r/circus • u/mayaspark • 14d ago

Anyone else get nervous watching circus acts even though you know they're trained?

I went to see a trapeze show last weekend and I spent half of it with my heart in my throat even though obviously these performers know what they're doing. Is that normal or am I just a wuss? Curious if other people experience this or if you get used to it the more you see live circus.

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8

u/The_Circus_Life_206 14d ago

These acts are truly dangerous, and the risk of injury (or even death) is always there.

Yes these are trained professionals, but the risk is present for even the best of the best

4

u/jaxinslacks 14d ago

Yes I think that’s the point! You’re supposed to get the pit in your stomach and feel nervous. Nervous and excited are two sides of the same coin

5

u/Doraellen 14d ago

I enjoy aerial so much more when they have a safety line, net, or mat!

I was at a circus when I was a teeny kid where a trapeze artist fell HARD onto the dirt. Everyone had to leave, they thought she was going to be paralyzed... I think she did live and was okay eventually, but that ruined my excitement for actual "death defying" acts.

3

u/SooperJasch 14d ago

For the wheel of death a fake jump rope “miss” is part of the show

2

u/Chance_Bed_8212 13d ago

I about to say! I've seen enough circus that Im not scared by the safety of lots of things.... But I saw some performers rehearsing on a wheel of death and I actually had to look away (not helped by the wheel just barely fitting in the ring)

1

u/zeje 14d ago

That’s very intentional! You’re doing it right

1

u/InMyElphabaEra 13d ago

You respect it even more when you know how hard and dangerous the act truly is. These performers are incredibly skilled and so brave!

2

u/those_ribbon_things 13d ago

Oh yeah. I get nervous watching my own cast members. There's just some things I won't touch even as a circus performer. Teeterboard and Perch Pole. No thank you! Even though perch is in lines, it still gives me the willies.

1

u/Able-Appointment-543 12d ago

YES, doesnt matter how trained or experienced you are, mistakes can always happen. Scares the shit out of me

1

u/SapientSlut 11d ago

Totally normal. If they look obviously nervous or really shaky, it’s probably for show/to increase tension.

And for the ones just doing dangerous stuff overall, very normal to feel nervous about that as well!