Circuses are traveling entertainment shows with a history dating back to the Roman Empire. They feature multiple performance areas, including animal deeds, daring acts, and extravagant entertainment. Many circus workers vacation in Sarasota, Florida, home to the Ringling Brothers Museum.
Circuses are a form of entertainment that includes something for almost everyone. As a traveling unit of clowns, acrobats, animal acts and a host of other performers, the circus enjoys a history dating back to the heyday of the Roman Empire. Generally, the focus of the performance area is indicated as a ring, due to the circular nature of the space. Because circuses are traveling companies, tents are used for much of the live entertainment and housing for the animals and props, while the performers and other circus workers tend to live in trailers and wagons.
The very nature of a circus is to provide a source of amusement and entertainment as the company travels from place to place. In modern times, the 19th century through the early 20th century was considered a golden age for this type of traveling show. Mergers of smaller circuses created some of the giants that are still considered the standard for a quality circus. Even today, many people still recognize the names of Barnum and Bailey, as well as the Ringling Brothers with the concept of a really good circus.
One of the innovations that helped popularize the modern circus is the concept of multiple performance areas. Often, a large circus provides up to three performance areas devoted to different types of acts. This standard three-ring circus was often used as a means of creating excitement among the populace as the circus made its way to the next town.
A ring may feature animal deeds, such as elephant and tiger deeds. The elephants and tigers are lifelong features and are often treated with the utmost care. A second ring will focus on acts of daring and skill, such as the trapeze and high-wire performers. The third ring will be all about extravagant entertainment, often provided by a foreground clown supported by a host of other clowns. It is not uncommon for performers who are featured in one ring to also appear as part of the act in other rings.
Many permanent workers and modern circus performers choose to vacation during the winter months of the year. There is a large colony of carnival works, known as carnies, in the Sarasota Florida area. Sarasota is also home to the Ringling Brothers Museum, which features exhibits from the circus’ glory days along with periodic performances by circus performers.
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