Cyr Wheel

A single large metal ring (aluminium or steel) sized approximately 10-15cm taller than the performer. You stand inside it, grasp the rim, and cause it to roll and spin gyroscopically while performing acrobatic moves.

History

Developed around 1996 by Daniel Cyr, a graduate of the National Circus School in Montreal and co-founder of Cirque Eloize. Cyr says the idea came from a large hula hoop and an old circular coat rack. He first performed it in Cirque Eloize's production Excentricus (1997) and won silver at the 2003 Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris.

Getting started

• This is one of the most physically demanding flow props — exceptional balance, core strength, and spatial awareness are required
• Most practitioners train at circus schools with proper instruction and spotting
• The wheel must be precisely sized to your height
• PVC coating on the rim provides grip for hands and feet
• Practice on flat, smooth surfaces — concrete or gym floors

Key moves

• Waltz — the basic rolling pattern where the wheel tilts and spins
• Coin spin — the wheel spins flat on the ground like a spinning coin
• Suspensions — hanging from the wheel in various positions while it spins
• Spirals — gyroscopic spins with the performer inside

Cyr wheel requires professional instruction. The forces involved can cause serious injury without proper technique and spotting.

Where to buy

• Zimmermann (via Red Circle Shop) — Germany, manufacturer, highest quality
• Pyroterra — LED Cyr Wheel FT2 — Czech Republic, pixel programmable
• CircusConcepts Europe — European distribution

Cyr wheels must be precisely sized to your height. Contact the manufacturer for custom sizing.

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