Circus, a dying artform?

As kids, we were always fascinated by Circus.We would be thrilled to get a chance to watch one. I think my parents took us to one, though I do not remember it at all. So my first known memory of a circus was with my husband and in-laws in Bangalore. I was thrilled and enjoyed the show. I was awed by the strength, determination, practice and precision with which everyone performed their acts. It made me wonder if this art is dying. They do not have enough to keep them going on. For their talent, they are probably not paid enough. They do 3 shows in a day, repeat the same performance over and over again. Some girls perform some dancing gig while talking to each other. Maybe that is how they keep away from the boredom of repetition.

Fast-forward to 5 years later, the same Jumbo circus. First circus experience for my 3-year-old. He was scared, excited, fascinated and enthusiastic at the same time. He managed to sit through for 2 hours. Well, no, actually we managed to keep him in for 2 hours. He insisted on leaving whenever there was any kind of dancing in the air. And I should mention the heavy downpour that was very close to ruining the experience. Leaking tent, water gushing from the entrance of the tents and wet chairs. None of that could dampen our spirits, just our bums.

I hope we could have something like Las Vegas where such acts would get sold out and they will get better opportunities to earn a livelihood and yet continue to do what they are best at.

Long live the Circus.

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