Trivia Quiz: Test Your Circus Knowledge!

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Trivia Quiz: Test Your Circus Knowledge! - Quiz

This is a quiz to test your knowledge about Circus history and facts. How much do you really think you know?


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    What is the sticky substance aerialists use on their hands and wrists to maintain their grip while performing in the air?

    • A.

      Glue

    • B.

      Chalk

    • C.

      Rosin

    • D.

      Hairspray

    Correct Answer
    C. Rosin
    Explanation
    Rosin is the substance that aerialists use to maintain maximum grip. Combined with rubbing alcohol this substance gives maximum stickiness for maximum hold.

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  • 2. 

    What year was the Great Ringling Bros Circus fire?

    • A.

      2003

    • B.

      1944

    • C.

      1919

    • D.

      1986

    Correct Answer
    B. 1944
    Explanation
    In 1944 during a near sold out performance of a Ringling Bros. Circus show in Connecticut, the big top ignited into flames so quickly that approx. 137 people were killed and over 400 people were injured. The source for the fire was unknown though they believe it may have been caused by a lit cigarette that was thrown on the ground. The reason that the tent went up into flames as quickly as it did is because in those times tents were weather proofed with paraffin.

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  • 3. 

    What Circus is the famous clown "Bello" currently employed with?

    • A.

      Forms In Motion Circus

    • B.

      Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus

    • C.

      Cirque Du Soleil

    • D.

      Shriners Circus

    Correct Answer
    B. Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus
    Explanation
    Bello the Clown is currently on tour as the head MC of his own Ringling show known as "Bellobration" through Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Show.

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  • 4. 

    Which "Ring" is the ring of "highest status" to perform in while on tour with the Circus?

    • A.

      Left Ring

    • B.

      Center Ring

    • C.

      Right Ring

    • D.

      Upstage Ring

    Correct Answer
    B. Center Ring
    Explanation
    For a performer, the best ring to perform in that has the highest visibility of the act is the Center Ring.

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  • 5. 

    What is the name of the circular spinning aerial appartus that looks very similar to a children's hula hoop toy? 

    • A.

      Flying Circle

    • B.

      Circlet of Power

    • C.

      Hula Hoop

    • D.

      Lyra

    Correct Answer
    D. Lyra
    Explanation
    The technical name for the circular aerial apparatus in which Circus performers contort themselves in stylistics movements while spinning is known as a “Lyra.”

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  • 6. 

    What is the first Circus ever?

    • A.

      Circus Maximus

    • B.

      Circus of the Stars

    • C.

      Cirque Du Soleil

    • D.

      Ringling Bros. Circus

    • E.

      Culpepper & Merriweather

    Correct Answer
    A. Circus Maximus
    Explanation
    Circus Maximus was the first Circus to ever grace this planet. It began in Ancient Rome and featured jugglers, animal trainers, and acrobats.

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  • 7. 

    What is the oldest form of Circus Entertainment?

    • A.

      Acrobatics

    • B.

      Juggling

    • C.

      Trapeze

    • D.

      Hula Hoop

    • E.

      Jump Rope

    Correct Answer
    B. Juggling
    Explanation
    Juggling is the oldest known form of Circus Entertainment. Its origins can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt where photos of the skill has been found painted on Pyramids

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  • 8. 

    What type of Juggling can be found in the famous movie "Labyrinth" in which David Bowie is the main villain?

    • A.

      Poi

    • B.

      Normal Juggling

    • C.

      Contact Juggling

    • D.

      Fire Juggling

    Correct Answer
    C. Contact Juggling
    Explanation
    The scenes in which David Bowie is gracefully balancing and rolling a glass orb ball from hand to tip is known as Contact Juggling. Since David Bowie does not know how to Contact Juggle these particular scenes where played with a real contact Juggler standing behind Bowie and using his own hands to make it seem like Bowe was juggling himself.

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  • 9. 

    What characters are the comic relief performers in the show?

    • A.

      Horses

    • B.

      Ring Master

    • C.

      Trick Dogs

    • D.

      Clowns

    Correct Answer
    D. Clowns
    Explanation
    The comic relief performers in the show are clowns. Clowns are known for their funny and silly antics that are meant to entertain and make people laugh. They often wear colorful costumes, use exaggerated facial expressions, and perform humorous tricks and gags. In a circus or a show, clowns play a vital role in lightening the mood and providing entertainment through their comedic acts.

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  • 10. 

    How many official styles of clowns are there?

    • A.

      4

    • B.

      1

    • C.

      Unlimited

    • D.

      7

    Correct Answer
    A. 4
    Explanation
    Most people do not know that there are actually 4 styles of clowns. They are: Whiteface Clowns, Auguste Clowns, Tramp/Hobo Clowns, and Character Clowns. These types of clowns can be found at the following website with explanations, history, and photos of the information noted above: http://cheesecakeandfriends.com/c-types.htm

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 02, 2008
    Quiz Created by
    Jhwatson
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