While it's not specifically written for high-wire acts, its flowing, lilting melody and its association with waltzing (which is often depicted in cartoons as making people dizzy) make it a perfect choice for creating that sense of unease and dizziness in animated scenes.
It's a classic choice for representing a sense of "vertigo" or "drunkenness" in cartoons, and is even used sometimes in actual circus performances to add a bit of drama and excitement.
Here are some other possibilities:
* "The Radetzky March" by Johann Strauss I: This march is also a popular choice for circus acts, especially those with a military or patriotic theme. It has a fast, driving tempo that can create a sense of energy and excitement, but it can also be edited and slowed down to create a disorienting effect.
* Other waltzes by Johann Strauss II: There are several other waltzes by Johann Strauss II that would be appropriate for a high-wire act, such as "Vienna Blood," "The Emperor Waltz," or "Tales from the Vienna Woods."
However, "The Blue Danube" is probably the most common and recognizable choice for this type of scene.