The entertainment that is the circus is associated in our country primarily with performances that use animals – but these, fortunately, are already becoming a thing of the past. And that is a good thing, because the circus arts have a lot to offer, impressing with artistry and technique. They also provide unforgettable experiences and emotions that are hard to find elsewhere.
From Rome to London
As with many respectable arts and sciences, the roots of the circus must be sought in antiquity. Specifically in Rome, where acrobats and dancers performed in arenas surrounded by amphitheater seating, and chariot races were held. The most famous of the circuses was, of course, the Circus Maximus, the remains of which are now heavily visited by tourists. Philip Astley, who in 1768 opened the first modern circus in London, modeled his venture on Roman customs. It was primarily based on equestrian tricks, as Astley himself was a well-trained rider. It is worth adding, however, that even in the Middle Ages, shows by traveling actors and jugglers, who appeared at fairs, festivals, or simply on the streets of cities all over Europe, enjoyed great popularity. Such traveling troupes mainly included tightrope walkers, jugglers, fire-eaters, mimes, and comedians. From England, the circus art traveled to France, and by the end of the 19th century, it also appeared in the German Empire.
Circus Arts in Poland
The first Polish circus began its activity in Warsaw in 1883 thanks to Wilhelmina Ciniselli and her family. The blossoming of this art in our country was mainly during the interwar period, when compatriots admired the talents of outstanding circus artists, led by representatives of the Barański, Blumski, and Milec families. It was also during the interwar period that the clown duos: Bim-Bom (Iwan Raduński and Mieczysław Staniewski) and Din-Don (Wiktor and Edward Manc) gained popularity.
After the Second World War, the first traveling circuses appeared in our country (thanks to the United Entertainment Enterprises), and already in 1950, a circus base with training and technical facilities was established in Julinek near Warsaw, which was officially transformed in 1967 into the State Circus School in Julinek. To this day, enthusiasts from all over Poland are educated there, learning and perfecting the secrets of circus art, often combining knowledge and skills gained either at the Academy of Physical Education or at a ballet school. Over three years of study, the students gain experience in acrobatics, gymnastics, equilibrism, juggling, dance, and acting.
