The first known circus can be dated back to Ancient Greece and Rome where spectators would come to see chariot races, gladiator battles, and equestrian shows.  Since then circuses have been a constant source of entertainment throughout the world.  They evolved into multi ring spectacles with clowns, acrobats, trained animals, and many other oddities and curiosities.  But as we move further into a technologically advanced society, circus entertainers are embracing new ways of delighting crowds.  One such way is with the introduction of an all new circus based on drone technology.  

In collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Air Force a company called Fjuze will be launching a drone circus in Amsterdam.  The name of the circus show is AIR and it will display hundreds of drones performing amazing feats at an indoor stadium.  Drone flight regulations are very strict.  Besides needing to remain in line of sight if the operator, there are restrictions as to where they can fly in relation to buildings, air space, and people.  Because AIR will be held in a controlled, indoor environment all safety regulations will be met.

According to a representative from Fjuze, “In this high energy and explosive show, drones will take center stage to bring a collaboration and fusion of music, video, projections and special effects.  AIR allows you to experience a variety of ballet and battles, races and lasers, circus, illusions and most of all magic from hundreds of drones.”  This is the circus of the future.  In a promotional video released from Fjuze, the spectacle being held in Amsterdam Arena is something like an out of this world sound and light extravaganza.

Though AIR is set to be the first drone entertainment experience in the world, it is not a fully unique event.  Drone shows have been used in place of firework displays in fire prone regions.  They were also used as part of the opening ceremonies at the 2018 Winter Olympics.  The AIR show by Fjuze will be on a much larger scale though. 

Circuses have been used to bring people together and entertain them for centuries now.  They have always reflected the time in which they are set, but still found a way to push the boundaries of convention to amaze viewers.  Fjuze’s AIR circus promises to do just that.  It will use the technology available today to show us a glimpse of the future.  It will inspire creativity and imagination in it’s viewers.