Performing on a rug?

[jared]

So, there is a part in my contortion act where I like to get in a pretzel and hop around on my butt and interract with the crowd. The problem is that doing this on pavement wears right through my very expensive stretchy pants... Rather than buying a new pair of pants every week I'm thinking of getting a carpet to busk on, or some other alternative.. I just really hate the idea of having to carry a big roll of carpet with me wherever I go. Its a weird question, but god knows we're all weird people, so I figured someone might have some insight on this.

[MagiCol]

lighter than a carpet

Since you are already doing it on the pavement, you don't need the thickness of carpet. Maybe you're using the word "carpet" in a general sense.
I'm sure there will be thin and lighter stuff than actual carpet. A main criteria would be that it sits flat and doesnt curl up at the ends after being stored as a roll.

[stiltingfemale]

Maybe you could try one of those cheap stiff blankets that can sometimes be found? It could possably fold smaller than a rug or carpet, and fit in a bag. If you find one that is scratchy enough it would even stick to the ground. Just an idea. I would try it at home before taking it out though.

[Isabella]

Breakdancers use sheets of linoleum- does get heavy, but they can buy it in each new city and not have to travel from city to city with it.

What about a sheet of thickish plastic, like a shower curtain or a tarp?

[Stephon]

Instead of padding the ground, how about padding your butt? You could get some kind of material and work it into the overall costume in such a way that your backside is protected, without looking like you've got a couple of patches sewn to the back of your pants.

[Doctor Eric]

wear dickies.

[jared]

I think a blanket or a tarp would be a good choice. They probably wont protect my pants as much as a carpet or linolium, but they'll be easy to carry and better than nothing.
I'm thinking of maybe getting a canvas painters tarp, cutting it into a large circle and painting its parimeter with a bright color, then it can double as my busking circle as well. It would be much more eyecatching than the green rope I'm using now.. though not much pants protection.
I thought about working something into my costume that would protect me.. but I can't think of anything that would work, I have to keep things very light and unrestrictive to do my act. And also I play things very straight, so one of those novelty rubber asses is not an option