When people think about ladders and what they are used for, the first thought that will come to many is their role as a tool. After all, the ladder is there to serve us through a range of situations – from painting to laying new roof tiles. It is not often entertainment that comes as the first thought. Not in things like film and television either, but in sports such as wrestling and arts like acrobatics. There are some fantastic examples of ladders being used in situations such as this, and they are highlighted here, in this article on ladders in entertainment.

In Wrestling

 Popular sport in many countries, wrestling may not be the first you would associate with the use of ladders – unless they were being used in a violent attack against the opponent. However, there is actually a very popular ladder based event in wrestling, and it is known as a Ladder Match.

They were created in 1972, although who they were created by remains a debated issue, and are held by a number of wrestling associations. The way the match goes is that an item, usually the title belt, is hung above the ring. The winner of the prize is the one who reaches the top and claims it first. Of course, it’s not easy climbing up the ladder or getting the title belt.

The wrestlers must fight each other to the top, and it is not against the rules to take the ladders and use them as weapons. As the belt is usually hung quite high up, the fall from the top can be quite painful and certainly cause injury. Usually, a ladder match is held to symbolise the end of a story line, and sometimes a briefcase with a future contract inside is hung from the ceiling instead of the title belt. They are seen as quite symbolic in the wrestling world.

Acrobatics

The world of acrobatics and acrobatic dance are both interesting and beautiful. Across the world in circuses and arenas, you can watch these talented people perform. It is becoming more common to see them using ladders in their acts as well. Some of these acrobats are able to do amazing things like climb to the top of a ladder and stand there, dancing, completely unsupported. Some can do this and ‘walk’ the ladder across the stage area. It takes a great deal of strength and balance.

The same goes for the acrobats who decide to use their ladders to aid in their dance routines as well. The way they are able to dance with the ladders and use them make them seem as though they are part of the dancer’s body. Truly, they are performers that need to be seen to be believed. They have a certain lightness on their feet that means they are able to climb the ladders mid-dance and leap off them just as smoothly.

If you find yourself looking for something to do this summer, or even in the winter, it is worth going to watch one of these fantastic forms of ladder based entertainment. It’s definitely worth it.