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Thehair hang is anaerialcircus act where performers (usually young women) are suspended by their hair, performingacrobatic poses and/or manipulation. Some believe the act originated inSouth America; others claim the act hails fromChina. Performers hang suspended by theirhair, which is tied into a hairhangrig; the techniques used to tie the performer's hair and the acrobatic techniques involved in the act are key.
Many people underestimate thetensile strength of hair. A single strand can potentially carry a weight of up to 100 grams (3.5 oz);[1] in theory, with proper technique, a full head of human hair could eventually hold between 5,600 kg and 8,400 kg (12,345 to 18,518 lbs) without breaking individual hairs or pulling out anyfollicles.[citation needed] However, the strength of a bundle of strands does not necessarily need to be the same as the sum of the strengths of each strand. Morever, the act still hurts, especially for new performers.
Hair hanging acts are prominently featured in theCirque du Soleil touring productionsVolta[2] andBazzar. In 2020, American violinistLindsey Stirling hung from her hair while playing her signature piece "Crystalize" as part of her Home for the Holidays virtual concert.[3]
| Acrobatics, balance, and contortion | |
|---|---|
| Juggling andobject manipulation | |
| Vaulting | |
| Other | |
| Related | |
