Circus artist
Also known as: hair hanging acrobat, circus acrobat, chinese pole artist, high wire acrobat, aerial artist, chinese pole acrobat
About this occupation
Circus artists develop original performance pieces showcasing great artistic and performing skills, emotive depth and artistic proposals for the general public. Alone, or collectively, they may perform one or more traditional or original circus disciplines, which are usually based on physical capabilities such as strength, balance, agility, flexibility, ability and coordination of body parts, and combined with performance disciplines such as dance, theatre, mime etc. The physical nature of the exercises performed often includes a certain level of risk for the performer.
A specialisation of performance artist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- work with circus group
- carry out physical training
- analyse own performance
- check the production schedule
- manage artistic project
- coordinate artistic production
- define the visual universe of your creation
- describe your artistic aspirations in relation to artistic trends
- renew artistic practice
- make up performing artists
- check circus rigging before performance
- apply company policies
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Dancers (O*NET 27-2031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Study and practice dance moves required in roles.
- Harmonize body movements to rhythm of musical accompaniment.
- Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.
- Coordinate dancing with that of partners or dance ensembles.
- Develop self-understanding of physical capabilities and limitations, and choose dance styles accordingly.
- Perform classical, modern, or acrobatic dances in productions, expressing stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Realistic, Social
Top skills: Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Coordination, Speaking, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsVery important (4.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.5)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Choreographers
- Musicians and Singers
- Actors
- Music Directors and Composers
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
- Talent Directors
- Self-Enrichment Teachers
- Athletes and Sports Competitors
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
- Models
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.