Circus Coloring Pages

Circus Fun Facts

• The word “circus” comes from the Latin word meaning circle or ring. Circuses used to be in permanent buildings rather than in tents like you see today. Paris used to have lots of these buildings.
• Breathing fire is very dangerous. The performer holds fuel in their mouth, usually paraffin or lamp fuel, and sprays it near a flaming torch. Tim Black set a world record by blowing a flame that was over 5m long.
• Joseph Grimalidi is thought to be one of the first circus clowns. He put on his first show in England in 1805. He was known as Joey the Clown. He performed tricks such as tumbling, pratfalls and slapstick beatings.
• Knife throwing became popular in the 19th century as part of Barnum and Bailey’s traveling circus act. The knife used in knife throwing has no handle and every edge, except for the point, is dull so that the knife thrower can get a good grip.
• In early circus shows the main acts were fast moving tricks on horses. As the audience started to want bigger thrills the shows became more spectacular and adventurous. In order to perform tricks safely, circus performers have to work as an equal team with no main star of the show. There is therefore a great team spirit amongst the circus community.
• Travelling circuses became popular in Victorian times. There would be great excitement when the circus arrived in the town or village and the Big Top, the large tent, was put up. Children were often given the day off school to go to the circus as, in the days before film and television, it was the only chance people had to see wild animals.