What is a Cyr Wheel?
A Cyr Wheel is a large open metal ring made of steel or aluminium, in which a performer stands and uses body weight alone to make the wheel roll, spin, and tilt. Unlike the classic German Wheel, which has two parallel rings, the Cyr Wheel has only one, making the movement more fluid but also considerably harder to control.
Pronunciation: Cyr Wheel is pronounced like the English word “seer”, (/sɪər/) named after its creator, Daniel Cyr.
How is a Cyr Wheel built?
The ring is a curved tube of steel or aluminium, 3–5 cm in diameter for a secure grip, usually coated in rubber or epoxy resin to prevent slipping on stage. Size is fitted individually to the performer, typically 10–20 cm larger in diameter than their height. Despite its apparent lightness, the wheel weighs between 10 and 20 kg. That contrast between visible lightness and actual weight is part of what makes the discipline so compelling to watch.
What’s the difference from a German Wheel?
A German Wheel has two parallel rings; the Cyr Wheel has just one. That makes it less stable and harder to control, with balance and body tension deciding every movement.
History
Where does the name come from?
The history of the Cyr Wheel goes back further than most people think. Photos from the 1920s already show oversized single rings, then known as the Mono Wheel, used for shows within German Wheel gymnastics. Fitted with handles and footboards, only a limited number of tricks were possible, and the Mono Wheel largely faded from use. Nearly a hundred years later, in 2003, Canadian artist Daniel Cyr brought the ring back to the stage. He won silver at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris and reintroduced the ring as a standalone show element. In his honour, the International Wheel Gymnastics Federation officially renamed the apparatus the Cyr Wheel in 2013. That same year, Chicago hosted the first official Cyr Wheel World Championships, held as part of the 10th German Wheel World Championships, where I competed representing Germany.Who performs professionally on the Cyr Wheel?
I’ve been performing internationally as a Cyr Wheel artist for over ten years, including with Cirque du Soleil (Amaluna), at the Sydney Opera House, at Wintergarten Berlin, and on ZDF Fernsehgarten and SAT1 It’s Showtime. Alongside the classic act, I also perform an LED Cyr Wheel version, where the wheel itself lights up and becomes part of the visual show.
10 +
Years performing internationally
1
Signature-Akt, One of a kind
30 +
Countries on stage
6
Distinct bookable acts
Frequently Asked Questions
Cyr is the surname of Daniel Cyr, the artist who brought the apparatus back to the stage in 2003.
Like the English word “seer” (/sɪər/).
Yes, I run Cyr Wheel workshops in Berlin for beginners and advanced students. [See workshops →]
No, normally not. Just like a normal cartwheel we open our fingers when we go down.
A sporty person can learn a “walz” the basic spinn usually in 2-3 months. A whole act with loads of tricks takes years to master.
I perform internationally for galas, TV productions, theatre, and corporate events. [Enquire now →]
Services
Get In Touch
For booking Cyr Wheel performances, aerial acrobatics, or Straps shows at your next corporate event, luxury event, festival, or private function, please use the contact form or reach out via email for personalized assistance. I am happy to answer technical questions and provide guidance to ensure your event receives world-class entertainment with top-tier circus acts.
