Optimising recovery: Supporting artists to flourish in circus, and in life
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
The combination of artistry, acrobatics and athleticism characterises the broad spectrum of circus arts. Circus training and performance include high physical, psychosocial, and creative demands, which can challenge artist performance and well-being. Strategies that address recovery holistically can support artists to flourish. This chapter uses the Four Domains for Development for All (4D4D4All) framework to propose individual and environmental factors that influence recovery for circus artists. Sleep, nutrition, physical preparation, stress management, and social support are the strategies expected to have the greatest impact on long-term circus artist recovery, while short-term strategies including naps, active recovery, cold water immersion, rolling, and massage may be useful during transitions in training/performance cycles or periods with particularly high workloads. Training and performance environments can build or adopt a culture that is supportive of recovery, including the promotion of rest, recovery, and meaningful experiences outside of circus, as well as by supporting artists to navigate to resources to better their health and well-being. Reconceptualising recovery in circus as a holistic practice to optimise performance and well-being is vital to enhance the health and career longevity of circus artists, and to promote a meaningful, fulfilling life in and out of circus.
Keywords
circus arts, recovery strategies, artist wellbeing, performance optimization, sleep and nutrition, stress management
Document Type
Book Chapter
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
Recovery and Well-being in the Performing Arts
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
RAS ID
95206
ISBN
[9781032936369, 9781032936444, 9781003566885]
Copyright
free_to_read
First Page
153
Last Page
174
Recommended Citation
Stuckey, M., Munro, D., Greenspan, S., & Nicholas, J. (2026). Optimising recovery: Supporting artists to flourish in circus, and in life. In E. Altenmüller, M. Kellmann, J. Beckmann, & G. M. Moyle (Eds.), Recovery and well-being in the performing arts (pp. 153–174). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003566885-11