What does a stilt walker do?

What is a Stilt Walker?

A stilt walker is a performer who walks on stilts, which are long poles or pegs that elevate the person's height above the ground. Stilt walking is an ancient form of performance art and entertainment that can be found in various cultures throughout history. It demands exceptional balance, agility, and grace.

Stilt walkers typically wear special stilts that are strapped to their legs or feet, allowing them to walk, run, and perform various acrobatic movements while maintaining an elevated position. The stilts can vary in height, ranging from a few inches to several feet, depending on the desired effect and the skill level of the performer.

What does a Stilt Walker do?

Stilt walkers perform a variety of activities while walking on stilts. Here is a snapshot of their typical workday:

• Preparation – The stilt walker starts the day by preparing their equipment and costumes. They ensure that their stilts are in good condition, adjusting the height and straps as needed. They also organize their props, makeup, and any other necessary accessories.
• Warm-up and Practice – Before heading out, the stilt walker engages in warm-up exercises to limber up their muscles and improve balance. They may also practise specific stilt walking techniques and acrobatic moves to maintain their skills and coordination.
• Travel and Setup – The stilt walker travels to the event location, whether it's a parade route, festival venue, or street performance area. They arrive early to set up their performance space, ensuring a safe and suitable area for stilt walking. This may involve clearing obstacles, checking the ground conditions, and coordinating with event organizers.
• Walking and Running – The primary function of a stilt walker is to move around while elevated on stilts. They demonstrate skill and balance by walking, running, and even sprinting on their stilts. This basic act of mobility showcases their control and mastery over their elevated position.
• Interacting with the Audience – Stilt walkers are known for their ability to engage and interact with the audience. They may engage in playful interactions or conversations, or use gestures and expressions to entertain and connect with spectators.

Types of Stilt Walkers
The routine of every stilt walker will depend on their schedule, the duration of events, and the specific requirements of each performance. And some may choose to focus on a particular style and type of stilt walking. Here are some examples:

• Traditional Stilt Walkers – These performers embrace the classic art of stilt walking and often draw inspiration from historical and cultural traditions. They may wear traditional costumes, representing specific cultures or historical periods. Traditional stilt walkers may incorporate folk dances, rituals, or storytelling into their performances, showcasing the heritage and customs associated with stilt walking.
• Acrobatic Stilt Walkers – These stilt walkers focus on incorporating acrobatics and impressive tricks into their performances. They are highly skilled in maintaining balance while executing flips, jumps, spins, and other daring maneuvers on stilts. Acrobatic stilt walkers often amaze audiences with their agility, flexibility, and coordination, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on stilts.
• Jumping Stilt Walkers – These stilt walkers specialize in using jumping stilts, also known as bounce stilts or spring stilts, which have spring-loaded mechanisms that provide an extra bounce and allow for higher jumps and more dynamic movements.
• Circus Stilt Performers – Stilt walkers in the circus world bring a blend of stilt walking, acrobatics, comedy, and other circus skills to their performances. They may combine stilt walking with juggling, aerial acts, fire manipulation, or other circus disciplines. These performers often have a theatrical flair and perform as part of a larger circus production, showcasing their versatility and entertaining audiences with a wide range of skills.
• Character Stilt Walkers – These stilt walkers specialize in portraying specific characters or themes. They often wear elaborate costumes and makeup to transform into fantastical creatures, mythological beings, or whimsical characters. Character stilt walkers can be found at theme parks, festivals, and entertainment venues, adding a touch of enchantment and bringing beloved characters to life.
• Parade Stilt Performers – Stilt walkers in parades play a vital role in creating a visual spectacle. They often wear vibrant costumes, carry flags, banners, or props, and march in sync with the parade procession. These stilt walkers enhance the festive atmosphere, interact with the crowd, and contribute to the overall excitement of the event.
• Contemporary Stilt Artists – Contemporary stilt walkers push the boundaries of stilt walking as an art form. They experiment with innovative techniques, incorporate modern dance styles such as ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and Latin, and fuse stilt walking with other performance disciplines. Contemporary stilt artists explore new possibilities, creating visually stunning and thought-provoking performances that challenge traditional notions of stilt walking.

What is the workplace of a Stilt Walker like?

Stilt walkers work for a variety of entities and organizations, and in a variety of environments including outdoor venues, convention centers, exhibition halls, indoor arenas, and theatre stages. Here are some of their most common employers:

• Event Organizers – Stilt walkers are often hired by event organizers to enhance the entertainment value of their events. This can include parades, festivals, carnivals, fairs, corporate events, product launches, and public celebrations. Event organizers recognize the appeal and visual impact of stilt walkers, and they employ them to create a lively and engaging atmosphere.
• Entertainment Companies – Entertainment companies, such as talent agencies, circus companies, and performance troupes often employ stilt walkers as part of their roster of performers. These companies manage and represent stilt walkers, booking them for various events and venues. They handle logistics, contracts, and promotional aspects of the stilt walkers' performances.
• Theme Parks and Resorts – Stilt walkers are frequently seen at theme parks, amusement parks, and resorts. These establishments employ stilt walkers as part of their entertainment offerings and guest experience. Stilt walkers may be featured in parades, interactive shows, or roaming performances within the park or resort premises.
• Marketing and Advertising Agencies – Stilt walkers can be hired by marketing and advertising agencies to promote brands, products, or events. They serve as attention-grabbing performers in promotional campaigns, trade shows, and experiential marketing activations. Stilt walkers become living, walking advertisements, drawing crowds and generating buzz around the marketing initiatives.
• Street Performers and Buskers – Some stilt walkers work as independent street performers or buskers, entertaining passersby and relying on tips or donations from the audience. They may perform in public spaces, such as city streets, squares, or parks, attracting attention and creating spontaneous moments of entertainment.
• Cultural and Art Organizations – Cultural organizations, museums, and art institutions may employ stilt walkers as part of their programming. Stilt walkers can be incorporated into cultural festivals, art exhibitions, or special events organized by these institutions, adding a touch of spectacle and artistic expression.

Freelance stilt walkers market their own services and directly secure contracts for performances at various events and venues. Their employment ranges from short-term gigs to long-term contracts, depending on the nature of the event and the agreement reached with the employers.