The title Moscow State Circus is used for a variety of circuses. Most commonly, it refers to one of the two circus buildings in Moscow, the "Circus Nikulin" (the old circus, featuring animal acts) and the "Bolshoi Circus" (the new circus, featuring trapeze and acrobatics), or to traveling shows which may or may not be directly related to Russia.[1][2]
The Russian Circus rose during the Soviet period, when acts from many Russian circuses united to tour the United States under the title, "The Moscow Circus."[3] During this time, the circus became a point of pride.[1] Russian Circus traditions include clowning, juggling, acrobatics, contortion, and animal acts (especially bear acts, such as bears who juggle with their feet).[4][5]
Stylistically, the Soviet circuses were different from their Western counterparts. Their acts were more focused on Eastern European culture, and tended to hold more narrative and be more dance-oriented than their bespangled, action-packed contemporaries.[3] This narrative style has recently become more popular with shows worldwide, with shows by companies including Cirque du Soleil and Cirque Dreams.
- ^ a b Circopedia: The Free Encyclopedia of the International Circus, s.v. "Moscow Circus." [1] (Accessed May 3, 2011)
- ^ Dabars, Z. (2002). The Russian Way: Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs of the Russians. United States: McGraw-Hill
- ^ a b Glenn Collins. "The Moscow Circus: Vaudeville That Delivers a Nationalistic Message," The New York Times. September 11, 1988.
- ^ Miriam Birch. Inside the Soviet Circus. Viewed online. Directed by Miriam Birch. Filmed in the Soviet Union: National Geographic, 1988.
- ^ Bruce Weber. "WORKS IN PROGRESS; Bear Feats," The New York Times. July 31, 1988.