Entertainment comes in many different forms and the world’s most famous circuses know exactly what keeps an audience amused. Spectacular acrobatics, jaw-dropping magicians, and performers of all kinds are the essence of the 21st century circus. While animal tamers and human freaks used to be the centre of attention in the traditional, colourful tents, today’s venues stray away from these clichés, making the circus a less harmful experience. However, the public’s admiration and awe remains the same.
Playing with fire, water, light, and aerodynamics have always been essential in creating the magical atmosphere of a circus and although most animals have been removed from the circus, some remain in the spotlight. If you’re curious about the world’s most famous animals and their path to stardom, check out our previous compilation. But for now, let’s focus on extraordinary humans with peculiar talents: these are the world’s most famous circuses.
6. New Shanghai Circus
Of course, circuses aren’t only a preferred form of entertainment in occidental societies, but also in the Eastern hemisphere of the world. In fact, this circus, also known as Acrobats of China, focuses on re-interpreting traditional Chinese dances and fuses them with spectacular costumes and state of the art technology and set designs. The combination of aesthetics, music, and skills certainly makes for a magical circus atmosphere.
5. Swamp Circus
This acrobatic collective was founded in Sheffield in 1986 and is one of the world’s most famous circuses. With some of the best trapeze artists in England, and a large variety of performers including stilt walkers, jugglers, mime artists, living statues, and unicyclers, it’s the country’s longest running contemporary circus. However, Swamp Circus isn’t only an audience favourite because of its high-flying acts and extraordinary musicians: a significant chunk of the company’s earnings go to charity, in order to promote ecological living and improve health awareness amongst the youths.
4. Flying Fruit Fly Circus
If you’re wondering whether today’s circus world still embraces child performers, the answer is yes. In fact, training children with extraordinary physical abilities and talents is the epicentre of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus. Based in Australia, this award winning performance arts company teaches the youngest generation how to captivate an audience by engaging them in the mysterious world of acrobatics and showmanship. And although the circus does tour, it’s best known for being Australia’s only circus school.
3. Circus Vargas
Although this circus mainly tours throughout the west coast of the United States, it’s known all over the world, due to its traditional big top tent. Founded in the 1960’s by Clifford Vargas, the circus is an ode to traditional costumes and vintage acts, as well as the one-ring floor stage. However, this family run business (the Tabares family took over in 2005) offers all the magic you need to keep the audience coming back.
2. The 7 Fingers
This creative collective of performance artists was founded in Montreal in 2002 and while they initially displayed their talents locally, the project quickly gained popularity. Integrating music, theatre, visual arts, cinema, and dance, the circus group began to tour throughout Canada and eventually caught the international public’s attention. Today, the 7 Fingers are famous for choreographing performances at Olympic ceremonies and stunning the Queen in the Royal Variety Performances.
1. Cirque Du Soleil
From all the company’s in the world, Cirque du Soleil is without a doubt the most renowned. With the intention of exploring the boundaries of creativity and movement, the circus acts are built around a foundation of eight principles, including dance, acrobatics, grace, imaginary worlds, and dexterity, amongst others. The circus crew tours regularly and has performed in almost every continent so far, always leaving its audience in awe of what humans are capable of doing. Given its recognizable brand name and impeccable shows, it tops our list of the world’s most famous circuses.
