A Song at the Circus

Questions

• What kinds of acts would you expect to see at the circus?
• What different circus skills can you see in the clip?
• Do you know any other songs about the circus?
• Can you name any other famous circus acts?

Activities

Create your own song or poem about the circus.

Create your own circus show and design the poster. Think about the various acts you will have.

Take out the soundtrack and replace the images with different (perhaps negative) perspectives of the circus.

Compare with other representations of the circus (art work, Angela Carter stories, Dumbo).

Research why the circus is less popular than it used to be (especially ethical issues and animal rights). How have circuses adapted to this and what different kinds of acts might you expect to see today?

What makes the song so 'catchy' (look at chord structures, bass lines, key changes).

Research the Robert Brothers Circus and write an essay or illustrated presentation with your findings.