Since childhood, many have been struck by a bright dome flying up into the sky, peals of laughter, funny clowns, flexible acrobats and amazing magicians taking rabbits out of hats - this is a big top. What story is behind the familiar name? How did vagrant circuses appear, wandering along endless roads and carrying a festive mood, joy and miracles with them?
First jesters
Wandering big tops are a continuation of an ancient tradition. Artists entertaining the audience with jokes and tricks have always existed. They performed the most important function: with the help of laughter and fun they freed the audience from fears and tension. Mocking injustice, the jesters introduced diversity into the familiar, dull world and led people away to where freedom, joy, and independence from the prevailing evil reigned.
Jugglers and histrions performed at fairgrounds in Medieval Europe, and dorbozas performed in Central Asia. In Russia, a laughter tradition was proudly carried to the masses of buffoons. They strayed into gangs and moved from city to city, speaking at squares, fairs. In their arsenal were dances, songs, magic tricks and funny scenes, acrobatic performances, juggling, tricks with trained animals, fist fights. For representations, temporary structures were built. In the old days, such tents for trade or circuses were called "booths."
Big Top - what is it?
Permanent circuses began to appear in the 18-19 centuries. They were a resounding success. In pursuit of financial fortune, mobile circuses began to be created. For their construction, light masts were used, on which a durable canvas was pulled. They called the construction “tent”, which is translated from French as “cap, upper part”. Most often, tents were painted in red and yellow stripes to attract the attention of citizens.
The first big top was the summer circus, spread out on the Champs Elysees in the 30s of the 19th century. Traveling troupes are widely spread in America and other countries. In Russia, the first circus tent appeared in 1830. His parking was in the Moscow Neskuchny Garden.
Wandering circus today
Modern big tops are tents equipped with high-tech equipment. On the shoulders of the stage workers lies the most difficult work of assembling the dome, the arena, installing barriers for animals and special belts, ropes, stairs for aerial balancers. A lot of time is spent on arranging lighting, sound. The tent is heated using heat guns. But then the weekend comes, and the circus opens its doors.
It still reigns in an atmosphere of adventure, fun and joy, as it was during the time of buffoons. Spectators are transported to a world where people fly at a height of several meters, objects arise from the air, animals obediently jump through a fiery hoop and laughs ringing, expelling all troubles and problems.