How to become a stilt walker

How to become a Stilt Walker

Many, if not most, successful stilt walkers have acquired their skills through practical training, workshops, self-study, and real-world performance experiences. What matters most is a strong dedication to training, a passion for stilt walking, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field. Let’s take a look at the pathway to becoming a stilt walker.

Familiarize Yourself with Stilts
Start by getting familiar with different types of stilts used for stilt walking, such as peg stilts or drywall stilts. Learn about their construction, height adjustment mechanisms, and safety features. Understand how to properly put on and secure the stilts to your legs.

Seek Training and Guidance
Look for stilt walking classes or workshops in your area. Experienced stilt walkers can teach you the fundamentals, techniques, and safety measures involved in stilt walking. Joining a stilt walking group can also provide valuable guidance and instruction.

Focus on Balance and Coordination
Stilt walking requires a strong sense of balance and coordination. Do exercises that improve your balance, such as standing on one leg or walking on a balance beam. Engage in activities like yoga or martial arts that enhance body control, flexibility, and core strength, all of which are crucial for maintaining balance and performing acrobatic movements on stilts. Consider taking anatomy, physiology, and/or kinesiology courses to better understand the mechanics of the human body.

Start with Lower Stilts
Begin your stilt walking journey with lower-height stilts. This allows you to gradually build your confidence and balance. As you become more comfortable, you can progress to higher stilts. Practise in safe and open areas with even surfaces, away from obstacles that could pose a risk.

Develop Stilt Walking Techniques
Learn the basic stilt walking techniques, such as taking small steps, maintaining a steady pace, and distributing your weight evenly. Practise walking, turning, and stopping smoothly. As you gain proficiency, explore more advanced techniques like running, jumping, and incorporating acrobatic movements.

Experiment with Props and Skills
Explore additional skills that complement stilt walking, such as juggling, acrobatics, or dancing. Incorporating props like flags, ribbons, or fire props can add flair to your performances. Hone these skills separately and then integrate them into your stilt walking routines.

Build a Performance Portfolio
Document your stilt walking performances through photos and videos. Create a portfolio that showcases your skills and versatility. This portfolio will be useful when applying for performance opportunities or when approaching entertainment agencies.

Seek Performance Opportunities
Look for local events, festivals, or entertainment venues where you can showcase your stilt walking skills. Volunteer to perform at community gatherings, charity events, or school functions to gain experience and exposure. Networking with event organizers, performers, and entertainment professionals can open doors to paid performance opportunities.

Invest in Quality Equipment
When you are ready to commit to stilt walking, invest in high-quality stilts that suit your needs and performance style. Ensure they are sturdy, comfortable, and properly fitted for your height and weight. Safety should always be a priority, so choose reputable brands and follow manufacturer guidelines.

Practise Consistently
Stilt walking requires ongoing practice and maintenance of your skills. Practise regularly to refine your techniques, maintain balance, and explore new tricks. Regular practice ensures that you stay proficient and confident in your stilt walking abilities.

First Aid and CPR Certifications
Obtaining certification in first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is recommended for performers such as stilt walkers. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to safety and preparedness to respond to potential emergencies during performances.

Consider Formal Education
Stilt walking is primarily a performance skill that does not typically require formal academic qualifications. However, certain educational backgrounds and experiences can be beneficial for aspiring stilt walkers. These are a few areas of education that can help you refine your skills and artistic expression and contribute to your development as a stilt walker:

• Theatre Arts
• Dance
• Fine Arts
• Circus Arts

Comprehensive circus arts programs are often more likely to be offered by standalone schools versus performing arts institutions. Here are some sample classes from a two-year circus arts curriculum:

• Circus Discipline
• The Ensemble
• Movement
• Theatre
• Circus through the Performative Lens
• Circus from the Technical Perspective
• Circus Producing and Production Management
• Theory, Practice, and Analysis of Performance
• The Student Devised Piece
• Action, Reaction, and Creation
• Movement and Composition

The typical circus arts program involves a collaborative process between the student and staff, leading to a decision about which circus discipline is suited both physically and creatively to that person. The most commonly covered stilt walking topics include:

• Stilts Use and Maintenance
• Stilt Walking and Falling
• Stilt Walking Levels
• Shoe Attachment Instructions
• Rubber Tip Replacement Instructions
• Tire Tread Replacement Instructions
• Friction Kit Installation Instructions
• Fire Dancing on Stilts Safety Information

Professional Organizations
There may not be professional organizations dedicated exclusively to stilt walkers, but several broader entities encompassing circus arts provide support, resources, and community for those in the field. These associations can be valuable for networking, professional development, and staying connected with the wider circus arts community. Here are a few notable examples:

• International Jugglers’ Association (IJA) is the world’s oldest and largest non-profit circus organization, and is open to members worldwide.
• World Buskers Festival is a 10-day international festival of street performers that has been held annually since 1993 at the end of January in Christchurch, New Zealand.
• International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) is an organization dedicated to promoting the health, well-being, and performance of dancers.
• American Circus Educators (ACE) is an organization focused on circus arts education, encompassing performers, educators, and enthusiasts.
• American Youth Circus Organization (AYCO) promotes the participation of youth in the circus arts.
• Circus Now is a global organization that advocates for contemporary circus arts and supports artists in the field. It promotes circus as a vibrant and evolving art form.
• Circus Talk is an independent circus resource center to unite the worldwide circus under one virtual tent.
  World Circus Federation (WCF) exists for the sole purpose of preserving circus traditions for future generations.
• European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (Fédération Européenne des Écoles de Cirque Professionnelles – FEDEC) is a European and international network of about 70 member schools supporting the development and evolution of training, teaching, and creation in circus arts education.
• The UK Circus Network was created to support the circus community throughout the United Kingdom and in particular ‘to be the UK’s Youth Circus Umbrella.’