Learning to walk on stilts brought to you by
Still Having a Ball
A basic circus skill
View the video (3.4 m), pause it, read this, repeat.
Beginning stilt walking reminders (watch the video first)
- Using one stilt:
- Pole under/behind the arm - foot on the stilt step
- Step up on the step and over
- Straighten the knee fully
- Do not fall over sideways
- Solo mount:
- Get against a wall
- Set the poles shoulder width apart about a foot from the wall
- Step up, bracing against the wall
- Walk backward until you are falling forward - start walking
- Assisted mount:
- Teacher holds poles shoulder width (of student) apart and nearly vertical
- Student mounts in front of teacher facing the same direction
- Bring the student up to vertical with a very light grip on the poles
- Student begins walking
- Whichever way you start:
- Good posture - not leaning forward
- Grip the poles with your hands and arms
- (pinch the poles against your body with your elbows)
- Keep the body straight and fairly stiff
- Do not try to stand still (very difficult)
- Keep your feet shoulder width apart and take small steps
- Do not bend your knees (foot will come off of stilt)
- Construction:
- Build your own stick stilts (pdf 20k)
After mastering stick stilts strap on stilts are very easy, albeit more dangerous.
© wejuggle2.com 2007