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Contemporary circus (or cirque contemporain in French-speaking countries) is a contested term in circus studies.[1] In this article, it is used in contrast to the term 'traditional circus', combining with the genre elsewhere disambiguated as new circus or nouveau cirque. Many circus scholars prefer to separate these styles, as elaborated in circus. Contemporary circus, by this definition, is a genre of performing arts developed in the late 20th century in which a story, theme, mood or question is conveyed through traditional circus skills. Traditional circus skills are blended with more choreographic, character-driven or mechanical approaches. Animals are rarely used, akin to variety shows.
Contemporary circus —encompassing the New Circus movement—originated in the late 1960s, and has spurred the creation of unique schools[2] to teach the format, as well as books for the contemporary circus performer, assisting them with their careers.[3]
- ^ Kavanagh, Katharine (Autumn 2019). "Criticism Within the Circus Sector" (PDF). Platform. 13 (1). Retrieved 13 September 2023.
- ^ "Circadium – School of Contemporary Circus". Retrieved 2023-07-07.
- ^ Bates, Eric (2023-07-06). Campbell, Kim; Domask-Ruh, Benjamin; Wall, Thom (eds.). The Contemporary Circus Handbook: A Guide to Creating, Funding, Producing, Organizing, and Touring Shows for the 21st Century. Modern Vaudeville Press. ISBN 978-1-958604-03-8.