................................3 Skill Check Off Page..................................................................................................................................4 Beginning (Base) Skills ..............................................................................................................................7 Building Your Equipment............................................................................................................................8 Inspecting Your Equipment .........................................................................................................................9 Placing Ladders..........................................................................................................................................10 2 Ladder Climb ..........................................................................................................................................11 Basic Stationary Hold ................................................................................................................................12 Basic Spread Hold......................................................................................................................................12 Shifting ladder............................................................................................................................................13 Intermediate (Flyer) Skills ......................................................................................................................15 Calling the Hup ..........................................................................................................................................16 Climbing the ladders ..................................................................................................................................17 Side Star Position.......................................................................................................................................18 Single Knee Hang ......................................................................................................................................19 Double Knee Hang.....................................................................................................................................20 Side Bridge.................................................................................................................................................21 Two handed back Hang .............................................................................................................................22 Advanced Skills ........................................................................................................................................25 Flag ............................................................................................................................................................26 Double Foot Hang (should use safety loop) ..............................................................................................27 Side Stand (should use safety loop) ...........................................................................................................28 Front Stand (should use safety loop) .........................................................................................................29 Appendixes and Additional Materials ...................................................................................................31 Other Intermediate and Advanced Skills ..................................................................................................32 Inspection Form .........................................................................................................................................33 Additional Resources and Notes................................................................................................................34

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Roman Ladders (Ladder Spectacular)

Beginning (Base Skills) 2 ladder climb (between ladders) o Top Position o Middle Position o Bottom Position Basic Stationary Hold (between ladders) o Top Position o Middle Position o Bottom Position Basic Spread Hold o Top Position o Middle Position o Bottom Position Student created act (simple) Intermediate (Flyer Skills) Side Star Position Double Knee Hang Single Knee Hang Side Bridge Double Foot Hang 3 additional intermediate flyer skills o ___________________________________________ o ___________________________________________ o ___________________________________________ Student created act (semi-complex) Advanced Flag (legs out to the side, supported by hands) 3 new top rung skills o ___________________________________________ o ___________________________________________ o ___________________________________________ Side Stand (should use safety loop) Front Stand (face down, should use safety loop) 3 Side/front Stand partner skills (should use safety loop) o ___________________________________________ o ___________________________________________ o ___________________________________________ Other Intermediate and Advanced Positions: Top Stand (stand on top rungs) Top Shoulder Stand (stand on top rungs) Top Lever (One Armed Lever (Han Shui pose) on top of rungs) Top Press to Handstand and return (on top of rungs)

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Beginning Skills (Base Skills)

Skills included in this section: Building Your Equipment Inspecting Your Equipment Placing Ladders 2 Ladder Climb Basic Stationary Hold Basic Spread Hold Steadying a shifting ladder 2005, Steven Santos / Simply Circus, Inc.

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Building Your Equipment

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Building Your Ladders Class: Beginning Why: Since you cant buy them, you should know how to build them. Prereq: Roman Ladders can be built by anyone with General Carpentry Skills. How: At the time of this writing (5/15/2005), there is no company that produces a commercial Roman Ladder. Since Roman Ladders are not commercially available, you should become familiar with their construction so that you may construct, repair or maintain them as needed. The Simply Circus Roman Ladders start out as a pair of Type I or Type IA Wooden Ladders (STG10, 12 and 14 or MCG10, 12 and 14, both available from Lynn Ladder). These ladders are 16 wide and are made of Hemlock rails and Ash Rungs. To these standard ladders we add a top rung consisting of a metal brace, wood strip and a foam pad, covered with a coarse fabric. The metal brace should be made of steel, or other appropriately strong metal. The brace should be the full width of the rung, with a 90-degree upward bend on each side of the brace. The metal brace is bolted to the rails, about 3 inches below the top of the rail. Each side of the metal brace is bolted to its rail with two steel carriage bolts. The wooden strip should be made of Ash, or other suitable wood. The wooden strip is bolted to the metal brace using three steel carriage bolts. The dimensions of the top rung should be as follows: The height of the wood strip should be 1 to 1 inches high. The width of the strip should allow it to fit snugly on the brace as shown above. The depth of the strip should be the same depth as the side railings The foam padding and cloth cover is then attached to the top of the wooden strip using standard upholstery techniques. Care should be taken to ensure that brads, staples or other fasteners do not poke through the top of the wooden strip and that nuts are left accessible. Tip: Remember, you need to have 2 matching Roman Ladders Its often tempting to just lop of the top of the railings instead of going through the trouble of putting on a new top rung. This is not advisable, as the new top rung adds strength to the whole assembly, and is usually stronger than the factory rungs. This extra strength is needed for many top rung skills.

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Inspecting Your Ladders

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Inspecting your Ladders Class: Beginning Why: To ensure your own safety, you must know how to check your equipment. Prereq: None How: When we inspect our ladders, we want to start at the top and end at the bottom. Starting at the top rung, you want to inspect each of the nuts that hold this rung in place. You should have total of 7 nuts on the top rung 4 (2 on each side) holding the metal bracket to the railings, plus 3 holding the padded wood strip to the metal bracket. You want to make sure that each nut is present, that that each nut is a nylon-locking nut, and that each nut is tight. Next, you want to inspect the padding and upholstery of the top rung for signs of excess wear, or places that may need to be reupholstered. Last but not least, you want to inspect the metal bracket for cracks or other signs of excess wear. Next you want to inspect each rung of the ladder one by one, along with the corresponding section of railing. As you go through your inspection you want to keep an eye out for any signs of excessive wear, including cracks, breaks, splinters, chipping paint, weather damage, excessively worn wood and other defects in the wood. You also need to check each rung to make sure it does not turn, and that both pins are in place. After you have inspected each rung and both rails, you want to inspect the feet. Again, you are looking out for any signs of excessive wear, including cracks, breaks, splinters, chipping paint, weather damage, excessively worn wood and other defects in the wood. Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient in their knowledge of the Parts of the Simply Circus Roman Ladder when they can identify all of the major parts of the Rig, and after they have assisted in the set up of a Rig at least twice. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered their knowledge of the Parts of the Simply Circus Roman Ladder when they can identify all of the parts of the Ladder AND properly set up and take down a rig WITHOUT assistance, AND conduct a written inspection WITHOUT assistance. Tip: If you can twist the top rung with you hand, and it moves, something is wrong. Go back and re-inspect the top rung. If you can twist any other rung, you are missing pins! 2005, Steven Santos / Simply Circus, Inc.

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Placing Ladders
Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Placing Ladders Class: Beginning Why: Before you can get on the ladders, you need to place them properly. Prereq: None How: The distance between the ladders will vary based on the size of the center bases. To find this distance you will start by standing in the center of the practice space, with your arms extended out to your sides. Have your partners place the ladders so that they are vertical to the ground and so that you can comfortably hold the rungs with your hands, and straddle the rungs with your legs. As you get used to placing ladders this way, you should try to place them without the assistance of your partners. Spotting: Make sure you double-check the distance! Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient in their ability to place the Roman Ladders when they are able to place the ladder correctly 5 out of 6 times, with the assistance of there partners, and minimal assistance of a spotter. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can correctly place the roman ladders 5 out of 5 times WITHOUT assistance. Tip: Place the ladders for the smallest base you are using. For a performance, make sure to mark the floor where the ladders go.

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2 Ladder Climb
Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: 2 Ladder Climb Class: Beginning Why: When learning to base, you must be able to get up the ladders. Prereq: Placing Ladders How: Its easy to think of Roman Ladders as being unstable. The truth is that the wide base of Roman Ladders make them a relatively stable climbing platform. Start by placing the ladders an appropriate distance apart from each other. Stand between the ladders facing your audience, and allow the tops of the ladders to come together. The basic 2-ladder climb is a limb-by-limb climb, meaning that you move one hand, the corresponding foot, the opposite hand and then the opposite foot up the ladder one rung at a time. When climbing down, you reverse this procedure. As you progress, you can move on to using an alternating limb climb. The alternating limb climb still has you moving one limb at a time, but you skip every other rung (e.g. the left side use rungs 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, the right side uses rungs 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10). When climbing down, you reverse this procedure. When climbing as a group, you only ever want one center climber in motion at a time. Therefore, the top base climbs up first, the middle second, and the bottom base last. When coming down, the bottom base comes off first, followed by the middle base, and last climbs down the top base. Spotting: Foot the ladders as needed by stepping on the bottom rungs. You will need 2 spotters for this (one on each side), as they must be footed from the outside. Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at the 2-ladder climb when they can successfully complete 4 out of 5 climbs with the ladders footed. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered the 2-ladder climb when they can successfully complete 5 out of 5 climbs without the ladders footed. Tip: As you climb up the ladder, you want to keep the ladders at a slight inwards angle, as this helps with stability.

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Basic Stationary Hold

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Basic Stationary Hold Class: Beginning Why: This is the ladder position used for most Roman Ladder work Prereq: 2-Ladder Climb How: The Basic Stationary hold is the hold where your bases hold the ladders at an angle as shown on the right. Start by having your bases climb the ladders and position themselves as shown with the legs locked straight, and the elbows bent (Note: the sizes of your bases will determine the actual angle of the ladders). This position is the Basic Stationary Hold. While control is maintained mostly by feel, to help maintain this position your eyes should be focused on a visual anchor out in front of you, and not one down towards the ground. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can perform as a base. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it solidly in all base positions, without a spot.

Basic Spread Hold

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Basic Spread Hold Class: Beginning Why: This is the ladder position used for most Roman Ladder work Prereq: Basic Stationary Hold How: The Basic Stationary hold is the hold where your bases hold the ladders straight up and down as shown on the right. Start by having your bases in the Basic Stationary Hold. As a group, extend your arms and legs out to the side until the ladders are at a 90degree angle to the ground. When finished, return to the basic stationary position. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can perform as a base. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it solidly in all base positions, without a spot. Tip: While still a stable position, this is not quite as stable as the basic stationary hold 2005, Steven Santos / Simply Circus, Inc.

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Shifting Ladder Exercise 1

Program: Skill Name: Class: Why: Prereq: Roman Ladders Wobbling Rope Exercises 1 Beginning If you cant steady a shifting ladder, you will fall a lot. Basic Spread Hold

How: The hardest part of learning to steady a shifting ladder is learning how much force and weight to use in counteracting the sway. The general rule of them is to use as little force as possible to accomplish this goal. Start this exercise in the basic stationary hold. Have a spotter toss beanbags (or juggling balls) at you as you stand on the ladders. Each beanbag will introduce additional sway as it hits you. Your goal is to remain balanced on the ladders. As you become more proficient at this exercise, increase the number of people throwing beanbags, or use heavier soft objects such as pillows to introduce more sway. Note that pillows and other heavier objects should only be tossed at the sides, and not at the front and rear. You should also try this exercise in the basic spread hold. Spotting: Note: If your walker requires a spotter to stand on the rope with their hands behind their back, then they are not ready for this exercise. Toss the balls lightly & aim for the torso. Tip: Small movements, small movements, small movements.

Shifting Ladder Exercise 2

Program: Skill Name: Class: Why: Prereq: Roman Ladders Shifting Ladders Exercises 2 Beginning If you cant steady a shifting ladder, you will fall a lot. Shifting Ladders Exercises 1

How: Start this exercise in the basic stationary hold. Have your spotter introduce additional sway by pushing on the ladders. Your goal is to remain balanced by shifting your weight and pulling/pushing on the rungs. Spotting: Note: If your bases are not steady, or still require a spotter to remain in position, they are not ready for this. When you introduce sway, start small with only a few inches of sway when measured at the top of the ladder. Increase the sway inch by inch only as your bases can comfortably deal with it. It is better to go too slow with this exercise than too fast. Do NOT move the feet of the ladders with this exercise. Tip: - Small movements, small movements, small movements. - Look straight ahead, and not down at the ground - You can combine shifting ladder exercises 1 and 2

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Intermediate Skills (Flyer Skills)

Skills included in this section: Calling the Hup Climbing the Ladders Side Star Position Single Knee Hang Double Knee Hang Side Bridge Double Foot Hang 2005, Steven Santos / Simply Circus, Inc.

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Calling the Hup

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Calling the Hup Class: Intermediate Why: Timing is everything Prereq: 2-Ladder Climb How: Roman Ladders must be balanced to be safe and successful. While it is possible for skilled bases to maintain the ladders with only one climber, or with uneven climbers, doing so pushes even the most experienced bases to the very limits of what can be done safely. With safety in mind, in Roman Ladders uses a Ready call (or sign) before the Hup call. Whether a sign or a call is used will depend on who is calling the act. In general, Roman Ladders is best called by a person with an unobstructed view of the act, this usually means someone who is not in the act. Through out this book we will use a called ready before the hup, as this is the best method to use when first learning Roman Ladders. After you have learned the basic skills, it is usually best to use a ready sign. The sign that you use will have to be determined and agreed to by the performers and the caller before using. Spotting: None Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can describe the Hup procedure from memory. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they are able to use it in a show or group performance.

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Climbing the Ladders

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Climbing the Ladders Class: Intermediate Why: You have to climb the ladders in order to fly (and not fall!) Prereq: 2-Ladder Climb How: Climbing Roman Ladders is just like climbing any other ladder, except that you must climb in pairs of roughly the same weight, and you must match your partners rate of assent. When it is time for you to climb the ladder, start with the foot closest to the audience on the bottom rung, and your hands placed on the rungs at and just above your shoulders. Look directly at your partner and make eye contact. When eye contact is made, both climbers should call out ready indicating that they are ready to ascend and wait for the caller to call the Hup. Once the Hup has been called both partners will begin their climb. As you take each step make sure you can see where your partner is, and that you are both climbing at the same rate. Remember that you want your climb to be even, steady and done at a consistent rate of ascent. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 climbs with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: It is the responsibility of both climbers to maintain an even climb.

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Side Star
Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Side Star Class: Intermediate Why: This is one of the basic tricks you can do on the ladders Prereq: Climbing the Ladders How: With the ladders in the basic stationary hold, the climbers ascend to their positions on the ladder. Once in position, flyers should place their inner foot on the rung so that both the heel and toe are on the rung, and grip the upper bar with a strong S-Grip. Once in position, look directly at your partner and make eye contact. When eye contact is made, both fliers should call out ready indicating that they are ready to go. When the Hup is called, extend your arms straight out, and your legs out at about a 45degree angle as shown in the picture to the right. Generally this position is used with the Spread Hold, and the ladders will extend out to the spread hold at the same time the fliers are extending their bodies into the side star. This position should be held for between 8 and 15 seconds before the second Hup is called, and fliers return fully to the ladder, and the ladders are returned to the basic stationary position. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 side stars with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: This skill has been described for the Basic Spread Hold. It can also be used with the Basic Stationary Hold by either bending the knee of the inner leg, or allowing the star to be at the same angle as the ladders, though you do not get the same visual effect as you do with the spread hold.

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Single Knee Hang

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Single Knee Hang Class: Intermediate Why: This is one of the basic tricks you can do on the ladders Prereq: Climbing The Ladders How: With the ladders in the basic stationary hold, the climbers ascend to their positions on the ladder. Once in position, flyers should place their inner knee over the top rung, and lock the foot in under the next rung. The outer foot should be placed a few rungs down. This needs to be done in step with our partner on the opposite ladder to help maintain stability. When in position, look directly at your partner and make eye contact. When eye contact is made, both fliers should call out ready indicating that they are ready to go. When the Hup is called, extend your body out as shown. This position is used with both the Spread Hold and the standard stationary hold. When used with the spread hold, the ladders will extend out to the spread hold at the same time the fliers are extending their bodies out. This position should be held for between 8 and 15 seconds before the second Hup is called, and fliers return fully to the ladder, and the ladders are returned to the basic stationary position.

Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 attempts with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: It is the responsibility of both flyers to maintain an even pace through out this skill Watch out for your bases hands and feet during this skill!

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Double Knee Hang

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Double Knee Hang Class: Intermediate Why: This is one of the basic tricks you can do on the ladders Prereq: Single Knee Hang How: With the ladders in the basic stationary hold, the climbers ascend to their positions on the ladder. Once in position, flyers should place both knees over the top rung, and lock the feet in under the next rung. Your hands should remain securely gripped to the ladder. This all needs to be done in step with your partner on the opposite ladder to help maintain stability. When in position, look directly at your partner and make eye contact. When eye contact is made, both fliers should call out ready indicating that they are ready to go. When the Hup is called, extend your body out as shown, maintaining a straight line from your knees right through your fingers. This position is used with both the Spread Hold and the standard stationary hold. When used with the spread hold, the ladders will extend out to the spread hold at the same time the fliers are extending their bodies out. This position should be held for between 8 and 15 seconds before the second Hup is called, and fliers return fully to the ladder, and the ladders are returned to the basic stationary position. To return to the ladder, you will do a tight sit-up so that you can grip the ladder securely with both hands. One by one, unlock your feet and fully return to the ladder. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 attempts with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: - It is the responsibility of both flyers to maintain an even pace through out this skill - This position requires a good deal of abdominal strength, so be careful not to over do it. - Watch out for your based hands and feet during this skill!

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Side Bridge
Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Side Bridge Class: Intermediate Why: This is one of the basic tricks you can do on the ladders Prereq: Climbing the Ladders How: With the ladders in the basic stationary hold, the climbers ascend to their positions on the ladder. Once in position, you will look directly at your partner and make eye contact. When eye contact is made, both fliers should call out ready indicating that they are ready to go. When the Hup is called, turn so that you are facing away from the ladders with both feet on the same rung, and your hands gripping the rung above your head with a solid S-grip. Next you will extend your body out into a hollow position as shown. This position is used with both the Spread Hold and the standard stationary hold. When used with the spread hold, the ladders will extend out to the spread hold at the same time the fliers are extending their bodies out. This position should be held for between 8 and 15 seconds before the second Hup is called, and flyers return fully to the ladder, and the ladders are returned to the basic stationary position. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 attempts with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: - It is the responsibility of both flyers to maintain an even pace through out this skill - This position can be scary the first few times you try it, especially in the spread hold. Its only scary because you cannot see the ladder. Try and work through the fear. - Watch out for your bases hands and feet during this skill!

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Two Handed Back Hang

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Two Handed Back Hang Class: Intermediate Why: This is one of the basic tricks you can do on the ladders Prereq: Side Bridge How: With the ladders in the basic stationary hold, the climbers ascend to their positions on the ladder, and enter the side bridge. Once in the side bridge position, a second Hup will be called. When that Hup is called, both flyers will sit on a rung, and extend their feet out as shown. This position is used with both the Spread Hold and the standard stationary hold. When used with the spread hold, the ladders will extend out to the spread hold after the flyers have been seated. When fully extended, the flyers will no longer be sitting on the rung, but will be hanging by their arms, and holding the feet as shown This position should be held for between 8 and 15 seconds before the third Hup is called, and flyers return fully to the ladder, and the ladders are returned to the basic stationary position. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 attempts with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: - It is the responsibility of both flyers to maintain an even pace through out this skill - You need good arm and hand strength to perform this skill in the spread position. If you do not have the strength, do not attempt this in the spread position - This position can be scary the first few times you try it, especially in the spread hold. - Watch out for your bases hands and feet during this skill!

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Advanced Skills (More Flyer Skills)

Flag Double Foot Hang Side Stand Front Stand Partner Skills 2005, Steven Santos / Simply Circus, Inc.

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Flag
Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Flag Class: Advanced Why: This trick shows strength, power and grace Prereq: Side Bridge How: With the ladders in the basic stationary hold, the climbers ascend to their positions on the ladder, and will take hold of their assigned rungs. On the hup, the bases will extend the ladder to the basic spread hold. Once in the spread position, the flyers will push out on the lower rung, and pull on the upper rung while extending their body out as shown, keeping the feet together, or slightly apart. It is important for flyers to keep their body in a tight position through out this skill. Flyers should squeeze all major muscle groups throughout this skill, especially the chest, abdomen, back and buttocks. This position should be held for between 8 and 15 seconds before the third Hup is called, and flyers return fully to the ladder, and the ladders are returned to the basic stationary position. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb. Additionally, safety loops should be attached to the ladders, and secured to the wrist of each flyer. Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 attempts with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: - It is the responsibility of both flyers to maintain an even pace through out this skill - You need good arm and hand strength to perform this skill. If you do not have the strength, do not attempt this position - This position can be scary the first few times you try it, especially in the spread hold. - Watch out for your bases hands and feet during this skill!

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Double Foot Hang

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Flag Class: Advanced Why: This trick shows strength, power an d grace Prereq: Side Bridge How: With the ladders in the basic stationary hold, the climbers ascend to their positions on the ladder, and will take hold of their assigned rungs, locking their ankles under the upper rung and securing the ankle loop. On the hup, the bases will extend the ladder to the basic spread hold. Once in the spread position, the flyers will let go with their hands and extend their body out as shown, keeping the ankles locked. This position should be held for between 8 and 15 seconds before the third Hup is called, and flyers return fully to the ladder, and the ladders are returned to the basic stationary position. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb. Additionally, safety loops should be attached to the rails of the ladders, and secured to the ankle of each flyer. Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 attempts with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: - It is the responsibility of both flyers to maintain an even pace through out this skill - You need good arm and hand strength to perform this skill. If you do not have the strength, do not attempt this position - This position can be scary the first few times you try it, especially in the spread hold. - Watch out for your bases hands and feet during this skill!

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Side Stand
Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Side Stand Class: Advanced Why: This trick shows strength, power and grace Prereq: Side Bridge How: With the ladders in the basic stationary hold, the climbers ascend to their positions on the ladder, and will take hold of their assigned rungs, locking their ankles under the upper rung and securing the ankle loop. Both the heel and toe of the lower foot should be on the rung. On the hup, the bases will extend the ladder to the basic spread hold. Once in the spread position, the flyers will let go with their hands and extend their body out as shown, keeping the ankles locked. This position should be held for between 8 and 15 seconds before the third Hup is called, and flyers return fully to the ladder, and the ladders are returned to the basic stationary position. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb. Additionally, safety loops should be attached to the rails of the ladders, and secured to the ankle of each flyer. Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 attempts with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: - It is the responsibility of both flyers to maintain an even pace through out this skill - You need good arm and hand strength to perform this skill. If you do not have the strength, do not attempt this position - This position can be scary the first few times you try it, especially in the spread hold. - Watch out for your bases hands and feet during this skill!

2005, Steven Santos / Simply Circus, Inc.

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Front Stand
Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Side Stand Class: Advanced Why: This trick shows strength, power and grace Prereq: Side Bridge How: With the ladders in the basic stationary hold, the climbers ascend to their positions on the ladder, and will take hold of their assigned rungs, locking their upper ankle in the ankle loop. The upper foot should be in line with the rungs of the ladder. The arch of the lower foot should be on its assigned rung. On the hup, the bases will extend the ladder to the basic spread hold. Once in the spread position, the flyers will let go with their hands and extend their body out as shown. Your head, and torso should be facing the ground during this skill. You should use your upper foot to maintain lateral stability during this skill. This position should be held for between 8 and 15 seconds before the third Hup is called, the flyers return fully to the ladder, and the ladders are returned to the basic stationary position. Spotting: Same as for the 2-ladder climb. Additionally, safety loops should be attached to the rails of the ladders, and secured to the ankle of each flyer. Proficient: A student will be considered to be proficient at this skill when they can make 4 out of 5 attempts with a partner cleanly, and evenly. Master: A student will be considered to have mastered this skill when they can perform it with a partner 10 out of 10 times cleanly and evenly. Tip: - It is the responsibility of both flyers to maintain an even pace through out this skill - You need good core strength to perform this skill. If you do not have the strength, do not attempt this position - This position can be scary the first few times you try it, especially in the spread hold. - Watch out for your bases hands and feet during this skill! - This skill can be performed with the flyers facing up as well. When facing up, both the toe and heel of your bottom foot should be on the rung. When facing up, your bottom foot is used to maintain lateral stability.

2005, Steven Santos / Simply Circus, Inc.

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Appendixes and Additional Material

Other Intermediate and Advanced Skills Inspection Form Additional Resources Notes

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Other Intermediate and Advanced Skills

Program: Roman Ladders Skill Name: Other Intermediate and Advanced Skills Class: Intermediate/Advanced Why: Its good to have more things to try Prereq: Intermediate and Advanced skills How: o Partner Front Stand Skills. Many of the partner skills from Spanish Web, especially those skills utilizing an additional safety loop, can be used in Roman ladders with little, if any change. o Acrobatic Poses. Most Acrobatic Poses can be modified for use on the Roman Ladders with only minor changes. o Acrobalance. Roman Ladders can be integrated into Acrobalance formations, often with dramatic effect. o Top Stand Work. The possibilities for what can be done are endless. Here are some suggestions: o Basic Top Stand (heels and toes should be on the top rungs) o Shoulder Stand on top rungs (aka top shoulder stand) o Top Lever (One Armed Lever or Han Shui pose on top of rungs) o Press to Handstand and return o Top Stand Partner Work. The vast majority of partner acrobatics can be adapted for use on the top rungs of the Roman ladders

Spotting: The various spotting techniques used should be appropriate for the individual skills being taught, practiced or performed. Many of these skills require the use of 2 or more safety loops. Proficient: N/A Master: N/A Tip: -

2005, Steven Santos / Simply Circus, Inc.

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Roman Ladders Inspection Date:

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Top Rung Rung 2 Rung 3 Rung 4 Rung 5 Rung 6 Rung 7 Rung 8 Rung 9 Rung 10 Rung 11 Rung 12 Rung 13 Left Rail Right Rail Other / Notes:

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Additional Resources
Generally Good Circus Resources
Simply Circus Website: www.SimplyCircus.com Circus News: www.CircusNews.com American Youth Circus Org. www.AmericanYouthCircus.org

Good Roman Ladder Specific Resources

Notes:

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Boston Marathon 2004

Simply Circus Summer Camp 2004

King Richards Faire 2003

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Want More Circus In Your Life?

Check out some of the circus programs available from Simply Circus!

Simply Circus offers programs that can be tailored to meet the needs of any group.

Classes for your Community Center, Afterschool Program, School, Church or Other Youth Group Simply Circus offers a full range of programs suitable for any youth program. If you would like to find out about how you can bring the excitement of the circus to your program, contact Steven (781) 799-4938 or email steven@simplycircus.com

Simply Circus Explorers At Simply Circus you can Learn skills such as Juggling Acrobatics Acrobalance Equilibristics Unicycle Clowning Twirling Flexibility Stilting Balance This program meets from September until the end of April, and is open to all children ages 14 21 If you would like to join our Explorer program, contact Steven@SimplyCircus.com Simply Circus is proud to sponsor Simply Circus Explorer Post 620 Simply Circus Explorer Post 620 is the teenage performance troupe of Simply Circus.

Wire Walking Commedia

Close-up Magic And Much More!

Summer Camp Simply Circus is now offering a summer day camp for kids ages 8 and up in Sudbury, Massachusetts! For dates and availability call Steven (781) 799-4938 or email steven@simplycircus.com

2005, Steven Santos / Simply Circus, Inc.