The Flea Circus has been a popular form of entertainment for centuries, captivating audiences with its tiny performers and their astonishing leaps.
These jumping jesters have been the stars of many a show, wowing crowds with their incredible feats of agility and strength.
But where did the Flea Circus come from, and how did it become such a beloved form of entertainment?
The history of the Flea Circus can be traced back to the 16th century when watchmaker Mark Scaliot attached a tiny chain and leash to a flea to show off its jumping abilities.
Since then, the Flea Circus has evolved into a full-fledged spectacle, complete with miniature stages and props.
While the Flea Circus is no longer as popular as it once was, it remains a fascinating and beloved part of entertainment history.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the Flea Circus and take a closer look at these amazing tiny performers.
The Origins and Evolution of Flea Circuses
Flea circuses have been around for centuries, and their history is as fascinating as the tiny performers themselves.
From humble beginnings in London blacksmiths to global sideshows, the flea circus has evolved into a beloved form of entertainment enjoyed by people of all ages.
From London Blacksmiths to Global Sideshows
The origins of flea circuses can be traced back to the early 19th century in England.
Blacksmiths would often entertain themselves by attaching tiny bits of metal to fleas and watching them jump around.
This soon evolved into a full-blown sideshow attraction, with performers training fleas to perform incredible feats of strength and agility.
One of the earliest known flea circuses was performed by Goldsmith Johann Heinrich Deggeller from Stuttgart in 1812, but it was Louis Bertolotto, the Italian-born impresario, who brought the flea circus to the masses.
Bertolotto opened his “Extraordinary Exhibition of the Industrious Fleas” on Regent Street in London in the 1830s, and it quickly became a sensation.
His fleas could drag “The first-rate Man of War of 120 guns,” fight with swords, and draw a two-wheeled carriage.
Bertolotto’s shows reflected the popular culture of the time, with one show even referencing Napoleon!
The flea circus soon spread beyond England, with performers taking their tiny acts to sideshows and zoos around the world.
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens in Manchester, England, was one of the first zoos to feature a flea circus, and it was a popular attraction throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Louis Bertolotto and the Extraordinary Exhibition
Louis Bertolotto was instrumental in popularizing the flea circus, and his “Extraordinary Exhibition of the Industrious Fleas” was a major success.
Bertolotto’s fleas were trained to perform a wide variety of tricks, from tightrope walking to playing musical instruments.
He even had a flea that could pull a miniature carriage!
Bertolotto’s success inspired other performers to create their own flea circuses, and soon the tiny performers were jumping and flipping their way across the globe.
Mark Scaliot, a German performer, took his flea circus to Munich, Germany, in the late 19th century, and it became a popular attraction throughout Europe.
Today, flea circuses are still enjoyed by audiences around the world, and performers continue to train these tiny insects to perform incredible feats of strength and agility.
From their humble beginnings in London blacksmiths to global sideshows, the flea circus has come a long way, and its history is as fascinating as the tiny performers themselves.
The Artistry Behind Flea Circuses
Training Fleas and Crafting Miniature Marvels
The art of flea circuses is a true testament to the ingenuity and creativity of humans.
These miniature marvels require a great deal of skill and patience to create. The first step in crafting a flea circus is to train the fleas.
This is no easy task, as fleas are notoriously difficult to control.
However, with the right techniques and a lot of practice, it is possible to train fleas to perform amazing feats.
The process of training fleas involves a lot of trial and error. Fleas are incredibly small and delicate, so it is important to handle them with care.
The trainers use a variety of techniques to get the fleas to perform, including positive reinforcement and gentle nudging.
Once the fleas are trained, the next step is to create the miniature props and harnesses that they will use in their performances.
Crafting the miniature props and harnesses is a true art form.
The props must be carefully crafted to scale, and the harnesses must be light enough for the fleas to carry, yet sturdy enough to hold them in place.
Some flea circuses use real fleas, while others use mechanical or electrical devices to simulate flea performances.
Regardless of the method used, the craftsmanship involved in creating these miniature marvels is truly impressive.
Mechanical vs. Real Flea Performances
There are two main types of flea performances: mechanical and real.
Mechanical flea circuses use electrical, magnetic, and mechanical devices to simulate flea performances.
These devices can be incredibly complex, and require a great deal of skill to operate.
Real flea circuses, on the other hand, use actual fleas to perform the stunts.
While mechanical flea circuses can be impressive, there is something truly magical about watching real fleas perform.
The sight of these tiny creatures walking tightropes, jumping through hoops, and pulling miniature carts is truly awe-inspiring.
It is a testament to the skill and showmanship of the trainers who are able to control these tiny creatures.
In conclusion, flea circuses are a true testament to the creativity and ingenuity of humans.
From the trainers who train the fleas to the craftsmen who create the miniature props and harnesses, flea circuses require a great deal of skill and patience.
Whether using real fleas or mechanical devices, flea circuses are a unique and fascinating form of entertainment.
Flea Circus in Popular Culture
From Dime Museums to Modern Media
The flea circus has been a staple of popular culture for centuries. It has been featured in films, television shows, novels, and cartoons.
In New York’s Times Square, flea circuses were a common sight at fairs and carnivals.
They were also popular in dime museums, which were small museums that charged a dime for admission and featured oddities and curiosities.
One famous flea circus act was created by Michael Bentine, a British comedian and circus performer.
His act, called “The Potty Time Flea Circus,” featured a ringmaster and a troupe of fleas that performed various tricks, including tightrope walking and chariot racing.
Bentine’s act was so popular that he was invited to perform it on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960s.
Famous Flea Circus Acts and Performers
The Svensons were a famous flea circus act that performed in California in the early 1900s.
Their act featured a ringmaster who trained fleas to perform tricks such as tightrope walking and jumping through hoops.
The Svensons were so successful that they were able to purchase a large estate in California and retire comfortably.
Tex Avery, a famous cartoonist, created a cartoon called “Flea Circus” in 1954. The cartoon featured a flea circus that was disrupted by a dog.
The cartoon was praised for its clever animation and humor.
The Hollies, a British rock band, released a song called “Flea in Her Ear” in 1967.
The song was a hit and helped to popularize the flea circus in mainstream culture.
Thomas Koerfer, a Swiss filmmaker, created a documentary called “The Last Flea Circus” in 1984.
The documentary chronicled the decline of the flea circus as a popular form of entertainment.
Overall, the flea circus has had a significant impact on popular culture. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its unique and fascinating nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do performers train fleas for a flea circus?
Training fleas for a flea circus is a challenging task that requires a lot of patience and skill.
Flea trainers use special tools, such as a tiny leash made of horsehair, to control the fleas.
They also use sugar water to keep the fleas hydrated and to reward them for completing tricks.
Some trainers even use a special type of flea that is bigger and easier to train than regular fleas.
What kind of tricks do fleas do in a flea circus?
Fleas perform a variety of tricks in a flea circus, including tightrope walking, jumping through hoops, and pulling miniature carts.
They can also perform more complex tricks, such as playing musical instruments or riding on the back of a miniature horse.
When did flea circuses become popular entertainment?
Flea circuses became popular in the 19th century, when they were a common attraction in traveling shows and carnivals.
They remained popular until the mid-20th century, when they began to decline in popularity due to the rise of other forms of entertainment, such as movies and television.
Can you visit a flea circus today, and if so, where?
Flea circuses are rare today, but they can still be found in some parts of the world.
In some countries, such as Russia and Germany, flea circuses are still a popular form of entertainment.
In the United States, flea circuses can be found at some fairs and festivals, but they are not as common as they once were.
Why do people have concerns about the treatment of fleas in circuses?
Some people have concerns about the treatment of fleas in circuses, as they believe that the fleas are mistreated or abused.
However, most flea trainers take great care to ensure that their fleas are well-fed, hydrated, and healthy.
They also use humane training methods that do not harm the fleas.
What are some famous flea circuses from history?
One of the most famous flea circuses from history was the one run by Louis Bertolotto in the late 1800s.
Bertolotto’s flea circus was known for its elaborate sets and costumes, as well as its talented fleas.
Another famous flea circus was the one run by Mark Scaliot in the late 1500s.
Scaliot’s flea circus was the first recorded instance of fleas being used for entertainment purposes.
