HUMAN PYRAMIDS (GYMNASTICS): HISTORY AND TYPES - ARTE - 2025

Human pyramids are gymnastic or acrobatic formations in which three or more people intervene, forming a column that stands supported on other people. They are called pyramids because they take on this triangular shape. The base is usually wider and tapers as it rises from the lower levels.

They are considered a very complex socio-motor and acrobatic sport, of a collaborative type, which demands great control from the gymnasts. Human pyramids require a lot of strength, balance and flexibility; otherwise the formation could not be kept standing for long and it would have a premature disassembly.

It is made in previously chosen flat spaces and takes different forms. The athletes stand, lie down or kneel and form the pyramid between one another. Gymnasts may kneel, stand on the shoulders, back, or thighs of those on the lower level.

Generally, at the base of the pyramid the number of athletes is greater and it becomes smaller as the pyramid rises. In this way it acquires the triangular shape and the weight is distributed among all the lower levels.

For logical reasons, the lightest people are placed in the upper levels of the pyramid and the strongest and heaviest in the lower levels. This type of acrobatic gymnastics has been practiced since ancient times.

History

Italian print of different formations of human pyramids, with torches (1652). New York Public Library.

The earliest records of human pyramids represented in engravings, vessels, and monuments come from ancient Greece, China, Egypt, and Rome. Through human figures, the Egyptians represented their legendary pyramids in ceremonies and festivals.

The Greeks did it in the ancient Olympic Games, where human pyramids were part of the competitions and the spectacle. Instead, the Romans practiced them for a military purpose, as their soldiers were trained to scale towers and invade fortresses.

In the Middle Ages, during the Renaissance period, they emerged in Venice with the "Living Architecture Competitions." These consisted of raising a perfect human structure and the one who reached the greatest height was rewarded.

During this same period, interest in physical education emerged in schools as a complement to intellectual training. The first lines about acrobatic exercises also began to be written, giving rise to the circus show.

In the 18th century this activity acquired great splendor because it was fully incorporated as an attraction in the circuses. What until then had been only an exhibition of the abilities and physical qualities of individuals and groups, became an activity for the entertainment of the public.

Acrobatics and sport

From there, the exercises on the trampoline, the trampoline, the balance acrobatics, among other applications, were added. In other European regions such as Catalonia (Spain), it is known that the so-called castellers (human towers) also emerged during this time.

In the Iberian Peninsula these manifestations, along with juggling and circus acrobatics, originated with minstrels. So, throughout history, the construction of human pyramids has had different expressions. In each country or region of the world these structures have adopted different shapes and sizes.

The human pyramids, along with the other acrobatic sports, were included in the International Federation of Acrobatic Sports (IFSA). The institution was created in 1973, and since 1999 this sport was incorporated into the International Gymnastics Federation.

At present, the human pyramids in their different versions are very traditional in Spain, the United States, China, India, the Czech Republic and Italy (Venice).

Phases of the pyramids

For the correct construction of a human pyramid, three basic phases must be taken into account:

Construction of the pyramid

The porters are forming the base according to the chosen figures, assuming the strongest and safest position possible.

From then on the other members are climbing, trying to stay as close to the support base as possible. The pyramid is formed from the inside out and from the bottom up.

Stabilization

When the pyramid is fully formed it should be held for at least three seconds. When the weight distribution is correct, the pyramid can maintain balance.

However, if necessary, the position corrections deemed appropriate should be made to stabilize it by correcting imbalances.

Outcome

It is always performed in the sense in which it was built, starting with the agile (gymnasts) who make the descent from the upper levels. They can go down to the front or to the sides, being helped by the porters or by the helpers.

When falling it should always be done with the feet slightly open and the knees bent to absorb the impact and avoid injuries. The spine should always remain straight, the trunk bent forward and the open arms extended to the sides.

Meanwhile, the porters must remain in their respective positions until all the agiles go down.

For greater security, sometimes the pyramids are formed on a floor area measuring 12 x 12 m, just like in artistic gymnastics. The floor area is a padded and elastic surface.

Nowadays, it is often seen in gymnastic competitions, circuses, game presentations (cheerleaders), popular fairs and acrobatic competitions.

Basic elements of the pyramids

The three basic people involved in any pyramid are:

- The porters or bases, who are the ones who support the other athletes.

- The mounters, which are usually lighter and are located on top of the base and on the following levels.

- The observer, who helps the rider to climb or propel the others upwards.

Types

The

Castellers in Barcelona, ​​Spain.

They are very traditional human pyramids (human towers) in popular festivities in the Catalan region, where these competitions are held. These living structures can reach up to ten levels in height and are built after rigorous hands-on work that goes on for months.

By tradition, the castellers stand right in the square where the town hall of the towns is located; they are built in front of the main balcony of the building.

The competition consists of keeping the pyramid or tower upright for a certain time and that the last person in the structure moves.

Classical pyramids

They are made up of several groups of people, who support the weight of the gymnasts or acrobats on their hands and knees.

It is a fairly common form that is performed in events where such a high level of skill and balance is not required because, being smaller, the degree of difficulty decreases.

Straight legs

It is the classic three-person pyramid quite common in cheerleading games and performances. Usually, the animator of the show is located in the highest part and from there guides the choreography.

A minimum of four people are required: three for the formation of the pyramid and the person at the back (the observer). The legs of the members of the pyramid must remain straight and the knees locked.

Pyramids with doubles

This is the most difficult human pyramid to make and requires expert and even daring athletes, since some of these pyramids are made with movement: on bicycles, motorcycles, structures, etc.

It can be done by forming two or more three-person pyramids performing mid-air cheerleading transfers. They can also be pyramids made up of five or more people.

Instant elevation pyramid

It is formed by the athletes climbing on the shoulders of their teammates at the base, making up the different levels.

Three-dimensional pyramid

It is formed by creating a base whose structure is wider and, therefore, occupies a larger surface. It offers greater stability to athletes but is heavier than snapshots.

References

1. Balance variability during the pyramid execution in acrobatic gymnastics. Retrieved June 22, 2018 from ojs.ub.uni-konstanz.de
2. Acrobatic Gymnastics (The Acrosport). Consulted from edu.xunta.gal
3. A Visual History of the Human Pyramid. Consulted from atlasobscura.com
4. The "castells". Consulted of ich.unesco.org
5. Acrobatic Gymnastics: The Art of Human Pyramids. Consulted of elpais.com.co
6. Human pyramids. Consulted of pyramideshumanasactivarte.weebly.com