Equilibristics is a blanket term for a variety of circus arts which involve balancing or maintaining equilibrium. Training in equilibristics can get quite extensive, as these arts run the gamut from juggling to holding people up in the air with your feet while lying in a prone position. Many circuses feature demonstrations of equilibristics, both inside the tent and outside, as a promotional tool, and examples of arts in this discipline can be seen in a variety of other settings as well, ranging from nightclubs to parades.

Some well known examples of equilibristics include juggling, baton twirling, unicycle riding, stilt walking, tightrope walking, and some acrobatics. As you can see, this discipline covers a range of techniques, both with and without props, and performances of equilibristics can also involve teams of trained performers. Many feats of equilibristics are quite amazing to watch; for example, some people are able to manipulate very large items with their raised feet and legs from a supine position, performing tricks like spinning canoes in the course of performance.

Depending on the type of equilibristics someone wants to learn, there are a number of ways to receive training in this discipline. Some people go to circus school, learning about a variety of circus techniques in addition to equilibristics. Circus school typically places an emphasis on cooperation between members, with people learning the ins and outs of the industry while they engage in physical training which can sometimes be quite grueling.

People who want to learn things like simple juggling and unicycle riding can often take weekend workshops in which they learn the basics, and some people also teach themselves from books and instructional videos. The important thing in equilibristics training is practice; talented people must practice every day to keep themselves limber and to refine their sense of balance. Some people find that it helps to practice with an instructor or someone who is skilled, to pick up pointers and other useful skills.

Because equilibristics involves retaining balance in challenging situations, it often looks quite stunning. Many circuses use equilibristics performances in promotional parades and outside their facilities to draw people in, as the appearance of many equilibristics acts is appealing and eye catching. Such performers are also sometimes involved in promotions for night clubs and various events, keeping guests entertained and interested.