CYR WHEEL SCHOOL
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INFO
The Cyr wheel (also known as the roue Cyr, mono wheel, or simple wheel) is an acrobatic device popularized in the early 21st century. It consists of a single large, metal hoop[1] and is similar in some ways to a German wheel, with the acrobat spinning inside the wheel while maneuvering around the stage.
There are records of people using a similar apparatus as sports equipment during the 19th[citation needed] and 20th centuries.[2] The cyr wheel was further popularized as a circus skill by numerous acrobats and circus artists during the 1990s and later by Daniel Cyr in 2003, who presented the first cyr wheel circus act at the 2003 Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris. He won the Silver Medal for his performance.[3] Cyr claims he created it without any awareness of previous similar devices, although there is no evidence for this claim.[citation needed]
Since its recent re-popularization as a circus apparatus, hundreds of circus artists from around the world have performed in the wheel. The USA Wheel Gymnastics Federation and the International Rhoenradturnen Verband, with significant assistance from coaches and athletes from the École Nationale de Cirque de Montréal, developed rules for cyr wheel competition. The first such competition was held in Chicago in October 2011 and the first world championships in cyr wheel competition was held during the 10th World Championships in Wheel Gymnastics, July 7-14th, 2013 in Chicago, IL.
Since 1933, Adalbert von Rekowski [1] has held a world record for rolling 100 meters in 22.2 seconds in his wheel.[4]
Cyr wheels are typically made of aluminum tubing. Usually a 1.5” diameter tubing with 1/8” sidewall 6061 aluminum is used. Generally they are made in 3 or 5 individual pieces, and connect with inserts. The inserts can be made out of solid aluminum or steel (either tubing or solid). They are then painted, and covered with a plastic PVC covering to add friction, and protect the metal.[5]
Smaller wheels spin faster, work better for smaller spaces, and make "no hand" tricks easier than larger wheels. Larger wheels are more graceful and there is more room for suspensions.[6]
Some Cyr wheels are made of stainless steel covered in a flexible PVC coating.[7]
Kris Madden is a well established performer and teacher in the industry of circus. He entered the field of performing arts at the young age of 13 when he was offered a place at a full-time drama school. Kris has always felt comfortable on stage and took to the scene without apprehension. Whilst studying for an Honors degree in devised performance, Kris' innate strength and infinite energy drove him to explore more physically challenging forms of art.
From breakdancing to juggling there are not many physical skills that Kris hasn't learnt, and his desire to learn is just as strong as his desire to teach. His critical eye and attention to detail has allowed him to create innovative, unique work as well as direct others.
Circus is where Kris has found his home and he intends to remain at the forefront of this ever evolving art form.
With circus regaining popularity in the mainstream, Kris' goal is to reach out to people who do not have the facilities or funds needed to train skills such as cyr wheel and share his knowledge and motivation with all.
TESTAMONIALS
"Kris is an accomplished performer and teacher with high standards in both circus skills and theatrical delivery. His striving to push the boundaries of circus is reflected in the quality of his work and he aims to teach others to achieve the highest level they can.
Kris is a pleasure to work with and has an infectious energy which will enable and inspire a new generation of Cyr Wheel performers.
...Can't wait to see what they come up with."
Annabelle Holland (programmer Glastonbury Festival,
Shambala Festival and winner of Jeunes Talents Cirque Europe).
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"I have been training on Cyr for over a year now mainly self taught with the exception of a few workshops, one of which was with Kris Madden. He is a good teacher and an excellent cyr wheeler. I hope I have the pleasure of training with him again.
Mary Reynolds, Brighton