Best Circus

Astley’s Amphitheatre, established in London in 1773 by Philip Astley, represents a pivotal moment in entertainment history. It served as the first dedicated venue for equestrian performances, evolving into the prototype for modern circuses. The theatre catered to an emerging audience of wealthy pat...

The aerial hoop, also known as a lyra, is a freestanding rotating ring suspended from a ceiling. It’s a tool for acrobats and circus artists seeking to develop dynamic movement and strength through static and spinning routines. Performers utilize the apparatus to explore balance, flexibility, and co...

Freaks is a 1932 horror film directed by Tod Browning. It tells the story of a group of individuals with physical disabilities who work as performers in a traveling circus. The movie’s notable use of its cast—many of whom had real disabilities—and its exploration of societal prejudice make it a sign...

The Barnum & Bailey Circus, originating from a 1888 merger of P.T. Barnum’s and James Bailey’s circuses, represented America's largest traveling spectacle. Known as “The Greatest Show on Earth,” it featured elaborate stagecraft, diverse performers, and captivating animal acts. It primarily served au...

Yuri Nikulin was a prominent Russian figure in 20th-century entertainment. He is recognized as one of the most influential Soviet clowns, famed for his distinctive physical comedy and performances within the Moscow Circus. His work extended into film acting, solidifying his legacy. Nikulin’s style r...

Circus of the Sun presents innovative contemporary circus performances that tour extensively across North America and beyond. These shows feature acrobats, aerialists, musicians, and theatrical performers creating visually stunning spectacles. The company’s unique approach to circus art appeals to a...

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West presented an elaborate spectacle of 19th-century American life as it was imagined and performed. The show, spearheaded by William F. Cody, showcased cowboys, Native Americans, sharpshooters, and other figures from the frontier era. It offered a popular interpretation of west...

The flying trapeze is a challenging aerial circus art form rooted in French history. Developed by Jules Léotard’s performances in the mid-19th century, it involves acrobats swinging through the air and catching each other using specialized equipment and precise timing. It requires significant streng...

P.T. Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth was a pioneering American circus that captivated audiences throughout the 19th century. Featuring an extensive menagerie of exotic animals and renowned performers, it established a template for large-scale touring circuses. The show drew diverse crowds including...

The Cyr Wheel is a substantial steel ring used for contemporary acrobatics. Invented by Daniel Cyr in 2003, it allows performers to create dynamic spinning and balancing routines. It’s particularly useful for circus artists, acrobats, and movement practitioners seeking advanced rotational skills and...

The Dubé European Club is a meticulously crafted juggling prop designed for acrobatic performances. Developed by Dubé Juggling, it’s notable for its precisely engineered weight balance, optimized for stability during complex routines and stage presentations. It's primarily used by circus performers,...

Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère is a renowned theatrical production blending acrobatics, music, and dance. It established a new standard for contemporary circuses following its debut in Las Vegas in 1993. The show's intricate storytelling and innovative stage design have captivated audiences seeking spec...

Die Zirkusprinzessin is a Viennese operetta composed by Franz Lehár in 1926. The work centers on a circus plot involving deception and romance, achieving significant popularity with 344 performances at the Theater an der Wien. It’s particularly relevant for those interested in early 20th-century mus...

Aerial silk, known as tissu, involves acrobats manipulating two suspended fabrics to create flowing movement and intricate shapes. This discipline, rooted in circus arts and acrobatics, is notable for its challenging technical demands and beautiful aesthetic quality. It’s primarily practiced by perf...

Aerial silk, also known as aerial fabric, is a specialized piece of equipment used in acrobatic performance. It’s a long, strong fabric suspended vertically, allowing performers to create dynamic movements and controlled falls. Primarily utilized by circus artists and professional acrobats, it deman...

The Bounding Trampoline is a specialized circus apparatus used for contemporary acrobatics. Performers utilize a line of interconnected trampolines to create complex, synchronized routines. This act demonstrates impressive spatial awareness and teamwork, typically employed by circuses and acrobatic...

Cirque du Soleil is a globally recognized entertainment group originating from Canada. It distinguishes itself through large-scale, contemporary performances that blend acrobatics, theatre, and music. The company’s innovative approach, excluding animal acts, has redefined the circus genre. Cirque du...

Absinthe presents a unique nightly revue experience within Caesars Palace’s intimate setting. The show combines daring acrobatic performances with provocative comedic routines and burlesque artistry. It's notable for its sophisticated blend of disciplines and mature themes. Absinthe is primarily int...

A freestyle unicycle from Nimbus, the house brand of unicycle.com, featuring a flat-crown frame that enables foot-on-frame tricks central to flatland freestyle competition.

Sawdust and Tinsel is a 1953 dramatic film by Ingmar Bergman. The movie was written and directed by Bergman himself, marking his feature directorial debut. It is a Swedish production from that year.

A lightweight juggling club by US manufacturer Dubé Juggling, designed for aerial passing acts and a staple tool in professional circus and juggling performance.

Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios presents a steampunk-inspired revue exploring themes of illusion and transformation. The production features intricate stagecraft and acrobatic performances centered around a fantastical “cabinet of curiosities.” Originally debuting in Montreal in 2014, it remains a touring...

Briefs: The Second Coming presents a unique burlesque experience originating from the Australian Briefs Factory. This touring production combines elements of masculine drag with impressive circus skills and intensely physical striptease routines. It’s designed for audiences who appreciate challengin...

The Washington Trapeze is a distinctive aerial acrobatics apparatus featuring a broad, horizontal bar. This design enables unique performance possibilities including head balances and juggling acts during flight. It’s primarily utilized by experienced circus performers and acrobats who require great...

A juggling club from German manufacturer Henrys in the Pirouette series, featuring a grip-enhanced handle intended to improve control during passing routines and solo juggling.

Lou Jacobs was an American circus clown who performed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey for sixty years. He is notable for developing a distinctive persona featuring dramatically large shoes and a miniature automobile as props. His work contributed significantly to the evolution of the Auguste...

A performance diabolo from German manufacturer Henrys designed with a wide axle and durable body, suitable for circus acts and skill development from beginner to intermediate levels.

The German Wheel, also known as the Rhönrad, is a complex acrobatic apparatus consisting of a large, rotating wheel with two rims. Invented in 1925 by Otto Feick, it’s notable for its demanding solo performance capabilities. Acrobats utilize the wheel's momentum to execute intricate rolling and spin...

Aerial straps are equipment used in contemporary aerial arts like acrobatics and circus performance. They consist of two looped straps, typically made of fabric or leather, that hang from an overhead suspension system. Performers utilize these straps to create complex movements requiring significant...