The Magical Chronicles of Circus
Summary
The circus, derived from the Latin 'circus' meaning circle or ring, is known for captivating performances combining acrobatics, animal acts, and talent displays.
Its history dates back to ancient civilizations in Rome, Greece, China, and medieval Europe. In the Renaissance period, the circus, as we know it today, was born, with Philip Astley credited as the founder. The 19th century saw technological advancements, enabling the modern circus to thrive and travel to different cities. Circus acts evolved over time, challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity. Pioneers such as Barnum and Bailey shaped the circus into the "Greatest Show on Earth." Post World War II and into the 20th century, the modern circus adapted, leading to the emergence of animal-free circuses like Cirque du Soleil. Contemporary circus companies continue to blend traditional arts with modern elements, showcasing diverse traditions and styles. The enduring legacy of the circus reflects the magic of human imagination and skill across history.
The Noblest Art is that of making others Happy.
-P.T. BARNUM-
Circus
A world of fantasy and wonder
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The word circus derives from Latin circus, which is the romanization of the greek (kirkos), itself a metathesis of the Homeric Greek (krikos), meaning circle or ring.
The circus is known for its thrilling and captivating performances that combine acrobatics, animal acts, and dazzling displays of talent. From the daring trapeze artists flying high above the crowd to the awe-inspiring contortionists bending their bodies in unimaginable positions, the circus never fails to leave spectators in awe. Moreover, the presence of majestic animals, such as elephants and lions, adds an element of excitement and danger.
Origin
The circus has a rich history that traces back to ancient civilizations. Its roots can be found in various cultures, each contributing unique elements to the vibrant tapestry of the circus.
In ancient Rome and Greece, public events featured acrobats, jugglers, and equestrian displays. The Roman Circus Maximus, though primarily a chariot racing venue, occasionally hosted elaborate performances showcasing the physical powers of entertainers.
Thus, it isn't difficult to see where the inspiration for the Modern Circus comes from. The Circus Maximus was a place where animals and humans were pitted against one another for the spectacle of it all and to entertain audiences during festivals. However, these are the only similarities between the circus of ancient Rome and the modern circus. Meanwhile, in China, the tradition of acrobatics flourished, with skilled performers showcasing incredible feats of balance and agility.
As centuries passed, medieval Europe saw the emergence of travelling performers who entertained villagers with their skills. Jugglers, minstrels, and jesters wandered from town to town, creating a rudimentary form of what would later become the circus.
The Renaissance period witnessed a resurgence of interest in arts and entertainment. Royal courts became patrons of elaborate festivals and masquerades, often featuring circus-like acts. Jugglers and acrobats became popular entertainers at these events, captivating audience with their dexterity and daring stunts.
In 18th century England, Phillip Astley is known for the birth of Modern Circus. Born in 1742 in Newcastle-under Lyme. A former cavalryman. At twenty-six years old, Astley founded a riding school in London where he presented equestrian acts. Musicians performed live music during horse shows. The show travelled to Paris, where Astley introduced other acts such as acrobats, a clown, and a band. Laying the foundation for the Modern Circus.
Phillip Astley's show welcomed people from high society as well as lower class people. These horse shows were the precursor to the modern circus foretold what would make the modern circus so popular. It was entertainment for the masses at a times of great social divides.
The Royal Amphitheatre, lit with flaming candles at the time, burned down three times when Astley ran the shows. It was eventually bought by Andrew Ducrow, known as the "father of British circus equestrianism."
Charles DibdinThe Man Behind The Term "Circus"
Phillip Astley wasn't the one who coined this term. The honor goes to his contemporary, Charles Dibdin. Born in 1745 in Southampton, England, Charles Dibdin was dipped into the world of music at a young age. He became a composer in year 1759. He became a "composer, musician, dramatist, novelist and actor."
From 1782 and for the next two years, Charles became the manager of the Royal Circus. This was the first modern use of the word "circus". Located not far from Astley's Riding School, Charles show also used horses, like the ones in Astley's Royal Amphitheatre. One was modeled after the other, but only one man can be called the one who coined the word "circus."
During the 19th century, all performances that would eventually be associated with the circus, from travelling performers to horse acts to acrobat acts, already existed. Managers travelled across the country, and horse shows and acrobat acts delighted audience in arenas. But it was only when these performances brought together under the same roof that is, The Modern Circus.
The 19th century was a time of social upheaval, not only in performances but also in technology. Indeed, the Industrial Revolution was the last ingredient needed to create the travelling circus in its most popular form. With the introduction of Big Top, a large tent that could accomodate thousands of spectators, revolutionized the circus experience. And the invention of steam engine, that powered modern trains changed everything. The Industrial Revolution allowed the circus to hop from one city to another. Performers packed up the Big Tent and all the items in boxes and crates. only to start all over again in the next town.
People, from owners to performers, may have created those spectacles. But without the technological advancements of the nineteenth century, the circus as we know it would have never been flourished and popular as it was during its heyday.
Over time, circus acts have evolved, pushing the boundaries of human capability and imagination. From daring trapeze acts and high wire performers to death-defying stunts such as the human cannonball, circus artists continually strive to vow and entertain audiences. The development of specialized acts, such as contortonists, fire breathers, and escapologists, added new dimensions to the spectacle.
Beyond its entertainment value, the circus has had a significant impact on society throughout history. It provided employment opportunities for individuals with unique skills and talents, often creating supportive communities within circus troupes. The circus also played a role in challenging societal norms, breaking racial barriers, and promoting inclusivity. Circus companies began hiring performers from diverse background, challenging prejudices and fostering cultural exchange.
Throughout history, several pioneers and innovators have made substantial contributions to the circus. The most famous circus in all of 19th century America was the Barnum and Bailey show. While one of its founders, Phineas Taylor Barnum, born in 1810, is the more well-known of the two, the circus could never have seen the light of day without his business partner, James Anthony Bailey, born in 1847.
It is the circus that combined various acts and curiosities, including the renowned elephant Jumbo. The "Greatest Show on Earth" wouldn't find its footing until 1871 when all the ingredients that had made classic circus acts with freak shows and animal menageries were brought into one. Bailey, who grew up on circuses as a child , became part of the operations when he merged the circus he co-owned with James E. Cooper, the Cooper, Bailey and Company Circus, with that of Barnum's in 1881. Thus, the Barnum and Bailey Circus was born.
Long after the death of Barnum in 1891 and Bailey in 1906, the Greatest Show on Earth thrived for the following decades. The Circus bought by Ringling Brothers bought it for Four Hundred Dollars after Bailey's death. It still remains one of the most prominent circuses if all time, even well in the twentieth and twenty-first century.
The era also saw the rise of legendary circus performers, including the Flying Wallendas, who mesmerized audiences with their daring high-wire acts, and Emmett Kelly, whose iconic tramp clown character "Weary Willie" became a symbol of the circus.
The Death of Traditional Circus
After the World War ll, As the cold war expands it split the world. Racist performers became increasingly criticized. The circus was seen for what it was: entertainment that exploited the suffering of others at a time when it was normalized. By the time Animal Rights activism was born in the 1970s, the modern circus had lost most of its appeal. And in early 1980s, ableist freak shows and sideshows were dismantled as well.
As the modern circus saw its steadfast decline during the second half of the 20th century, it would eventually do what it did best To adapt.
Animal-free circus emerged, focusing on human performers and modernizing the traditional circus experience. Cirque du Soleli, founded in 1984, revolutionized the industry by combining theatrical elements with circus arts, appealing to a new generation of audiences.
Today, the circus continues to evolve. Contemporary circus companies push boundaries, blending traditional circus arts with modern dance, technology, and narrative storytelling. The global influence of the circus is evident in festivals and performers that celebrate diverse traditions and styles.
The history of circus is indeed a colourful and fascinating journey through time, reflecting the creativity and resilience of performers who have enchanted audiences for centuries. From ancient arenas to the modern big top, the circus remains a testament to the enduring magic of human imagination and skill. As we marvel at the incredible feats performed under the big top, we celebrate the enduring legacy of the circus and its lasting impact on entertainment.
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