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: routine, responsibility. Self-confidence: stepping onto the stage in front of a crowd cures stage fright. Creative development: acting, costumes, makeup. The opportunity to travel. A profession since childhood: by 18, they are already masters.

Drawbacks: the price of success

Injuries (fractures, sprains, concussions). Sometimes without insurance. No normal childhood: friends at school, playing in the yard — a luxury. Psychological pressure: trainers may insult, beat (especially in troubled troupes). Risk of exploitation: children work, but the parents or the circus director take the money. Education suffers: tutors are not always qualified. Risk of burnout: by 20, they don't want to see the arena.

Legal aspect

In Russia, children can work in the circus from 14 years old (with parental consent and the permission of the guardianship authorities). Until 14 — only as creative scholarship holders (part-time). Regulated by the Labor Code. However, in practice, these norms are violated. In the world: in the USA, child acrobats can perform from 6 years old (time restrictions). In the EU — from 8 years. In India — it is prohibited, but thrives underground.

In 2026, activists are striving to ban the use of children in circuses (except for family shows).

What the children think

13-year-old acrobat: “I love the circus, it's my life. But sometimes I want to sleep.” 10-year-old rider: “I like performing, but I'm afraid of falling off the horse.” 15-year-old juggler: “I haven't seen cartoons, but I've traveled around the world.” Many children say they were forced by their parents. But by 18, they are grateful.

Psychologists believe: if the child does not want to, violence is unacceptable. If they do, safety measures and time for study must be observed.

Child circus workers — this is a topic where there is no clear answer. Ban — to deprive children of art and a profession. Allow — to allow exploitation. A balance is needed: licensing of circuses, control over working conditions, mandatory school. And most importantly, for the child to choose the circus themselves, not to survive in it.

Permanent link to this publication: