Enormous!

I had no idea that circuses were so large at one point!  

There were companies that were, of course, very small and struggled intensely to survive.  On the other hand, there were circus's that were MASSIVE.  

As the popularity of the new grandeur circus grew, it transformed this type of entertainment from a primitive but unique art into an adventurous and massive bravura.  

Originally in Britan, the performances of the large circus groups place in wooden arenas, as unto any other show.  However, this provided inconvenient and could only seat a small number of audience members, which equals little money. This issue eventually lead to the development of the "pavilion" or what is now known as a canvas tent.  This allowed the circus to become a massive transferable community that intertwined with the expansion of steam locomotion.  

"There are a great many people who believe that a circus cannot be a real circus unless it be seen under canvas, with dirt rings and the sawdust smell that goes with it." (Ringling, Circus Annual Ringling Bros 1901).   

The traditional and most commonly recognized tent is called the 'big top' and was generally constructed out of lightweight canvas, rings, ropes, and tall tree trunks and posts.  It consisted of three center rings, four stages, all of which were surrounded by a hippodrome track, accompanied by adjoining dressing rooms.  

The Thing that blew my kind: the circus was usually set up on a lot ranging near nine acres of land with more than twenty tents needed for functionality such as:

         -lifestyles and housing

         -logistics

         -expenses and technology         

         -capitals

         -museums

         -dressing rooms

         -local hotels

         -stables

         -automotive shops

          -And even the extensive incorporation of menageries - a display of exotic 

                   animals      

Another example of such enormity is the well-recognized Americanized circus, Barnum & Bailey.  It traveled across the Atlantic to Europe and toured there for six years.                                  

It's gargantuan size actually shocked me!  The circus was so massive that it took several of the largest ships; only one of those vessels "ferried twenty-six elephants, hundreds of horses and ponies, seals, lions, leopards, deer, cattle, yak, zebus, tigers, camels, the Chimpanzee Johanna, two hundred and twenty-four workmen, thirty performers, and scores of agents and managers. The opening extravaganza alone utilized over one thousand performers.  

It's fascinating how enthrall end the public became with the entire spectacle of the evolving  the monstrous, migratory, and methodical living entity of the circus, including the setup and take down, not just the show. Photographers and reporters alike were also present to document the hundreds, thousands, of spectators crowded together to watch as tents were set up, equipment unloaded, strange animals in cages, and more. As the showmen realized what a hit the before and after was, they began to charge a small fee to those who wanted to witness the final teardown accompanied by an exclusive final performance selection.

The set up, show, and break down often lasted only a day!!

 



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