The Greatest Showman was one of the most watched films in 2017 when it was first aired. It’s still considered one of the best musical films of the decade. One of the things about the film that got people talking, though, is the man himself, P.T. Barnum, whose life served as the inspiration of the movie.
Some people might have fantasies of running away and joining the circus, but circus life back in the day was no walk in the park–especially for the animals that were forced to perform. Documentaries, studies, and historical records will tell you that the animals were often abused and starved during their training in Barnum’s circus.
Circus Animals No More
Thankfully, more and more circus companies and traveling troupes are doing away with that. In fact, one circus hailing from Germany decided to step up their routine in order to usher in the new era with the use of holograms. Circus Roncalli was established in Vienna in 1975. It has grown in popularity over the years and is considered one of the best traveling performances around the world.
It is well-known for pushing the limits of art and creativity. And now, the circus revealed to RP Online that it was no longer going to showcase animals during its shows. Instead, the circus would focus on acrobatics and other performances.
But those aren’t the only things the circus will be showcasing because it partnered with Optima to introduce the use of holograms in their shows.
Floating Fish and Break-Dancing Elephants
The circus first revealed their new “troupe members” in 2018 to the press. First to appear to the audience was a hologram of horses galloping around the circus ring. The audience applauded the beautiful surprise, which soon gave way to another hologram. This time it was a giant goldfish.
It was an awe-inspiring showcase that made the audience speechless. Those who organized and attended the reveal agreed that incorporating cutting-edge hologram technology allowed audiences to witness spectacular beauty that wouldn’t have been brought to the circus otherwise.
The goldfish floated in the air, giving the showcase a solemn and magical vibe. Then, the press and guests were treated to a hologram of an elephant doing a handstand (or, well, trying to). Then, there were also showcases of other performances that the circus will be giving the public in their future tours.
Cutting-Edge Technology in the Ring
The circus stopped using live animals (horses and dogs mostly) during their shows in 2017. According to circus representatives, the decision was done for the welfare of animals and to discourage the training of animals for entertainment purposes, which often led to animal mistreatment.
What’s great about this move is that the circus can now combine holographic images with dances, acrobatics, and other performances. A whole new world of visual effects never before used can be seen side by side flexible performers flying through the air.
There is so much that technology can offer, and they can inspire awe without putting animals and people in danger. Guests who saw their hologram shows are already excited to see more exciting circus performances with state-of-the-art technology.
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