Introduction

Over the last decade, interest in circus as an object of academic research has grown significantly. Scholars from various disciplines are now taking an interest in the artform. Of specific relevance is therefore its status as an interstitial artform located on the border of heritage and innovation, of popular culture and art, of entertainment, ritual, and political engagement, and of performance and practice. These unique locations of circus and its research inspired the creation of this anthology. In the introduction, I will map out the diversity of approaches to the artform by creating a 360° view of the circus. Through multiple disciplinary perspectives, the transition from traditional to contemporary circus is put into focus.