Circus - this word contains our happy childhood memories of how clever acrobats jumped and tumbled in the arena, clumsy bears wrote circles on bicycles and motorbikes, and the clown ridiculously joked and organized contests for grateful spectators. At the same time, like any other thing, this entertainment has a downside. Circus is an incredibly hard work of actors, gymnasts, jugglers, animals and clowns. Behind a carefree smile, the artist often skillfully hides pain and tension. Such hard work is certainly worthy of admiration!
The history of the circus: from antiquity to the present day
Homeland entertainment - sunny Italy. This art was born there, as the history of the circus says. The very first circus performers are considered gladiators - after all, they performed in order to amuse the audience with their performances. Gladiators performed in a large round arena called Circus Maximus. This means ābig circusā. From the Latin word Circus, which in translation means "circle", the word "circus", beloved by us, came about.
The work of the gladiator in the arena was difficult and dangerous, often the fun could turn into a tragedy: a soldier could receive serious wounds and injuries, sometimes incompatible with life. That is why people did not go to gladiators at their request: mostly fighters were recruited from slaves or prisoners of war.
In ancient times, circus art was very fond of, the Roman emperors allocated a lot of money for such performances. But the Ancient world was replaced by a gloomy Middle Ages with its hunger, illnesses, wars and other misfortunes. The rulers did not have time for entertainment when one war succeeded another, people died of diseases, there were a myriad of problems. But, despite all the hardships, the people did not lose heart, but continued to arrange funny performances. The circus arena faded into the background, now the show was arranged on the trading floors, where there were always a lot of people, which means that anyone could see the performance. In Russia, craftsmen performing on trading floors were called buffoons. Later buffoons became an indispensable attribute of any self-respecting fair.
After the end of the Middle Ages, the circus again became in demand in the same way as in antiquity. In the XIX century, foreign artists began to come to Russia with new numbers, which the Russian people had not yet seen. Interest in entertainment has increased several times at once. In 1873, the first circus was built in Russia, which resembles the modern one. It was founded by the Nikitin brothers and was a huge success with the public. Celebrities such as Ivan Poddubny, the Durov brothers, Vitaliy Lazarenko and others performed in it. The Nikitins brothers built their first circus in Penza, and then their similar institutions appeared in other cities of Russia.
Nowadays, the circus is as popular as in antiquity and in the Renaissance. There are special schools, after studying in which, you can become an acrobat, gymnast, juggler, clown and even entertainer. True, it costs a lot of hard work, as well as great willful efforts, since the work of artists is very difficult. But the reward is very generous, in the form of laughing adults and grateful children's eyes. And, of course, generous applause! Those who are concerned about the material side of the issue may rejoice - circus workers rarely complain about the amount of wages.
How is the circus arranged?
Each of us probably dreamed of being behind the scenes to understand how everything is arranged there. The circus holds many secrets. The layout of the hall and its features, the number of arenas where the premises for animals are located are all described below.
From the side it seems that under the dome more than one arena will not fit. But this is not so: each circus has both a main arena and a rehearsal, designed for training and practicing numbers. The circus rehearsal arena, as a rule, is located between the main and service entrance. It is there that artists hone their skills.
No circus can do without an audience. It is necessary just like the arena. Without it, no circus can exist. Photos and videos, if, of course, allowed by the administration, are more convenient to do from places located near the arena itself, so that the image is as clear as possible. In the auditorium there is a long row of armchairs and chairs, painted in bright colors: blue, red, white. From variegation, sometimes it begins to ripple in the eyes. The auditorium is divided into zones, and the color of the chairs should be combined with the number indicated in the circus scheme. The quality of the review of what is happening in the arena depends on the location of the zone. The better the review, the more expensive the place in the circus. Which, in fact, is absolutely fair. Typically, a circus diagram is hung next to the box office, and it shows all the zones and sectors. The height of the auditorium often exceeds 30 meters.
As in theaters, there are also dressing rooms. They are usually located near the rehearsal arena. Circus numbers are very complex, artists often sweat on the face, smearing all the makeup. Therefore, they often run away to the dressing room - to put themselves in order.
Premises for animals - a separate and unique part of the circus. The most diverse representatives of the fauna are performing - both domestic and wild animals, herbivores and predators, land and waterfowl, living on land and in water. For each animal, a place should be equipped where it will be comfortable and comfortable to be there - a large cage, a spacious aviary or a pool with clear water. Many rooms for animals are located away from the main arena so that the characteristic smell of animals is not felt by the audience.
The lobby is the place where the circus begins. A photo with a monkey, an artistās autograph, a sweet pie - all these treasures are hiding there. Luminous bracelets, bright lanterns, dudelki, funny headbands with ears or horns, as well as sweets and sandwiches are sold in the lobby. Here, viewers can take pictures with animals and artists, take autographs from the latter.
Circus professions
The circus has a lot of different professions that deserve special attention. Nevertheless, we single out several specialties from them, which should be discussed separately. The first profession to be discussed is a clown.
What is hidden behind the mask of a clown: laughter or tears?
What circus can exist without a clown? People needed them and were appreciated at all times: at first, their performances filled in the pauses between the numbers, then the red-nosed artists began to go on stage separately and perform their unique numbers. It would seem that itās simpler, go on stage and fooling around - and itās most ridiculous, and people roll with laughter. Yes, and pay money for it! But no, everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance.
A circus clown is simply obliged to amuse the audience, otherwise what kind of clown is this? So, the artist needs a delicate sense so that he can āfeelā the audience and its mood, determine which jokes people will like and which not. In addition, a true master of his craft must have an excellent sense of humor in order to be able to distinguish witty things from flat hackneyed jokes. And, of course, a considerable intellect, because it is not for nothing that mental abilities and a sense of humor go hand in hand. It is also advisable for a person speaking to the audience to be able to juggle, somersault and be in good physical shape. So it turns out that a clown in a circus is not such a simple profession as it seems at first glance. But itās very honorable and grateful.
Illusionist profession
No less complicated and honorable is the work of the illusionist. An illusionist is a circus artist who shows tricks and illusions based on physical phenomena and the characteristics of the human psyche and perception. He has to be no easier than a clown, because you need to show the performance so that no one suspects a dirty trick, does not unravel the secrets of focus. Complicating the work of a magician in a circus is that his work is visible to people from all sides, because the places in the circus are located around the arena. That is, to hide some elements and details of the focus will not work. The illusionist is in full view, so you have to rely only on intelligence and sleight of hand. He must captivate the audience, convince them to believe in a fairy tale, in a miracle that happens literally with the wave of a magic wand.
The first illusionists arose a very long time ago. These were priests and shamans, who showed the enthusiastic audience primitive tricks with fire, water, herbs. They often deceived the poor people, pretending to be skilled healers and forcing to pay a large tribute for dubious treatment. Due to their ignorance, ancient people admired the skills of shamans and considered them great people. The priests were replaced by magicians, fakirs, puppeteers who walked around the villages and entertained the people, and also performed at fairs, where they could make the greatest impression on people. It was from these agile craftsmen that the modern illusionists went, quick and agile, whose skillful work can only be admired.
With animals on you, or It's all about training!
One of the most important and complex work in the circus industry is the work of an animal trainer. Beast Master can work in many areas. So, in the field of security, his services are simply necessary, since it is he who helps to raise a faithful and obedient friend from an unbridled animal who will work in good faith without letting his teacher and hosts. But nevertheless, the trainer in the circus is most in demand, since there are a huge number of animals from different continents of the Earth. The specialist needs to find a common language with each of them, to be able to pick up a key to the heart of each furry and not very friend. He teaches his wards various tricks and numbers, cycling, scooter, motorcycle. The trainer has a huge responsibility for the life and health of the pet, because one careless movement is enough to pull a small animal muscle or break a paw. Therefore, he must be careful and careful in his work.
The work of the trainer is dangerous: if the animal misinterprets its actions, then it can pounce and bite, there are frequent cases of deaths. Work requires maximum concentration and concentration, as well as iron willpower. Which animal will obey the trainer, who cannot force himself to go to bed in time? In addition to all this, the circus worker must love animals very much. Otherwise, the beast may feel its hostility and refuse to perform numbers, and sometimes it may attack the unlucky trainer. But if a specialist loves his job, is completely and completely passionate about it, then the prospects for such an employee are very long-term.
In these three professions, one can make a general conclusion that the artistās work in the circus requires concentration, good physical preparation, developed willpower, perseverance, determination and, oddly enough, kindness. After all, both people and animals are drawn to the good, and this is precisely what half of all success lies in.
How to become a circus artist?
First of all, you need to work a lot on yourself. First you need to highlight the things that work best. This can be juggling, demonstrating magic tricks or rhythmic gymnastics. After the talent is found, you can begin to hone it. It has already been said that to work in a circus you need to be in very good physical shape, so you should lose weight, if available, and begin to engage in exercises that will tighten the body and develop muscles. Some numbers do not pass without leaving a trace for the artist, so you need to be prepared for injuries. But with the development of the physical form, the body will learn to tolerate damage more easily, as it will be sufficiently trained, and the muscles will become stronger and more elastic.
It is worth deciding on the direction that interests you the most. Acrobatics, clowning, juggling or throwing daggers - there are many options. The main thing is to remember that in order to constantly work in the circus, you need to make considerable efforts to be noticed.
Already found the institution you want to work in? Well, it's time to schedule an interview with the circus director. But before you rush to him, itās worth considering that you can show him something that he might be surprised at. Be sure to prepare a number that will be shown to your future boss. Try to impress him; you may not have another chance. If everything is in order and the boss is surprised by your skill, then you can assume that the circus hall is already waiting for you!
Even if the number is perfected to perfection and your body already automatically makes the movements used in the performance, still continue to train. Excessive exercises will not hurt, but in the end they can help out a lot if memory fails from excitement and you forget what movements you need to perform at the moment. The body will automatically continue to do its work, muscle memory will turn on . This will help save the number.
If possible, be sure to go to a circus school or school. Experienced teachers will be able to give you all the necessary skills for further work, and the future head will look at you with great respect and seriousness, if you have the diploma of graduation from a specialized educational institution. If you want your child to go on a circus path, it is worth enrolling him in a circle - the skills gained there can be very useful to him in school.
Circus animals: how do they live in captivity?
Since the XIX century, the participation of animals in the entertainment program has become an integral attribute of any self-respecting circus. The people laughed and clapped their hands, watching how funny monkeys try to make a stand, and bears ride a bicycle. Of course, everyone knew that voluntarily the animal would not sit on the bicycle, and such a result was obtained with the help of strict and sometimes cruel treatment of the animal. Nevertheless, people went to the circus and continue to go. It is so interesting there!
The basis of animal training is often ill-treatment, it is the easiest way to get a fauna representative to do what a person orders him. Many animals in the circus look good, but few spectators guess what it cost the veterinarian to bring a furry artist to a decent appearance. The veterinarian treats many injuries inflicted by animal trainers, but he canāt cure mental injuries, alas. Therefore, if you look into the eyes of a circus animal, you will see that he has an empty and aloof look.
Not all trainers are cruel; there are real masters of their craft, whom animals obey without beatings. But, in order for the furry friend to understand what they want from him, and agreed to do this without the use of force, you need to truly love our smaller brothers and have a golden heart. Otherwise, all attempts to get close to the animal and teach him various tricks are doomed to failure.
Professional holiday
On April 16, the entire population of the globe celebrates International Circus Day. It has been celebrated for six years, since 2010. Circus Day is not celebrated by all people, but artists hold sacred traditions, and this holiday becomes memorable for many of them. And for those who celebrate this event, it becomes the most fun holiday. After all, a circus is always a loud laugh, thunderous applause, a firework of emotions and ramp lights. Otherwise it can not be. This is one of the few holidays that is really worth celebrating.
Circus Signs
Like in the theater, the circus also has its own good and not very omens. For example, it is customary for speakers to congratulate each other after the first tour number in a new city or after the opening of a new season. It is usually customary to say: "With the beginning!" You can only congratulate if the artist has already worked out his number. This must not be done before the performance.
Workers call the word ābeginningā everything new: a new circus tour, a visit to another city, etc. Sometimes, during the very first performance, artists free from work can sit in the hall. This is done so that the experienced eye of the circus perceives all inaccuracies and oversights in the work of colleagues, which went unnoticed during rehearsals, so that in the future they would not be allowed.
There is a circus and a sign in the world, absolutely the opposite of the previous one. It is customary to congratulate not only the beginning, but also the end of the season or the end of the tour. In this case, everyone says to each other: āWith the end!ā As in the previous omen, the same rule works - congratulations before the performance are forbidden, a bad omen. Sometimes the ending is called funny - green. This came from a theatrical tradition known to many as a skit. During greenbacks, you can even tune a colleague a little dirty trick! Of course, so that spectators and strangers do not notice when there is a performance in the circus. This checks the professionalism of a person and his ability to find a way out of any situation.
And in the circus congratulate people on the weekend! And again, the familiar rule of banning greetings before a performance works. And although the artists do not have a permanent weekend, since on Saturday and Sunday there is a very large influx of people, they still love the weekend and consider it their duty to congratulate each other.
Many people ask themselves: so what does the word circus hide in itself? The answer is simple: titanic labor, tears, zeal, perseverance and gigantic willpower. But at the same time, the circus is a storehouse of fun, explosions of laughter, kind smiles and admiration for the hard work of artists. The latter are doing tremendous work to achieve the admiring glances fixed on them during the performance of the next issue. Therefore, the circus is also a great love for the audience and their work, the immense joy of understanding that the number was a success and the applause is well deserved. This is unlimited devotion to the profession and dedication to the beloved work of all of yourself.