The circus in its modern form is 250 years old and artistes are still delighting members of their public with feats of strength, dexterity or pure courage.
Whether extricating yourself from a bottle, flying through the air or playing with fire, the ring is still a place for performers to defy the usual laws of physics and entertain the public.
The Cirque Berserk showed off some mind-boggling manoeuvres during a visit to the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh.
William from the African act Timbuktu Tumblers shows his flexibility (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Odka pours herself into a bottle (Andrew Milligan)
Odka takes an unconventional route out of the bottle (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Contortionist Odka prepares to use a bow and arrow (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Contortionist Odka prepares to fire an arrow (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Laci shows he has a head for heights with his aerial act (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Gabriel produces a ring of fire at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Bolas act Germaine and Gabriel perform with the Cirque Berserk (Andrew Milligan/PA)