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This is an accepted article with a DOI pre-assigned that is not yet published.This study examines the evolution of circus disciplines in Quebec over the past three decades, with the aim of identifying the factors that influence their emergence, popularity, and decline. While Quebec’s circus scene is internationally recognized, the processes by which specific disciplines become institutionalized or fade from practice remain underexplored. Combining quantitative data from schools, companies, and festivals with qualitative interviews conducted with circus professionals, apparatus designers, and educators, this research provides a unique perspective on the dynamics shaping contemporary circus practice. Aerial and ground acrobatics remain the most prevalent categories, while disciplines such as clowning, magic, and equestrian arts have sharply declined, raising concerns about discoverability and the disappearance of certain practices. Social media now plays a growing role in influencing which disciplines gain visibility, reinforcing trends while potentially narrowing exposure to more marginal forms. The results highlight the key role of schools and companies in reinforcing certain disciplines based on pedagogical, logistical, and economic factors. This paper contributes to the emerging field of circus studies by mapping discipline evolution, while highlighting the tensions between innovation and standardization. By offering a clearer understanding of how disciplines are defined, transmitted, and transformed, this study provides valuable insights for artists, educators, and researchers seeking to support diversity and creativity in the contemporary circus landscape.