Interior from Valencia

Lilian Leitzel

15 November 2001

The International Clown Festival at the world's oldest amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen has become a tradition. The last 6 years the festival have be running for one week. Artistical director Benny Schumann proudly tells me that the 2002 festival will run for two weeks from 5 August to 18 August. The Gala performance will be held on 11 August.

14 November 2001

New wave circus Nova Exit presents from 29 November to 16 December 2001 their new performance Apropos in Copenhagen. They advertise themselves as the first major new wave circus production in Denmark. Nova Exit was founded in 1998 by students at the Academy for Untamed Creative Activity (sic) and the Mountebank Schools Artist Line. Today the group has approx. 40 members - artist, performers, singers, musicians and dancers. There are seven performing artists in ”Apropos”: Rasmus Madsen, Karl Stets, Josephine Wulff Randrup, Lars Gregersen, Stina Suhr, Lotte Usinger og Søren Flor. Producer is Anne Sophie Bergmann Steen and choreographer Kitt Johnson. Savannah Agger have composed the music.

12 November 2001

 Danish arial duo AERIUS (Esben and Maja Aerius) has sent me the following letter from Moscow: "Our tour with Norwegian new-wave circus Xianti was a great success and very well received by both the audience and the press. The largest Norwegian Newspaper VG gave the performance 5 out of maximum 6 stars and wrote: ”The Danish trapeze artist Maja and Esben Aerius are like two elf's in a beautiful sensual game…".  And another Norwegian paper wrote: ”Believe me: Duo Aerius is as pretty as the first sunbeams in the mist of the morning".

 After our Norwegian tour we went to the circus school in Moscow where we have a hard training programme. We are training new tricks in the trapeze as well as tissue and acrobatic par Terre. In addition we are trained in classical ballet and ordinary acrobatics.

 We have a nice but rather primitive apartment of 16 square meters with wallpaper with water lily's all over - just like Monet's famous water-lily room in Paris. We have decorated the room with a world map - we do hope to tour the world some day. The clothesline is an additional feature. There are beautiful birches and maples just outside our windows although our apartment is very central located in Moscow. And the heating system is excellent - nice for our aching muscles. We are fond of our home in Moscow. "

Maja Aerius in tissue

5 November 2001

 The dean of Danish circus historians, Anders Enevig's new book on Danish Circus Posters has been delayed. The book was scheduled for publication in October but will first be in the bookstores on 7 December. The book will include a summary in English and a lot of pictures of circus posters, many in colour.

4 November 2001 

According to the magazine Pegasus (a magazine for magicians) this years Truxa memorial price went to the Swedish acrobats Zen-lit (Elias and Lynx Waahlund). Zin-lat has created a newstage number combining arial acrobatic with humour, music and light. (Truxa was a well-known Danish magician - he had an outstanding mind reading act together with his wife)

2 November 2001 

New lease-holder for the Copenhagen Circus Building. 4 possible leaseholders are negotiating with The City of Copenhagen regarding a 5 or 10 year lease of the Copenhagen circus building. The present leaseholder is Copenhagen Sporting Ground ("Parken"). Their lease runs out on 31 December 2001. Swedish restaurant chain Wallman's Saloner has earlier been mentioned as favourite but seems not to be interested any longer. Parken seems to be interested in renewing the lease. Other interested parties should be the Copenhagen theatres group Dr Dante and a joint ventures of cultural institutions, among those the Peter Schaufuss ballet. - The building is from 1886. The Schumann family used the building from 1943 to 1969 (they did also use the building some seasons before the Second World War). From 1970 to 1990 Eli Benneweis presented circus performances in the building every summer. Since 1990 the building has only occasionally been used by circuses. Last time was in when the Chinese Guandong-troupe performed in the building for a few days. The present lease-holder Parken is letting out the building to different theatre performances, shows etc for a daily rent of 32,000 DKK (approximately 8,000 USD) - much to high a price for a circuses.

Diana Benneweis in the Circus Building 1970

26 October 2001

"CIRCUS SCOTT - ONE HUNDRED PROCENT CIRCUS" promises the brothers Henry and Robert Bronett who with their Swedish circus Scott will visit Copenhagen from 8^th to 11^th November 2001. Among the performers is an arial Bungy Jump act from Russia, 5 motorbikes in a globe of death, the Russian clown Jachukov with performing hedgehogs, professor emeritus Egon von Schwanz with a comedy trampoline act, Svetlana Belova with a kautsjuk act, Gabi Dews presenting liberty horses and the trick riding Kosowiik Bros.

Circus Scott visited Copenhagen in 1999 and 2000 with nice performances - but the public didn't come apart from on opening night, where all tickets were given away.

20 October 2001

Due to the situation in the world after the terror attacks in the US the Chinese Acrobatic Circus (The Incredible Original Chinese Acrobatic Circus) have postponed their visit to Europe until autumn 2002. They were scheduled to visit Denmark and Sweden in November 2001.

19 October 2001

The Danish Comedy Cascadeurs Steckel's (Freddi Steckel and Line Vittrup) will perform at Hansa Theatre in Hamburg, Germany, in November 2001 and in France in December 2001.

18 October 2001

Which circus was the first in Denmark and how was the circus started asks Caroline who is preparing a school report on circuses. Philip Astley started the circus in 1768 in London. Before this time there had for many hundred years been troupes of acrobats. But Astley was the first to present the performance in a ring. The first entity using the name circus in Denmark was probably trick rider Didier Gautier's company who in 1869 advertised themselves as performing in "the American circus" in Odense. In 1855 the English Hutchinson Bros. presented a tented performance in Odense but without using the name circus. The eldest of those of the Danish circuses, which still are on tour, is circus Dannebrog established in 1880. It closed in 1928 but was re-established in 1977 under the present owner. Circus Benneweis was founded in 1887. It has been touring every summer season since!

The first circus Philip Astley's circus in 1770. The top picture shows the outside. The bottom picture shows the open-air arena.

12 October 2001

The Swedish Circus Academy's award "Charlie" was this year given to 3 young trick-riders The Kosowiik's. The 3 brothers are this season touring with Swedish Circus Scott and can bee seen in Copenhagen from 9 to 12 November.

The Kosowiik's

9 October 2001

Einar Thrie, owner of the tiny Circus Charlie, was in September awarded with The Frederikhavn City Cultural awards in recognition of his work for many years with circus, drama and music.

9 October 2001

Danish magician and pickpocket artist Kenny Quinn performs with his partner Joan at a variety theatre in Kolding from 1 to 24 November 2001.

7 October 2001

No more elephants or sealions in circuses? Johan Vinberg of the Swedish Circus Academy tells that performing elephants in circus has been forbidden in Austria from 2004 and that Germany will forbid performing sealions from 2002 or 2003. Similar proposals are under discussion in Sweden although no decision has yet been taken by the Swedish Parliament.

4 October 2001

Magic after Nine. An enthusiastic audience saw the magician performance called Magic after Nine 3 October in Copenhagen. Especially Mystical Mr. Mox presented a fine magician act. Other performers were Dixi & Trixi (mind reading), Niels Bork, Mikkel Gundersen and Lars Andersen. Danish magician Michael Frederiksen produced the show.

2 October 2001

Swedish Circus Scott will close their 2001 season on 11 November in Copenhagen. This year's main attraction is according to the circus owners Henry and Robert Bronett

5 Alexi's in their Globe of Death. 4 of the Alexi's are also performing in a wheel of death. In the beginning of 2001 Alexi's was believed to tour with Danish circus Arena this season - at least circus owner Benny Berdino believed that he had a contract with them. But the 5 youngsters decided to tour with the Swedish circus. The photos were taken at their performance in circus Scott 18 June in Helsingborg, Sweden.

1 October 2001

According to Circus Benneweis more than 250,000 people saw this year's performance called SUPER-GIRLS 2001. In total 200 performances were given in 80 cities in Denmark.

28 September 2001

The Danish/Finnish clown duo Bonbon and Tiina toured this summer with circus Arena. From 2 to 10 October Bonbon and Tiina are performing in Greenland. From 8 November to 3 December the can be seen at the Bergen Variety Theatre in Norway. From 8 to 21 December the duo is performing at the Christmas Circus in Grenoble, France. Bonbon and Tiina are especially well known for their comedy badminton act. You can find further information on Bonbon and Tiina on  www.bonbon-clown.dk

27 September 2001

Apart from preparing for the Circus Theatre's winter season René Moenster has decided to present a Christmas Circus. To the performance he has engaged the Latvian antipodist family Rzivceva who toured with the Circus Theatre this summer.

25 September 2001

In connection with the publication in October of Anders Enevig's book on Danish Circus Posters with reproductions of posters by Oscar Knudsen and Erik Stockmarr the Copenhagen Circus Museum will from 14 October have a special exhibition of works by Oscar Knudsen and Erik Stockmarr.

20 September 2001

Duo Aerius back in Moscow. Having completed a successful tour with Norwegian new-wave-circus Xanti Esben and Maja Aerius from trapeze duo Aerius (cradle - fangstuhl) has returned to the Russian circus school in Moscow where they will spend the rest of the year improving their act. You can find further information on the two talented Danes on www.duoarius.f2s.com

Sad season for Cirkusteatret (the Circus Theatre). After the final stand on 16 September owner René Moenster could look back on a terrible bad season. Everything looked promising when the Circus Theatre opened its season on 2 April with the performance The Emperors New Cloths - the Circus Theatre's best performance ever. But problems soon turned up: bad weather, muddy lots, broken cars and worst of all: a very limited audience. And even if you present a fine show you can't continue if the public won't come. In August Rene Moenster decided to stop touring with tent after the close of season 2001. Thing became even worse after this decision was taken: his main character, playing the character of the emperor, had to quiet due to illness and later on another staff member left the show. The Circus-Theatre will continue to tour in the winter season with performances in kindergartens, shopping malls etc.

16 September 2001

A wonderful team of bitches. "You have been a wonderful team of bitches, meant on a nice way," circus owner Dianna Benneweis said to her performers at circus Benneweis' final stand in Copenhagen on 16 September. This years production was an all-female production, featuring The Mussina Troupe (skipping, acrobats), Folco Girls (liberty horses, high school, elephants), Antoschka & partner (clowns), Consuelo Reyes (antipode), Chy Mey Ling (handstand), Elena Kaminskaya (performing house cats), Trio Trukhini (trapeze) and jugglers Line Carol (first part of season) and Katarina Kokorina (last part of season).

9 September 2001

In a email Jaared Aaronson from Massachusetts writes:

"I bought a batch of postcards from a woman here in Massachusetts whose father was of Danish origin. Included was a postcard of Bech Olsen posing with massive arms and a large belt around his waist. I never heard of him and thought he might have been a boxer or wrestler. Searching the web got me to you". Magnus Bech Olsen was a wrestler. He was born in Copenhagen 7 September 1866. He died 19 February 1932. He became world champion in 1892 and held this title until 1903. He visited USA in 1899 or 1900. After he lost his title as champion he worked (as wrestler) with several circuses and in 1908 he established his own circus in Denmark, circus Bech-Olsen. He toured this circus in Denmark and some years even in Sweden until he died in 1932. His son Manne toured the circus in 1932-1934. Among the performers with circus Bech-Olsen was in 1909 the American circus cowboy Jack Joyce (former head cowboy with Buffalo Bills Wild West Show). Jack Joyce later established his own circus in Denmark and stayed in the Nordic countries until he returned to the states in 1923.

9 September 2001

GiGi Tegge of Baraboo, Wisconsin, home of the Ringling brothers, writes: "I've been enjoying your site. I don't know if you can help me, but I am looking for some information. Perhaps you can point me in some sort of direction? My husband and I (Tim and GiGi Tegge) are circus performers from America. We are both clowns and he is a ringmaster as well. We have been working on a book, for many years, about Lillian Leitzel, who I'm sure you know fell to her death in Copenhagen in 1931. We are having trouble finding any information about the Valencia Music Hall where she fell--especially what it looked like inside and out." Lillian Leitzel (1882-1931) was the undisputed queen of all aerialists in the early part of the 20^th century. She performed intricate twist and turns in Roman Rings and throw herself over and around in a series of swing-overs or one-arm pledges. Generally she executed around 100 turns (her record was 249 turns!). In 1927 she married Alfredo Codona king of the flying trapeze. On February 13, 1931, she was appearing at the Valencia Music Hall in Copenhagen. As she climbed to the ceiling suddenly the swivel ring snapped and she fell twenty feet to the ground. On15 February 1931 she died of a concussion and complications resulting from her fall. The Copenhagen Circus Museum has promised me to find some material for Tim and GiGi Tegge.

7 September 2001

According to some Swedish Newspapers a petition for bankruptcy should have been filed against the company owning Swedish Circus Scott. There have for a while been writings on tax debt etc. Circus Scott is scheduled to visit Copenhagen in November.

2 September 2001

The Copenhagen Circus Museum is now a reality. The official opening ceremony was held on 1 September 2001 and on 2 September 2001 the museum opened its doors to the public. The museum includes the Barly collection - more than 100,000 items (mainly photos but also several costumes). Only a small part of the collection is on exhibition.

The museum is situated in a former military camp called Avedoerelejren, Avedoere Tvaervej 10, Hvidovre (suburb to Copenhagen, approximately 12.5 kilometers/8 miles from downtown Copenhagen). The museum is open on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1 September 2001

New tent for circus Arena. Circus Arena will wave goodbye to their old tent at the final stand on 16 September 2001. When Arena opens its season 2002 in Copenhagen next spring Benny Berdino will be the lucky owner of brand new 4-pool tent 40 meter in diameter and with new and better seating facilities.

1 September 2001

Maja & Esben Aerius (Duo Aerius) is having a great time in Norway performing with Circus Xanti's show called THE RING. The public and the newspapers have praised the performance. Maja and Esben present a brand new trapeze routine. Furthermore Maja works in tissue.

27 August 2001

Albert Schumann has passed away. The world famous former circus owner and horsetrainer Albert Schumann died on 27 August 2001 86 years of age. Albert Schumann was born in 1915. He followed the family tradition and performed with horses in the family's famous circus Schumann in Denmark and Sweden. When his father Oscar Schumann died in 1954 Albert Schumann together with his one year younger brother Max Schumann took over management of circus Schumann, Albert as altmeister ("senior partner"). As presenter and trainer of liberty horses Albert was second to none. His acts Hungarian Intermezzo from 1962 and Rhapsody in Blue from 1965 are probably the finest horse acts ever presented in a circus. Albert Schumann retired after the 1968 season. He spend the last years of his life in the small Spanish village Cubelles.

24 August 2001

The Barly Association invites its members to the official opening of The Copenhagen Circus Museum in Hvidovre (a suburb to Copenhagen) on 2 September 2001. The association's ambition is to make the museum the most beautiful circus museum in Europe.

23 August 2001

The website Circus in Denmark has had more than 7,500 visitors since its opening in August last year. There were a limited amount of visitors the first months - nobody knew of the page. Since March this year more than 6,000 visitors have visited the site.

22 August 2001

Jørgen Lorenzen has raised additional funds for his film on clowns. He is now pretty sure that he will have the film ready by next spring.

21 August 2001

I am sometimes asked: "Why don't you have lions and tigers in circuses in Denmark".

Since 1962 Danish legislation has prohibited such acts after a number of accusations of mistreatments during season 1961. It is doubtful whether there was any mistreatments at all - most circuses treats their animals extremely good. But the Danish parliament passed an act making circus presentations of big cats illegal. Norway and Sweden have similar legislation.

15 August 2001

Cirque du Soleil has prolonged their stay in Copenhagen until 2 September. When they are leaving approximately 90,000 spectators will have seen one of the 41 performances given in the Danish capital. Most performances have been almost sold out. Next stop for Cirque du Soleil is Zürich in Switzerland with performances from 14 September.

14 August 2001

Have there ever been a circus named circus Moreno in Denmark asks Skjold Pagh.

- Yes, Willy Moreno (1919-79) and his wife Inga toured circus Moreno from 1948 to 1967. The first 3 seasons was in company with Albert Reinsch under the name circus Moreno & Reinsch. When Willy Moreno bought Reinsch part of the show in 1950 the name was changed to circus Moreno. In 1965 the late world clown Charlie Rivel toured with Circus Moreno. Also the Danish trapeze star Greta Frisk who later went to the USA where she for several years performed with circus Clyde Beatty/Cole Bros. performed with Moreno.

Willy Moreno was a clever businessman and it is believed that he has a nice sum of money when he in 1967 retired after 20 years as circus owner.

12 August 2001

At the 6^th International Clown Festival at the worlds oldest amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen the Belgian clown Toto Chabri was awarded The World Artist and Clown Award. Bakken and Charlie Rivel's daughter and grandson Pauline and Benny Schumann in honour of the late Charlie Rivel established the award in 1998. In 1998 the award went to Oleg Popov, in 1999 to Conrad Thur and in 2000 to Francesco Caroli. - Also awarded was Les Fréres Taquins who received The golden Nose.

7 August 2001

Cirkusteatret (the Circus-Theatre) will stop touring as tented show on 16 September. Owner René Moenster has decided to stop with his tented show when the summer sesaon is ower. Last performance will be on 16 September. Rene Moenster's combination of circus, theatre and musical has not been able to attract the public. Even if you present a fine show you can't continue if the public won't come. The Circus-Theatre will continue tom tour in the winter season with performances in shopping malls etc.

René Moenster worked from 1986 to 1994 with circus Arena as assisting manager and performed for some seasons as magician under the name Ron Marvin. In 1995 he established a theatre with performance for kids. René Moenster established the Circus-theatre in 1998 under the name Cirkusteateret Aloe. In 1999 he changes the name to The Circus-Theatre.

Cirkusteatret 

6 August 2001

The Danish/Finnish clown duo Bonbon & Tiina will perform at the Bergen Variety 2001 at the Ole Bull Theatre in Bergen, Norway with their badminton comedy act. Presently Bonbon & Tiina is touring with Danish circus Arena. Arena will - as all Danish circuses - close the 2001 season in September. (Remember that Denmark is situated in the northern part of Europe - it is simply too cold to tour tented shows from October to Mid March).

2 August 2001

On 2 August 2001 33-years old French tightrope walker Didier Pasquette successfully walked the highwire from the Rosenborg Drill Ground of the Royal Danish Lifeguards to the highest tower of Rosenborg Castle. Last time a tightrope walker tried this walk was in 1827 when Dutch tightrope acrobat Christian Roat was killed when the line collapsed.

1 August 2001

The Danish magician Henri Alakazam has passed away, 66 years old. His real name was Henry Hermansen. For approximately 40 years he toured Denmark, Norway and Sweden with Alakazam Magical Theatre including performances in the famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. In 1993 Henri Alakazam served as ringmaster for Jorgen Borsch's circus Fantastico. Fantastico did only tour this season.

31 July 2001

German trapeze- ant tight-wire artist Marie Jimènez has left cirkus Arli due to a strained shoulder. German/Danish parterre acrobats Lott & Leslie replace her. The female partner is also doing limbo dance under the name Yvonne Miré. Lott & Leslie travelled with Arli in 1991 and with circus Dannebrog in 1995. Earlier in season 2001 they performed as free attraction at the Bakken amusement park north of Copenhagen.

29 July 2001

Cirque du Soleil's performance Quidam got extremely good reviews in the Danish newspapers. Cirque du Soleil is in Copenhagen until 25 August.

24 July 2001

On 5 May 2001 I mentioned the American cowboy-circus star Jack Joyce who was in Denmark from 1909 to 1923. I have now received additional informations from Jack Joyce granddaughter Keeley Brickhouse and her cousin Jeanne Delaney Hubbard.

Jack Joyce was born to Patrick James Joyce and Elizabeth Grimes Joyce on February 10, 1875 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Jeanne Hubbard have confirmation from the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming USA that Jack Joyce is listed a head cowboy on the 1898 show roster. Jack Joyce went to Europe around 1907. Around 1909 he married Viola Mary Carey, daughter of Harry Carey and Marie Bolcke or Maria Schroeder, born in Pennsylvania December 19, 1885. From family stories Viola moved with family to Berlin. Her mother was from there and her father was from Ireland. Viola Carey had a Bird and Dog act in London she met Jack Joyce.

On 22 June 1909 the Odense newspaper Fyns Stiftstidende contained the following message:

- Jack Joyce from Buffalo Bills Show. The world's greatest horserider with his large troupe of cowboys and his wild horses at the bike race stadium at Fruens Boege.

Later in 1909 it is believed that Jack Joyce worked with German Circus Busch in Berlin. As mentioned in my note 5 May 2001 Jack Joyce worked for Danish circus Bech-Olsen in 1911. From 1913 to 1923 he toured Denmark and at least in one season Sweden with his own Wild West circus. A daughter, Maud Anita Joyce, was born in Copenhagen on 13 February 1916. Jack Joyce came back to the USA January 07, 1925 with his family. He died June 16, 1934. His wife Viola Joyce died January 02, 1969. Their son, Jack Joyce continue with the Circus (various ones) and ended his career with Ringing Brothers in Florida, he is in the Museum there. He ended up in Australia and did the training of camels for his act and the movie industrial and brought them back with him. He also started there in Denmark at the age of 9. - I am looking for additional information on Jack Joyces life in Denmark and will update "The Jack Joyce" story if I succeed.

23 July 2001

At The International Clownfestival at Bakken from 6 to 12 august the following clowns will entertain the audience: Toto Cabri & Co., Les Fréres Taquins, Benny Schumann (in charge of the festival) as "The Clown of Rock", guest star, Anton and Agger as"The Goldfingers", Patricia Schumann and Peter Bagger as Bakken's own clown service. - In connection with the festival The World Artist and Clown Award will be presented to an outstanding clown. Last year the price went to Fransesco Caroli, in 1999 to Konrad Thur and in 1998 to Oleg Popov.

21 July 2001

As mentioned on 3 July 2001 Swedish Wallman's Salonger is interested to be the new leaseholder of The Copenhagen Circus Building. Hasse Wallman has refused an offer to buy the building for 59.000.000 DKK but is interested in a 5 or 10-year lease. His intention is to use the building as a combination of a restaurant with dance music and a music hall (what Americans calls a vaudeville theatre). The name will be Wallman's Circus Salons. A lease contract has not been written yet and there are other parties interested in a lease.

21 July 2001

Swedish author Uno Myggan Ericson passed away in June this year. Myggan was co founder of the Swedish Circus Academy and has written several books on circus and amusement topics. He acted as ringmaster for Danish circus Benneweis when they were touring Sweden in the early 1980's.

13 July 2001

Cirque du Soleil has prolonged its stay in Copenhagen until 25 August 2001. Apart from the opening day on 26 July tickets are still available for all performances.

12 July 2001

A press release from circus Arena promise Stars in the Ring when Arena performs in Charlottenlund (a suburb to Copenhagen) on 4 August. Stars in the ring is a special version of this years Arena performance with several Danish actors etc. as participants. The income from the ticket sale will be donated to children with cancer. The performance will be recorded for later presentation in Danish television. Her Royal Highness princess Alexandra (daughter in law to the Danish queen) will attend the performance together with the minister of cultural affairs.

11 July 2001

This year 7 circuses are touring Denmark from April to September. 3 of them being larger circuses: Arena, Benneweis and Dannebrog and 3 being dog and pony-shows (high grass shows): Arli, Krone and Mascot. The last circus is Cirkusteatret running a combination of theatre and circus.

10 July 2001

Dean of Danish circus historians Anders Enevig (78 year of age) has almost finalised his is book on Danish Circus Posters. Hopefully the book will be published later this year. It will include between 30 and 40 full-page colour reproductions of posters by Oscar Knudsen and Erik Stockmarr. The book will include a summary in English, German, French and Spanish and will thus also be of interest to non-Danes.

10. July 2001

The Copenhagen Circus Museum in Hvidovre will open its doors first time ever on 1 September 2001. The museum will a o include the Barly collection and the Truxa collection (further information of these collections to be found under Facts about Danish circus Collections)

This building will from autumn 2001 house the Copenhagen Circus Museum with Barly's collection

4 July 2001

Despite heavy marketing including TV-spots the sale of tickets to Cirque du Soleil's performance Quidam in Copenhagen seems to be slightly beyond expectations. Many Danes will find the ticket prices high: from 285 to 475 DKK and 925 DKK for VIP-tickets. 100 DKK is equivalent to 8.16 GBP or 11.45 USD or 13.44 Euro. The ticket prises in the Danish circuses is from DKK 80 to DKK 170. Ticket prices for Phantom of the Opera in Copenhagen is from 210 to 489 DKK.

The Copenhagen Circus Building might get a new lease-holder but unfortunately not a circus. The building is from 1887. The Schumann family used the building from 1943 to 1969 (they did also use the building some seasons before the Second World War). From 1970 to 1990 Eli Benneweis presented circus performances in the building every summer. Since 1990 the building has only occasionally been used by circuses. Last time was in 1996 when German circus Roncalli used the building for a week and in 1998 when the Chinese Guandong-troupe performed in the building. The City of Copenhagen owns the Copenhagen circus building. The present lease-holder is Copenhagen Sporting Ground ("Parken"). Annual rent paid by Parken is 240.000 DKK. Parked is let out the building to different theatre performances, shows etc for a daily rent of 32.000 DKK - to high a price for most circuses. Parken is interested to renew its lease. Other interested parties is Swedish Wallmans Salonger, the Bella Conference Centre and Copenhagen theatre group Dr Dante. The photo is from 1970 when the circus building still was used for purpose for which it was established.

2 July 2001

Many acrobats and other artist (including several Danes) have performed at the HANSA-THEATER in Hamburg. Unfortunately business have not been god during the last years and thus owner Telse Grell (77 years old) have decided to close Hansa Theatre from 1 January 2002 - 107 years after it opened its doors first time ever.

1 July 2001

Several artists act will in the coming month be presented daily at 5.30 at 7.30 p.m. at the open-air stage at the amusement part Bakken north of Copenhagen. From 1 to 22 July: bike acrobats Peter Rosendahl & Partner. From 23 July to 5 August Harrisons Hot Dogs and balance acrobats Liazeed. From 6 to 12 August International Clown festival, produces by Benny Scumann. Among then performing clowns are Toto Chabri and Les Fréres Taquins.

30 June 2001

The Swedish circus Scott will open its 2001 season on 11 July in Falkenberg, Sweden. The season will end in Copenhagen from 8 to11 November 2001. Among the performers in this years show are Russian contortionist Svetlana Belova, winner of the title circus princess of the world 2001 at the Princess circus festival in Stockholm earlier this year. The Banjiks Bungy Troupe from Ukraine. The clown Jachukov. Gabi Dew with liberty horses and Kosowiik Bros. with their trick riding act.

28 June 2001

On 2 August 2001 French tightrope walker Didier Pasquette will walk the highwire from the Rosenborg Drill Ground of the Royal Danish Lifeguards to the highest tower of Rosenborg Castle. This will signal the opening of a summer theatre festival presented by Copenhagen's International Theatre (KIT). Last time a tightrope walker tried this walk was in 1827. Dutch tightrope acrobat Roat performed the trick successfully on 6 June 1827. When he tried to repeat the trick blindfolded on 12 June the line collapsed and Roat was killed. - In November KIT have arranged for Le Cirque Invisible's fifth visit to Denmark.

23 June 2001

Two Danish Circusproprietors are celebrating jubilee. Benny Berdino of Circus Arena can today celebrate his 25 anniversary as circus owner. He took over management of circus Arena when his father Arne Berdino Olsen died in 1976. Further information on the history of circus Arena can be found under Facts on circus Arena. Haddy Enoch of circus Dannebrog is also celebrating his 25 anniversary as circus proprietor this season. Further information on the Enoch family can be found under Facts on circus Dannebrog.

22 June 2001

It is not just in Danish circuses we are missing live music or having smaller orchestras. In his excellent The Circus Year in Review 2000 Season Fred D. Pfening Jr. writes in the Bandwagon Magazine: "The first year of the new century found the traditions of the American circus much the same as in 1900. The performances included acrobats, aerialists, clowns and trained animals … One of the biggest changes was the use of taped music; few circuses had a live band. Those that did used recording music to augment a keyboard and drums."

14 June 2001

On 29 May I asked if anyone could help Swedish magician Christer Nilsson with information on Danish-born magician and stunt-acrobat Chiras Rasini. Among Rasinis acts was a Rocket car (making a somersault on a skid). Christer Nilsson knew that Rasini might have moved to USA in the 1950's. My good friend Al House has provided me with the following information on Rasini: "Yes, he did move to the USA. His act was featured on all the major shows. He was active until the 1960's, when we saw an act of that name booked for Beatty-Cole Circus for their indoor date in Commack, NY."

From the Swedish Circus Academy Collection.

At the circus festival Circus Prinsessan (the princess) Russian contortionist SVETLANA BELOVA won the title of circus princess of the world 2001. Svetlana Belova is from circus Nikulin in Moscow. The Bronett Bros. silver award went to the Nanjang Acrobatic Troupe from China (plate balancing and diabolo). Other prices went to The Banjiks Bungy Troupe from Ukraine and Canadian Trio Trapeze.

Tivoli Friheden in Aarhus presents during the summer season several artist. Among those are David Skunk, Madame Dora's Circus and Circus Mongo with Tony Trifolikum. Tony Trifolikum toured in the late 1980's with what he called Denmark's only circus drawn by horses, circus Freja. His present show is named after his horse, Mongo.

Danish circus historian Jørgen Lorenzen tells that his and Poul Larsen's coming film on clowns has been delayed due to lack of funds. They hope to be able to finalise the filming this summer and to have the film ready for presentation next winter.

2 June 2001

Danish pick-pocket artist Kenny Quinn who performed with circus Arena in 1999 will perform with his pick-pocket act and as magician at the revue theatre Rottefaelden (the rat-trap) in Svendborg from 6 June to 18 August 2001.

28 May 2001

Swedish magician Christer Nilsson is looking for information on the magician Chiras Rasini. Rasini was born in Denmark but moved to Sweden. In season 1944 he travelled with circus Astoria. Among his acts was a Rocket car (making a somersault on a skid). He might have moved to USA or South America in the 1950's. Please send me an email if you have information on Rasini.

24 May 2001

New wave circus Nova Exit presents from 29 November to 16 December 2001 their new performance Apropos in Copenhagen. They advertise themselves as the first major new wave circus production in Denmark. However, CirkusVarite2000 performed in Copenhagen in December 1999 and January 2000 was also a major Danish new wave circus production.

22 May 2001

After several years as board member in the Circus City Foundation Benny Schumann has asked the Danish Artist Union to appoint another board member to represent the Union in the board of directors. "There are several reasons for my decision", Benny says. "Production of my own performances does not give me time enough to participate in the board meetings. Furthermore the working method in the board is not my way of doing things. But I do still find it a great project, which deserves support from the Danish artist- and circus profession. It's a unique project in Danish circus history." - Benny Schumann deserved much credit for producing some excellent circus performances at the Circus City 19 and 20 May to celebrate the City of Hvidovre's 100 years anniversary.

19 May 2001

On 10 May I asked if anybody could help Dutch I.V.D. Braak with information on Harry Belli and his performing horse and tiger. On 16 May Charly Ross, retired world class klischnigger  now living in Mexico, provided me with the following information: Harry Belli was one of 6 or 7 children all working in the circus of their parents in Germany, circus Belli. For some reason this circus stopped and Harry went into engagements with his 7 lions. The act was wonderful as he had all big male lions (with those big heads and all that hair) and Harry knew very well how to present the act. The circus Strassburger from Holland made a season in Germany in 1956 and had Harry with his lions in the program, as well for the program in the building in Scheveningen (Holland) in the same year. After that, Mr. Belli worked with circus Strassburger in the Carré building in Amsterdam in the winter 56-57, was on the next season (Holland 1957). It must have been in 1958 and part of 1959 that he trained his TIGER ON THE HORSE, because he worked with this act for the first time with Strassburger in Scheveningen, summer 1959. He married Elly Strassburger in 1957. In 1961, '62 and '63 the circus Strassburger did not go on tour, but in those years Harry Belli went on tour in Holland as Circus Belli. The tiger on the horse-act was very spectacular, there where two little dogs in it as well. Harry was with this act also in Argentina, and when his circus stopped he went with this act to several other countries. Harry Belli died in the end of the seventies or around 1980.

15 May 2001

The Circus Museum in Cirkusbyen (the Circus City) in Hvidovre was scheduled to open first time ever on 19 May 2001. Reconstruction of the building for the museum has been delayed. Now the museum is expected to open in September 2001.

11 May 2001

9 circuses are on tour this year in Sweden: Brazil Jack, Europa, Harlekin, Maximum, Olympia, Scott, Skratt, Wictoria and Åke Skogh. Circus Scott is expected to visit Copenhagen in November.

10 May 2001

"I'm looking for information about Harry Belli and his performance horse and tiger

and Circus Belli writes Dutch I.V.D. Braak". I have not been able to help Mr. Braak with information on Harry Belli. Please send me an email if you can help with information on Harry Belli.

I have given Mr. Braak the following facts on Circus Belli: German circus Belli visited Denmark first time in 1888. From 1894 to 1899 Carl Belli visited Denmark with a carnival with seems to have been more like a circus than an amusement park. In 1904 circus Belli Bros. visited Denmark. They also used the name circus Frants Alouis. Belli Bros. might have visited Denmark even before 1904. One of the brothers Giovanni Belli married Danish Meta Jensen in 1908 and circus Belli stayed in Denmark. In 1919 the partnership amongst the Belli brothers was dissolved. Giovanni and his wife Meta stayed in Denmark and formed Circus Giovanni Belli. From 1924 the name was changed to Circus Belli. Giovanni died in 1929 and Mete Belli became sole proprietor. She went into partnership with German Willy Borchardt and from 1930 circus Belli (sometimes using the name Belli-Borchardt) was among the leading circuses in Denmark. The partnership was dissolved in 1933 and Meta Belli became once again sole owner of circus Belli, since 1934 assisted by Fredy Wachman who was considered as Meta's husband although they was never formally married. In the late 30's circus Belli had grown to be the largest Danish circus. In season 1939 the major attraction was American cowboy-movie star Tom Mix. Meta Belli died in 1953 and her circus was sold to investors without any connection to the Belli family. Those investors sold circus Belli to Eli Benneweis (owner of circus Benneweis) in 1955. Circus Belli's last season was in 1957.

5 May 2001

"My great uncle, John Edward "Jack" Joyce had a Wild West Show that travelled throughout Europe in the early 1900s. Family lore says that he was in Denmark for an extended period of time, taught horse back riding to the children of King Christian and introduced Jack Joyce chewing gum to Denmark. Is there anyway that I could find out more about his life in Denmark?" asked American Jeanne Delaney Hubbard. So far I have been able to provide Ms Hubbard with the following information on Jack Joyce: Jack Joyce worked with a Danish circus, circus Bech-Olsen, in 1911. He was introduced as "Cowboy-indian Jack Joyce with his wild horses". He stayed with Bech-Olsen the entire season. After a performance Peter Sabroe, member of the Danish Parliament, accused the circus for mistreatment of animals. Jack Joyce became upset and slap Peter Sabroe in his face. The police was involved and Jack Joyce got a fine of 20 Danish Kroner (aprox. 3 USD). In 1913 Jack Joyce toured Denmark as owner of Circus America. Among the cities visited was Copenhagen. In the autumn 1915 Jack Joyce worked with circus Schreiber in Sweden - for a short while the circus even changed its name to Jack Joyce (but ownership was kept with Baptista Schreiber). Apparently Jack Joyce was back in Denmark from 1916 to 1923. In 1916 his show was called circus Jack Joyce. In 1917 the name was cnahges to Wild West circus Jack Joyce. In 1918 the name was again circus Jack Joyce. I have no reports from 1919. In 1920 the show was called Jack Joyce Circus Wild West. In 1921: Circus Jack Joyce, in 1922: Jack Joyce's Wild-West-Show and in 1923: Wild West Circus Jack Joyce. Please send me an email if you can help with further information on Jack Joyce's visit to the Scandinavian countries.

28 April 2001

2,500 visitors have visited the website Circus in Denmark since 1 March 2001.

27 April 2001

When René Moenster established Cirkusteatret (the Circus Theatre) in 1998 the performance was mainly for kids. René Moenster proudly announces that his performance this year includes more circus elements than in the previous years. It is not any longer just for kids but for everyone who loves circus and theatre.

26 April 2001

Music in Danish circuses. For many years most Danish circuses has had musicians from Poland. Ryszard Murakowsky has been in charge of Dannebrog's band since 1984. Duo Warshao has accompanied Arli's performances since 1990. Since 1994 Bogdan Szlachich has been responsible for the Benneweis orchestra. At Arena Leslaw Witek has been in charge since 1998. But this year due to a conflict between the Danish Musicians Union and the circus owners no Poles had been granted permission to work in a Danish circus band. Arli and Dannebrog are using taped music. Arena and Benneweis has hired English musicians. (According to EU regulations English musicians are entitled to work in Denmark).

25 April 2001

The actor and magician Johan Thiersen has passed away, 80 years of age.

22 April 2001

Canadian new-wave circus Cirque du Soleil will visit Copenhagen from 27 July to 12 August with the performance Quidam. Since opening in Montreal on 23 April 996 Quidam has been on world tour and has according to Cirque du Soleil been seen by more than 30,000,000 spectators. Cirque du Soleil's tent seats 2,570 people. Further information can be found on www.cirquedusoleil.com (language: English, German and French)

21 April 2001

The Barly Association has appointed magician Knud Shorty Andersen and former board member Bjørn Heimann as honorary members of the association.

19 April 2001

Performing artists at this year's performance in Circus Arena are:

Garcias with an arial "rocket" act and Pablo Garcias tight wire act. The Palasovi Troup presents Spring-Board Acrobatic. Palasovi's was also with Arena in 1998. Kourbanovs perform with icarian acrobatic on motorbikes. Kim Benneweis presents 9 Indian elephants. Konstantin Mouraview performs with a Rhønrad or "rolling wheel". Miller Benneweis presents liberty horses. Italian Folco family takes 52 dogs into the ring. Duo Dores perform as hand-to-hand acrobats. Russian Alexander and Duddar and Danish/Finish Bonbon and Tiina do clowning. The performance runs for 2 hours 5 minutes and is accompanied by a 4-piece band. - Circus owner Benny Berdino can this year celebrate his 25-year anniversary as circus owner. According to Benny 50,000 spectators has seen his show since opening 27 March in Copenhagen.

15 April 2001

Among the performers in Swedish circus Scott's 2001-performance will be the talented Swedish trick-riders The Kosowiik's - the 3 young brothers Antony, Gary and Danny Wiik. Their family's circus, circus Scala, is not on tour in 2001. Opening day for circus Scott is sometime in July.

14 April 2001

Danish magician Kim Kenneth who worked with Arena in Denmark 1995-1997 has just started his 2001 season with German circus Charles Knie.

13 April 2001

Among the performers with circus Benneweis in 2001 is apart from those mentioned in the printed program (and mentioned in this column 26 March 2001) the talented juggler Line Caroll (daughter of the clown Toto Chabri). Benneweis 2001-performance is an all-female performance running for 2 hours 10 minutes and is accompanied by a 5 piece (male) band from England.

12 April 2001

The Swedish new-wave circus Cirkör is visiting Copenhagen from 25 to 30 April with the performance TRIX – a circus-performance created in collaboration between Circus Cirkör and Orionteatern. Trix is a show inspired by the meeting of theatre and circus. The performance presents a mixture of Swedish and international artists – acrobats, tight-rope walkers, aerial acrobats, mime artists, a wizard, a juggler and a contortionist. Also on stage, one of Sweden’s foremost rock-bands, URGA.

11 April 2001

Opening day for tiny Circus Krone (not the large German show!) is on 15 April in Haarup, Jutland. Circus owner Irene Thierry's husband Jan Allan present horses and acts as a clown under the name Alando. From Cape Town comes the trapeze artists Duo Mawendo and from Germany the bike act Trio Lauretti. Furthermore Lee Lauretti performs as magician. Irene Thierry's son Frank Thierry presents a comedy act - and the entire Thierry family a clown act.

11 April 2001

Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe of China met Duo Aerius at a competition in Tournai and has now invited the talented young Danes to Guangzhou in China.

8 April 2001

Among the performers with circus Arli's in 2001 is Marie Jimènez (trapeze and tight wire walker), the Zolotukhini acrobats, the arial duo Sergei and several members of the Arli family: Alexander Arli as juggler, his mother Bettina Arli with doves, his father Martin Arli as magician and Alexander, Martin and circusowner Soren Arli as the clowns Martino & Co.

8 April 2001

"Once again welcome to circus festival with performers from Ukraine, Moscow, Warsaw and Denmark and our Shetland ponies and poodles", says Jess Deleuran from tiny Circus Mascot.

7 April 2001

Danish trapeze-stars Duo Aerius has just signed a contract with a new-wave circus-theatre in Haugesund in Norway where they will perform from 25 July to 26 September 2001 in a performance called "The Ring". The play is based on an old Nordic legend about prince Volund (performed by Esben Aerius) and the king's daughter Bodvild (Maja Aerius).

31 March 2001

The address of this website has so far been www.circus-dk.dk3.com. I have moved the site to the address www.circus-dk.dk. Please change the address if you have made a link to my page.

29 March 2001

As earlier mentioned the Circus City in Hvidovre will open on 19 and 20 May 2001. The following artist will perform at the gala circus performance in connection with the opening:

Multi artist Benny Schumann (performer, producer and artistical director)

The clowns Arthur Vercoe Pedlar and Allan Forte

Trapeze artists Duo Aerius

Cycling Triss

The juggler Tapé

Magician Hans Ulrik

Comedians Patricia Schumann and Peter Bagger

Briano with the ponies Little Mustafa and Laban.

Music by a.o. Ivan Kemnithz.

26 March 2001

Circus Benneweis' 2001 performance is an all-female show called Super Girls. Russian Trio Trukhini performs in swinging trapeze. Consuela Reyes does her antipodian act. She was also seen with Benneweis in 1983, with Arena in 1987 and in the Tivoli gardens in1995. Talented Chinese handstand acrobat Chy Mei Ling will be remembered by many Danes from Benneweis performances in 1993 and 1997. Russian Antoschka are said to be one of the worlds leading female clowns. Russian Elena Kaminskya presents performing house cats. (It is forbidden to present "big cats" in Danish circuses). Female members of Italian Folco Family are performing with elephants and horses, including riding high school. The Ludmila Mussina Troup from presents Jump Robe and pyramid building acts. Opening day for Benneweis is on 5 April in Hillerod.

24 March 2001

It is Haddy Enoch's 25^th season as owner of Circus Dannebrog. Performing artists at this year's performance are: The Lazar Troup from Romania with an acrobat act ("4 Augustin"), and a perch act. Vicky with performing house cats, inspired by Lloyd Webbers musical Cats. Vicky and her partner Zdenek furthermore present dogs under the name Duo Victoria. The Luftman Clowns do clowning. Skating Sayers is a roller skate act. Peter Salsky performs with magic and in the wheel of death under the name The Sensational Salskys. The two Novicovis (with Arli in season 2000) are introducing themselves as Rock'n Roll jugglers. Bernhard Kaselowsky presents an elephant and 6 liberty horses. Haddy Enoch's daughter Isabella Enoch performs in her swinging-trapeze. The Haddies jr. (Dennie and Jimmi Enoch, Haddy Enoch's son and grandson) present the family's traditional bike act. Circus owner Haddy Enoch himself will present his horses and ponies.

24 March 2001

Tivoli Gardens are opening the season on 11 April. As always they are presenting some fine acrobats and other circus artistes on the Open Air Stage. Till 10 June:
Duo Simet (Motorcycle/Trapeze on high-wire) and Jidinis & Magic Company (Illusionist/Magic show). 11 June - 15 July: Laszlo Simet (Giant Wheel Attraction),
Veniamin ("The Human Slinky") and Florin & Cato (Entrées/Comedy Dog). 16 July - 19 August: Laszlo Simet (Giant Wheel Attraction), Veniamin ("The Human Slinky") and Diana & Iouri (Adagio on unicycle). 20 August - 23 September: The Simets (High-wire acrobatic) and Serge Percelly (Tennis juggling).

21 March 2001