Peru, Indiana is a one-of-a-kind community that supports and encourages each other, especially its children and young people. Through our cooperation with the Peru Amateur Circus, we learned about the rich history and legacy of this small town, as well as the influence of the circus on its people over several decades. We sat down with various trainers, experts and performers to catch a glimpse of ways in which they work together, support each other, and do successful exhilarating shows, tricks, and acts every summer for numerous spectators. Find more information and tutorials over circus life and culture by venturing down the page below!
Peru, Indiana is home to the Peru Amateur Circus and known as the “Circus Capital of the World.” The town’s youth, aged between seven and twenty-one years old, have been performing various tricks and stunts every summer that rival their professional counterparts for the past 60 years. These amateur-skilled exhilarating performances are showcased annually during the eight day festival in mid-July, alongside a Circus Heritage Parade.
The circus is open to any young person within the set age range, no matter their skill level. Of course there is an interest in finding talent, but everyone is welcome to join and learn acts of the show. Some of the children that join the circus come from a long lineage of performers, continuing their familial legacy, even at just an amateur level. By being part of the city of Peru, population 11,000, the heritage of the circus is carried on through its youth that grow up to be performers, making it a truly amazing spectacle to witness from the stands.
More than 200 young people present ten performances, including the tightrope, juggling, unicycling, and more. Trust and communication is key in working together as a team to successfully complete each stunt, especially in the high wire. Through training and supporting each other, these exceptional performers have grown over the months-- or years-- of training as a family, which makes this circus truly special. Many of these young people know each other through their own community and school, which influences the unique bonds between both young and older kids that perform in this circus.
Despite the fact that most kids won’t continue professionally outside of Peru and may choose a different career path once they outgrow the circus, the relationships and skills that every participant gains over their time in the circus will be something they’ll cherish and keep with them for the rest of their lives.
