Charting the course of life and the pursuit of dreams, this steel frame ship floating above
the water provides the platform for this truly unique display of acrobatic timing and strength.
At the foundation of the Bateau (French for “boat”) is the traditional circus discipline of the
aerial cradle act incorporated with gymnastics parallel bars for the very first time. This dynamic
presentation brings the delicate balance of air and water to life.
The Bateau is another favorite amongst patrons, and happens to be one of mine
as well. I can't really say what draws me to it. Perhaps it is the melding of two
different disciplines - the Parallel Bars and Aerial Cradle. And, let's be honest
here, it is something I know virtually nothing about. But that having been said,
these two disciplines meld together fantastically in this surreal world of "O". The
Bateau is aptly named, literally a ghost ship suspended in air, this steel framed
ship charts the course of life and the pursuit of dreams. Behind the delicate balance
between air and water lie the chants of "Remous" (which translates into "Movement").
Comets anchor the bateau while "Remous" lofts throughout the theater. Soon, the zebra's
from the Cadre (Suspended Cradle) will take a journey on this aparatus - the Bateau.
Resembling a boat, it swings back and forth under the power of the acrobats. And together,
the 10 performers of flyers and catchers, create an amazing display of timing, strength
and agility.
The Bateau (or boat) has parallel bars with catch chairs positioned on
opposite sides. This was first time these two disciplines have been combined in
one single apparatus. It is made of Chromoly steel. (Chromoly steel is a type
of low alloy steel that gets its name from a combination of the words "chromium"
and "molybdenum" - two of the major alloying elements. Chromoly steel is often
used when more strength is required than that of mild carbon steel.
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