These Circus artists were part of the Moscow State Circus on its tour of England in 1996. The photographs were taken ‘backstage’ before the artists went into the ring in the big top to perform their acts.

You will probably be able to decide the kind of acts they performed by looking at their costumes and make-up. For some acts – for instance the white-faced clown – the style of costume and make-up is part of classic circus tradition.

Some families have been in Circus for several generations. Skills are passed on from parents to children. New acts come in each year, but many of the old traditions are maintained.