Circus performances usually take place in large tents.
The Latin word circus came into our language as circus . The first meaning of the term collected by the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) refers to the space with stands for the public and a central sector where performances by acrobats, clowns, jugglers, contortionists and other artists take place.
The concept of circus is also used to refer to the group of people who work in these shows . You can also name the show itself.
circus history
As a genre or type of show, the circus has an ancient history . The origins of many circus acts can be traced to the Roman Empire , Ancient Greece , and Eastern civilizations of centuries past.
There are circus acts that arose from religious practices. Others are linked to celebrations and even certain activities are related to the training carried out by athletes and soldiers.
Little by little, the circus became an entertainment with a certain structure and organization. Beyond the fluctuations in its popularity over the decades, at a general level it always remained current and consolidated itself as an attraction of a nomadic nature and related to street art .
Tightrope walkers and acrobats are part of the artists who usually perform in circuses.
Change of era
The characteristics of the circus underwent great changes over the years. Certain shows that attracted large numbers of people were banned or began to suffer social condemnation.
The presence of animals in shows , for example, was the center of the circus for a long time: it was common for lions , bears , monkeys and even elephants to be used in different activities. However, complaints from animal rights organizations and greater awareness regarding animal rights revealed that the animals did not enjoy a good quality of life and were often mistreated with extreme cruelty. Thus, many nations prohibited its use in functions.
The circus also lost the so-called freak shows , where individuals suffering from physical deformations or singular characteristics (such as the Elephant Man or the Bearded Woman ) were exhibited. Today it is understood that these presentations violated human dignity .
The circus today
Although it is possible to distinguish between many types of circuses, broadly speaking it can be indicated that these shows currently feature clowns , jugglers , tightrope walkers , contortionists and acrobats . Ventriloquists , illusionists and puppeteers are also often part of the circus world.
It is common for circus companies to be itinerant , moving their proposal from city to city. Upon arriving at the destination, they set up a giant tent inside which the functions are held.
One of the most famous circuses is Cirque du Soleil , created in 1984 in Canada . Based in Montreal , it has simultaneous shows in several countries , developed by a troupe of more than a thousand artists.
The notion in colloquial language
In everyday speech, something that is disordered or confusing is mentioned as a circus. On the other hand, the idea can be associated with what is mockery or has extravagant features .
«The inauguration of the hospital was a circus: the next day, the place was already closed because there were no doctors» y «This company is a circus, it is not known who is responsible» son phrases que apelan a estos usos del término.