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Circus Jargon
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Flashcards
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Gag
A comedic sketch or act performed by clowns or comedians in the circus.
Center Ring
The main ring of the circus where the primary acts perform. It's usually the central focal point in a three-ring layout.
Rigging
The system of ropes, wires, and apparatus used to suspend performers, lights, or scenery in the circus.
Clown Alley
The designated area for clowns or the group of clowns in a circus.
Flyer
An aerialist who performs dynamic tricks while swinging or being thrown through the air, usually in acts like trapeze or flying rings.
Juggle
The art of throwing multiple objects into the air and catching and releasing them in a controlled manner.
Spec
Short for 'spectacle', a grand scale, often thematic performance in a circus involving multiple performers in a choreographed segment.
Roustabout
A laborer responsible for setting up and dismantling the circus equipment, and sometimes performing menial tasks.
King Pole
The main central pole that supports the big top tent in a circus.
High Wire
A type of tightrope walking that takes place at a significant height, requiring great skill and balance.
Big Top
A large tent traditionally used for circus performances.
Circus Wheel
A rotating apparatus used by acrobats and gymnasts to perform tricks and stunts.
Tightrope
A rope or wire stretched tightly high above the ground which acrobats walk along to perform acts of balance.
Backstage
The area behind the stage or performance area where artists prepare and wait for their cue. It's not visible to the audience.
Calliope
A musical instrument featuring steam-whistles, often associated with the circus and used during parades or performances.
Risley Act
A performance where an individual, known as the base, lies on their back and juggles another performer, the flier, with their feet.
Side Show
A secondary show at a circus, typically one featuring acts of curiosities and oddities.
Trapeze
A swinging horizontal bar suspended by two ropes or metal straps, used by acrobats for aerial manoeuvres.
Wheel of Death
A large, rotating apparatus on which acrobats perform tricks that include defying gravity, requiring tremendous skill and nerve.
Tumbler
A gymnast or acrobat who performs flips, rolls, and acrobatics on the ground or on a mat.
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