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The art of circus is a vibrant and competitive culture that embraces new tools and technology. In this paper, a series of exploratory design processes resulting in proofs of concepts are presented, showing strategies for effective use of three different modes of sonic interaction in contemporary circus. Each design process is based on participatory studio work, involving professional circus artists. All of the proofs of concepts have been evaluated, both with studio studies and public circus performances, taking the work beyond theoretical laboratory projects and properly engaging the practice and culture of contemporary circus.
The first exploration uses a contortionist’s extreme bodily manipulation as inspiration for sonic manipulations in an accompanying piece of music. The second exploration uses electric amplification of acoustic sounds as a transformative enhancement of existing elements of circus performance. Finally, a sensor based system of real-time sonification of body gestures is explored and ideas from the sonification of dance are translated into the realm of circus. [editor summary]

This paper discusses early experiments in an exploration of how interactive technologies can be designed for circus art performances. The experiments were carried out in environments for training and rehearsal of circus skills and technique. The approach was to introduce circus artists in various disciplines to motion sensors and interactive visualizations. The intention was to create impulses and ideas that later can be explored and shaped in a co-creational process with circus performers. The outcome of these experiments is discussed in relation to the notion of communities of practice, and the concepts of infrastructuring and protoperformance (proto-p). In conclusion, the experiments became a way to enter into a community of circus practitioners. This led to new design openings, which can be developed with sensitivity to circus aesthetics. [author summary]