| Circus related terms |
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Four similar terms are often confused
- Circus is a production or show.
- Circus arts are the performance forms that relate to the circus (the arts of the circus).
- Circus acts are physical compositions which are performed in the circus.
- Circus skills are the techniques used to create and choreograph the acts.
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Circus arts refers to a body of performing arts featured in, derived from, or inspired by circus productions.
There are two main genres of circus arts: traditional, often referred to as "Old Circus Arts" and contemporary, sometime called "new circus arts". Below is a table comparing several distinct aspects of traditional and contemporary circus arts.
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Traditional Circus Arts |
Contemporary Circus Arts |
| Typical Performance Venues |
Touring Big Top Circus, Arena Circus |
Theatrical Production, Circus Theatre |
| Typically Performed By |
Circus Families |
Conservatory Trained Artists |
| Typical Acts |
Animals, Clowning, Flying Trapeze, Wire Walking |
Acrobalance, Aerial Acrobatics, Physical Comedy |
| Typical Staging Format |
circular seating around three or more rings |
Auditorium seating in front of proscenium stage |
| Typical Production Format |
Series of spectacle style acts presided over by a master of ceremony |
Series of theatrical style acts tied together by a central narrative or theme |
| Typical Music and Sound |
Live band, recorded sound effects |
Recorded score and sound effects, sometimes with live accompaniment |
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