Documents 

This participant-observer, phenomenological qualitative study explored the adult experience of a community circus class through an occupational therapy lens. Following 4 months of weekly participant-observation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four adult beginner students in a community-based social circus class. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify six themes. Two themes addressed the structural supports of the class: Meeting People Where They Are , and Culture and Competition. Four themes were based on participant experiences and perceived outcomes: Releasing Expectations, Trying, Learning, and Fun, Making Friends, Making Community, and Feeling Better. Findings suggest that through the fun aspects of circus participation, students were able to confront and overcome physical, social, emotional and cognitive challenges. In this way, personal growth and quality of life were promoted. External supports enabled students to adopt an individualized approach to participation that encouraged self-awareness and self-assessment across multiple domains. Due to the scarcity of research investigating adult participation in circus, the therapeutic benefit of circus participation merits further investigation. Circus and occupational therapy may develop a mutually beneficial relationship on the basis of shared common philosophy and values. By working together, occupational therapy and circus may enhance their ability to address occupational justice, inclusivity, empowerment, connection, play and quality of life. [author summary]

This thesis locates contemporary circus as a newly developing expressive form, one using similar choreographic and research practices to those of post-modern dance. I attempt to establish an understanding of contemporary circus as a form with specificity of technique, which possesses unavoidable cultural and historical baggage. In my first chapter, I describe the evolution of western circus performance, beginning with ancient accounts of circus performers, following the form through the Middle Ages and into the modern era. I take an in-depth look at the characteristics of traditional American circuses, and the ethical quandaries thereof. In my second chapter, I address the transition from traditional circus to cirque nouveau to the still growing field of contemporary circus. I examine Cirque du Soleil as a key figure in current perceptions of circus performance, and distinguish traditional, cirque, and contemporary styles of circus performance. I look at early instances of dramaturgy and storytelling in circus in order to better understand the creative mechanics of today’s contemporary circus. In my third chapter, I concentrate on the particular challenges of contemporary circus, from artistic and practical perspectives, and look to the methods some circus artists are implementing to navigate these challenges. In my final chapter, I present my own original choreographic works as experiments studying contemporary circus in practice. This research seeks to communicate to audiences, readers, and dancers a dynamic approach to circus-making and performance which follows from an education in dance-making. [author summary]

Past research has emphasised the intrinsic benefits of participation in the arts, including more receptive modes of participation such as attending live performances and visiting museums and galleries, and more active modes such as participation in dance. However, there is a gap in the knowledge in relation to participation in circus arts. In this study, 17 adults currently involved in recreational circus arts, took part in semi-structured interviews that sought to identify the perceived benefits of participation. Qualitative analysis revealed that the benefits of participation in circus arts can be grouped under five categories: physical, psychological, intellectual, social and self-realisation. In addition, potential barriers to participation in circus arts were identified, including perceived ability to participate, physical ability to participate, and gender stereotypes. This study constitutes a starting point in understanding the benefits of participation in circus arts and asserts that the hybrid nature of circus offers a specific combination of benefits that is unique. The evidence provided by this research may be useful to policy-makers and advocacy groups seeking to develop the sector, gain access to funding or infrastructure, or reinforce the legitimacy and value of circus as an art form. [editor summary]

Les arts du cirque sont hétérogènes, ils rassemblent une grande diversité de disciplines, de formes et d’esthétiques. Cet article propose de démêler la façon dont se répartissent les rôles et les responsabilités sur les scènes circassiennes contemporaines, de repérer les rapports de force, les enjeux de pouvoir et les tensions qui s'exercent au sein de cette « grande famille », de mesurer l’influence sur la composition des formes mais aussi les conséquences en terme de représentations des identités sur les scènes circassiennes actuelles.