Trivia Quiz: Test Your Circus Knowledge!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.