A small clown in huge boots. A girl on the trapeze. An acrobat being thrown under the tent. Children in the circus — a sight that evokes tenderness. But behind the scenes, there's hard work, early mornings, injuries, and sometimes exploitation. In 2026, the issue of child circus performers is ambiguous. On one hand, it's a tradition. On the other — a violation of rights. We tell you how and why children become circus workers. History: children in the circus have always been there Since ancient times, children have participated in performances: in Ancient Rome — acrobatic slaves; in medieval Europe — traveling circuses with child cripples; in the 19th century — children's troupes, such as the Chiniselli family. In Russia before the revolution, peasant children were sold to the circus. In the USSR, circus studios for children became prestigious. Now in many countries, children work in circuses legally (with parental permission). But in developed countries (France, Germany), there are age and working time restrictions. How children become circus performers Often — from circus dynasties. A child starts rehearsing at 4 years old. Or parents send them to a circus studio (like a club). Talented children are taken to professional schools (in Russia — GUCZI). In developing countries (India, Bangladesh), poor families sell their children to the circus for food. There, children work 12 hours a day, without weekends. Work and loads Training starts at 6 a.m., lasts 4-6 hours (before school). School — more often at home (at the circus). In the evening — rehearsal of performances (2 hours). Performances on weekends, during holidays. Loads: stretching until tears, risks of fractures. They need to bend their backs, stand on their hands, juggle from the age of 5. This is not childhood. On the other hand, children are proud of their skills, receive applause, travel the world. Benefits: what the circus gives Physical development: flexibility, strength, coordination. Discipline: ro ... Read more