I do hope you have taken the opportunity to walk on stilts while a child. It is something all children should experience with proper supervision. Dad made ours, four sets, all adjustable heights, sanded to keep the splinters to a minimum. We keep step pads low to the ground until to learn how to walk with them and keep our balance – then the fun began and new games while walking with our stilts.
Stilt-walking isn't something you see every day. Most often seen in parades and at the circus, stilt-walking is an ancient art that only requires a pair of stilts and lots of practice (and maybe some extra padding in case you take a tumble).
It is believed that stilt-walking originated in Landes, France by shepherds who took up stilt-walking as a way to navigate treacherous terrain and unpaved roads. These shepherds were so proficient on stilts that it was not only safer for them to walk on stilts, but it also saved them precious time.
If you've been waiting for an excuse to give it a try, today is the day you've been waiting for! Order a pair of stilts online and give it a whirl on Walk on Stilts Day!
I did that a time or two when I was young. Fun till you fall. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Beth. Falling was part of the learning process - started only a few inches off the ground and then as we gaining experience and coordination...Dad would increase the height!
ReplyDeletecan you please let me know some stilt walking games? I would like to introduce it in my physical education class as part of a circus arts unit. Any info would be helpful! Thnaks!
ReplyDeleteBe happy to. After learning how to walk: tag; racing; basketball; volleyball; walling on uneven surfaces; climbing steps (really need to careful); and walking in small streams of water (again - be careful).
ReplyDelete