Circus superstitions

"Some people won't wear green costumes in the ring and others don't mind. Some say, 'Oh, I don't mind wearing green,' then something happens and they say, 'I'm not wearing green anymore!'"
This is said with a pointed look at Kristine, the dancer seating nearby, who immediately begins laughing.
"Kristine used to say, 'I'm not bothered about wearing green.' Then she wore a green costume and fell over and broke her arm. So she won't be wearing green anymore!
"My Aunty Jane wasn't bothered. Then the horse she was riding fell over and broke her leg. So she won't wear green any more!"

- Gracie Timmis, Circus Mondao

Learn the superstitions of the big top, the slang of the circus and its many other secrets from the stars and showmen who live their lives in the sawdust circle. It's all in Circus Mania - The Ultimate Book For Anyone Who Dreamed of Running Away with the Circus by Douglas McPherson.

"A brilliant account of a vanishing art form." - The Mail on Sunday.

Buy direct from Peter Owen Publishers for just £10 including postage.

Peter Owen Publishers

81 Ridge Road

London N8 9NP

Tel: 020 8350 1775