April 16 is International Circus Day. This list can be listed for a long time, the kaleidoscope of acts and genres is so diverse, where the highest skill of circus performers of domestic and foreign circuses is demonstrated
Today, circus is one of the most unusual and revered forms of art. The demonstration of fun and originality in circus programs influenced the development of modern entertainment art, because the circus is always relevant.
Circus performances have reached enormous proportions. Each new production surprises and shows something unusual to the modern viewer. Therefore, the performances include not only performances by a theater group, but also magic tricks, dangerous stunts, and the skills of trained animals.
Story
The celebration of Circus Day took place in 2010 for the first time. Patent and carry out this holiday proposed by two large international organizations:
- European Circus Association.
- International Circus Federation.
The proposal to create a holiday was justified by the almost complete lack of interest among young people in the circus as an art form. In addition, the holiday includes acquaintance of curious spectators with the inner world of the circus, the life of the actors, and their rehearsals.
In the first year of the celebration, no more than 30 countries supported the idea, and Russia was among the celebrating states whose circus school had international level. By the next year, about 40 countries had already decided to take part in the celebration, and this included more than 100 thematic productions. In general, about two hundred circus troupes organized Circus Day celebrations. Already in 2012, the number of celebrating countries increased to 47. The organizers are young groups from cultural cities and industry leaders, demonstrating their skills.
April 16 was not chosen by chance to celebrate International Circus Day. This day has gone down in history since 2008, when Europe first celebrated this holiday, pursuing the same goals.
Traditions
Considering that the holiday was patented recently, professionals and spectators have already managed to reward it with special traditions.
To attract spectators and young professionals, on this day many circuses invite everyone to a special program that attracts visitors not only holidays visit them, but also get acquainted with the scheduled performances of the artists. Circus troupes hold holiday festivals, in most cases for charity.
The public's spirits are supported by clowns and carnival participants who take to the streets of cities around the world. Performances that lift the spirits of city residents create an atmosphere of joy and carefreeness on this day.
The third Saturday in April annually takes over world holiday, International Circus Day. The history of the celebration includes European Circus Day, founded in 2008. Two years later, the date received international status and since 2010, specialists involved in the production of positive mood have their own professional holiday.
The obvious similarity of the words compass, circus, circulation is dictated by the same Latin root, circus, literally translated as “circle”. Indeed, in terms of shape, circus buildings evoke round associations. Although the very first arenas were not strictly circles in plan, they were elongated, closer to oval, because they had a slightly different purpose than now. Back then, when these buildings were called circuses, they were used as hippodromes, stands for gladiatorial competitions or baiting of animals.
In the Middle Ages, the spectacles presented to the people in circuses were supplanted by theaters. Round buildings fell into disrepair, were neglected, abandoned and broken down, ceasing to serve an entertainment function. After all, it was impossible to adapt them for any other activity, the premises for theatrical performances and the mysteries suggested a completely different structure, markets did not take root here, and these buildings were also not suitable for housing.
Only at the end of the 18th century, around 1777 (according to other sources, 1768), the English rider Philip Astley came up with the idea of making money from the art of horse riding. Being a balancing jockey, he was fond of vaulting (acrobatics in equestrian sports) and decided to popularize this spectacle. He opened a school and built an entertainment venue for viewing. Very quickly Astley realized that the track along which the horses were galloping must be closed.
Empirically, the optimal diameter of the arena obtained inside this circle was determined. It depended on the average dimensions of the horses and their speed of movement. This achieved certain angle tilt required for acrobatic equestrian performances. Since the average performance of circus animals and their speed characteristics are the same all over the world, the radius of the circus arena calculated in this way is used everywhere.
A little later, jugglers, mimes, trainers, clowns and trapeze artists joined the equestrian balancing act acrobats. This was done later by another family, the Italians Franconi. It is in this form that the classic has come down to us. circus art. Nevertheless, Philip Astley is still considered the father of the modern revived circus.
Now circus art is international and it has its own headquarters. It is located in the Principality of Monaco, in the Monte Carlo region. The patronage of the World Circus Federation is carried out by the royal family of this dwarf state.
On International Circus Day, it is customary to organize the most spectacular programs consisting of the most successful acts, conduct master classes and interactive shows in which everyone can feel involved in the empire of good mood, positive spirit and celebration.
Holidays are an integral part of our social life, many of which concern us personally, our loved ones and friends.
Almost every day in Russia some holiday is celebrated.
The human world is full of entertainment. The origins of many of them are in the distant past. These are, for example, theater, cinema, amusement parks. The same can be said about the circus. The latter was dedicated to a separate holiday: International Circus Day. It is celebrated on every third Saturday in April. In 2019, International Circus Day falls on April 20.
General information about the holiday
International Circus Day appeared in 2010 on the initiative of two organizations: the World Circus Federation (Federation Mondiale Du Cirque) and the European circus association(European Circus Association). At first it was an exclusively European holiday. And, by the way, the solemn date itself was tied to that of the European Circus Day, which has existed since 2008. And in 2010, by and large, it simply acquired international status, which became possible thanks to the support that the idea received from dozens of European states, including Russia.
International Circus Day is a very emotional holiday. His goal is quite transparent: the development of circus art in all countries of the planet. This is very important because the latter is one of the oldest species world art and culture. The circus gives its spectators laughter, joy, in one word - positivity. Circus performances taking place in the arena make children experience incomparable pleasure, and adults - temporarily escape from their own problems and troubles. The circus is a place of rest from the hustle and bustle, it’s different, fairy world, located very close to us. And one of the tasks International Day The goal of the circus is to preserve this miracle, created by the hands and creative thought of mankind, as well as its improvement.
On every third Saturday in April on International Circus Day, anyone can go to the circus of their own or a nearby city, see the brightest, most colorful shows, and also take part in master classes held as part of the holiday by jugglers, acrobats and other employees of the institution, where atmosphere of lightness and fun. In many countries around the world, International Circus Day is a day of carnival processions and street celebrations. Another interesting opportunity provided to citizens within the framework of the announced solemn date is that, if desired, they can plunge into the world of the circus behind the scenes. What you see will make you fall even more in love with entertainment that has deep historical roots.
It should be noted that the world circus has its own headquarters. It is located in Monte Carlo - a small-sized kingdom. Princess Stephanie of Monaco herself monitors the development and activities of the Circus Federation, being the patron of the organization. She also became the initiator of the creation of this association, the main goal of which was to popularize circus art and attract public interest in it.
If we talk directly about our country, then in Russia a lot is also being done in this area. Solving organizational issues related to the International Circus Day, as well as the development and maintenance of domestic circus art as such, is the responsibility of representatives of the Russian State Circus Company. The latter is nothing more than a union of the largest circuses in the country. This organization established its own award, awarded for special merits in the circus arts. She is also the personification, a kind of emblem, of International Circus Day in Russia. This award is a figurine of a cheerful Harlequin standing on one hand on a circus ball.
Circus art
And why not on this wonderful April holiday - International Circus Day - talk about the history of the emergence of circus art.
When did circus art begin? This question is quite easy to answer if you remember antiquity. IN ancient Hellas Holidays dedicated to pagan gods were often organized. These celebrations were accompanied by brilliant performances by actors - is this not a prototype of the modern circus? IN Ancient Rome this trend was developed even more, because the great power had numerous circuses, in the arena of which real circus acts were demonstrated for the amusement of the audience. The well-known Colosseum is rightfully considered one of the famous ancient Roman circuses. Our country has also distinguished itself in this regard. Since ancient times, buffoon booths and fairs have existed here, charging people with enduring fun for a long time. Even the dark Middle Ages were marked by numerous scenes in which cheerful jesters took part.
A full-fledged circus with tightrope walkers, jugglers, acrobats and trained wild animals appeared more than late Europe. However, at first the performances took place on the street or in specially designated places, and the circus, as a rule, was nomadic. And only in XVIII century Finally, a real stationary circus appeared, settling in a building with a round arena and a domed roof. It opened in London in 1777 (according to other sources in 1768). The author and owner of the circus was Philip Astley. Initially, the round arena was intended for theatrical performances involving mainly horses. Later, you could see numbers in other genres here: historical melodramas, plot musical performances, extravaganzas. By the way, it was Philip Astley who was credited with determining the diameter of the circus arena (13 m). He also became the founder of the first circus dynasty. In 1782, a branch of the Astley Amphitheater opened in the French capital. In general, the circus of the resourceful Briton existed until 1895 and was considered a very popular entertainment establishment in London.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the circus performance dramatically changed its structure. The stationary circus acquired clowns: carpet handlers and trainers. The tricks have become more complex trapeze artists due to the introduction of the safety net into circus practice. As a result, a number called “cross flight” was performed for the first time, and the role of “lovitor” also appeared.
The art of tightrope walkers has undergone some changes. In particular, the hemp rope was replaced with a metal cable, which had greater strength. This allowed the tightrope walkers to master complex acrobatic pyramids. The technical revolution of those years gave the go-ahead for the introduction of various mechanisms into circus art. As a result, absolutely incredible performances such as “extravaganza on the water” or “races along a vertical wall” began to be demonstrated in the arena. Subsequently, this trend was further improved, and today we have the opportunity to enjoy circus performances, developed taking into account all the latest technical innovations.
Each country has its own leaders in the field of circus art, but only a few of them managed to become famous throughout the world. Earth. What world circuses are included in the list of the best? This is undoubtedly Cirque du Soleil (Canadian “Circus of the Sun”), “ Paradise show from the Celestial Empire", Australian Circus "Oz". It is worth including in this list the Great Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Avenue, famous for its incredible performances with trained animals. Go to the circus more often - and life will seem brighter!
We cordially congratulate all residents of our country on April 20, International Circus Day! We wish you more interesting and exciting performances.
Perhaps one of the most vivid memories of every person from childhood is going to the circus. Aerial acrobats, dancing animals, as well as clumsy and extremely funny clowns allow you to forget about the real gray world and be transported to a world of colors, smiles and eternal fun. However, work circus performers is very complex and often involves significant risk to life. Therefore, the world annually celebrates International Circus Day on the third Saturday of April.
The history of the holiday
The idea to establish World Circus Day belongs to several well-known companies– European Circus Association, International Federation circus So, in 2010, this wonderful professional holiday of circus artists appeared. The date chosen to celebrate such an event was the date of European Circus Day, introduced in 2008. Thus, the date of the celebration of Circus Day in Europe passed to a new holiday, which was insisted on by many countries of the world, including Russia.
The purpose of founding such a holiday is to attract public attention to the importance of the development of circus art. This is really extremely important, since circus art is one of the most ancient, and the main task of any circus is to give the audience maximum quantity pleasure, joy and surprise. It turns out that all circuses work only for the smiles and entertainment of spectators, improving their mood. Therefore, Circus Day is aimed at supporting a circus that can move spectators to Magic world, full of colors, unusual animals and funny clowns, preserving such an ancient and useful art.
On the third Sunday of this month, everyone can join in the celebration of International Circus Day. At this time, many circuses give traveling performances, and masters of circus art conduct unique master classes for spectators, allowing everyone to try themselves as acrobats, jugglers or tightrope walkers. At Circus Day celebrations ordinary people have the opportunity to enter the circus arena and feel like actors, clowns and even trainers, and therefore appreciate the incredible skill and titanic work of such specialists.
Many people don't even realize that the circus has its headquarters located in the mini-kingdom of Monte Carlo. The famous patron of the circus is the Princess of Monaco. She personally monitors the work of the Circus Federation and the development similar art. At the same time, such a crowned lady is one of the initiators of the creation of such a Federation, which is engaged in popularizing the activities of the circus, as well as attracting public attention to the problems of the circus.
In Russia, many measures are also being taken to support the circus art. There is even a specialized State circus company Russia, engaged in supporting the Russian circus, as well as attracting public attention to the main problems of this area. Similar main company Russia, dealing with the problems and development of the circus, is an association of the largest circuses in the country. It provides for the presentation of an unusual prize to people who have achieved great success in circus activities. The prize is a specific figurine of a laughing harlequin clown holding on to a circus ball with one hand.
How did the circus appear?
The first circuses are considered to be funny performances in ancient Hellas, dedicated to the glorification of pagan deities. Such festivities were attended by costumed actors, who are the prototype of modern clowns. In the Roman Empire, even more attention was paid to the circus, because there were many full-fledged circuses, where artists regularly delighted the audience with complex and interesting acts. One of the main circus arenas in Rome is the legendary Colosseum, which is the most popular ancient Roman building that has survived many eras. It is noteworthy that in Russia circus art also developed rapidly, which is confirmed by buffoonery performances, as well as fun fairs where various actors and masters who tamed wild animals performed. Moreover, even the harsh Middle Ages, which was the era of the birth of the first cultural entities, is also distinguished by the presence of circus performances. At that time, merry games and feasts were organized, the entertainment of which was jesters and trainers, acrobats and dancers.
The first professional circus, featuring performances by trainers of predatory animals, aerial acrobats, tightrope walkers and skilled jugglers, appeared only several centuries later in Europe. However, such a circus was not held in pavilions, but simply on the street or in pre-prepared places. If we talk about the first circus under a dome with a round arena, it arose only in London (18th century). Since then, circus art has been constantly improved, and the fame and popularity of the circus has grown rapidly. With the advent of the Internet, as well as films with spectacular special effects, the popularity of the circus has decreased significantly. But there are many people who respect the genuine performance of real artists who know how to bring smiles, give joy and instill in children a belief in real miracles.
When is this holiday held? International Circus Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of April. In 2019, the celebration date falls on April 20.
National Circus Days exist in many countries around the world. In the USA, for example, a similar holiday is celebrated on April 3.
How is World Circus Day celebrated?
How is the celebration going? The program of events includes exhibitions, carnivals, street events, and many circuses host Open Days.
History and traditions of International Circus Day
In 2008, European Circus Day was celebrated for the first time. It was decided to continue this tradition by establishing an international holiday.
World Circus Day was established in 2009 on the initiative of two organizations - the European Circus Association and the World Circus Federation, operating under the patronage of Princess Stephanie of Monaco.
International Circus Day was first celebrated in 2010; this holiday quickly became popular.
On Circus Day, we remember the history of its development in different countries. Circus performances are considered one of the oldest forms of art. Circuses existed in Ancient Rome, China and other countries.
It is known that the Romans used the word “circus” (circus, “circle”, “round building”) to describe an open structure in the form of an elongated oval, reminiscent of a modern hippodrome. Horse racing, chariot racing, gladiator combat and other performances were held here. In the Middle Ages, circus art was almost forgotten.
And in modern form the circus appeared in late XVIII century. Its creators were two English riders, Astley's father and son. The performances they gave included horseback riding and acrobatic routines.
IN late XIX centuries in different circuses Performances with trained animals became popular around the world. By the beginning of the 20th century, permanent circuses operated in almost all capitals and major cities Western Europe and Russia.
Currently, the most popular types of circus arts are clownery,
acrobatics, balancing act, pantomime, sideshow, musical eccentricity, illusionism, etc. The most famous include the Chinese acrobatic circus “Paradise Show from the Celestial Empire”, the Canadian “Cirque of the Sun” (Cirque du Soleil), “Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus” (USA) and others.
Russian circus art also gained fame. One of the oldest circuses in Russia, the Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, was founded in 1880. And the largest stationary circus in the world is the Bolshoi Moscow state circus on Vernadsky Avenue.
Our country is also famous for its circus dynasties, including the Durovs, Zapashnys, Kios, Filatovs, Kantemirovs, Bagdasarovs and others.
On International Circus Day, we congratulate all the people who devoted themselves to this art and everyone who loves the circus.
