The word circus evokes images of dazzling circus acts, colourful tents, and roaring audience laughter. But what is circus exactly?
This blog explores the circus history, its evolution from ancient times to the modern circus, the roles of modern circus performers, and the many forms and traditions that have shaped this iconic performing art.
The Origins of the Circus: Ancient Rome and the Circus Maximus
The roots of the circus date back to ancient Rome, where the Roman circus was a grand arena for public entertainment.
The Circus Maximus, Rome’s most famous performance arena, could hold up to 250,000 spectators and hosted thrilling chariot races, staged battles, and zoological exhibitions.
These early forms of entertainment were the only public spectacles of their time and laid the foundation for what we now call the circus.
Though ancient Roman circuses focused on horse and chariot races, they also showcased skilled equestrian performers who executed daring horse riding tricks.
This blend of speed, skill, and spectacle was a precursor to the equestrian acts we see in traditional circuses today.
The First Modern Circus: Philip Astley and the Circus Ring
The first modern circus emerged in the 18th century, thanks to Philip Astley, widely regarded as the first circus entrepreneur.
In 1768, Astley combined his expertise in equestrian acts with other forms of entertainment, such as juggling and acrobatics, to create a novel format that he performed in a circular arena.
This circular design, or circus ring, became a defining feature of the modern circus.
Astley’s innovation spread across Europe, inspiring european circuses, including the french circus tradition and the parisian circus scene.
In America, John Bill Ricketts introduced similar performances, leading to the rise of the american circus.
19th Century: The Golden Age of the Circus
The 19th century marked the golden age of the circus industry. During this period, many circuses were called circuses but also featured animal acts, including trained animals and exotic animals like lions, elephants, and tigers.
Animal trainers became central figures, captivating audiences with their ability to command circus animals.
Notable circus entrepreneurs like the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus brought large-scale productions to the forefront, creating what would later be known as the Ringling Bros and Barnum Bailey Circus.
These circus companies toured extensively, performing under iconic circus tents that became synonymous with the art form.
The era also saw the rise of permanent venues known as circus buildings, allowing shows to be staged year-round.
In Russia, the first Russian circus established the famed Moscow Circus School, ensuring a steady supply of highly trained performers for russian circuses.
The Role of Circus Performers
At the heart of the circus are its circus performers, who bring the magic to life. A circus performer is a master of specialized circus skills, from death-defying stunts on the trapeze to comedic routines that make the audience laugh. Here are some of the most iconic roles in the royal circus:
- Acrobats and Tightrope Walkers: Combining strength, agility, and balance, these performers execute jaw-dropping feats.
- Trainers: Skilled handlers who work with trained animals, ensuring their safety and well-being.- **NOT ACTIVE AT GANDEYS CIRCUS**
- Clowns: Masters of humor and theatrical techniques, clowns entertain with slapstick comedy and mime.
- Trapeze Artists: High-flying daredevils who swing through the air, captivating audiences with their precision and bravery.
Contemporary and New Circus Formats
The traditional royal circus faced significant changes in the 20th century, especially after World War I and World War II.
Concerns over animal welfare led to the decline of wild animals and other exotic animals in performances, pushing the industry to innovate.
The contemporary circus, or cirque nouveau, emerged as a new form of the art. Companies like Cirque du Soleil revolutionized the royal circus world by eliminating animal acts and focusing on human artistry, storytelling, and music.
This new circus format blends elements of dance, mime, and physical theatre skills, appealing to modern sensibilities while maintaining the essence of the circus tradition.
Smaller, experimental troupes like Australia’s Soapbox Circus also contributed to the evolution of the art form, using circus as a medium for social and political commentary.
A Global Phenomenon: European, Russian, and American Circuses
Circuses have developed distinct identities in different parts of the world:
- European Circus: Known for its artistic and refined approach, focusing on acrobatics and theatrical storytelling.
- Russian Circus: Famous for its rigorous training programs, such as the Moscow Circus School, and its spectacular circus performances.
- American Circus: Associated with grand spectacles, extravagant circus tents, and legendary companies like Ringling Bros and Bailey Circus.
Challenges and the Future of the Circus
While the circus remains a beloved performing art, it faces challenges in the modern era. The use of circus animals has been heavily criticised, leading many circus companies to abandon animal acts entirely.
This shift has given rise to creative alternatives, such as human-only performances and multimedia-enhanced shows.
The rise of digital entertainment has also impacted the industry, prompting circuses to adapt and innovate. Modern circuses now incorporate cutting-edge technology and new formats to stay relevant.
Owning and Running a Circus
Becoming a circus entrepreneur or owning your own circus requires a blend of creativity, business acumen, and passion for the art.
Successful circus owners often have backgrounds in performance or production arts and are adept at assembling skilled teams of performers.
Circus as an Art Form
Despite its challenges, the circus continues to thrive as an art form that celebrates human creativity and resilience. From the traditional circus to the contemporary circus, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of live performance.
Conclusion: What Is The Circus?
The circus is a dynamic, evolving art form that has captivated audiences for millennia. From the Circus Maximus of ancient Rome to the innovative productions of Cirque du Soleil, it reflects our universal desire for wonder and spectacle.
Whether it’s a traditional circus with its roots in 19th-century traditions or a cutting-edge contemporary circus, the magic of the performance arena continues to inspire and amaze.
For anyone seeking to understand what is the circus, it is, above all, a celebration of human potential, creativity, and the joy of shared experience. The circus, in all its forms, endures as a beloved part of our cultural heritage.
