Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: How a Flea Circus Works
Jul 18, 2020
Dive into the quirky world of flea circuses, where tiny performers dazzle audiences with their unique tricks. Explore the rich history and fascinating techniques that make these spectacles enchanting. Discover the mysterious figure of Professor Bertolotto and the challenges faced by flea masters. With a mix of humor and intrigue, the discussion reveals the ethical considerations of using real insects for entertainment. Join the journey through this whimsical art form, balancing nostalgia and the changing landscape of entertainment.
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Early Flea Props
- In the 1570s, blacksmith Mark Scaliot crafted a tiny collar for a flea, showcasing his intricate skills.
- This act, though not a circus, popularized the idea of using fleas as props.
Why Fleas?
- Fleas became popular for flea circuses due to their ubiquity and jumping prowess.
- Their powerful jumps, relative to their size, made them ideal for circus-like acts.
Bertolotto's Vision
- Louis Bertolotto, an Italian impresario in London in the 1820s, is considered the father of the flea circus.
- He envisioned fleas not as mere props but as stars of their own show.