Circus Oz 2015, But Wait…There’s More, performers Ben Lewis (top) and Sharon Gruenert. Photo by Scott Hone.
The “ta-dah!” moment – the completion of a trick followed by a pause for applause before moving on to the next routine – is a common element of contemporary circus. A carry-over from the art form’s traditional roots, such forced applause points are an opportunity for the audience to express their delight or awe – but according to Kim Kaos, a circus artist and teacher turned academic and dramaturg, the ta-dah moment also has the potential to damage the art form’s development.
