ACROBAT (Gr. ucpo0arsie, to walk on tiptoe) , originally a rope-dancer; the word is now used generally to cover professional performers on the trapeze, &c., contortionists, balancers and tumblers . Evidence exists that there were very skilful performers on the tight-rope (funambuli) among the ancient Romans . Modern rope-walkers (e.g . Blondin) or wire-dancers generally use a pole, loaded at the ends, or some such assistance in balancing, and by shifting this are enabled to maintain, or readily to recover, their equilibrium .