Circus news from 2009

28 December 2009

A circus interested Danish librarian Dan Roneklint Sorensen has publishes an updated version of his survey of museums of Circus, Artists and Showmen at http://www.cirkus-dk.dk/cirkusmuseer/

The language is Danish, German and English. The survey introduces more than 150 museums all over the world. To the extent known information is given on opening hours, email-addresses and websites. Dan Roneklint Sorensen will be very grateful for corrections, amendments and comments on his survey. Send me an email if you have any such corrections etc.

27 December 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  and not only circus, but a show that will please anyone looking for good entertainment -- THEATRE EQUESTRE ZINGARO -- HORSE THEATRE ZINGARO --

unique not only in Europe but surely worldwide.

The creator - BARTABAS - started this event about 25 years ago - he informed from the very start that this is not a circus - it is a show combining many elements: trained horses, music, ballet, oriental stunts, performances by solo-artists as well as entire and very impressive tableaux.

Absolutely well worth seeing -  one hundred percent original - which is difficult to obtain.

Point of interest: a purely visual show, can thus be seen and enjoyed by people who don't speak French.

Venue: AUBERVILLIERS, a suburb to Paris, but you reach it by Metro:FORT D'AUBERVILLIERS.

Address: 176 avenue Jean-Jaures, Aubervilliers.

A short walk from the Metro station to the venue.

See more: www.theatre-zingaro.com

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---  many X-mas shows and festive events --

NOW: THEATRE TREVISE proudly presents:

-  ONE-MAN -SHOW with and by LAURENT BERETTA- modern jazz-dance, magic and illusions, with a competent, female assistant.

-  ONE-MAN-SHOW with and by FRED RAZON, with dancer ISADORA -modern magic with an original twist.

As opening act we saw JULIEN CROSS, labelled Magic in 3D - laser effects projected on stage, impossible to describe, and this stunt is still developing - the final result will come eventually.

Also: THEATRE TREVISE presents a X-mas Show:

LES MANGEURS DE LAPINS, burlesque comedians, one of the two is an amazing contorsionist, fun all the way ...

BERTOX, juggler and magician, warms the public while they are taking their seats, and then proceeds with  his MAGIC AND JUGGLING ACT, funny and original.

FRED RAZON performs parts of his full show, also some original ideas with the magic appearance of goldfish...

YUKI, from Japan, world champion of Yoyo, performs his Yoyo act and a good Diabolo Act.

DOM DOM, tennis juggler - in the style of Serge Percelly, not a copy but as good as his mentor.

MARIEANGELE, beautiful, elegant in two entrées: oriental belly dance, in one of them she adds her skill with Hula-Hoop - extremely pleasing and very beautiful.

We will notice that THEATRE TREVISE every Sunday presents an Open Stage, where artists-to-be can try their talents on a real audience.

As far as I know, this is the only place in Europe where young and inexperienced artists can try out their acts in front of a live and thus REAL audiience.

One cannot start at the LIDO ...

Flyer for Cabaret Trevise

Collage with some of the performers at Cabaret Trevise.  Photo: Hajime Yanagisawa office Jimmy

All these shows are entirely or mainly visual - thus possible to enjoy for tourists not knowing French.

Also: Within the framework of the Christmas Market on the CHAMPS ELYSEES, I met the German TRABER FAMILY, HIGH-WIRE ARTISTS, presenting their high-wire act outdoor near the Champs Elysees, and also having a sales-outlet of Bratwurst and Glühwein /sausages and hot red wine/.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -  and a Joyful CHRISTMAS  and a Magic 2010 to all from www.circus-dk.dk  and reporter ZARRO ZARRO.

------------------------------------------------------------------- reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

25 December 2009 

2009 in review

In 2009 7 tented circuses toured Denmark from late March/early April. 3 large circuses: Circus Arena, Circus Ben­neweis and Circus Dannebrog, a medium sized circus: Circus Baldoni and 3 dog and pony-shows (what Americans call high grass circuses): Circus Arli, Circus Krone (Irene Thierry’s circus using the same name as the mighty German Circus Krone) and Circus Mascot. All of the Danish circuses offered performances of high quality. Even the small circuses had some foreign performers of good quality.

The summer was rather worm and sunny. Some circus did slightly better than in 2008, some not quite as good as 2008. Especially presale to companies was difficult due to the financial turmoil. Especially Circus Arena has by tradition a large presale to companies. And there were for most circuses rather few full houses during the season unless the performance was sold to a discount price through a supermarket. All circuses closed their season in September which is standard in a northern country as Denmark.

Circus Baldoni visited Faroe Island and Iceland early September after having closed the Danish season. Circus Arena presented a special unit at Greenland in the beginning of October.

Some youth organisation produced circus-performances with kids as performers, using names as Circus Flik-Flak (the most established of the youth circuses), Circus Arcus and Circus Tvaers.

Three German family circuses toured Denmark: the tiny Circus Astoria, the tiny Circus Amara and the somewhat larger Circus Renz (Renz Berlin). None of them had performances as strong as their Danish competitors’ performances.

Cirque de Soleil visited Denmark from 14 October to 1 November with hall version of their performance Saltimbanco.

Benny Schumann presented during the season a number of performance either alone or together with one or two other artists. Furthermore he presented in August International comedians at the Danish amusement part ‘Bakken’ north of Copenhagen.

In Soren Ostergaard's Tivoli Variety theatre in Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens you could meet the magician Otto Wessely, the contortionist Ellena Fiesta and the hand stand acrobats Ingo & Frank.

Below you can find short reviews, some photos and link to slideshows from some of the performances in 2009. Of cause the names of the performers are mentioned in connection with the slideshows.

Circus Arena had its opening night in Copenhagen on 17 March. The performance was very well staged and fast running of a good quality. There was three clown ensembles; BonBon whose main entrée was his badminton act in which he is assisted by Tiina. RIVELINOS presenting the boxing entrée and the bullfight entrée. And the there was something new: Barto – a mimic clown with gags and nuts throat. Barto is also a contortionist what he managed to use in a fine way. Patrick Berdino had his debut as horse trainer presenting Arena’s liberty horses. The large Chinese Puyang troupe had thee strong acts: first German Wheel in all sizes. Then an act with jumps through hoops. And then their main act: a combination of trampoline and pole climbing with a lot of jumps from the trampoline to the poles. It was probably the best act in the performance. Karl Ramwell is a very reliable and skilful juggler. Merrylu did her fine contortion act including the trick with bow and arrow. Before that she did a Marinelli – impressive and not seen for many years in a Danish circus ring. Marc Giely presented his act on mountainbike with a fine combination of cycling, balancing and jumping on bike. Flying Mendonca did a classic flying trapeze act – however rather often missing the triple. And then we met Los Alamos. Their knife throwing is the ultimate thrill – if something goes wrong … Last act in the performance was a tableau. The set up was Africa. Several apes (members of the Chinese troupe and not real apes, which are forbidden in circuses in Denmark) were set free and Bonbon was taken into the ring in a cage. An elephant popped up with Tarzan and Jane who climbed – not in lianas but in tissues. The name of the performers was Jonatas AND Aline. At last RENÈ Casselly entered the ring with four elephants and four horses. They did all possible combinations of horses and elephants. The performance was accompanied by a 4 pieces band either playing live ore playing in addition to pre-recorded music.

The 2009 season closed on 7 September in Sorö.

Merrylu doing a Marinelli. Photo: Circus Arena/Christian Warrer

Benny Berdino of Danish Circus Arena has for many years had a dream of transforming his winter quarter in Slagelse to a theme based amusement park called Arena Circus Land where the theme of course should be circus. Arena Circus Land opened during the winter holidays in 2006. Since then Arena Circus Land have been open to the public during the autumn and winter holidays and some weekends in winter season. In 2009 Benny Berdino decided to keep the Arena Circus Land open also in the summer season. A major reason for the decision is probably that he has lost the contract he had for many years for delivering a sealion performance and a circus performance to the Danish amusement park Bonbonland. Arena Circus Land offered fro 27 June and until 9^th August Circus Landino, Circus Arena’s Theatre, performing sealions, horse show in the training ring, Sune's crazy-magic show, pony riding, playland, etc. The circus performance took place in the large blue and yellow tent, which from April to mid-June and again from mid August to September is used by the Swedish Circus Skratt. The tent seats 1,300 people and is set up the courtyard of the Circus Arena Land. As ringmaster you meet Denmark's best ventriloquist, PREBEN PALSGAARD. The show runs for approx. 40 minutes and begins with 6 brown Arabian liberty horses presented by KIM Benneweis. It was nice to se a liberty horse presentation where everything worked perfectly. Kim was followed by Miss OLGA in a tissue entrée. Then Preben Palsgaard did one of his best ventriloquist entrées: the one where he uses a pair of shoes as ventriloquist dolls. The GLAVATSKY clowns had a short run-in in which they did some comical juggling. Then Circus Arenas chief animal trainer TIM DELBOSQ came in the ring with 6 dromedaries and one white Arabian horse. He was followed by an unnamed artist in an inflatable suit. Last act in then performance was rola-bola done by DAVID. In the indoor sealion auditorium Addi Jepsen presented Catalonian sealions in a nice show during which she also told a bit about the animals. All beginning is difficult and there was on several days less than 100 visitors.

Kim Benneweis at Circus Landino. Click here to see more photos from Arena Circus Land.

Circus Benneweis had its opening night on 18 March in Hillerød. ”Benneweis is back in the top of the Danish circus world and live up to their slogan: the Best Circus in Denmark”, the reviewer Rud Kofoed wrote in the leading Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet. Ringmaster was Danish magician Kim Kenneth, known as the Dane in the fast lane, assisted by prinCESS Maika alias the singer and actor Maiken Marie Wessberg. Together with the director Jan Hertz they have created a performance where the different acts in a most charming and elegant way merge into each other. Princess Maika opens the performance by inviting a member of the audience into the ring. At the opening night it was a well-known Danish actor Steen Stig Lommer. In the ring he was introduced to Kim Kenneth’s flying table and even helped Kim to keep the table flying. Pure magic! Immediately thereafter princess Maika entered the ring riding on a camel while she sang a welcome song to modern rhythm. And then Bernhard Kaselowskys remaining 5 camels entered the ring for a short entrée. Next act was called the worm in the apple. We met the fabulous Russian reprise clowns Bobylevs in an original run-in where he by use of a flute get a worm out of a giant apple. In the next act Rosi Hocheggers charming entre with dogs was mixed with her husband Roger Metin as juggler on horseback. Then Bobylevs was back. Once again with an original entrée where he is a knife-thrower using plungers. As always with Bobylevs funny and charming and with an unexpected point. In a short run-in Kim Kenneth and princess Maika conjured with scarves. A nice idea to use such short magic acts as run-ins.

The came a very poetic act: Dodo AND Bambolina with a charming entrée with the doll maker who falls in love with his doll which unfortunately for him seemed to prefer someone from the audience. The audience loved the act and was chuckling.

Olanders domestic cat act is one of the best house cat acts I have ever seen. He was followed by another magical run-in with Kim Kenneth and princess Maika. She entered the ring with an aquarium. He filled a water glass with water and turned it upside down. And the water did not fall out of the glass until he as if by magic let the water fall down into the aquarium. Try it yourself over the kitchen sink! But remember a dishcloth! Following this magic trick we met one of the best arial acts I have seen for years: DUO PISAREV. I was happy to see that the used a lounge during their dangerous tricks. Maria hang in one knee holding Evgeni. Later Evgeni was hanging in one heel holding Maria. And at last Evgeni hang by his feet in the trapeze holding another trapeze in his hands in which Maria hang in one heel. They was followed by Rosi Hochegger presenting what Kim Kenneth called riding high school without a rider, first with a large knabstrupper and then with a charming knabstrupper pony. Then we saw one of Bobylevs most lover entrées: the one where Olga enter the ring as the lover part of Alexeys body! Last act before the interval was Kim Kenneth with his great and very impressive illusions, assisted by his beautiful girlfriend Jessica and in one trick also by Melanie Kaselowsky. Especially the trick where Kim on motorbike is driving though a cage while Jessica is chained inside the cage impressed the audience. After the interval princess Maika entered the ring singing on a bike. She introduced Rosi Hochegger’s famous entrée with the horse which both can tease her, laugh and go to sleep in a bed. Both children and adults shouted with joy. The Olga Bobylev had a short entrée blowing soap bubbles. Next came the foot juggler Jan Navratil with a fine and fast act presented much better than done by most other foot jugglers. Then came one of Bobylevs most well-known act: their fabulous ping pong entrée. Last act in the performance was Bernhard and Melanie Kaselowsky with the elephant Dumbo in a nice entrée. With a magician as ringmaster it seemed natural that grande finale opened by Kim conjuring most of the performers out of an empty cage while princess Maika sang That’s entertainment. A great way to close a perfect show. The performance was accompanied by a six pieces band.

The season closed in Copenhagen on 13 September.

Kim Kenneth and princess Maika. Photo by courtesy of Circus Benneweis. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

Circus Baldoni is a medium sized Danish circus owned by Thessa and René Mönster. Opening night was on 26 March in Lyngby (a Copenhagen suburb). Opening took place in a brand new tent. As the old tent the diameter was 26 meter and the seating capacity about 600 persons. The new tent is higher than the old tent and seating facilities have been improved. Circus Baldoni has also purchased a new and up-to-date light system. The clown Danilo (Daniel Dim) opens the performance by entering the stage (Baldoni use as a stage and not a classical circus ring) and put the light on and of to much annoyance of the groom Thomsen. (Thomsen is a character in Baldoni’s performances). Then René Mönster and the entire company enter the stage singing Circus Baldoni’s well-known welcome song. First acrobatic act was Chinese Liu Fu who assisted by a countryman first did juggling with hats and then a short rola-bola entrée. He was followed by the Kapitanski clowns in the first of their 3 run-ins. Following the clowns René Mönster, assisted by Leonardo the lion (a ventriloquist doll) introduced the clowns Danilo AND DANILA (Thessa Mönster) in the entrée with the transistor radio. Next act was the hand stand acrobat Monika Magyar. The final trick in her entrée was the popular trick with bow and arrow introduced by Elayne Kramer at the Monte Carlo Festival in 2008. Following her the groom Thomsen presented a diabolo entrée in a Tyrolese dress. This act was taken out of the performance later in the season. Last act before the interval was one of the top acts in the performance: Chinese He Yuan who riding a 2½ meter high mono bike with one foot threw bowls up on the top of her head. Well done and simply marvellous when she placed her bike on top of a large ball and did the same tricks!

After the interval three Chinese acrobats one of them being Liu Fu jumped through hoops using the name Chinese Sensation. They were followed by Alexandra Kapitanskaja in an entrée with acrobatics in a large ring. Then we met the jugglers Duo Monro the female partner being Monika Magyar (the girl with bow and arrow). They presented a very nice juggling routing. Then Zhang Ruichong entered the stage and did chair balancing with up to six chairs. He was replaced by Kapitanski in a charming quick-change entrée using both the female partner and their 3 dogs. The came an act of type I have never seen before: Yuang Rui called the man with the hundred faces. He was able to change his face mask with lightning speed. Last act in the performance was the act which was awarded the evening’s highest applause. Indeed very well deserved. Circus Baldoni introduced their very own version of GOT TALENT and an elderly couple was invited to try their luck at the stage. They were dressed a bit like The Svenssons and Karl Kossmeyer and did a fabulous comical casceadeur entrée. The couple was the master casceadur Freddi Steckel and Thessa Mönster. The performance was accompanied by a two pieces band.

The Danish tours closed on 27 August. As mentioned above Baldoni toured Faroe Island and Iceland early December.

Freddi Steckel & Thessa. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

Circus Dannebrog opened the season in Vojens on 26 March. Performance took place in a 4 pole tent with a diameter of 36 meter, no quarter poles, bucket seating at a high rake and a light and sound system being better than in any other Danish circus. Music was provided by an excellent 6 piece band. In Circus Dannebrog’s usual style the show begun with all artists entering the ring followed by Haddy Enoch’s welcome. The first number was very spectacular: the Italian Cesare Togni family came into the ring with 4 horses, three white and one black, and 6 family members build human pyramids-on-horseback. A great start to the show. The Togni family was followed by a short run-in with The Balder Clowns. The brothers Sidney, Christian and Engelbert Balder did also tour with Circus Dannebrog in 2008. This year they present brand new and original entrées. Many are concerned that the classic musical clown trio with a white clown and two August’s are a dying breed. Wonderful to see the 3 brothers who are probably in the late thirties, proving that there excellent classic clowns in the younger generation. After a short feature with the Dannebrog ballet that always connects the acts in Circus Dannebrog we came to one of the very best acts: the juggler Rodgerio Gonzalves who juggled with tennis rackets and tennis balls in a magnificent entrée presenting among other tricks devil stick-juggling. Gonzales was replaced by Posnas with their happy dogs. Then came another top act: the elegant pickpocket Kenny Quinn who with his usual charm and elegance emptied pockets, removed belts and stole glasses from three clients. Kenny is a master in his field and no other current gentlemanthief is as good as him. After the pickpocket came Allison Togni in a fine entrée in tissue where the elegant staging clearly labelled Isabella Enoch fingerprints. Then came the Balder-clown's main entrance, which both offered music (with all three on trumpets) and a comical catering hall entrée.

The first number after the break was the bike act which always has been the trademark of the Haddy Enoch family: The Haddies. This year the Enoch family presented it as 4 Haddies using the routine Haddy, Solveig and their children for years toured with before they started their own circus. In 2009 performers are the son Dennis along with his niece Victoria and the grandson Jimmy with his aunt Katja. A bad accident during the season meant that Katja had to leave the act. After a short run-in with the Balders Togni Jones entered the ring with 3 elephants. The act filled out the ring and the elephants performed synchronously in contrast to many other elephant acts where a large part of the routine is carried out by one animal at a time. The elephants were followed by a short hand-stand and contortion act presented on the stage by 17 year old Ounes Conzalves. Then Balders had another run-in, followed by a “dog school” entrance with the female partner from Posnas. Last act in the performance was the Brazilian trapeze stars The Flying Michaels. They have great charm and their final trick, a triple salto with a hood over the head of the flyer, triggered a stormy applause.

In connection with the opening night for the press on 9 April Haddy Enoch was appointed honorary member of the Association of Danish Circus Friends. It was easy to see that Haddy’s health wasn’t good and most of the time during the season he left it to his daughter Agnete Louise Enoch to welcome the audience and bid them farewell. By the end of the seasons it was obvious that Haddy Enoch was severe sick.

Circus Dannebrog closed the season 27 September at Gram. Haddy Enoch passed away on 16 November.

Haddy Enoch appointed honorary member of the Association of Danish Circus Friends. Photo: Rud Kofoed. Click here to see photos from the performance,

Circus Mascot opened the season on 2 April. The performance began with Daniel and Ulmas in a juggling entrée with 2 x 4 clubs as the final trick. Then Marianne Deleuran and her poodles entered the ring. This year she was dressed in black coat and top hat. The dogs are doing new tricks and the props are new. Her son Andreas assisted her. The Pinders then presented a plate spinning entrée with a lot of good gags. The house clown Gulio then entered the ring and conducted the audience as if they were an orchestra. He enjoys his work and his cheerful mimic and energy rub of on the audience. Andreas then presented a diabolo entrée before Marianne and Jess did. With astonishing rapidity Marianne guessed the object presented to Jess. Then Gulio came in, dressed as Japanese who want to practice karate. The first part of the performance ended with Mascot’s crazy taxi. It is the Pinders who are driver and passenger.

The second part of the performance began with Miss Prymachenko in vertical rope with much energy and many fast pirouettes. Then the clowns trio Gulio entered the ring. The trio consists of Gulio, Andreas and Gulio’s son. The trio had a short intermezzo where they are splashing with water. Then Miss Erika performed a stylish foot juggling routine. Then it was time for the clown trio’s main entrée. Gulio was dressed as a female ballet dancer. The two boys are August’s and a member from the audience was “invited” to assist them with ballet dancing. Of cause it ended up in a mess. Then Jess DELEURAN came in with his 4 ponies in liberty dressage before Gulio enters the ring with two trained cocks. Finally, there are a spectacular painter entrée where Erika and Eddy sprays the ring and themselves with water and foam, while a rotating ladder functions almost at a wheel of death.

Season closed on 29 September 2009

Gulio – Circus Mascot’s clown since 2003. Photo: OIe Simonsen. Per Krogh Petersen visited Circus Mascot in Haslev and took photos of equipment and performance. Click here to see those photos.

Opening night for Circus Arli was 5 April. Someone believes that big is beautiful and other than small is beautiful. My conclusion is that Circus Arli is wonderful! It is not a large show. But their performance is very good and presented in a most charming and elegant way. This year Circus Arli has bought a brand new electronic light system using LED lamps (light-emitting diodes) giving very good light and using much less electricity than their old light system. Martin Arli opened the performance by cleaning the stage (Arli use a stage and not a traditional circus ring) and catching rays of light. Then circus owner Søren Arli welcomed his audience and introduced his grandson 22 year old Alexander Arli. Alexander is a gifted multi-acrobat every year presenting a new act. This year he is juggling with tennis balls and rackets in a very fine routine Next came Bettina Arli with a nice magician entrée. Then we meet one of the season’s foreign artists: Edi Laforte with dog of various breeds, a cat and three goats. It was a perfect act for Circus Arli’s small ring (stage). Then Alexander presented a charming entrée Singing in the rain with his father Martin as the rain main. His was followed by Martin with a soap bubbles blowing entrée. Then Bettina Arli took over the task as ring mistress and presented Duo Rubstov in a melange-act including juggling with hats, acrobatics, handstand and chair balancing. Firs act after the interval was Edi Laforte with trained ducks in a liberty routing. Charming and impressing. Then we meet Ailona in a good hula hoop entrée where she was guest in a bar with Alexander as bartender. She was replaced by the clown Martino (Martin Arli) in an entrée where he shows his talents as concertino-musician. Then the female partner in Rubstov presented a nice tissue acts as Miss Katja the arial fiddler. Last act in the performance is the kids favourite: the clowns Martino & Co., this year Martin and Alexander assisted by Bettina and a dangerous “ape”. Very entertaining, very funny and very charming.

This years performance was called ABBA-DABBA-DOO and a lot of the music – all taped – was ABBA-music.

Season closed 1 September at Sengelöse.

Martino & co. Click here to see a slideshow from the performance

Circus Krone is the smallest of the Danish circuses. Opening night was on 16 April. It was circus owner Irene Thierry’s 25 years anniversary season. For 25 years she has been in charge of the circus, which her parents founded 70 years ago. For several she has been assisted by her husband, Jan Allan, whom she married in 1996. Her two sons Marc and Frank have also been part of the team. ALLANDO the clown opened the performance by having picnic in the ring, being disturbed by his ponies. Li Chen did a strong balancing act with beautiful props and difficult tricks. In the final trick she is climbing two unsupported ladders balancing a bit with a ball. Duo Bessogonov presented a quick change act as good of the best seen in the genre. The clown Allando especially enjoyed the children in his attempt to train an uncontrollable panda bear (Irene is inside the bear). Then we met Frank Thierry in a comical trapeze entrée with a lot of gags.

The second part of the performance began with a Chinese contortionist where Jian Luo showed the trick where the artist bend himself together and disappear into a cylinder - to come out at the other end of pipe. Frank Thierry came again, this time with his rola bola act. A female spectator is called in to assist with advice and deed. Without her help the act had never gone well! Li Chen did magic in a stylish, oriental and colourful costume and with many beautiful props. The magic continues, but with a comical flavour, as Irene and Allan took over the ring before Konstantin Bessogonov came roaring in on a mega-motorcycle on which he performs a difficult rola bola act which culminates with the fact that he balanced on 5 rotating cylinders.

The season closed on 19 September in Aale.

Li Chen’s balance with real eggs. Click here to see a slideshow from the performance

Obituaries

During 2009 3 great persons from the Danish Circus World passed away: Nelly Jane Benneweis on 21 May. Vivi Schumann on 9 November. Haddy Enoch on 16 November.

The Danish circus world's grand old lady, Nelly Jane Benneweis, passed away on 21 May 2009, aged 74, after some months of serious illness. She could have celebrated her 75 years birthday on 15 June. She was born in Bronshoj, a Copenhagen suburb, where her father was a master cabinetmaker and the father, mother, elder sister and Annette Otto Jensen (which is Nelly’s Christian name) lived in a house. Her father's pet name for Annette was Nellygirl. That’s why she chose the artist name Nelly Jane. Nelly’s mother sent her to a dance institute where she was trained in classical ballet. After she finished school in 1951 she was offered a job as dancer at the Copenhagen Variety Theatre Lorry. Following this she travelled for several years all over Europe (especially in Germany) working as ballet dancer at cabarets and variety theatres. She toured with the Viko Torriani ballet, the Hoffmeister ballet and the Heinz Erhardt ballet and several other companies. She designed her own costumes and performed first as part of ballet corps, later with two partners and following that as solo dancer.

In 1964, Nelly Jane became compère at the Copenhagen Variety Theatre Lorry. There the Danish circus king Eli Benneweis saw her and offered her the job as ringmistress in Circus Benneweis. Together with her mother Nelly Jane went to Benneweis winter quarter at Dronningmolle and an agreement with Eli Benneweis was signed. Nelly Jane got her début as ringmistress in Hilleroed on 2 April 1971. In 1972, Nelly had the same job in the Swedish Circus Scott and was later the same year with Circus Benneweis when they closed their 1972 season in Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens. From December 1972 to February 1973 and again from December 1973 to February 1974 Nelly Jane was ring mistress at the English winter Circus Belle Vue in Manchester, where she got the well deserved pet name "Lady of the Ring".

In 1974 Nelly came back to Circus Benneweis where Eli asked her apart from presenting the performance also to be a kind of "hostess" and take care of the press. Nelly Jane got the surname Benneweis when she on 9 April 1977 married Eli Benneweis smaller brother Sonny, who only two years later died from cancer.

Apart from working for Circus Benneweis Nelly Jane got several honorary tasks in the circus world. Among others, she was a member of the jury at the circus festival in Monte Carlo in 1990 and for several years she was a member of the jury at the European Youth Circus Festivals in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Nelly Jane continued as ringmistress for Circus Benneweis until 1994. Most seasons she toured with the tented unit of Circus Benneweis. However, she spent also for four seasons in the Copenhagen Circus Building then run by Eli Benneweis: 1979-1982. Up until 2003 Nelly Jane was Circus Benneweis’ press agent and responsible tour planning and authority permissions. Even since 2003 Nelly Jane assisted Circus Benneweis with a number of tasks.

Also in other areas Nelly Jane remained very active. She was a splendid lecturer telling with enthusiasm of life in and outside of the circus ring. Nelly Jane also resumed a hobby from her youth: she began to paint and created a series of distinguished portraits of many of the white clowns that she had presented through her years as ringmistress. Friends convinced her to exhibit his drawings although Nelly with her usual modesty did not consider the drawing to be anything special. The exhibition showed that Nelly was a very talented painter who certainly could have made a career as such.

Nelly Jane had a special relationship with the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen. For several years she presented the Danish Artists Union as a member of the board of trustees of the museum and she gave much of her circus experience to the museum.

Vivi Schumann was born on 17January 1926 in Nyborg, Denmark. On 8 February 1946 she married Max Schumann, who for many years run Circus Schumann together with his elder brother Albert. The brothers decided not least at Albert’s initiative to stop in 1969.  They did still earn money, but the season was cut short after it was no longer possible to visit Stockholm and Gothenburg.Max and Vivi Schumann dreamed, however, to restart a circus together with their children Katja and Philip. They succeeded in 1977 when they started out with the touring Circus M. Schumann, which ceased operation after the season 1982. In the following years Max and Vivi Schumann worked for Danish Circus Arena (1986) and Danish Circus Dannebrog (1987-1992). After season 1992 Max and Vivi was for some years associated with New York’s Big Apple Circus, which had their daughter Katja as one of the main stars. Later Max and Vivi Schumann returned to Denmark where Max Schumann died in 2004. While the brothers Albert, Max and Albert's wife Paulina always was amongst the performers in the Copenhagen Circus Building, it was not that often that you saw Vivi who after at few years withdrew from the circus ring. However, for some seasons you saw Vivi riding high school ride (her debut as an equestrian was in season 1952 in the wonderful entrée Fiesta in Seville, where she starred together with Albert, Max and Paulina) and liberty horses, In1958 there was a baby elephant included in the horse act she presented together with Max.

Haddy Enoch was born on 28 October 1934. As a young man he dedicated his life to the circus arts. He was trained as a bike acrobat, and with his partner Solveig – who also became his wife - he travelled over most of the world as 2 Haddies. They worked as bicycle acrobats in numerous circuses and music halls in all parts of the world. When the children Agnete, Dennis, Isabella and Katja grew up, they were included in the act which then became 4 Haddies. In 1977, Haddy Enoch realized his childhood dream about re-establishing the old Circus Dannebrog, which hadn’t toured for many years. Circus Dannebrog has always belonged to the Enoch family and was due to the efforts of the Haddy Enoch family put to life again. Through hard work and an unfailing belief in the circus arts the family managed not only to keep Circus Dannebrog on the road but also to increase its size to a large circus of international standing. Haddy Enoch's heart beat for his family, his circus and the genuine artistic performance. In 2005, Haddy Enoch was awarded the newspaper Jyske Vestkystens cultural award and in April 2009 he was appointed honorary member of the Danish Circus Friends Association.

Let us pay tribute to the memory of those 3 great persons,

20 December 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  ----  please find info here about 4 shows, well worth seeing.

SLAVA'S SNOWSTORM  ---  a Russian troop of performers, presenting a very original, funny and impressive show. The finale is a snowstorm of small pieces of paper, for those who know about magic, I can tell that this finale effect is a giant version of the magic effect known as SNOWSTORM IN CHINA. Venue: THEATRE SILVIA MONFORT, 106 rue Brancion, Metro: Porte de Vanves.

CIRQUE PHENIX, direction Pacherie, has also this year brought a tremendously big Chinese troop of performers, featuring incredible skill and daring stunts.

We see big tableaux, big troops, but it is difficult to catch the personality of the performers, because of the size of the troops. Venue: PELOUSE DE REUILLY, Paris, Metro: Porte Doree.

CIRQUE PLUME, a new-circus production, combining a theme and traditional circus skills.

The theme of this year is L'ATELIER DU PEINTRE ===  THE PAINTER'S WORKSHOP - where the action takes place. Stage-setting and ideas: BERNARD KUDLAK. Music: ROBERT MINY. Venue: Parc de la Villette, 211 avenue Jean-Jaures. Metro Porte de la Villette-

LES 7 DOIGTS DE LA MAIN ==  THE 7 FINGERS OF THE HAND.

This acrobatic troop performs at the CASINO DE PARIS, an old, traditional revue-theatre, where all the famous stars of long ago did perform. The show will be featured until some time in January. This show closed DEC 13, in Copenhagen. Venue: Casino de Paris, Metro: Trinite.

Point of interest for these shows: they are all purely visual, can thus be enjoyed by people who don't speak French.

See more:

http://www.slavasnowshow.com/

http://www.cirquephenix.com/

http://www.cirqueplume.com/

http://www.les7doigtsdelamain.com/menu.html

--------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

18 December 2009

Per Krogh Petersen has visited Benny Schumass Christmass show Christmas at Circus in the Frederiksberg shopping centre in Copenhagen. Per writes:

Benny's Christmas Show 2009 is a really nice Christmas present for all children. It is always a pleasure when you see Benny Schumann show. Benny always gets the good mood up. It is with great pleasure that I now can show you the pictures I took. Click here to see Per’s photos.

PR-photo for the performance. Performers are Benny Schumann and the comedian Tøffe

16 December 2009

Season 2010 for the Danish circus will as usual begin in March. So far two circuses have published the day of their opening night: Circus Arena will open its season on 16 March. Circus Arli begins its season No. 40 on 27 March. Also Circus Baldoni, Circus Benneweis and Circus Dannebrog will begin the season in March. Circus Krone and Circus Mascot may not begin the season until sometime in April. Most circuses have all or almost all artist contracts in place. Most directors prefer, however, that the names of the performers are not published until we come closer to the opening of the season.

16 December 2009

Peanut shell figures made by Charly Ross. It is always nice to get a Christmas Greeting from an old friend. From Mexico Charly Ross writes:

Thank you very much for your wishes and of course I send you my very best wishes as well! I also send you herewith some photos of circus acts I make from peanut shells. Hope you enjoy them. One acrobat or animal is about 3 centimetres and I make them all from peanut shells, which is very original but a lot of work. I don’t know if you remember the Rogge Sisters (on globes) and Tonita & Lill (on the wire). If so, you can see them on the photos. I make anything people want, but have so many demands that at the moment I can not accept any more.

Remember Charly Ross? He was an outstanding contortionist, known as “Die Schlange”. Charly in now retired and lives in sunny Mexico.

Rogge Sisters can be seen at the right

Tonita and Lill can be seen at the right

Russian bar

Teeterboard

16 December 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  interesting events for tourists, viz. fun-fair and popular amusements, on top of all the circus-shows, mentioned in these columns.

On PLACE DE LA CONCORDE, in the very heart of Paris, a giant wheel has been erected   -  LA GRANDE ROUE DE PARIS - even bigger than the wheel we could see in the film The Third Man, dated back to the forties, featuring Orson Welles. It compares favourably with the BIG SIGHT-SEEING WHEEL in Copenhagen, near the Circus Building. This is a real attraction, and today the revolving cabins are heated, and for a small fee - you can be served champaign in a VIP CABIN  - in case you would like to celebrate something.

The man behind all this is MARCEL CAMPION, president of all travelling fun fair people in France.

He is also the man behind the tremendous Christmas Market, 170 sales stalls, covering the whole way from PLACE DE LA CONCORDE and up to ROND POINT, if you go further ahead, you will reach ARC DE TRIOMHE.

One of the main attractions is a tent, where the temperature is minus 6 C - you can there admire sculptures entirely made from ice.

Nearby you will find a rather big market stall, bearing the name: CIRQUE MULLER.

Eager to know what this meant, not probable to put up a circus show in this context where people are roaming and milling around to buy Christmas gifts -- it turned out to be a CHRISTMAS CRIB, representing The HOLY FAMILY, including infant Jesus, and ... animals from Cirque MULLER: donkeys, sheep and geese, and with a rather big ox with thick brown fur and impressive horns just outside the showcase - very efficient to make people want to come in and have a look!

This provided a nice break in the X-mas shopping, very sympathetic, both children and parents got a pleasant moment and there was an opportunity for the parents to explain this part of the Christmas Gospel to their offspring. At the same time - a good publicity for circus and something people will remember from their shopping spree in Paris - a great number consists of foreign tourists.

So, as usual --- IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

-----------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

13 December 2009

Christmas Circus in East Himmerland. Hans Vedel writes:

For 3rd consecutive year Circus No Name presents Christmas fun in the circus ring. This year the venue has changed from the old leaky Miehe Training Ring in Rold from 1912 to the new, beautiful circus building near the village Solbjerg north of Hadsund.

The beautifully decorated and heated building has comfortable seating and perfect lighting and audio systems. Despite circus owner Luffe Bögh’s total lack of sense for PR No Name seems to attract a growing audience from the countryside to circus tricks in No Name.

Interest in working with animals in combination with kids from Luffe's childcare institution has always formed the backbone of the East Himmerland circus activities and this interaction also characterizes as this year’s show.

A countless number of animals meet the visitor. Both in the circus ring and in the stables which as the training ring certainly is worth a visit.

The year 2009 performance and the Christmas Fun bring old memory from the closed Circus Royal back to live. The Bruun family presented every a great numbers of horses and when it suited "Der Alte", he also presented a dog act.

In No Name they have only a few completely untrained dogs. But in return you can see Katja Schumann's prestigious school riding, her struggle with an unruly pony called "Piranha" and first and last, her taken care of everyone and everything in the circus.

Director Luffe present 9 ponies in "more than liberty" dressage, struggles with a very vibrant bull called "Beef" and execute in the run-up to the finals acrobatic exercises on a beautiful white horse.

Father and son - both with the first name Zedenek - from the Czech circus family Ruml present juggling, diablo, saxophone playing and singing. After a few years with Circus Mascot the Czechs is now working for their second season – almost third season - in No Name.

But it is Christmas with fir, lights, newly-baked cakes, drinks and a lot of Christmas elves. A for children and childish adults big disappointment was when the nice old Santa Claus told him that his reindeer had run away. It was searched for during the break. But without success. But at lot of other animals was sent into the ring.

Santa Claus was not happy, but it was a cheerful touch to the festive show that tied the show together.

All in all a great Christmas circus, giving full value for the 50 DKK (7 Euro) everyone above 12 years have to pay for entrance to the circus.

Katja Schumann with the pony Piranha. Photo: Hans Vedel

13 December 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  also small circuses appear but rather on the outskirts of the city -- small to medium family circuses, presenting a solid and thus good program for the family audience,

As they do everything themselves - publicity, cleaning of the ground, putting up and pulling down the Big Top / often not that big .../ and, of course, the program ---- when showtime comes they might well be tired, having worked and been busy since early morning.

However, since those circus families have numerous members, they succeed in presenting a rather attractive program, acrobatics, juggling, clowning, sometimes some magic and a lot of animals.

Unfortunately, a minor number displays an irresponsible behaviour, showing lack of respect for law and order and failing to care for their animals in an adequate way.

These examples are, however, exceptions but stir up a lot of bad publicity.

I saw, in Creteil, a suburban area near Paris, CIRQUE MULLER, presenting a good program: juggling, acrobatics, clowning and many animal acts. Those minor to middle-sized family circuses do still exist in Germany, but no longer in Scandinavia.

Other entertainment to look for when there are various forms of festivities, magicians are often hired to entertain children and their parents. I saw OLIVIER VERTIGO at a Christmas Bazaar, organized by a local church - he presented a nice program that interested both kids and parents - all were happy.

So ... while visiting Paris ... look around... you will find funny and captivating shows here and there, although not all  of the Monte Carlo standard - but  all the same well worth seeing.

See more: www.cirquemuller.com

                  www.miraclemagichouse.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

10 December 2009

World Circus Day 2010. Urs Pilz, President of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, writes:

Dear Circus Associations, Directors, Festivals, Schools, and Friends:

On behalf of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque and Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco, I am pleased to announce that the first World Circus Day will take place on Saturday, 17 April 2010. With your participation, this initiative, which was begun by the European Circus Association two years ago, will become truly global in 2010.

We ask circus professionals and circus friends everywhere to prepare and carry out a celebration of their choice to mark this day and to publicize the role of circus as part of our shared cultural heritage.

A map of the world can be found on our website under World Circus Day. When you inform us of the details of your planned event, your country will be highlighted on the map and information about all events in that country will be readily available to the public with a link to websites where desired.

In the coming months, we will provide you with additional tools to unite all of the diverse activities we anticipate on the 17th of April. And we look forward to hearing from you about your plans.

With best wishes for a successful World Circus Day 2010.

Ideas for possible activities:

• Circus parades or street performances

• Special exhibition in the circus

• Open sessions to demonstrate the training of animals

• Invitation to the public to watch acircus school training session

• Cooperation with circus friends to organise joint activities

• Special invitations for journalists, local authorities or ministries

• Free entrance for persons dressed as clowns

• WCD logo on balloons, buttons

• Opportunity for public to ask circus stars questions

World Circus Day is not the only initiative taken by Fédération Mondiale du Cirque. They are also involved in an upcoming seminar on the preservation of circus artifacts and memorabilia to be held 25 January 2010 in connection with the 8th International Circus Festival of Budapest.

7 December 2009

Welcome to the Danish Juggling Convention 2010. Fyns Juggling Association writes:

This year Fyns Juggling Association has the great honour of hosting the Danish Juggling Convention 2010. The convention will take place at Munkebjergskolen in Odense, from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th of January. The doors will be opened from 4 pm. Friday, until the end of the convention at Sunday 4 pm. The money you pay for the convention includes food, both vegetarian and with meet. The convention is based on the good work and dedication of volunteers and it will be strongly appreciated if you help out, during the convention. We hope to see you in January

The convention will take place at Munkebjerg elementary school in Odense M. from the 8th to the 10th of January 2010.

The address is:

Munkebjergskolen

Fengersvej 6

5230 Odense M

Denmark

Click here for further information.

7 December 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS, just now, DEC 7th, important meeting with EUROPEAN CIRCUS ASSOCIATION /EAC/, chaired by its President Mr Arie OUDENES, Holland.

The agenda of the day is explained in the invitation/program:

For the subject of “New legislations for Circus Animals in France” Mr. Gérard Bassot from MEEDM – DEB/DGALN – Bureau Fauna et Flora Sauvages – , who now is responsible for this subject, is invited.

Also, new ECA activities and initiatives for the well-being of animals in the circus will be discussed. Among the topics is the additional training for animal attendants and the use of the new ECA Animal Toolkit.

In a third round, Mrs. Brindusa Novac, director of Circ & Variete Clobus in Bucharest, who also is a member of the Rumanian Parliament and its Cultural Committee, will speak about the importance of good relations with politicians for the circus business. Also Frank Keller, representing Circus Krone (Germany), Alexander Ogurtsov from Circus Nikulin (Moscow, Russia) and Robert Ronday, Circus Herman Renz (Netherlands) will talk about their experience.

The big theme is currently the  keeping of animals in circus, the ECA tries to regulate this by obtaining rigid rules in co-operation with the Commission in Bruxelles, rules that are based on facts and not on irrelevant thinking, false information and old prejudice, having no place in our modern world.

We would all like to thank ECA for the tremendous work that is being done  - for the benefit of the circus industry and thus for our cultural heritage.

-----------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

7 December 2009

Circus Photo Contest Winners Announced – several winners from Sweden.

The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque (Fédération) today announced the winners of its First Annual Circus Photo Contest.  Ron Mikkenie of Huizen, The Netherlands won the “best of show” in color photography with his photo of a leaping tiger from the German Probst Circus.  Janeric Dahlin of Tibro, Sweden won the “best of show” in black & white photography with a photo of clown Oleg Popov performing in Circus Benneweis.  Dahlin was also a finalist in multiple photo categories, as were Roy and Linda Himsel of Sweden and Oliver Stegmann of Switzerland.

The two “best of show” photos were selected by the Fédération’s Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco from a group of finalist photos in four categories – circus performance, circus life, youth circus and performing animals. The color and black and white winning entries will become cover photographs for European-style and American-style 2010 calendars respectively, and each finalist photo will be presented on individual month. The calendars can be viewed at www.circusfederation.org. Winning photos also will be displayed in Monte-Carlo from 14-16 January, 2010 in conjunction with the 34th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo.

“Our first photo competition attracted entries from professional and amateur photographers from around the world,” said Laura van der Meer, Executive Director of the Fédération.  “All the entries reflected a high level of quality and artistic merit, and represented the myriad facets of circus arts, culture and community from dramatic performances in the ring to everyday life behind-the-scenes.”

Ron Mikkenie, 45, was 16 when he saw his first circus and later learned that a great uncle had been a circus owner after World War II.  He combined his love of photography with his passion for the circus, and began taking photographs at circus performances.  “My good contacts with circus directors and performers made it possible to take photos in a unique way,” he said.  An electronics engineer in high-tech imaging systems, Mikkenie also writes pro-circus animal articles for newspapers and online, as well as maintaining a circus-related website that keeps the Dutch Congress informed about the care and welfare animals receive in Dutch circuses (www.klassiekcircus.nl).  His winning photo, taken in August 2009, captured a tiger in mid-leap from the Rudiger Probst tiger act and will be the cover of the calendar featuring color photos.

Janeric Dahlin, 69, is now retired after a career in the hardwood business.  He learned how to use a camera as a youngster, started developing his own black and white photographs, and has spent a lifetime chronicling the circus.  He served as chairman of the board of the Swedish Circus Academy from 1981-83.  “With my camera I have tried to show what happens in the fantastic world of circus and how hard people work to keep the circus alive,” he said.  His winning photograph was taken in 1981 in Copenhagen during a performance by the famous Russian clown Oleg Popov.  It will be featured on the cover of the calendar featuring black and white photos.

The 12 winners for Color Photos are:

Circus Performance by Roy Himsel, Sweden

Performing Animals by Tobias Erber, Germany

Youth Circus by Roy Himsel, Sweden

Circus Life by Arul Horizon, India

Youth Circus by Markus Moll, Germany

Circus Performance by Barbara Hodgdon

United States

Performing Animals by Ron Mikkenie, The Netherlands

Circus Life by Tobias Erber, Germany

Circus Life by Roy Himsel, Sweden

Youth Circus by Joke Schot, The Netherlands

Circus Performance by Linda Himsel, Sweden

Performing Animals by Manel Sala Ulls, Spain

The 12 winners for Black and White Photos are:

Circus Life by Linda Himsel, Sweden

Performing Animals by Oliver Stegmann, Switzerland

Circus Performance by Eva Mueller, United States

Youth Circus by Oliver Stegmann, Switzerland

Circus Life by Thomas Loriaux, France

Performing Animals by Janeric Dahlin, Sweden

Circus Performance by Roberto Ermanis

Italy Youth Circus by Linda Himsel, Sweden

Circus Life by Oliver Stegmann, Switzerland

Circus Life by Vincenzo Pellino, Italy

Circus Performance by Janeric Dahlin, Sweden

Youth Circus by Janeric Dahlin, Sweden

The worldwide photo competition, held from June 22 – October 31, 2009, drew entries from Argentina, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, India, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. The selection of finalist photos was determined by an international jury of circus historians comprised of Julio Revolledo Cardenas (Mexico), Charles Ricketts (South Africa), Arthur Hofmeester (The Netherlands), Mark St. Leon (Australia), Pascal Jacob (France), Antonio Giarola (Italy), Greg Parkinson (United States) and Rodney Huey (United States). 

Click here to see the winning photos.

The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque (FMC) was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Monte-Carlo under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco.  The goal of the FMC is to promote circus arts and culture worldwide, to support the circus through proprietary projects, to serve as a voice for the circus community and to represent circus interests to international organizations.  Its six founding members are the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, the European Circus Association, the Outdoor Amusement Business Association in the United States, the Circus Federation of Australia, the Animal Interest Alliance in South Africa, and the Canadian organization En Piste. 

6 December 2009

Zirkus Nemo, owned by the Danish actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard will tour again in 2010.  Zirkus Nemo is a travelling variety-show. Apart from Soren Ostergaard you will meet some good circus artist in the performance. From France comes the trapeze acrobat Jennifer Francois. Also from France comes Suzann da Cruz who is told to do crazy acts. From Sweden comes the unicycle acrobat Peter Rosendahl and from Switzerland the juggler Claudius Specht.

Zirkus Nemo didn’t tour in 2008 and 2009 as Soren Ostergaard presented a varitty theatre show in Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens.

In 2010 Zirkus Nemo will visit Aarhus, Copenhagen, Nykobing S, Svendborg, Aalborg, Horsens and Sonderborg. Opening night will be 11 May I Aarhus.

Soren Ostergaard in a sketch with ’the dancing wienerbreds’. Photo Zirkus Nemo/Steen Brogaard

5 December 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  ---   just now CIRQUE ARLETTE GRÜSS, ----------  ARLETTE who passed away  in 2006, was a famous trapeze artist and leopard trainer.

Her son GILBERT  GRÜSS  is now both manager and artistic director of the show, also a first-class animal trainer.

BIG TOP, 1500 seats, beautifully decorated in mostly blue shades - a good circus band and a competent and quickly working team of circus-hands.

In a marvelous setting, we saw:

CHARIVARI with all artists - ANDREJS FJODORVS with an elegant act with doves -  SANDRO MONTEZ presenting exotics/ camels, donkeys, llamas and zebras/, further on in the program also a group of tigers.

LAURA MARIA, LINDA and GILBERT GRÜSS,  presenting   beautiful and beautifully performing horses.

KEVIN GRÜSS AND JULIA FRIEDRICH, elegant acrobatics with aerial straps.

ANTON SKOPINOV, hula-hoop - quickly and skillfully performed.

SANDRO MONTEZ, now with four Indian elephants and three girls riding them.

WUQUIAO TROUPE, on  monocycles / unicycles having  no saddle - nearly impossible to ride on just the wheel !

PETER BALDER, the funny postman, comedy dogs and funny acrobatics.

LINDA BIASINI GRÜSS AND MARISA BIASINI, aerial bellet hanging from and evolving below a kind of ceiling lustres/lamps - an original way of replacing trapeze and aerial ring.

ZDENEK ZUPKA, juggling and bouncing up to seven balls, ending with a fluorescent effect.

THE CROSS ROAD, two male acrobats on slack wire, the wires cross each other, hence the name.

WUQUIAO TROUPE, saltos combined with lasso swinging and twirling - breathtaking !!

GRANDE FINALE -  with all --- see you next year --- because ---

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

Venue: Pelouse de Reuilly, Metro Porte Doree.

See more: www.cirque-gruss.com

----------------------------------------------------------- reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

The fabulous pigeon trainer ANDREJS FJODOROVS, who has hid debut in Danish Circus Arli in 2008.

3 December 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  and in the immediate vicinity as well, viz. in NANTERRE PREFECTURE, within reach of and by the Paris Metro.

The CIRQUE PINDER, direction GILBERT EDELSTEIN, presents CIRQUE JEAN RICHARD, it is really the Dutch National Circus HERMAN RENZ, bringing an excellent program:

ROBERT RONDAY, from CIRCUS HERMAN RENZ, is responsible for the stage-setting, this year on the theme GIPSY, very colorful costumes and appropriate gipsy music.

CHRISTOPHE ROUSSELEAU is the over-all supervisor, checking that everything goes as planned. CHRISTOPHE IVANES presents the show - as always an excellent Ringmaster.

Circus band, 7 good musicians, conducted by ROBERT REDZNIK, contributes to this successful event. We also noted the presence of a nice "barriere" -- 12 clever and competent circus-hands.

Sound and lightning: GILBERT WEISER 

SIMONA, acrobatics and dancing, doing hula-hoop- -- and later revolving in tissues.

TRIO BOKAFI, stunning tremplin acrobats;

HANS LUDWIG SUPPMEIER, elegant horse training and presenting three tigers, one totally white - seldom seen.

MILKO AND FRENKY, funny clowning with original jokes - Frenky separately presents an act with animals from the farm: pig, goat, cock and rabbit - the children loved all this since they recognized the animals and thus could relate to them.

MICKAEL OLIVARES, super-fast and skillful juggler.

TAMARA, feminine beauty in aerial ring and tissues.

FLYING NEVES, daring and stunning flying trapeze.

ADRIANA FOLCO, one of the high-lights of the evening - with her tremendously big elephant, called ---  BABY !!!  Here, too, feminine beauty but  contrasting with the impressively big elephant which had been sprayed with shining sequins -  matching ADRIANA's elegant dress --- first time I saw something like that ...!

THE BASCULO BOYS - clowning and parody on tremplin acrobatics - MILKO, FRENKY and ... some friends ...

ADRIANA FOLCO AND MICHAEL JARZ, riding the Haute Ecole, in gipsy attire.

NICOLS NICOL, very sure in his mastering of dancing on tight wire, doing backward and forward salto, the latter being the most difficult since the artist doesn't see the wire before hitting it with his feet.

TRIO LARUSS, incredible hand to hand and head to head acrobats.

In Paris we are happy to have the opportunity of seeing such a fabulous circus-program - and we extend a BIG THANK YOU to GILBERT EDELSTEIN and to ROBERT RONDAY.

See more:

http://www.cirquepinder.com/

www.circushermanrenz.nl

Nicol Nicols. Photo from performance in Danish Circus Dannebrog i 2007

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  the great, traditional circus-season continues:

CHAPITEAU DU CIRQUE TSIGANE ROMANES , meaning "gipsy circus" presents an original show:

Tight-wire act, juggling, contorsion, hula-hoop,  aerial acts in aerial ring and with vertical rope, also trained cats and - goats --- all very nicely presented. The owner/director is ALEXANDRE BOUGLIONE, a former equilibrist and lion-trainer, married to DELIA ROMANES who is a singer with a great personality.

The artists are both children of Alexandre and Delia and also some  young artists, coming from various circus schools of which there are many in France. This allows them to get a first contact with a paying audience, note their reactions and to continue going on perfecting their acts. The musicians /violin, accordeon, bass, percussion/ is the all-important musical back-up, very ethnically strong and rythmic music is played, thus giving the gipsy character to the show. The performance is given on a kind of oriental carpets and the tent is decorated in the gipsy way. After the Grand Finale, there is a soft-drinks and cakes-party with the artists - quite original and sympathetic.

The TOP, not a big one, is built of discarded railway sleepers with a canvas as the top roof - a structure which is awkward to assemble and dissemble - the transports are held to a minimum, I suppose.

POINTS OF INTEREST: the very emotional gipsy character of the entire show, well backed up by Delia's intensive singing talent and the fact that the show is entirely visual, thus recommended to tourists who speak little or no French.

The venues vary, now:42, Boulevard de Reims, Metro: Porte de Champerret.

You get info by looking up the headline CIRQUES, in L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES, Euro 0.35 in all news-stalls.

See more: www.cirquetsigane.com and there is a video on YOU TUBE,  also info in  English.

--------------------------------------------------------------------- reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

26 November 2009

ECA Meeting in Paris - Animals in the Circus / Relation with Politicians

On Monday 7 December 2009, the European Circus Association (ECA) invites its members, other circuses and animal trainers in France to its annual meeting in Paris.

For the subject of “New legislations for Circus Animals in France” Mr. Gérard Bassot from MEEDM – DEB/DGALN – Bureau Fauna et Flora Sauvages – , who now is responsible for this subject, is invited.

Also, new ECA activities and initiatives for the well-being of animals in the circus will be discussed. Among the topics is the additional training for animal attendants and the use of the new ECA Animal Toolkit.

In a third round, Mrs. Brindusa Novac, director of Circ & Variete Clobus in Bucharest, who also is a member of the Rumanian Parliament and its Cultural Committee, will speak about the importance of good relations with politicians for the circus business. Also Frank Keller, representing Circus Krone (Germany), Alexander Ogurtsov from Circus Nikulin (Moscow, Russia) and Robert Ronday, Circus Herman Renz (Netherlands) will talk about their experience. 

The location is HorsLesMurs, 68 rue de la Folie Méricourt. The meeting starts at 13.30h and will last until 17.00h.

The European Circus Association represents the European circuses towards authorities and the general public. The ECA seeks to promote circus art and culture and to protect this important part of our common cultural heritage. ECA President Urs Pilz also serves as vice-president and artistic director of the International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo. Nearly all renowned European circuses are members of the ECA.

For more information and registration: Arie Oudenes 0031 33 455 35 69

e-mail: a.oudenes@europeancircus.info

23 November 2009

The Danish master pick pocket thieves Kenny Quinn & Joan have already their 2010 and 2011 calendar filled up. This winter the couple can be seen at the German Variety Krystallpalast in Leipzig until early February 2010. Then there is more work for the elegant couple in Germany as they from the 1st April 2010 and throughout the summer can be seen at HANSA-PARK close to Lübeck. As for summer season 2011 they have signed a contract with the German Circus C. Knie. Between Hansa-Park and Circus C. Knie Joan and Kenny can be seen at two winter circus programs in Germany and at various gala jobs. Additionally you can meet them in the native country Denmark as they are part of the WINTER Revue Variety CIRCUS SHOW in Aalborg Congress & Culture Centre from mid November to mid December 2011.

Kenny and Joan Quinn

As mentioned Kenny Quinn and Joan is for the time being in Leipzig. Kenny writes: Wednesday 18 November we had the official press premiere of the show VERY BRITISH - London Calling here at Krystallpalast Variety. As a big surprise for all artists an English "look a like" Queen + Camilla (Prince Charles' wife) had been flown in from England. They looked almost as the two members of the royal family. The two "look a like’s" came to the variety theatres restaurant in an authentic Rolls-Royce and dined before the show with all the invited guests. It was a great start to a fantastic evening with "The Queen" who welcomed everyone and also was flower girl in the finale. After the entire show we were all photographed together with the Queen.

The theme in the show is London / England, and at apart from Joan and myself only three of the other artists who are non-British. The performers are the British JO-JO Champion Arron Sparks, Luke Wilson, magician and ceremonies, Craig Reid with very fast hula hoop, Martha and Amber in double trapeze, Hilary Chaplain (USA) with visual comedy, AJ Silver (USA) with a bolas, lasso and whips number and Petra Lange (Germany), handstand and aerial acrobatics.

Both the opening and the finale is built around a classic English telephone box, a Subway sign saying Piccadilly Circus, and all performers in suits, bowler hats and umbrella. Several artists will enter from/disappear to the telephone box. The show was well received by both audiences and the press. On www.krystallpalastvariete.de you can find more info and see photos from the show.

Friday the 20th November the variety was visited by the 79-year-old Swiss world class clown Galletti. He is "still going strong". His full name is Walter Galletti, and today he lives in western Austria with his family. The reason for the visit was that Galletti was in town with his daughter to perform at a UNICEF and the German Volksbank / Leipzig Gala Friday evening where they showed their world famous clown entrée as part of an exhibition about the clowns with many effects of clowns and circus enthusiast friend Hans-Dieter Hormann www.weltderclowns.de in Leipzig. Hans-Dieter Hormann has probably Germany’s and perhaps Europe largest collection of clowns effects with more 2500 clown figures and myriad of clown photos, posters and other effects. Hormann’s greatest wish is to bring together all his effects in a special clown museum so that new generations can learn about the old and new time clowns.

Galetti gave me a copy of his book, now published in its second edition. The book's title is "EIN CLOWN GEHT um die Welt - A clown travelling around the world" and is written by Walter Galetti himself. The book is on 322 pages, written in German, and contains a lot of photos from Galettis long life as a clown. .

In the book Galetti also tell about his time at the Danish Circus Benneweis. (Galetti performed with his number as a clown on slack wire in Circus Benneweis in 1970, 1975 and 1983. In 1991 he performed in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens and in 1972 the Swedish Circus Scott).

Walther Galetti and Kenny Quinn

23 November 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --   here we go for a joyful, interesting, entertaining and above all - ORIGINAL - show. THEATRE LA BRUYERE proudly presents XAVIER MORTIMER in: L'OMBRE ORCHESTRE --the name  is a pun: "L'homme orchestre" means a one-man-band, where one musician has a drum on his back, small bells on his feet and legs and a third instrument in his hands - L'OMBRE ORCHESTRE would mean THE BAND OF THE SHADOWS -- since a great part of the show is played in front of a white "cinema screen" on which various shadows are projected - and everything is connected with XAVIER MORTIMER's acting on stage.

Difficult to describe, but stunning and original.

XAVIER MORTIMER, a young man, performs magic, juggling, mime, acrobatics, comedy and plays the violin, ukulele, clarinet and accordion -- everything is synchronised to great perfection. The show is full of funny antics, a cascade of fun from an inventive mind - and there is an excellent contact with the audience.

POINT OF INTEREST: tourists, not knowing enough French to appreciate a theatre play, are bound to look for a good visual show. Here you are - a pleasant evening out in Paris - without first having to learn French.... Showtime: a bit more than an hour.

Venue: THEATRE LA BRUYERE, 5, rue La Bruyere, Metro: Saint-Georges.

This show is, now and then, on the program of other theatres, you get info looking in

L'OFFICEL DES SPECTACLES, the "What's on in Paris?", Euro 0.35 in all news stalls. 

See more: www.theatrelabruyere.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

22 November 2009

Haddy Enoch’s funeral. The flags fly at half mast in the village Hejls Saturday 21 November when circus owner Haddy Enoch of Circus Dannebrog was buried from the church in Hejls in the southern part of Jutland. The beautiful 900 year old village church was crowded to bursting point, both in the aisle, the balcony and the porch. The aisle was filled with flowers, and outside along the church wall and the graves were the flowers that you could not fit inside the church.

In the porch you were greeted by this painting of Haddy Enoch

The aisle.  In the background you can see the coffin and the altarpiece. The altarpiece is from 1471and carved in oak by an unknown master.

The ceremony began with Birgitte playing Fascination on violin. Then you sang the hymn Du, som har tændt millioner af stjerner (You who have turned on millions of stars) before the vicar Vicky Popp Fredslund read the Easter gospel of the resurrection. After the hymn Se, nu stiger solen af havets skød (See, the sun is rising from the sea) Vicky Popp Fredslund held a beautiful funeral speech in which she told of the picture Solveig Enoch and children Dennie, Agnes Louise, Isabella and Katja have given of their beloved  husband and father. At the request of children halfway through the funeral speech there was an interval where you sang a song which the children had written in memory of their father.

After the funeral speech you sang Når igen det er slut på en dejlig dag (Once again a wonderful day is over) before the priest officiated the funeral ceremony. Then Sara Paulsen song Oh Mein Papa. She did it incredibly beautiful and the song triggered spontaneous applause. Haddy Enoch’s five grandchildren Jimmy, Edward, David, Victoria and Nathalie had wanted to give a final speech in honour of their grandfather. It was touching to see and hear how much their beloved grandfather had meant to them. Finally Sara Poulsen song Smile, which as her first song triggered a spontaneous, but well deserved, applause. The vicar announced on behalf of the family that they hoped that as many as possible of those who had the attended the funeral would attend a gathering at Brødremenighedens Hotel (the Moravians Hotel) in Christiansfeld. Then Irene Thierry by the Enoch's family request went up next to the coffin and spoke about the old tradition which Thyra Miehe had told her about: When the coffin had been carried halfway through the aisle it would stop for a moment, and she would say Ladies and gentlemen, Haddy Enoch, director of Circus Dannebrog, and then everyone should all give Haddy Enoch the greatest applause he ever had received in honour of the distinguished old artist and circus owner.

The coffin was carried out of the church by Dennie and Jimmy Enoch (Haddy Enoch’s son and grandson), the brothers Edward and David Enoch (sons of Isabella Enoch) and Hans Pedersen and Bernhard Kaselowsky.

The coffin is carried out

When it was halfway through the aisle Irene Thierry shouted Ladies and Gentlemen, Haddy Enoch, director of Circus Dannebrog. And then Haddy Enoch got his last, well-deserved applause.

Outside the church waited horse drawn hearse with 4 beautiful black horses.

The hearse. The last two photos is shot by Stefan Rothmann, other photos from the funeral by Ole Simonsen

After the funeral there was a gathering in the banquet hall at Brødremenighedens Hotel (the Moravians Hotel) in Christiansfeld. It must have pleased the old circus director in his heaven, to see that there were that many people that extra chairs was needed. It is what every circus owner dreams needing in his the circus!

At the funeral you met many amongst many others the Arli family of Circus Arli, (Soren, Lotte, Bettina, Martin and Alexander), Dawid Benneweis and Freddy Kolding of Circus Benneweis, Irene Thierry and Jan Allan of Danish Circus Krone, Katja Schumann and her brother Philip, Kim Benneweis, Addie Jepsen, Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys, Jackie Steckel, Leif Conradi (escort to the colour on behalf of Danish Artist Union) and many others from home and abroad.

Flowers outside the church in Hejls

From the gathering following the funeral                                              

18 November 2009

As usual ECA will arrange a Symposium and Circus Exhibition in Monte Carlo during the festival in 2010.

PROGRAMME

Thursday 14 January 2010

17.00 – 18.30 Federation Welcome Cocktail/opening Silent Auction 

Friday 15 January 2010

10.00 – 10.30   Opening Circus Business Exhibition/Coffee 

10.00 – 18.00   Circus Business Exhibition and Silent Auction

10.30 – 13.00   ECA Members Meeting (ECA Members only)

13.00 – 14.00   Meet and Greet Lunch

14.00 – 16.30   8TH ANNUAL ECA SYMPOSIUM:  COMMUNICATING ABOUT ANIMALS IN THE ARTS

14.00 Welcome, Urs Pilz/Arie Oudenes. Announcement of new ECA Award for Innovation in Animal Care

14.30   Circus Animal Health and Welfare. Dr. Marthe Kiley-Worthington, author of the well-known study on the welfare of circus animals in England in the 1990’s, will offer comments about current issues related to circus animal health and welfare and will provide insights on options to enhance the health and welfare for of animals under human care.

15.00   Communicating about Animals. Media trainer Jeff Jouett will address the topic of successfully communicating with the media, government officials, politicians, and the public about the positive role of animals in the classical circus.

15.30   Putting Words into Action. In this role-playing session, PR and communications strategist Rodney Huey will act as a reporter who is conducting a live “interview” of a fictitious circus director (Jeff Jouett) and a fictitious elephant presenter (Joan Galvin).  The audience will be involved in evaluating the answers to questions posed by the reporter. 

16.10 Wrap Up:  Media Training for Circuses:  Who needs it? Rodney Huey will discuss the value of media training for circus management and staff. 

16.30 – 17.00 Coffee

Saturday 16 January 2010

10.00 – 18.00  Circus Business Exhibition and Silent Auction

9.00 – 12.00  ECA Media Training Session

Overview:  Up to ten participants will receive media training during this workshop.  Participants must pre-register with ECA Headquarters.  Observers also will be welcome and will be able to learn from and participate in the session. Participants and observers are asked to familiarize themselves with the media training material and the content of the Qs and As in the ECA Toolkit before the session. 

9.00 – 9.20   Communicating with the Media, the Undecided and the Hostile, Rodney Huey

9.20 – 9.30   Demonstration, Rodney Huey and Jeff Jouett

9.30 – 10.30  Media Coaching Session (8 participants, observers welcome)                  

10.30 – 11.45  Mock Interviews

In the final session, participants will be asked to respond to questions directed to them by the moderators.  Observers also will have the opportunity to ask questions and to judge the effectiveness of responses.

11.45 – 12.00  Wrap Up, Rodney Huey and Jeff Jouett

12.00  - 14.00 ECA Luncheon

Exclusively for ECA members and guests. Cost for ECA members: € 30 per person.  Please register in advance with the ECA office.

14.30    Festival’s Open Air Circus

16.00 – 18.00  Consultations with Dr. Kiley-Worthington. Dr. Kiley-Worthington will be available for those interested in discussing further matters relating to circus animal health and welfare.

16.00 – 18.00  Federation General Assembly (Federation representatives only)

18.00 – 19.00  Closing Silent Auction/Pick up items13 November 2009

17 November 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  ---   and that's true ---  Paris  certainly  is the only European city where we can see at least six circuses at the CHRISTMAS SEASON - starting right now! The city of PARIS sports the slogan PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE = PARIS LOVES CIRCUS, there is enough space to accommodate even quite BIG TOPS, at the Pelouse de Reuilly and in the Bois de Boulogne, both big parks.

Now: the giant CIRQUE PINDER, direction and management GILBERT EDELSTEIN with family and co-workers present a wonderful program:

Ringmaster FREDERIC COLNOT guides us thru the program in a pedagogical and pleasant way. elegantly dressed in blue tails with sequins. The circus hands wear nice uniforms, which make us remember the military origin of modern circus, that does not come from the Roman one ---  and they work diligently and discreetly. The one thing I find missing is - a circus band .... here all music is pre-recorded.

The program:

SACHA HOUCKE with exotic animals: camels, llamas, donkeys and a zebra - a nice display of animal training and beautiful and well-kept animals. CHINESE TROUPE HEBEY presenting acrobatics combined with lasso-tricks - a whirl-wind of movements. ROMINA MICHELETTY, feminine beauty displayed in an acrobatic hula-hoop act. SACHA HOUCKE, this time with Pinder's own Indian elephants, very impressive. HARIZANOV CLOWNS, proficient musicians on trumpet, tuba, clarinet and xylofon, I wish they had done more clowning - but their appearance is very sympathetic. FRANCOIS BORI, young master juggler, performing seven Indian clubs in his finale. GABY DEW, sure and pleasant horse-act, beautiful horses - and a poney! CHINESE TROUPE HEILONGJANG in a variety of flying trapeze, elegant and daring.

ROMINA MICHELETTY. Photo by courtesy of Cirque Pinder

After the intermission we saw:

FREDERIC EDELSTEIN with a mixed group of 16 lions and tigers  - unique in Europe !!

AKAENA, young beauty in aerial ring, elegant choreography, eye-catching moves. SOPHIE EDELSTEIN, backed up by five acrobatic dancers, in her BIG ILLUSION LAS VEGAS STYLE ACT - normally a male magician works with female assistants - here the plates had been turned - to a great effect - surely original ! MARTIS BROTHERS, hand-to-hand and head-to-head equilibrists - strength and elegance united. LOS MENDES, Cuba, on the Russian Bar - breathtaking and stunning. CHINESE TROUPE HEBEY, tremplin acrobats - surprisingly skillful and entertaining.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Venue: Pelouse de Reuilly, Metro Porte Dorée, Paris.

Shows playing NOV 7 thru JAN 10 --- so you can still catch the show !

SEE YOU IN PARIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

FREDERIC EDELSTEIN. Photo by courtesy of Cirque Pinder

16 November 2009

Haddy Enoch has passed away. Circus owner Haddy Enoch of Circus Dannebrog died early in the morning on Monday 16 November. He had been hospitalized for some time at the hospital in Vejle where death occurred.

With Haddy Enoch's dead Danish circus has lost its grand old man and one of its finest practitioners.

Haddy Enoch was born on 28 October 1934. As a young man he dedicated his life to the circus arts. He was trained as a bike acrobat, and with his partner Solveig – who also became his wife - he travelled over most of the world as 2 Haddies. They worked as bicycle acrobats in numerous circuses and music halls in all parts of the world. When the children Agnete, Dennis, Isabella and Katja grew up, they were included in the act which then became 4 Haddies.

In 1977, Haddy Enoch realized his childhood dream about re-establishing the old Circus Dannebrog, which hadn’t toured for many years. Circus Dannebrog has always belonged to the Enoch family and was due to the efforts of the Haddy Enoch family put to life again. Through hard work and an unfailing belief in the circus arts the family managed not only to keep Circus Dannebrog on the road but also to increase its size to a large circus of international standing.

Haddy Enoch's heart beat for his family, his circus and the genuine artistic performance.

In 2005, Haddy Enoch was awarded the newspaper Jyske Vestkystens cultural award and in April 2009 he was appointed honorary member of the Danish Circus Friends Association.

Let us pay tribute to his memory.

The funeral will take place from the church in Hejls, Hejls Kirkevej 21, DK-6094 Hejls, most likely on Saturday, 21 November.

Haddy Enoch

13 November 2009

Vivi Schumann has passed away. Vivi Schumann who was born on 17January 1926 in Nyborg, Denmark, died on 9th November. Her maiden name was Vivi Merete Mikkelsen and her father was a veterinarian. On 8 February 1946 she married Max Schumann, who for many years run Circus Schumann together with his elder brother Albert. For many years Circus Schumann opened the season in the Circus Building at Lorensberg in Gothenburg, Sweden, and continued then to the Circus Building at Djurgaarden in Stockholm. In May the season continued at Circus Building in Copenhagen. Following Copenhagen Circus Schumann visited Odense, Aarhus and Aalborg. During the winter season the Schumann family was engaged to perform elsewhere in Europe, including at Bertram Mills Circus in London. After the 1957 season the circus building in Stockholm's Djurgaarden was transformed into a TV studio. This was the end for circus in the building. Until 1964 Circus Schumann performed in a tent on Nöjesfelts Square. It ended when the City of Stockholm after the 1965 season decided that the site should be used a parking lot. Thus ended the Circus Schumann's visits to Stockholm. 1969 was the last season in Gothenburg because the Lorensberg circus building was torn down. At the same time there was great uncertainty about the future of the Circus Building in Copenhagen. It had some years before been purchased by a department store which planed to tear down the building and use the lot for other purposes. Due to this the brothers Albert and Max Schumann decided to close Circus Schumann. They did still earn money, but the season was cut short after it was no longer possible to visit Stockholm and Gothenburg. Not least at Albert’s initiative brothers therefore decided to stop.

Max and Vivi Schumann dreamed, however, to restart a circus together with their children Katja and Philip. They succeeded in 1977 when they started out with the touring Circus M. Schumann, which ceased operation after the season 1982. In the following years Max and Vivi Schumann worked for Danish Circus Arena (1986) and Danish Circus Dannebrog (1987-1992). After season 1992 Max and Vivi was for some years associated with New York’s Big Apple Circus, which had their daughter Katja as one of the main stars. Later Max and Vivi Schumann returned to Denmark where Max Schumann died in 2004.

While the brothers Albert, Max and Albert's wife Paulina always was amongst the performers in the Copenhagen Circus Building, it was not that often that you saw Vivi who after at few years withdrew from the circus ring. However, for some seasons you saw Vivi riding high school ride (her debut as an equestrian was in season 1952 in the wonderful entrée Fiesta in Seville, where she starred together with Albert, Max and Paulina) and liberty horses, In1958 there was a baby elephant included in the horse act she presented together with Max.

The funeral will take place on Thursday, 19 November at 1 p.m. from Lundum Church, Urupvej 10, DK-8700 Horsens.

Max and Vivi Schumann. Photo from 1958

12 November 2009

The book about Norwegian Circus History. The Norwegian author Herman Berthelsen writes:

After many years of research Herman Berthelsen's large book on the history of circus and fair performers in Norway is finally ready. The book is called "Sirkus i Norge” (Circus in Norway) and is published in large format and in colour, with 480 pages and nearly 400 illustrations. The release is supported partly by the Norwegian Cultural Council. The price in 398 NOK (approximately 50 Euro). ISBN 9788282330145.

The publisher Commentum writes:

For the first time ever is published a comprehensive book on popular amusements in Norway. It is a book about how the fair performers came to Norway from Europe and presented their performances around the country where people come running to see those entertainers. In addition to artistically skills as acrobatics and tight wire performances they often presented mimic performances, were skilled musicians, and the first Norwegian theatres had their source from fair performers. While some fair performers went to the theatre, others went to the ballet and opera, while still others families of fair performers became circus acrobats.

The book tells about the well-known circuses still existing but also about the older ones such as Circus Norbeck, Circus Globus and Circus Berny which toured with both wrestling matches and wild tigers in the big top in addition to the more traditional circus acts. The book also reviews the variety theatres which emerged after the turn of the century, where artists and opera singers performed together. Christiania Tivoli, which was the capital's cultural focal point for many years, had in addition to the theatres and restaurants a big circus building, almost identical to those in Copenhagen and Stockholm. Also Trondheim had its own amusement park and its own circus own building.

The book contains about 400 unique illustrations to document the substance, which, together with a beautiful layout makes it a wonderful book. The manager of the Norwegian National Theatre and former Minister of Cultural Affairs Ellen Horn has written the foreword.

The language is Norwegian but at mentioned there is lot of illustrations. Thus, the book is also of interest for those who can’t read Norwegian. (Apart from Norwegians Danes and Swedes can read Norwegian which are fairly close to their own languages).The book can be ordered at the internet from (amongst others) the Norwegian internet book store www.haugenbok.no

10 November 2009

Jimmy Campbell has passed away. The Danish jazz guitarist and former bike acrobat Jimmy Campell died Saturday, 31 October at the age of 93 years.

He was born in Christiania (Oslo) in Norway on 31 marts 1916. His father was the tap dancer William Campbell, who settled in Denmark. His father died in 1923, and the mother told Jimmy and his brother Jonny that they had to find employment so the family could earn to the necessities of life. Jimmy Campbell’s career began at the Casino Theatre in Copenhagen, where the brothers were extras in some performances. In 1927 the brothers were engaged as tap dancers at Kramers Variety Theatre at the amusement part Dyrehavsbakken north of Copenhagen. In the late 1920’ties they joined the famous Swedish bike acrobat troupe the Malmsten-troupe. Jimmy and Jonny became soon very good on bikes of any kind and toured not only in Scandinavia and Northern Europe but in the mid 1930’ties also with the Russian state circus in large parts of southern Russia. Malmsten-troupe was founded by Fritiof Malmsten (1875-1952), but also his brother Helge Malmsten was active and had a period in his own troupe, Helge Malmsten-troupe. Jonny Campbell has told that he and his brother were with this troupe when it visited Örebro People's Park in Sweden in 1935 and 1937. At the outbreak of war in 1940 the Campbell brothers returned to Denmark to be closer to their mother. Shortly afterwards they established together with the drummer Kaj Timmermann Black & White Swing Quartet, which continued as Harlem Kiddies. The two brothers were since 1940 better known as musicians than as artists.

Campbell Brothers with the dancer Rigmor

The Helge Malmsten troupe. Campbell Brothers are seen at the far left and the far right.

8 November 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   -  on the PELOUSE DE REUILLY, the big Parisian circus lot - THE CIRCUS VILLAGE /village du cirque/ continues by presenting THE GALAPIAT COMPANY. It consists of six talented and well-trained artists, all trained at the CENTRE NATIONAL DES ARTS DU CIRQUE /CNAC/.

Since this is in the trend of new circus, there is a theme in the performance: THE RISK -- although I must admit I had difficulties in seeing the theme in the show - it also makes for spots in the performance which are unclear and - to my mind - too long and drawn out.

Anyhow, I suppose the answer is that each spectator may interpret the action as he/she wishes ...

The circus skills are, however, well mastered: acrobatics and juggling, particularly pleasant is the young trapeze-girl who performs her entire act without being interrupted by this or that, of minor interest. She displays strength, skill and beauty - rather appealing to all.

An original stunt is when the four of them bounce-juggle ping-pong balls with their mouth, catching each others' balls in their mouth or bouncing it on a wooden board - very nicely done with many variations. Talking about risk -- some acrobats expose themselves to unnecessary risky positions, high up on a pole and without any security tether or longe - a clear accident risk.

So the more practical side: why dress in badly fitting T-shirts and idem trousers - even if one wants to avoid sequins - there are sober and elegant costumes, as seen in the sports events.

The seating is very uncomfortable, you sit directly on raw planks, i.e. the stepped row of seats, your back has no support but you have the knees and feet of the neighbours against your back, and in the worst of cases, children sitting on their parents' lap - kicking you in the back. These gradins are rather dirty as people walk on them and they are also too high, making access for elderly people difficult. This should be looked into - and changed for the better.

Showtime: 1½ hour.

Venue: Pelouse de Reuilly, Metro: Porte Doree.

As a whole - a good show performed by skilled and enthusiastic artist. The audience - mostly adults, applauded willingly and there were two curtain-calls.

See more: www.2r2c.coop

-------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Photo from the performance

2 November 2009

Aake Skogh has passed away. The Swedish circus man Aake Ingemar Skogh died on 30th October 2009. He was born 9 August 1928 and run for 50 years Skogh’s Tivoli (a travelling amusement park) in Sweden until he at the age of 72 years left swings and roundabouts and started his own circus, Circus Aake Skogh, which toured in Sweden and Estonia. Despite a fine program, it was not a success and had to close. In 2002 he bought Circus Wictoria, which was founded in 1986 by the magicians Birgit and Stig Mosshagen. Aake Skogh owned Circus Wictoria which mainly tours in the Stockholm area until March this year when he sold it to Mr and Mrs Lars-Aake and Karin Jonsson. After the sale Aake Skogh assisted the new owners as a sort of manager.

2 November 2009

Bonbon and Tiina to Circus Finlandia. I have previously reported that the Danish/Finnish clown couple which have toured with Danish Circus Arena since 2002 not will be with Circus Arena next season. Instead, you can meet them in the Finnish Circus Finlandia, which is the leading circus in Tiina’s homeland Finland. Bonbon and Tiina are clowns of international standing and was awarded an honorary award at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2007. The Finnish audience can now look forward to see the formidable clown couple. Before that the French audiences has the opportunity to meet Bonbon at Le plus grand Cabaret de Noel sur Glace. It is an ice show performing first in Amiens and following that in Compiegne from 28 November to 20 December. At Le plus grand Cabaret de Noel sur Glace you can also meet another Danish star performer: the magician Kim Kenneth. - Bonbon, whose real name is Lasse Nørager, had his debut as a clown in 1982 in the Swedish Circus Regal. At that time Lasse was only 17 years old.

Here you can in near future meet Bonbon

2 November 2009

Christmas in Circus. From 4 December to 20 December you can in Frederiksberg Shopping Centre see a musical clown show with the clown and multi artist Benny Schumann and the comedian Toeffe. There are performances Fridays at 11, 15 and 17 and Saturdays and Sundays at 12 and 14,

1 November 2009

Circus Mascot at Horsens. Elly and Kurt Staer writes: Hi - here are some photos from Bytorvet shopping centre in Horsens, which we visited yesterday. There were many people in the centre and the show was a success. The atmosphere was great and the audience loved the performance. Today is the last day for the show. Then Circus Mascot will go to their winter quarter and the artist will return to their home countries.

As we went home to Funen we passed by the city of Fredericia and saw that German Circus Renz was visiting that town. Their visit will end Sunday and Renz tell that they then will return to Germany. But you can never be sure. The might visit some cities in the southern part of Jutland on their way back to Germany.

From Circus Mascot’s performances at  Bytorv Horsens. Photo: Elly & Kurt Staer

1 November 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  and now - whaouww ----- the CHRISTMAS CIRCUS SEASON STARTS --  THE CIRQUE BOUGLIONE presents a wonderful show at THE CIRQUE D'HIVER, one of the few remaining permanent circus buildings in Europe.

THE CIRQUE D'HIVER has been entirely refurbished for more than Euro 2.000.000 - and it is now a classified historic monument, managed by the great circus family BOUGLIONE.

The program is called FESTIF ---  and festive it is indeed -- looking at the nicely restored facade and seated in the beautifully decorated  circus - you have an esthetical pleasure - it is at least equal to the Paris Opera Garnier, decorated by Marc Chagall.

The program:

SERGIO leads us thru the entire program, he is knowledgeable, erudite and - entertaining. The 12 - man orchestra, including some female musicians accompanies each act, except for a few who brought their pre-recorded music.

A ballet - THE SALTO DANCERS, appears about six times - a disciplined choreography, beautiful costumes and perfect timing, although basically not a circus performance, THE SALTO DANCERS have become, as it were, the appreciated jingle to this Bouglione show.

I will not omit to mention "La barrière" - the circus hands who bring and remove props, they are composed of younger Bougliones and some apprentices of the Bouglione circus school.

TOM DIECK JUNIOR, Germany, presents five male lions, very spectacular and seldom seen in a ring today.

AZZARIO SISTERS, Spain, are outstanding equilibrists, hand to hand, head to head on a ladder.

MARINA BOUGLIONE, vertical rope where she uses the rope rather as her partner and not only as a prop - acrobatics and dancing nicely combined.

DIMITRI BOUGLIONE and VALENTINO TOGNI-BOUGLIONE present goats, geese and dogs - all in a very nice setting and very family-audience-appealing.

TONY FREBOURG, France, highly skilled diabolo-player, combined with dancing.

NATALIE ENTERLINE, USA, baton-twirling and dancing, technically perfect and appealing to the eye.

LES MATADORS, Israel, surprising quick-changes, special effects and magic, they got the most enthusiastic applause of the evening.

JOSEPH BOUGLIONE, with a beautiful horse performance.

ELENA AND ELENA, Russia, splendid work in tissues with many new configurations.

REGINA BOUGLIONE, lamas and alpackas, a nice display of animal training.

TRIO APHELION, Russia, Incredibly muscular and skilled acrobats on podium - fantastic !

LES MARTINIS, France and Spain, hilarious clowns and good musicians,too.

THE MITCHELS, Spain, comedy in Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin-style, also good musicians 

Since it is now 150 years since French acrobat JULES LEOTARD found the possibility to use flying trapeze - we saw THE FLYING STARS, USA, Australia, South Africa, in a splendid flying trapeze act - strength, beauty, thrill and surprise !!!

ALBERTO CAROLI, as the white clown, was present thru the entire performance.

WOLFGANG LAUENBURGER, well-known dog-act, was in the printed program but absent in the circus ring.

As a whole, an excellent program, TOP OF THE TOPS - I would challenge anyone to - do better ...

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS - and ---   PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE /Paris loves circus/.

Soooo ... see you in Paris --- at the CIRCUS !!!!

Click here for link to Cirque Bouglione’s wonderful website

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Tom Dieck. Photo by courtesy of Tom Dieck

1 November 2009

CirkusPrinsessan (The Circus Princess). I have previously mentioned the Swedish CirkusPrinsessan festival, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden, from 22nd to 25^th October. Winner of the prize as The Circus Princess 2009 was Djulia Mikhaylova from Ukraine with an act combining handstand with contortion. François Bronett's memorial prize went to Swedish Shannon Savage for an act in Chinese Poles. Ringling Brothers Barnum Prize was awarded to The Havana Girls - three acrobats from Cuba on one-wheel bicycles. Finally the Bronett Brother's honour prize was given to the Grace troupe from Russia with something as unusual as an act with 4 female acrobats, who acted as human pyramid builders. Click here to see video clips of the winning acts.

29 October 2009

Baldoni´s Christmas Circus. Circus owners René and Thessa Mönster have for some years produced a Christmas circus. Last year it was with sold performance Monday to Thursday and open performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This year they have decided only to go for sold performances at shopping centres etc. The tour will start on 23 November and last until 21 December.

27 October 2009

On 21 October 2009 I referred to plans for the dinner show Palazzo Valentino Variete, which from 7th November to 11 December was scheduled to give performances first at the circus lot in Lyngby and later at the Bellahoj lot in Copenhagen. The information came from Kultunaut. Everything now indicates that the show never will open. The man behind the project had probably hoped to finance the show through advance sales to businesses, which it undoubtedly have been very difficult. He has also had other projects in the pipeline which never have been realised.

25 October 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --- but this time after London and Århus, Denmark, where the LA CLIQUE show was performing during the Aarhus Festival, September, this year.

LA CLIQUE is connected with CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, we recognize the stage-settings, ideas and artistry: lots of comedy and humour /make them laugh !! /  -- funny, original and sometimes weird ideas ...

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, and thus LA CLIQUE , have their origins in the street performers universe - what LA CLIQUE presents is really classical circus art and skills, but disguised, perfumed and dolled up with new ideas - PRESENTATION is the key word.

Now at the BOBINO, Paris, the program: hand to hand acrobats, jugglers, a beautiful performance of hula-hoop, an aerial act in elastic ribbons where the performer starts from a bath-tub filled with water ...

Certainly the most original artists are two men who manipulate a woman-like-full-sized doll, you have the impression that she is really alive and kicking - wonderful-!

A female clown and swordswallower - she swallows one of the legs of a stool - amazing -- and todays' audience have rarely, if ever, seen a swordswallower - a funfair attraction that hardly exists any more.

A unicycle and juggling act, contorsion with great comedy when Captain Frodo crept through a tennis racket without strings .. a trick you still can see in a street performance.

Ursula Martinez with comedy, the sketch with the little red silk may be considered a bit thin - but the public roared with laughter - and that is what counts. See for yourself: www.ursulamartinez.com

Now - this show may well be the model for a revival of Music Hall and Variety shows, using the utmost modern technique for lights and sound - and the obvious joy of performing displayed by all the artists.

There is a restriction as to the props needed by the acts, those with big and bulky props cannot perform in this kind of stage-setting -- a round podium about 4 meters diameter and a very small stage in a corner of the space - some acts performed practically in the middle of the public.

A good, original and pleasant show - the audience responded with a long and repeated applause. Address: 20 rue de la Gaité, Paris. Metro: Montparnasse /and then you have a short walk/.

See more: www.bobino.fr

------------------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

24 October 2009

A circus king reaches 75. On 28 October Haddy Enoch of Circus Dannebrog can celebrate his 75^th year birthday. The story about Haddy Enoch’s life is the story about a young artist who had a dream. His parents had told him about the circus his great-grandparents Theodore and Wilhelmine Enoch established in 1880 and toured until 1928, 6 years before Haddy was born. Circus Dannebrog. Haddy Enoch's dream was to re-establish this circus. After he and his wife Solveig and their four children had toured all around the world with the bicycle act The Haddies Haddy Enoch managed in 1977 to restart Circus Dannebrog. In the beginning it was certainly not a world class organization. The Enoch family had purchased a rather worn out tent from Danish Circus Royal which had stopped touring some years before. Haddy has told me that he was debt free when he opened the season but not when it ended! Thus, the restarted Circus Dannebrog began as in HC Andersen's fairy tales as an ugly duckling. Thanks to dedication and a good dose of stubbornness Haddy Enoch managed to change Circus Dannebrog to a big beautiful swan: a large circus with an international quality performance. In this way Haddy Enoch has realized his childhood dream and created a circus which year after year presents wonderful performances to hundreds of thousands of Danes. For his efforts in the Danish cultural life he received the newspaper Jyske Vestkysten’s cultural prize in 2005. In April this year was appointed honorary member of the Danish Circus Friends Association.

24 October 2009

From clerk to the circus queen. On Saturday 31 October Thessa Daniella Mönster can celebrate her 50^th year birthday. Thessa was born in Copenhagen. After she finished school she started as an apprentice clerk at an estate agent. Since then she had office jobs at a hospital and at a plumbing wholesaler. Then she got an office job at Teatergaarden which was the firm behind René Mönster's travelling Circus Theatre. Thessa and René fell in love and in 2001 she joined René during the tour with the Circus Theatre. The economy was not too good and during the winter René and Thessa decided to change the concept into a real circus, which they gave the name Circus Baldoni. Since then the couple’s business have improved every year. Circus Baldoni has today grown from a small circus to a circus of medium size. The first couple of years you could only meet Thessa in the box office. But in 2005 she accepted to step into the circus ring together with Rene as the female part of the magicians The Baldonis. Her debut in the ring was on 21 April 2005 at the circus lot in Lyngby where Circus Baldoni had its season opening. During the Grande Finale Thessa got a large bouquet of flowers and René Mönster knelt down and asked: "Thessa, we have now lived in Polish (slang for being an unmarried couple) for 5 years. Will you marry me?” The answer was a clear yes. On 13 August 2005 the wedding took place. In the following seasons you could meet Thessa in the box office and as the female partner in The Baldonis. For season 2008 Thessa and René had engaged the talented Danish comical cascadeur Freddi Steckel who should bring his own partner. But his partner was not willing to tour for a full season. “You can take her place," Freddi Steckel suggested. And thus Thessa in an age of 48 got her debut as an acrobat when Circus Baldoni started season 2008. Also in season 2009 Thessa was Freddi’s partner in the comical cascadeur entrée which had got an additional humorous touch as Freddi and Thessa was dressed and acted as an elderly couple Viggo and Magda. A little like the Svenssons or Karl Kossmayer and his wife.  "Very funny and super-timed," Rud Kofoed wrote in the leading Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet. During the winter season Thessa and René is running Circus Nissesjov (a Christmas circus for kids) and the Circus Theatre. It will be interesting in the coming years to follow developments in Thessa’s and René’s circus. So far the quality of performances has improved year after year and the number of visitors has also increased every year compared to the year before.

Thessa Mönster

Viggo and Magda aka Freddi Steckel and Thessa Mönster

21 October 2000

Palazzo Valentino Variete in Denmark. According Kultunaut Danes can from 7th to 15 November meet Valentino Palazzo Variety Show, which probably will take place in a tent of mirrors, at the circus lot at the Copenhagen suburb Lyngby. It is most likely a diner show with artist performance. From 19th November to 11 December the show can be seen at the Copenhagen circus lot ‘Bellahoj’. Neither in Lyngby nor at Bellahøj performances takes place on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. There is not yet any information on the program or the producer. We will have to see if the show become a reality at all.

19 October 2009

New wave circus performances in November and December. Two circus companies will visit Denmark during the two last months of the year.

Forman Brothers Theatre Obludarium - A Magical Monster Tour is an exceptional new circus performance, combining marionettes, masks, dance and live music. There are 15 artists on the stage in the theatre's own beautiful theatre building, which was built specially for this show. This is a kind of new circus, but in a completely new 'old-fashioned' way. A little bit as one would find in an old movie, with monsters and side-show characters like the bearded woman, the world's strongest man, etc. The action alternates between moments of pure humor and moving poetry. There are wonderful costumes, lovely music and a wealth of surprises. There is dance, puppetry and mask theatre, done in a way you have probably never experienced. You have something to look forward to... After the performance it will be possible to go to the workshop. A Backstage View for a look at the work that goes on behind the scenes. The show can be seen at Performers House, Silkeborg, on 14 and 15 November.

The performance La vie by Les 7 doigts de la main can be seen from 18 November - 12 December at Theatre Republique in Copenhagen. La Vie is an entertaining, spectacular world theatre piece, specifically created for the splendorous ambience of the Spiegeltent, which hosts REPUBLIQUE’s main stage this season. The Seven Fingers are according to the press release the world’s best circus artists – sexy, and devastatingly funny – with many gold medals in their respective disciplines. CREATED BY THE ENSEMBLE: Les 7 doigts de la main: Sébastien Soldevilla, Shana Carroll, Samuel Tétreault, Patrick Léonard, Isabelle Chassé, Faon Shane, Emilie Bonnavaud.

Willkommen, Bienvenue, and Welcome to the cabaret of life. The Stage is changed from Berlin in the 30’s to Death’s own front yard, where the Devil receives his guests and invites them in. Meet the woman who pulls the strings behind every man, meet the cripple, the lunatic, and the clown. Meet the dictator, the lovers, and many more characters we may recognize from our own lives and perhaps even their appearances in our own mirrors. What will their fates be when they arrive in limbo? You can take part in determining their destinies.

About THE SEVEN FINGERS: The artists’ paths crossed many times before they decided to form their own company. They had been through the rigors of the world’s largest entertainment machine, Cirque du Soleil, and the more refined Cirque Eloize, which, among other things, created the opening and closing shows of the Winter Olympic Games in Torino. They have stood together on Berlin’s great varieté stage, Wintergarten, and traveled with famous family circuses in the US. The Seven Fingers are also among the world’s best paid circus artists, as they display their arts at events for international corporations and product launches. Ernst & Young, Caterpillar, Turner Broadcasting, and many more have arranged special events with them. Now they are coming to Denmark for the first time with the brand new performance: La Vie, with the Devil himself as Ringmaster.

20 October 2009

The CirusPrincess competition 2009. The first CircusPrincess competition was created in 1995 in Stockholm, Sweden, by brothers Robert and Henry Bronett as a tribute to all of the gifted women who had been kept in the shadows of the circus world. Their idea was to make it a one-time event, but the audience had other plans. Thanks to overwhelming public demand, CircusPrincess became a highly anticipated annual competition until 2003. It has been seen on TV by over 70 million viewers worldwide. Throughout the years, winners have hailed from countries including Canada, France, Russia and China. For many, CircusPrincess was only the beginning of a successful international career. 

In 2009 Robert Bronett has decided to re-establish the CircusPrincess. CircusPrincess 2009 will be different from its predecessors. The popularity of circus schools, together with modern techniques, has paved the way for a talented new generation of artists who dare to experiment and mix genres. And women have stepped to the forefront. This year, online registration has made it possible for more artists than ever to join the show. It has also increased Robert Bronett’s odds of finding the most talented artists in the world, wherever they are.

The following performers will take place in the final competition to take place in Stockholm from 22 to 25 October:

Serpier - France

The Beautiful Jewels - Germany

Djulia - Ukraine

Shannon Savage - Sweden

Kimberly Olsen - USA

Natalia Gavrilova Macauley - Switzerland

Salima Peipo - Finland

Cathrine Flaherty - Canada

Iryna Bessonova/Athenas Töchter - Germany

Havannas Girls - Cuba

Stéphanie Bouchard - Spain

Linde Hartmann - Belgium

Grace - Russia

Kendra Greaves - USA

The jury includes Mr DAVID KISER, Artistic Director, Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus, Mr FRABRIZZIO CACCIAMANI, Ballandi Entertainment S.p.a RAI, Italy, Mrs NADINE HAGEMANN, MDR – Television, Germany, Mme VALERIE FRATTELINI, Academie Frattelini, France and Mrs MADELEINE SJÖSTEDT, Culture and Sport Mayor, City of Stockholm, Sweden.

One of the competitors, Salima Peipo. Photo shot during a performance at Circus Benneweis, Denmark, 2008.

18 October 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --- LE VILLAGE DE CIRQUE will play during OCT, featuring LE CIRQUE BAROQUE and the Compagnie GALAPIAT, also Madame FRANCOISE from  LES NOUVEUAX NEZ /new circus clown troupe/.

LE CIRQUE BAROQUE was started in 1973, by CHRISTIAN TAGUET, an actor who wanted to combine circus disciplines with theatrical stories.

It is important to know that this combination of circus skills and theatre is the main idea - it is not easy to carry out, but it has a great success, judging from the many events where new circus has been an attraction.

The acrobats of the CIRQUE BAROQUE are very proficient, also in juggling, and their performance is very pleasant.

The production of this year has the BEGGAR'S OPERA as theme - and everyone is free to interpret the idea in his/her own way.

The publicity says for all public, which is true, it also says from 7 years ... which is not true, since the kids at that age have no possibility to see the connection between the circus skills and the related story - even adults may have that difficulty.

Practically: the seating is very uncomfortable, you sit on raw planks, without any cushion, the seats are dirty as people step on them to get up further and those steps are rather high, thus making it difficult for elderly people to take a seat.

Showtime: 1.30 hour.

The show is subventioned by the MINISTRY OF CULTURE and other organizations.

Venue: Pelouse de Reuilly, Paris, Metro: Porte Dorée.

see more in French and English: www.cirque-baroque.com

Within the framework of my info’s re: small, but interesting shows, presented at equally small, but interesting cabaret-theatres --- unique in Europe - here comes LA MAGICIENNE DU FOND DU SAC /meaning something like: The witch who came out of the bag/.

A mainly visual show with and by CRISTALINE, who changes dress unexpectedly /no quick-change though/ - she frolics around with all kinds of clowning for children from 2 to 6 - and for their parents. CRISTALINE is a good mime, she performs magic tricks and juggles - and all in a very pleasant and poetical way, amusing both kids and parents.

The grande finale is the giant soap-bubbles, and then there is a rain of small bubbles from the soap bubble-machine. Good contact with the audience, both with children and parents.

Point of interest: since most tourists to Paris don't master French enough to follow a theatre-play -- they will be pleased learning about all the visual shows actually appearing.

Venue: THEATRE DE NESLE, 8 rue de Nesle, Metro ODEON. See more: www.theatredenesle.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

16 October 2009

Benny Schumann's Mini Circus. It is a tradition for the Frederiksberg Shopping Centre in Copenhagen to engage Benny Schumann to present his Mini Circus as free attraction during the school children’s autumn holiday. Since 1980 Benny Schumann has appeared all over Denmark with his fine and kid-friendly performances, which have been seen by well over 1 million people. The 2010 autumn version of his show in Frederiksberg Centre lived of course once again up to the expectations that one have to the now 64-year-old clown and multi-artist. Before the show began Benny walked dressed in circus groom costume around in the tiny circus ring and dusted, changed hats and balanced with a spoon and a shoe as well as a plate. When the performance began he called for the clown, rushed out behind the curtain and came running back dressed in his famous clown costume. Then we saw his plate juggling entrée. Following this, two children were invited to the circus ring. Benny taught each of them how to balance with two plates and a ball on the nose! Next came a short magic entrée and then my granddaughters favourite: a ventriloquist entrée with a dog and a bird. The last act in the 35 minutes long performance was Patrick Harrison with his hot dogs. A nice and fast paced dog number, presented with great charm.

There is not much space in front of the tiny circus ring at the Frederiksberg Centre. But at all performances there are crowded and it is understandable that the Centre has hired Benny Schumann to present a Christmas circus. 

Young talents in Benny Schumann’s Mini Circus. Click here to see more photos from the performance

15 October 2009

Autumn Greetings from Viggo Salting and Helle Abildgaard. The two Danish painters write:

Dear family and friends. We have just returned from our retreat in Roquefort des Corbières, where we for six weeks have extended the summer. Viggo worked intensely on new paintings for his exhibition in London in January 2010. "The Clown who clowns with himself" has been invited to exhibit at the Broadway Gallery in New York in December 2009.

We are home now - until 1st December.  Feel free to pass by and say hallo. We have constructed a new studio in connection to our apartment and are also still using the former butcher shop.

Many greetings

Helle and Viggo

Vestergade 1, DK-5300 Kerteminde

One of Viggo Salting’s clown paintings

13 October 2009

Suzanne Berdino at a riding club. Svanninge Millinge Riding Club will on Sunday 18 October be visited by Suzanne Berdino who for many years presented horses at her father’s Circus Arena. Suzanne will tell the club members a little about how to get a more enjoyable life with their horses.

Suzanne writes: "We horse owners are getting better and better possibilities for giving our horses as good and nice a life as possible. The lecture is based on my book on horse tricks. You start with basic training, what we call the horse ABC, and then continue with circus tricks which you yourself can train. If you have a horse / pony that is curious and willing to learn I will teach you how to get a more enjoyable life for your horse and you. "

The exciting Sunday begins at 10:00 where Suzanne Berdino with her stallions will show what the horse ABC is composed and how to get started. Then she teaches those attending the lecture how to work with their horses. At 13:00 she will give a workshop. Everyone is welcome to participate as a spectator. Svanninge Millinge Rideklub is situated at Assensvej 320A, 5642 Millinge

14 October 2009

Circus in Odense. People from Odense (Denmark’s third largest city) love the circus. At least if it is free of charge. This was proved by the large audiences during the autumn holidays at the two circuses in Odense: Isabella Enoch’s Circus Trapeze presented by Mega Furniture and Haddy Enoch’s Circus Kenny at Rosengaardscentret Shopping Mall.

The show at Circus Trapeze runs for a little more than 1 ½ hours including interval and take place in a real circus tent. The performance is elegantly staged by Isabella Enoch with beautiful costumes, a ballet corps etc. The show began with a kind of charivari where a large part of the performers came into the circus ring dressed in colourful clown costumes. First real act was David Hammerberg's excellent handstand entrée. Then Bernhard Kaselowsky presented 6 white ponies in liberty dressage. All ponies had been charming red clown noses on. Then came the Buffos-clowns with their first run-in where a man from the audience was invited in the circus ring to have his photo taken. Next act was Bambolina and Dodo with their charming and poetic entrée with the doll maker who falls in love with his doll. After a short run-in with Buffos David Hammerberg showed his skills in trapeze and revealed considerable talent. It will be interesting to follow the young Swedish artist in the coming years. First part of then performance ended with Isabella's beauty salon, where an audience member was shaved by the elephant Dumbo. The second part of the performance began with a short clown run-in before Bernhard Kaselowky came into the circus ring with his camels. The camels was followed Bambolina and Dodos aerial act  where the doll maker fall asleep while the doll is climbing up in the trapeze. She drops a rose, which hit him in the face and wakes him. Then he climbs up to his beloved doll. Again, a very fine and poetic entrée. Poetry was replaced by Buffos with a nice dog act. Next came the elephant Dumbo in the ring with David Hammerberg on her back. After performing some of the tricks the elephant walked to some tissues in which David showed an nice entre. The show ended with a few additional elephant tricks, where Bernhard Kaselowsky got help from his daughter Melanie. The hard-working Melanie was during the show also part of the ballet, where I further took notice of Agnete Louise Enoch's daughter Victoria and Konrad Thurano’s granddaughter Kirsten Thur.

In Circus Trapeze it was Isabella Enoch who presented the show. Click here to see some photos of the acts she presented

The show at Circus Kenny took  place at Store Torv in Rosengaardscentret where a real circus ring and good seating facilities are built up. Agnete Louise Enoch was ringmistress. The first act was a fine act with goats and alpacas from the Swedish Circus Olympia presented by Natascha Jarz, assisted by her husband Niklas Bengtsson. After a short run-in with Mr Di Lello the audience met the Czech juggler Antonio Rapolli who assisted by his beautiful assistant was juggling with clubs and footballs. Next came the Di Lello clowns with their main act where he obviously tried to discomfort his wife when she tries to play beautifully on the flute. No doubt that the couple's musical clown act was popular with the audience. Last act in the performance running for about 40 minutes was Henrika Bengtsson from Circus Olympia with her dogs. Henrika's dog number is clearly among the very best and her love and care for her dogs is legendary

At Circus Kenny it was Agnete Louise Enoch who presented the performers. Click here to see some photos of the acts she presented

14 October 2009

Circus Arena at Greenland. True to tradition Circus Arena had in the beginning of October a show on tour in a number of Greenlandic towns. This year's performers were Suzanne Berdino's triplets Stephanie, Chamaine and Oliver Berdino with hula hop and juggling, Ingo & Elena (Ingo Reisig and Elena Fiesta) with adagio and tissue, the clowns Martino & Co. (Martin, Alexander and Bettina Arli) and the Italian comedian Marco Carolei. During week 42 you could meet almost the same team in Kolding Storcenter. However here Marco Carolei was replaced by Karsten Berdino presenting liberty ponies. The show was presented by Pierrot aka Ib Groth-Rasmussen. - Ingo & Elena have this summer performed at Soren Østergaard's Tivoli Variete, where the couple, however, appeared in different acts: Elena alone and Ingo together with Frank Schreiber.

11 October 2009

Circus Arli had its first season in 1971. Thus, in 2010, the tiny circus comes to an anniversary: season number 40 with opening night on 27th March 2010. Moreover, Soren Arli can during season 2010 celebrate his 75 years birthday and Martin Arli his 50^th years birthday.

Per Krogh Petersen has on his website made a tribute to the Circus Arli showing among other photos some photos from 1972, which never have been published before. Click here for links Per’s website. The site does have a version written in English.

11 October 2009 

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --   again a most interesting show at the THEATRE TREVISE: LES FRERES TALOCHE - brothers BRUNO and VINCENT TALOCHE present a show based on visual jokes and gags - all in all very pleasant, funny and sympathetic.

Paris still is, according to tourism statistics that I have seen, the most visited city in the world. It is obvious that many visitors do not master French - they will be looking for visual and musical shows.

THE POINT OF INTEREST is that here they can get a good laugh and a pleasant evening without knowing French.

Also interesting is that THE THEATRE TREVISE is located in an area where many cultures live together side by side, which then means that here you will find lots of restaurants, bars and cafés where you can spend the rest of the evening.

THE THEATRE TREVISE presents other visual programs - look for info in my coverage’s on this web-site. Address: 14 rue de Trevise.  Metro: Grands Boulevards.

See more: www.taloche.com and www.corniaudandco.com

--------------------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

BRUNO and VINCENT TALOCHE

7 October 2009

Master Juggler at the Circus Museum. It helps to watch one’s step when the young juggler Lauge Benjaminsen during in the autumn holiday shows his amazing skills at the Circus Museum. From Monday 12 October to Friday 16 October he will perform daily at 11 a.m. Despite his young age (Lauge is 16 years old) he is well-known. This is not least due to the fact that in 2007 he won TV2's talent program Star Search and later performed as guest artist with Circus Benneweis. After this appearance Diana Benneweis said: "Lauge is Denmark's largest juggling talent." The audience can meet him at the museum where he will juggle with everything from clubs to mobile phones and keep 7 balls in the air.

Curator Mikkel Knudsen says "Lauge’s abilities are amazing, and it is a great pleasure to be allowed to present a raising star on the Danish artist scene at the museum”. Tickets for the show can be booked by calling + 45 36 49 00 30 or at cirkusbyen@hvidovre.dk. It is free of charge for children and costs 50 DKK for adults. Non-reserved tickets can be purchased from pm. 10:30 at the museum on the day of performance.

In connection with his show Lauge will make an exclusive workshop after each show. Here the audiences can try juggling themselves and there will be inspiration for both the inexperienced as the experienced. The workshop will take place at 12:30, however at 12 on 15 October. There are a limited number of seats for the workshop, which costs 20 DKK for each person. Contact the museum by calling + 45 36 49 00 30 for more information and ticket reservation.

The Circus Museum at Hvidovre is located at Hovedvagten 6 in Avedørelejren in Hvidovre (Copenhagen suburb). For more information about the museum see www.cirkusmuseum.dk

Lauge Benjaminsen

8 October 2009

Circus Amara turned out from circus lot. The tiny German family circus Circus Amara which in 2009 has been touring Denmark gave in the weekend 2nd to 4 August three performances in Hammel, where they had put up their tent on the green area next to Hammel Sports Centre. The municipality of Favrskov had given them permission to use the lot from 2 to 4 October. As Circus Amara not yet had left the lot on 7 October, Favrskov municipality asked the police to turn the circus out of the lot. When police showed up, the circus had however started packing down.

After Hammel Amara Circus was scheduled visit to Hinnerup. Here, the municipality, however, refused them permission to put up the tent because they had not cleaned up properly after themselves at one of the lots in the municipality where they previously had been performing.

7 October 2009

Tiny sealion to be named at Arena Circus Land. Monday 12 October at 10:15 Arena Circus Land’s own tiny sealion baby will be named. She was born in Circus Land on15 July this year. Her mother is very happy with the new baby who at birth weighed 7 kilo and was 51 centimetre long. The Slagelse-singer Simone will be godmother for the tiny sealion

Luna and her baby. Photo: Addie Jepsen/Arena Cirkusland

1 October 2009

Arena Circus Land at Aarslev close to Slagelse is open throughout the school children's autumn holidays. "The magic circus Country. You are close to all the circus animals. New show every half hour with sea lions, horses, elephants, zebras and camels. Stable visits. See the performance at the Circus Theatre. Circus Museum. Try costumes, get painted. Let the kids enjoy themselves in Playland, see Sune's Crazy Magic Show. During the autumn holidays Circus Arena’s circus elephants are back in Area Circus Land. Children under 90 cm. have free access. When the entrance fee is paid is theatre, all shows and activities free " states the press release.

Circus Land is open 10th - 18 October from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Entrance fee 149 DKK

Show times:

10.30: elephants in the training ring

11.00: Circus-Theater in the blue tent

11.30: Pony riding in small ring

12.00: Sune's Crazy Magic Show

12.30: Circus animals in training ring

13.00: sea lion show

13.30: Sune’s crazy-magic-show

14.00: Pony riding in the small ring

14.30: Circus-Theater in the blue tent

15.00: sea lion show

15.30: elephants in the training ring

Circus Arena’s 3 African elephants, here photographed during their appearance this summer in the Swedish Circus Maximum

1 October 2009

On 23 September 2009 I mentioned a new Danish book about the Danish born trapeze star La Norma (Norma Fox). If you visit the website circus4you you can find an article about La Norma and even a video clip. Click here to read the article

La Norma is also mentioned in an interview with the famous trapeze artist Tony Steele (”Flying Steele’s”). Tony says: “I was fifteen when I saw my first circus and was especially impressed by a charming young lady that worked under the name of "La Norma"; her real name is Norma Fox and I, at fifteen years old, was just old enough to fall in love with her, with her and the whole atmosphere and ambience of the circus, even the smell of the sawdust … The thing I remember about La Norma the most is that in those days you didn't see women on the beach in the attire that they wear now, which is almost nothing. But you'd see this in the circus, plus the circus women were very well built and were erotic and sexual.” Click here to see the entire interview.

La Norma is also mentioned in David Lewis Hammarstrom’s book Big Top Boss: John Ringling North and the Circus. Click here for link to this interesting book.

In 1949 La Norma had her American debut. In the printed Ringling program she was presented as follows:

The year after the printed program contained the photo shown below of the Danish trapeze star.

The author of the book Aase Thomassen is very interested in getting in touch with persons who have seen or known La Norma. Please send me an email if you are such person. I will then forward the email to Aase Thomassen.

28 September 2009

Two press releases from ECA:

Brussels, Belgium – The European Circus Association (ECA) today announced the filing of legal actions against Austria and the City of Luxembourg to challenge their bans on animals in the circus.  ECA President Urs Pilz made the announcement at the European Parliament where the ECA and its partners delivered a report to MEP Doris Pack, Chairwoman of the Committee on Culture and Education, on next steps for the Parliament’s 2005 circus resolution which noted the desirability of further recognition of the classical circus, including the presentation of animals, as part of European culture.

“We have waited nearly five years for the European Commission to take up its responsibilities and challenge the Austrian ban,” Mr. Pilz said.  “The right to present well-cared for animals under good welfare conditions in the classical circus in Europe must be established once and for all.  Equal treatment for the circus community and enforcement of law also means that bans established by local authorities such as the City of Luxembourg must be invalidated.” 

Austria instituted a ban on non-domesticated animals in the circus in January 2005.  The European Commission determined that the Austrian ban violated Article 49 of the European Treaty and opened legal proceedings against Austria.  However, the Commission dropped the case under pressure from animal rights activists.  In June 2009, the European Ombudsman concluded his investigation, finding that the Commission had “abdicated its role as Guardian of the Treaty.”  He recommended that the Commission reinstate the action or provide a legally valid reason for not doing so. 

Mr. Pilz emphasized the ongoing popularity of performing circus animals across Europe.  Data from the Irish Arts Council shows that more Irish visited circuses in 2006 than opera, contemporary dance, and ballet combined.  Independent market research determined that 6.4 million Germans visited a circus in either 2006 or 2007.   A random sampling of the German public in 2008 found that 86% of the persons surveyed believe that animals are an essential part of the circus.

The ECA reaffirmed its strong commitment to animal welfare. It also announced a new Pledge programme under which ECA members would report on their achievements to the public and its intention to identify one European circus each year for excellence and innovation in animal care.

***

Circus, Schools, and Fair Coalition seeks “Next Steps” from the European Parliament

Brussels, Belgium – Urs Pilz, President of the European Circus Association, leading a

delegation of representatives from circus, fairs, professional circus schools and the traveling communities, today announced the publication of a comprehensive report on the

implementation of the European Parliament’s 2005 Resolution on Circuses. The report was presented to European Parliamentarian Doris Pack, who championed the 2005 Resolution and was recently elected chairwoman of the Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education. The report summarizes progress made on the Parliament’s requests to the European Commission and Member States concerning recognition of circus as culture, mobility of artists and workers, harmonization of technical standards, the education of traveling children and vocational education, which are critical to circuses, fairs and related educational professionals.

“The subjects addressed in the 2005 Resolution are a matter of survival to the thousands of workers and their families who depend on circuses, festivals, funfairs and carnivals for their daily existence,” said Pilz. “Our coalition looks forward to continued collaboration with the Committee to achieve even more in the coming years.”

Entitled “Next Steps,” the report also identifies areas that require further attention.

Recommendations aim at further recognition of circus arts as part of European culture and of the important contribution of funfairs to social cohesion and local culture. The report also

requests action on artist and worker mobility, citing the United Kingdom’s new system for

sponsorship of foreign workers as a possible model for other Member States.

Concerning technical requirements, the report urges action to eliminate contradictory

standards that block the free movement of circuses and fairs. Noting the successful creation of a French charter agreement between traveling circuses and local communities, the coalition calls for support for a European-wide charter. Finally, coalition partners identify the need to develop a pilot program for distance learning for travelling students via internet communications with teachers from students’ native countries.

Joining the European Circus Association in the presentation of the report were Mr. Albert

Ritter, President of the European Showmen’s Union; Mrs. Annette Schwer, representing the European Network for Traveler Education; Ms. Danijela Jovic, representing the European Federation of Professional Circus Schools; and Father Bernard van Welzenes on behalf of the Forum of Christian Organisations for the Pastoral Care of Circus and Carnival Workers.

28 September 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- here we go for a new exciting season !!!

LULLY presents the  FOURTH MAGIC FESTIVAL OF PARIS, from beginning of Oct thru end of Feb, 2010, Theatre de TREVISE, 14 rue de Trevise, Metro: Grands Boulevards.

Performing artists: RAFISTOL, comedy - LAURENT BERETTA, dance and card manipulations, - PASCAL ROUSSEAU, acrobatics, - BERTOX, juggling, mime, magic, - FRED RAZON, magic, - BRUNO, clown, mime, MARIANGELES, dance with veils and hoops -- LES MANGEURS DE LAPIN - DUO BURLESQUE-COMEDY.

See more:

www.rafistol.com

www.cabaretdeletrange.com

www.laurentberetta.fr

www.fredrazon.com

Also LULLY PRODUCTION: THEATRE DE NESLE, 8 rue de Nesle, Metro Odeon.

LE SOUFFLE MAGIQUE by PAUL MAZ, magic and mime, show aimed at  children 4 - 12 years and their parents

See more: www.soufflemagique.com

For more info: lullys@club-internet.fr

www.spectacles-credo-music.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------

At the PELOUSE DE REUILLY, Metro: Porte Doree, the big park where circuses are allowed to plant their big top, we can see during all of Oct - various circuses, often of the new circus breed. see for info: www.2r2c.coop

Traditional circuses, playing all the year around in Paris:

Cirque Diana Moreno Bormann, 112, rue de la Haie-Coq, Metro: Porte de la Chapelle.

- here we can see a splendid tiger group.

Cirque Alexandra Franconi, featuring talented clown BOBOSS,

Parc de Saint-Cloud, Metro: Pont de Sevres.

The small circus-variety show GONTELLI plays in the smaller parks of Paris with a nice program geared at younger children and their parents. For more details, please consult L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES, 0.35 Euro in all news-stalls.

LA CLIQUE, seen in London and among other events at the Festival of Aarhus, Denmark, performs at the BOBINO, 20 rue de la Gaieté, Metro: Edgar Quinet.

Magic Theatres open all year around: L'ANTRE MAGIQUE, CHRISTIAN GAMBIN presents various shows with magic, fun and balloons, show aimed at younger children and their parents. 50, rue Saint-Georges, Metro: Saint-Georges.

METAMORPHOSIS, direction CHANTAL SAINT JEAN and JAN MADD feature  their magic show geared at an adult audience, TUESDAY thru SATURDAY, family show SUNDAYS in the afternoon. This is a feature unique in Europe, the show attracts people who have hundreds of other shows to choose from. See more: www.metamorphosis-spectacle.fr

A newspaper-cutting: two tiger babies, only a few months old, disappeared from the ACHILLE ZAVATTA FILS circus - they were found and retrieved far from each other - but luckily in good shape, they wouldn't have had a chance to survive on their own - so -- HAPPY ENDING  -- and -- SEE YOU IN PARIS  !!!

-------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

25 September 2009

Circus during the autumn holiday. When Circus Mascot on 28 or 29 September end their summer tour in Thise all Danish circus has closed their summer season 2009. The season started on 13 March, when Circus Arena had a dress rehearsal at Bellahoj in Copenhagen. One Danish circus has spent part of the season abroad. It is Circus Baldoni, which after having toured Zealand finished the season with a visit to the Faroe Islands and Iceland.  

In these times of financial crisis most circus managements was probably in the spring a bit nervous about how the season would be. Luckily enough it was not as bad as some might have feared. "In spite of the economical crisis in Denmark as in the rest of the world Circus Benneweis can look back on a really good season, "Diana Benneweis says. Circus Arena and Circus Dannebrog report of a reasonable season, however not quite as good as 2008. And for Arena the number of visitors to Arena Circus Land in Slagelse was somewhat lower that they had hoped for. - Circus Arli writes: "We thank the audience and staff for a totally terrific tour. We look forward to see you again for our 40th season – opening night on 27 March 2010,"

That the summer season has ended does however not mean that Danes not can see circus until March 2010.

By tradition several shopping centers are featuring circus performances as free attractions during the school children’s autumn holiday in week 42.

In Odense you can see no less than two circus productions during the autumn holidays. In Rosengaardscentret the Haddy Enoch family present Circus Kenny. This year the performers are Di Lello clowns from Italy and the Netherlands, the Czech soccer juggler Antonio Rapolli, Natascha Jarz with a mixed animal act (goats and alpacas) and Henrika Bengtsson with her dogs. Allen and Jenny Di Lello have several times before appeared in Denmark. Last time was in Circus Dannebrog in 2004. Henrika Bengtsson and her daughter-Natascha Jarz come from the Swedish Circus Olympia.

Natascha Jarz with goats and alpacas. Photo: Eva Sellman

Isabella Enoch produces a circus performance for Mega Furniture. In the performance you can meet Bernhard Kaselowsky's elephant and his camels. The elephant present among other things the barber shop gag. From Poland come the clowns Buffos, who also work with dogs and pigeons. Further, you can meet Bambolina and Dodo with their mechanical doll (known from this year’s Benneweis-performance) and the Swedish handstand and trapeze acrobat David Hammerberg.

David Hammerberg

Circus Mascot performs in week 42 in the grocery store Bilka in Holstebro and at week 44 in Horsens at the shopping mall. Apart from members of the Deleuran family you can meet the clown and juggler Ulmas (aka Gulio), Miss Tanja and their son Husik.

Gulio - Circus Mascot’s clown since 2003.

In the Frederiksberg Centre in Copenhagen you can in week 42 meet Benny Schumann's Mini Circus where Benny Schumann performs with some of his famous clowns and circus acts. Furthermore you can meet the wonderful dogs act Pat Clarrison's Hot Dogs, a number that Patrick has taken over from his father Pete. Benny Schumann is also hired to perform at Frederiksberg Centre in December

Patrick Clarrison with his hot dogs.

At Kolding Storcentre Circus Arena produces a show daily from 12th to 15 October. They promise that you will meet clowns, world-class acrobats, horses and the pure magic with circus triples Stephanie, Chamaine and Oliver Berdino, circus-Pierrot, juggling and much more.

All these performances are free.

From 14 October to 1 November you can first in Aalborg and later in Copenhagen met Cirque du Soleil with the show Saltimbanco. Ticket prices for adults is between DKK 420 and DKK 600 and for children under 12 years of age between 336 DKK and 480 DKK

For all those shows can find detailed information on play dates, etc. at What’s on.

23 September 2009

New Danish circus book. The writer Aase Thomassen has just published the book La Norma – Sorg, savn og succes – en dansk trapezstjernes vej til international berømmelse (La Norma - grief, loss and success - a Danish trapeze star's road to international fame). The book is in Danish but has a lot of photos. Due to this it can also be of interest for non-Danes.

The book is about he Danish-born trapeze artist Norma Fox, born Nielsen, who was born in Randers, Denmark. She got an international career and was especially known in the U.S. where she appeared in several seasons at Circus Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily. In the Oscar winning film "The Greatest Show on Earth" she was stand-in for the female lead holder Betty Hutton in trapeze scenes.

The book is hardcover, 92 pages with many photos, several in color. The book costs in bookshops DKK 149.95. The book can also be purchased directly from the author. Order by phone + 45 86 46 61 14.

20 September 2009

Old-timer-meeting in the Circus Benneweis. When Circus Benneweis on 12th August visited Auning an old Benneweis-artist, the trick rider Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys, got the opportunity to meet an old friend: the 77-year-old Toni Hochegger, father of Rosi Hochegger. Tony had just brought a small pony to his daughter to replace the pony Smarty, who died in Aabenraa in late July and which until then had thrilled the Benneweis audiences with its beautiful capriole. In the capriole (meaning leap of a goat), the horse jumps from a raised position of the forehand straight up into the air, kicks out with the hind legs, and lands more or less on all four legs at the same time.

Bjoern writes: "I took the opportunity to see my "old” colleague again after many years! So there was much circus talk, not least about our time together in the Circus Busch-Roland in 1968! At that time I worked with three brown bears belonging to Franz Adamski. Toni presented animals from Circus Knie. Later we met each other in France, where Toni's worked with his horse "Racket Jacket" who went to bed. I worked with my comic horse act "Crazy Cowboy Comedy" at the Circus Bouglione. Toni and I have had many exciting years in the circus and we talked lively about these years. Toni Hochegger is still working with his horse and his pony, but only at galas. I am 61 years old and train still animals for Christian Hede Zoo Circus."

Two old friends: Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys and Toni Hochegger

20 September 2009

When the Danish gentleman-thief Kenny Quinn and Mrs. Joan ends season 2009 in Circus Dannebrog with performances in Gram on 27 September they have a very short break before heading to Leipzig, where they will work in Variety Krystallpalast show LONDON CALLING / VERY BRITISH from 25th October 2009 to 7 February 2010.

Kenny says: "One can already at the website for Krystallpalasts see entire program. The other performers are:

Luke Wilson - Conférence, Comedy, Magie, Jonglage

Arron Sparks - britischer Jojo-Champion

Petra Lange - Luftakrobatik, Handstand

Hilary Chaplain - Visual Comedy

Craig Reid - Tempo-Hulahoop

AJ Silver - Bolas, Peitschen- und Lassowurf

Martha & Amber - Doppeltrapez

Luke Wilson from England who now lives in Germany is magician and juggler and will be the recurring character in the show. Besides him Petra Lang in vertical rope will be part of the show. We have worked with both Luke and Petra at SARRASANI'S TROCADEO Dinner Show in Dresden. Besides those two artists, we do not know any of the other performers.

We have previously worked in one of Krystallpalasts productions, and look forward to a good winter season in Leipzig.

When we finish we have a short break until late March 2010 when we will start the summer season of HANSA-PARK at Lubeck. The season begin on 1 April and runs until 31 October 2010. We will perform at the open air stage "Der Alte JAHRMARCHT" where we will make daily 3 shows / performances"

Kenny Quinn. His victim at this photo is Martin Jorgensen, married to Countess Alexandra

Of the other performers from this year’s Dannebrog-production Posnas and their dogs go to France to work at an amusement park for around 7 months. Flying Michaels will as earlier mentioned at this page participate in the circus festival in Monte Carlo in January and will both before and after the Monte Carlo feature in the Italian Circus Medrano, where they were before they came to Circus Dannebrog.

11 September 2009

Katja Schumann - 60 years on 16 September

Katja Schumann was born on 16 September 1949 in Copenhagen as daughter of Vivi and Max Schumann. She had her debut as an artist in Circus Schumann in the Copenhagen Circus Building at an age of 10 and got together with her brother Philip a comprehensive training in circus culture with special emphasis on horses. Her masters were her father and her uncle Albert Schumann - the best ever.

When the Schumann family in 1969 stopped in the Copenhagen circus building Katja continued her career in circuses all around Europe where she rode high school and presented liberty horses. In 1977 she returned to Denmark and became one of the main forces behind the tented Circus Max Schumann until this circus closed by the end of the season 1982.

Then she went to America where she married circus owner Paul Binder of New York’s famous Big Apple Circus. There she further developed her great talent for riding in spectacular and stylish numbers until she in 2005 came to circus Flora of Missouri where she stayed until 2007. After that she returned to Denmark where she toured with Circus Dannebrog in season 2008 before she settled down with Team LA and No Name Circus at Solbjerg in the northern part of Jutland.

Katja Schumann was the "la dame du cirque” award in Monte Carlo in 1974. In 1976 she received a gold medal at the Circus World Championship. Katja Schumann's daughter Katherine is working as artist in circus Flora in the U.S. Her son Max is studying at Harvard University.

Katja Schumann at Ushastik. Photo: Roy Himsel

Katja Schumann

8 September 2009

Although a fire in the generator at Circus Benneweis at the Copenhagen opening night on Friday 4 September looked dramatically (see the photos below) fortunately neither humans nor animals was injured and there was never risk of a serious danger. The property damage was limited to a burned out generator and a trailer. Everyone present was impressed by the staff and circus owner Diana Benneweis who looked after the audience and made many inquires about the artist's welfare.

The fire broke out just after the intermission. First part of the performance went smoothly. During the interval Diana Benneweis had invited the many invited guests at delicious canapés in a party tent set up just outside the big top. Shortly before 9 p.m. the second part of the performance began with Rosi Hochegger and her horse Scout. After a short while the light in the tent suddenly was switched off. The emergency power supply turned on immediately. Most people believed that it was a fuse which had blown but the main light did not return. After a few minutes ringmaster Kim Kenneth came into the circus ring with an electric megaphone and asked the audience to leave the tent by the main entrance as there was fire in a generator.

The audience got up and left the tent without any panic. Outside the tent you could see that there was a fire in a truck with a generator. The staff asked for security reasons the audience to leave the circus lot. This was also done without any sort of panic. Meanwhile, the police arrived and fenced off the entire area outside the circus lot. Shortly after arrival of the first fire engine the firemen got the fire under control. Next to the generator the circus had its tank with diesel. Diesel is fortunately not explosive as gas and gasoline but the firemen decided for security reasons to cool down the tank.

Neither humans nor animals were injured and the situation was never threatening. Both the staff, the police and the firemen did a great job.

There was never danger for fire in the circus tent. Circus tents are nowadays made of a material which can not burn.

The fire meant that the large audience (about 1.200 persons) with many celebrities missed the 2nd part of the show. There is no doubt that everyone had a great understanding of the situation and felt sorry for Circus Benneweis’ owner Diana and her staff who got what should have been a great evening changed to some sort of a nightmare.

Photos: Rud Kofoed

Already during the night of Saturday Circus Benneweis managed to get a small generator, which could draw a part of the electrical system and provide enough light for the Open Tent event Saturday morning.

Despite some showers around 300 people visited the event which was free of charge. Kim Kenneth and Princess Maika (Sara Poulsen) told little about circus life and artists gave examples of their ability. First Rosi Hochegger and her husband Roger Mettin presented part of there charming act with dogs and Roger juggling on horseback. They also demonstrated how they had trained a dog to first jump up on the back of Roger and then up on the galloping horse. Then came Bambolina & Dodo in a slightly revised version of their poetic act with the mechanical doll. Vladislav Olander showed part of his cat act and princess Maika told a little about his background and how he was training his cats. Then Kim Kenneth presented his flying table. A young member of the audiences was allowed to assist him getting the table fly all around the circus ring. Then Alexey Bobylev had a run-in that ended with a water pistol fight in the circus ring between him and the 2 kids from the audience. Rosi Hochegger showed the audience how to train a horse to ride high school without a rider. Next came the foot juggler Jan Navratil with his 4 year old son presenting a comical juggler entrée where his costume was slightly reminiscent of Fumagallis. Circus Benneweis box office manager in season 2009 have been Isabella Enoch. In her younger days Isabella was a world class trapeze star. Through the season, she has trained some young artists to perform in a trapeze. A few of her pupils was introduced to the audience. The audience saw how good Rosi’s and Roger’s 9 year old daughter Saskia was in the trapeze. Also a young new wave circus artist who has helped in Benneweis during the season showed her talents. And it was quite impressive when Isabella invited a girl from the audience into the circus ring and managed to get her up in  the trapeze and to do some tricks! (It was not a fake! It was a member from the audience and not a girl from the circus hidden in the audience). Then the audience saw a slightly shortened Bobylev's famous ping pong entrée. The last act during the open tent event was Isabella's beauty saloon, where a male member from the audience was offered a shave. Those who know the act will know that the barber in Isabella's salon is Bernhard Kaselowsky's elephant Dumbo! There is no doubt about that the visiting children and adults enjoyed the taste of circus they were presented with at the open tent event.

Shortly after the open tent event Circus Benneweis managed to get a rented generator started giving electricity enough to have full spotlight in the tent. Circus Benneweis will end their season 2009 on Sunday 13 September at ‘Bellahoj’ in Copenhagen.

Alexey Bobylev's water pistol fight with two kids from the audiences. Click here to see more photos from the open-tent event.

7 September 2009

Newsletter from Danish new wave circus group Teatro Glimt.

Dear Colleagues, friends, organisers and contemporary circus enthusiasts. In this newsletter you can read about teatro GLIMT’s residency and participation at the festival of Chateau de Monthelon in France, our new collaboration with André Gintzburger and the upcoming Danish performing arts showcase called “p@rt”.

For the second year in a row teatro GLIMT has had the pleasure of being invited for a residency at Chateau de Monthelon South of Paris. This time the upcoming solo performance “Two Faces”, premiering in Copenhagen on 19 March 2010, was the topic to be explored. The team (Camila Sarrazin, performer, Kasper Ravnhøj, Choreographer and Maja Romm, musician) experienced a fruitful collaborative atmosphere and founded a solid basis for future rehearsals pointing towards the premiere next Spring.

Also many thanks are due to Ueli Hirzel for staging yet another summer festival of good spirits and great circus! 

Information about Chateau de Monthelon: www.monthelon.org

In July teatro GLIMT made an agreement with André Gintzburger who will be promoting and  organizing international tours of our latest solo performance “Sisyphus Ascending”.

We are very happy to be collaborating with André Gintzburger as he has been a well known character of international performing arts for the past 50 years. Passionate about avant garde theatre, unusual circus, original street arts, subversive performances that bring a different vision on contemporary society, it is evident that  his ways of working with artists and culture professionals is based on trust and mutual respect.

André was the man behind the first performances in France of Beckett, Ionesco and others. He then accompanied Julian Beck's Living Theatre, Jérôme Savary's Grand Magic Circus, Alfredo Arias, the beginning of Royal de Luxe and Zingaro etc.

For more information please visit www.gintzburger.net

Should your curiosity have been awakened, you will have the possibility of experiencing “Sisyphus Ascending” live, as well as a “work in progress” showing of “Two Faces”, at “p@rt”, the Danish performing arts showcase which will be held in Copenhagen 5 – 7 November 2009.

Apart from teatro GLIMT you will of course have the opportunity of meeting others of the leading performing artists in Denmark and have a chance to see some radical, sculpted, provocative and socially conscious dance, theatre and performance.

For more information please visit www.performingart.dk/
 

6 September 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --- here comes info re: a magic, cultural night in SEPTEMBER, with connection to circus.

The great French magician JAN MADD and his wife CHANTAL organise a magic, cultural night on board their showboat METAMORPHOSIS, Sept 11, at 19.00.

The aim is to remember and to honour four great magic entertainers, all of whom had a brilliant career - also in the circus ring.

DANY RAY, famous from the Cirque Medrano and - all over the world.

AL REX, well-known from The Mills Brothers Circus, USA.

JEAN SCHMOLL, having had a long career in varieties and circuses, also TV.

BILL CARLSON, marksman and sharp-shooter towards living target.

Unique films and little known documents will be shown and displayed.

Members of the AL REX-PILAR family and JENNY SCHMOLL will attend, tell us their story and answer questions..

Program: 19.00 Welcome-aperitif --  19.30  gourmet dinner --  21.00 Fantastique Soiree' on stage of Theatre METAMORPHOSIS.

A great and rare  night of cultural and artistic value is waiting for us.- but  ---  IT ALL HAPPENS  IN PARIS !!!

-----------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

4 September 2009

The tented circus season in Denmark, Norway and Sweden runs from March to September. It is in general too cold to continue performances in tents in October and November.

The circuses in Denmark, Norway and Sweden have for season 2009 final stands as follows:

Denmark

• Circus Baldoni had their final stand on their tented tour 27 August. The tour will continue until 15 September in sporting centres etc. at Faroe Island and Iceland
• Circus Arli had their final stand on 1 September at Sengeløse.
• Circus Arena will have their final stand on 7th September at Sorø
• Circus Benneweis will have their final stand on 13th September at Bellahøj, Copenhagen
• Circus Krone will have their final stand ending the summer season on19th September in Aale
• Circus Dannebrog will close season 2009 in late September somewhere in then southern part of Jutland
• Circus Mascot will close their summer season at Thise in late September or early October

Norway

• Circus Merano will have their final stand on 6th September in Oslo
• Circus Arnardo will close season 2009 in Birkeland on 10th September
• Circus Agora will probably tour until 13 September and close the season in Møre or Trøndelag
• Circus Zorba will continue the season until late September. They are currently at Møre and Romsdal and will then continue to Trøndelag.

Sweden:

• Circus Maximum will have their final stand at Mölnlycke on 13 September
• Circus Brazil Jack ends the season on 14th September in Mjölby
• Circus Olympia close the season in Borås on 22 September
• Circus Wictoria ends their season in Uppsala on 30 September
• Circus Skratt will probably tour until late September

3 September 2009

Busy Monday for Kenny Quinn. Monday 7th September at 7:20 the Danish gentleman thief Kenny will take a flight from Copenhagen Airport bound for Vienna where he will perform for the Vienna Police, which is celebrating the opening of their new police station in Vienna. Guest at the opening be Nieder Österreichs Landeshauptman, the minster of Interior Affairs, Austrian press and all the top guys from the police in Vienna. And then the Danish gentleman thief who will show the police officers how a pickpocket is working.

Kenny is back in Copenhagen Tuesday morning at 09.45 and will of course be ready for the evening's performance at Circus Dannebrog at the circus lot ‘Trianglen’.

When Circus Dannebrog had their Copenhagen opening night on 28 August one of Kenny Quinn’s “clients” in the ring was Martin Jorgensen, married to countess Alexandra and stepfather to the Danish Quinn’s two grandsons prince Nikolai and prince Felix. Kenny stole Martin’s watch, his car keys and his belt. Martin noticed nothing! It was by the mind prince Nikolai’s 10 year birthday which he celebrated with a tour to the circus!

Kenny Quinn is stealing Martin’s belt

10 year old prince Nikolai got an elephant ride

3 September 2009

Waves - Circus vs. Virginia Woolf. From 4 to 8 September AFUK will present the new wave circus performance Waves in Copenhagen. It is a poetic interpretation of Virginia Woolf's "The Waves". The Waves, first published in 1931, is Virginia Woolf's most experimental novel. It consists of soliloquies spoken by the book's six characters: Bernard, Susan, Rhoda, Neville, Jinny, and Louis. Also important is Percival, the seventh character, though readers never hear him speak through his own voice. In the new wave circus version of Waves you will meet 6 acrobats and a troubadour. "A story about fearing life or take it. From the first pimples and dreams - to life's very last spray.” AFUK writes. Performers are Ken Harrison, Lisa Marie Odegaard, Anders Skat Henningsen, Line Palisgård, Johan Prytz, Gustaf Rossell and Marie Groth Wos. Regi and Screenplay: Jacob Cold. Set design: Rasmus Cold. Idea and Design: AFUK.

31 August 2009

German, Dutch, Swiss and Swedish guests in Danish circuses. As earlier mentioned about 40 foreign circus fans visited Circus Arena, Circus Arli, Circus Benneweis, Circus Dannebrog and the Circus Museum in Hvidovre last weekend.

I believe they all had a great time in Copenhagen with many wonderful circus visits.

Olaf Werner and his group of German, Dutch and Swiss circus fans at Circus Benneweis

The Swedish circus friends was Saturday night in Tivoli with Agnete Louise Enoch and Katja Enoch of Circus Dannebrog

A group of circus fans at the Circus Museum

The visit to the Circus Museum ended with a session at the 2nd floor where the many circus friends exchanged experiences on the situation for circuses in Denmark, Germany and Sweden

Chairman in the discussion was Danish Jorgen Lorenzen, Swedish Roy Himsel and German Olaf Werner

28 August 2009

Circus Benneweis invites everyone to ’open tent’ Saturday 5 September from 10:30 to 12:00 at ’Bellahøj’ in Copenhagen. You can meet the animals, see the artist training and enjoy the atmosphere. Entrance is free. If you stay to the performances later in the afternoon (13:30 and 16:30) you will of cause need to purchase a ticket.

27 August 2009

Circus Dannebrog to Hamburg? A German website, www.julecircus.de, has for a while told that Danish Circus Dannebrog will present a Christmas circus in Hamburg from 22 December 2009 to 10th January 2010.

The information is both correct and incorrect.

Is it not circus owner Haddy Enoch who will produce a Christmas circus in Hamburg or assume the economic risk of such a project.

Dennie and Jimmy Enoch have been contacted by some German producers who wanted to rent Circus Dannebrog’s tent and the right to use the Dannebrog name in their marketing. The tent will be put up at Hamburg's traditional circus lot Heiligengeistfeld, located quite close to the central station in Hamburg.

Among the performers in the upcoming Christmas circus is the clown Don Christian, the human cannonball Robin Valencia, the ladder balancing act Lumistar, the juggling troupe Wolf-Romanov, the hand stand acrobat Glenn Nicolodi (and his tiny dog), the cube-juggler Valary, the perch acrobats Duo Tudor, Aleshin-troupe with their Risley act and the bike acrobat Jimmy Enoch. Agnete Louise Enoch has been offered the job as ringmistress and Isabella Enoch has been asked to provide a ballet corps. Furthermore you will meet the clowns Helena Wolfova, Johnny T and Les Quais. There may be changes in the program which apart from Glenn Nicolodi's tiny dog so far seems to be a non-animal circus.

26 August 2009

The Flying Michaels goes to Monte Carlo. The Brazilian trapeze stars The Flying Michaels, who throughout the season has thrilled audiences in Circus Dannebrog are among the artists who have been invited to participate at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in January 2010. The present an excellent classical flying trapeze act. Only very few times during the season the flyer making the triple has missed. He is even doing the triple blindfolded. Flying Michaels was also with Circus Dannebrog in 2006 and has also appeared in the prestigious Swiss Circus Knie. In January 2010, they will participate in the competition battle for the famous clowns of gold, silver or bronze.

Flying Michaels doing the triple blindfolded. Photo: Rud Kofoed

24 August 2009

Come to the circus together with HRH Crown Princess Mary. The Danish Kidney Association writes on their website:

It is with great pleasure that Kidney Association invite all interested to see the marvellous performance in Circus Dannebrog on Thursday 10 September at the ‘Trianglen’ circus lot in Copenhagen. Gates open at. 18:30 and you must be there not later than 18.50. The show will be attended by the Danish Kidney Association's patron Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary. Tickets cost 100 DKK each and the entrance fee proceeds will go to Kidney Association's work.

The performance is primarily for members of the Kidney Association. That’s the reason for the modest price. But as long as tickets are available there is access for everyone interested. Tickets can only be bought from the Kidney Association and not at Circus Dannebrog

20 August 2009

Several foreign circus fans to visit wonderful Copenhagen. A number of foreign circus friends will visit Copenhagen from 28 to 30 August. The largest group of 31 persons is headed by German Olaf Werner, who has arranged similar circus tours for many years. In his group there are Germans, Dutch and Swiss.

On 27 August they will visit Circus Arena at Taastrup. On 28 August they will in the morning have sightseeing in Copenhagen and in the evening visit Circus Arli in Skovlunde. On 29 August they will visit the Copenhagen Zoo in the morning, Circus Benneweis at Greve in the afternoon and the Tivoli Gardens in the evening. On 30 August they will in the morning visit the Circus Museum at Hvidovre and in the afternoon Circus Dannebrog at ’Trianglen’.

A somewhat smaller group of circus fans from Sweden headed by Roy Himsel of the Swedish Circus Academy will also visit Copenhagen. As the German group they will see the performance in Circus Arli 28 August in the evening. 29 August they will visit first Circus Benneweis, then Circus Dannebrog and following that enjoy the evening in the Tivoli Gardens. 30 August in the morning they will as the German group visit the Circus Museum and the go to Circus Arena in Dragør in the afternoon.

The quality of the performance in the Danish circuses is very high also compared to what you can see in other countries in Europe. Thus, the foreign circus fans can look forward to some wonderful performances.

17 August 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -- but now also in Copenhagen, in the park KONGENS HAVE /THE ROYAL GARDEN/.

The THEATRE COMPANY CIKAROS presents a new circus show: PETER PANIK AND THE WOLF FLU. -- a satire about the exaggerated fear of all sorts of catastrophes - which sometimes never happen or at least are not that bad.

The show takes place on a lawn in the Royal Garden, without any decorations or backdrop, but with explaining text and music over the sound system.

The acrobatic stunts deserve a special mention - they are elegant, daring and forceful, creating an esthetical pleasure. 

The very action, inspired by Greek mythology, is enthusiastically performed, but it is difficult to combine circus and theatre, as the former has no other message than pure pleasure and entertainment.

However, the show is quite pleasant and the public seemed satisfied. Thus, all in all, a good show.

See more, in English: www.cikaros.dk

---------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Photos from the performance by courtesy of Signe Løve Anderskov & Cikaros

16 August 2009

As mentioned on 14 August the Danish amusement park Bakken presents from Saturday 15 August up to and including Sunday 23 August as free attraction an international clown and comedian show produced by Benny Schumann.

The audience’s favourite was John Burke and his two sealions. John is a great entertainer. And so is his sealions! Other performers were Benny Schumann assisted by his daughter Patricia and Max & Gogol which call themselves musical acrobats.

John Burke and his sealions. Click here to see more photos from the show.

16 August 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---    but now also in Copenhagen and in the rest of Denmark during this summer-circus-season.

MAGIC AS ENTERTAINMENT is presented by CIRCUS ARLI, CIRCUS BENNEWEIS and by the legendary figure PJERROT at the open air fun fair DYREHAVSBAKKEN, aka BAKKEN /suburban train station Klampenborg, about 30 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station/.

Here we go for ... some thoughts about magic as entertainment:

For years now, magic as entertainment has been labelled "entertainment for children".

This is perfectly possible and quite right, provided the children have reached an age when they can see the difference between what is normally POSSIBLE - or NOT. If they cannot see this difference, there is no surprise - and hence no entertainment --- they are watching what they perceive as normal actions.

Most magic effects are conceived for adults. During the good old days when variety theatres were in all cities, the classical, magic effects were performed before a joyful audience. Today - the most popular French TV program "Le plus grand cabaret du monde" is often based on lots of magic acts, and this program can be viewed all over Europe - and elsewhere. This TV show is for adults.

Famous Danish and international illusionist KIM KENNETH performs big illusions at the Circus Benneweis, he has adopted a Las Vegas style - not for kids.

The very graceful BETTINA ARLI, CIRCUS ARLI, presents nice and pleasant magic - for everyone, but not particularly for kids. She does a costume quick-change feature where children see her wearing two different costumes, but they do not catch the idea of a sudden, "magic" change.

PJERROT performs for children, most of whom are under six years of age, but he has adapted his presentation -- and harvests a big success.

The COPENHAGEN TIVOLI hosts SØREN ØSTERGÅRD'S  VARIETY SHOW, including international illusionist OTTO WESSELY.

His acts are very funny, and original, although the effects can be traced back to classical ideas - this is for adults or mostly so.

The classical effects have stood the test of time -- they are to magic what Shakespeare, Moliere, Voltaire and Goethe are to literature... The audience of today have not seen them, due to the gradually disappearance of the variety theatres.

When BETTINA ARLI performs the Umbrella Illusion we see feminine grace, elegance and surprising things. KATJA ENOCH, Circus DANNEBROG, catches money from everywhere and nowhere -- and we are reminded of man's inherent greed... These are pleasant illusions.

The audience of today deserves the joy of seeing these classics.

Some of them are presented at the circuses ARLI and BENNEWEIS, Denmark, this season 2009.

We can congratulate the public !!!

------------------------------------------------------ comments by ZARRO ZARRO.

Bettina Arli with the umbrella illusion

14 August 2009

Circus Arli at the Frederiksberg Town Hall Square. As mentioned earlier at this page Circus Arli has been permitted to put up their tent in front of the town hall at Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg Municipality is part of Copenhagen. Distance from down town Copenhagen with Tivoli to Frederiksberg is only 2 kilometres. The tent was put up this afternoon and the Arli family hopes for many visitors until they on 23 August leave Copenhagen.  Foreigners visiting wonderful Copenhagen will also be welcome. Click here to see some photos from the performance.

14 August 2009

Clowns at Bakken. From Saturday 15 August up to and including Sunday 23 August BENNY SCHUMANN presents an international clown and comedian show at the open air stage at the Danish amusement park Bakken.

Bakken is the oldest amusement park in the world with a tradition stretching back 425 years. It is located in the most attractive countryside area 10 kilometres north of Copenhagen. Right outside the gates stands Dyrehaven, one of the most delightful stretches of woods in Denmark, which with its wonderful natural treasures provides a beautiful backdrop that other amusement parks can only wish for. The park is packed with rides of all kinds - some fast and furious, turning the world upside-down, and others more sedate. Bakken has around 40 restaurants and bars and suits all tastes and any budget. There is free entertainment every day at Bakken. The clown show is such free entertainment.

Guest Artists in the show are the musical clowns GOGOL UND MAX from Germany and John Burke with his Blues Brothers sealions. In addition you can meet Benny Schumann himself and his daughter, the actress and clown PATRICIA SCHUMANN.

Gogol and Max will be a new acquaintance for the Danish audience. It is not the first time Benny Schumann presents new names for his audience and he has great flair for finding great acts. "I think Gogol and Max is a modern version of Grock and partner," Benny Schumann says.

Gogol's real name is Christoph Schelb. He was born 9 November 1968. Only 9 years old he started playing piano and later learned to play church organ. In 1986 he appeared with a comical trampoline act. Since 1992 he has performed together with Max on whose birth certificate is written Max Albert Müller. Max was born 29 February 1956. In 1969 he performed first time as a comedian with a red nose and lots of musical features. In 1978 he formed a clown duo with another clown, Schwobel. Since 1992 he has worked together with Gogol as Gogol & Max, Musikakrobaten. The couple has appeared in theatres, festivals, gala and in several television shows in Europe and Asia. Now the Danish audience gets the opportunity to meet the couple at the Bakken.

Gogol & Max

13 August 2009

Circus Zalmov. Tiny Circus Zalmov can this year been seen at Houstrup at the western coast of Jutland. The tent can seat 150 persons and equipment looks like the equipment circuses used in the 1950'ties. Apart from some animals (horses, a rabbit, chickens and pigeons) performers are the owner Venzel Zalmov and two other artists. The show is a music/comedy show with very few spoken words. Venzel Zalmov is Danish and his Christian name is Per Mikkelsen. He was born in 1946 at Danish Circus Miehe where his father was bandmaster. Circus Miehe stopped touring in 1958.

Cirkus Zalmov

Venzel Zalmov

12 August 2009

When medium-sized Danish Circus Baldoni has given their performance 27 August at Fensmark they will tear down the tent for the last time this season. They will continue the season touring the Faroe Island and Iceland where they will perform in sports centres etc. Performers will be the same as for the Danish tour apart from the Kapitanski clowns. Several of their run-ins is together with dogs. And it is too difficult (or even impossible) to get permission to bring dogs from Denmark to the Faroe Island and Iceland.

Circus Baldoni visited the Faroe Island first time in 2003. They were back in 2007 and 2008 and promise that their visit to the Faroe Island will be a repeating event. They visited Iceland first time in 2008.

10 August 2009

Peter Panic and the Wolf flu. The award-winning Danish new wave circus company Cikaros presents the family performance Peter Panic and the Wolf flu.

The press release reads: Cikaros takes the world's reaction to the swine flu epidemic under a special treatment in the performance Peter Panic and the Wolf flu which will have its opening night on Saturday 15th August 2009 at Islands Brygge, Copenhagen.

Peter Panic and the Wolf flu is the story about Peter and the whole world that goes into panic over first the bird flu and then the swine flu which doesn’t seem to kill the world.  But what will happen when the wolf’s flu breaks loose?

An actual new circus performance about a global panic and a world in chaos as seen through a little boy's eyes and told with both humour and seriousness through Aesop's famous fable.

Peter Panic and the Wolf flu combine storytelling and circus. Magic moments and impressive circus acrobatics in the air and on earth mingles with fiddling dialogue and sharp observations about the world we live in - right now.

Peter Panic and Wolf flu is an outdoor performance running for 30 minutes. It is targeted at both children, adolescents and adults. There is free access.

Performances in Copenhagen:

15 August: Islands Brygge at 16 and 19

16 August: King's Garden at 16 and 19

17 August: King's Garden at 16 and 19

20 August: Blågårds Plads at 16 and 19

21 August: Fælledparken at 16 and 19

26 August: Karensminde kulturhus at 14 and 19

27 August: Enghave park at 17 and 19

29 August: Vestamager Centre

Performing artist: Signe Løve Anderskov, Camilla Becker Madsen, Michiel Van Leeuwen. Actor:Lars Bondgaard Pihl, Regi: Poul Storm

Cikaros won in 2008 with their performance 'Freaks' the award for best performance at the festival Umore Azoka de Leioa in Bilbao, Spain.

Cikaros. Photo: Andreas Omvik

9 August 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---  even now in August when many people are on holiday  --

THEATRE ALAMBIC presents a MAGIC SHOW by and with magic entertainer FRANK BELLEVIE.

FRANK BELLEVIE has an excellent contact with his audience, both the small ones and the adults, using lots of audience participation he treats everyone on stage nicely and pleasantly - many magicians would do well to heed this and follow his good example !!!

RESPECT FOR THE AUDIENCE -- is super-important----  without respect there is no sympathy for the artist, and without synpathy ---no success.

FRANK BELLEVIE performs very dynamically, showing great enthusiasm for his audience and his show - that's why he is successful.

THEATRE ALAMBIC has 75 seats, showtime for this show: one hour.

POINT OF INTEREST: as mentioned before, Paris has a number of these small theatres, often made up in former shops, garages etc --- and these theatres produce family shows in the afternoons - to avoid leaving the locations empty.

This is unique for Paris, in Scandinavia there is nothing like it, neither in London, Amsterdam etc.

Please correct me if I am wrongly informed.

Also of interest is that these theatres perform all the year round -- and thus not on special occasions only - a feature made possible by the large population of Paris and by the statistical fact that Paris is the number one city for tourism, and this means world-wide

THEATRE ALAMBIC 12 rue neuve de la Charbonniere, 75018 Paris.

Metro Simplon-

See more: www.alambic-comedie.com

----------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO-.

Frank Bellevie and some of the kids he invites to join him at the stage. Photo by courtesy of Frank Bellevie

7 August 2009

Circuses in Copenhagen. From 15 August and until 21 August Circus Arli has been permitted to put up their tent at the Frederiksberg Town Hall Square. Frederiksberg Municipality is part of Copenhagen. "Occasionally, you should try something new," the Arli family says. They had originally considered a location at Frederiksberg Runddel. But the lord mayor at Frederiksberg suggested them to use the town hall square.

Circus Arli will give a total of 11 performances from Saturday 15 August and up to and including Sunday 21 August. In addition there will be two special kindergarten performances on Tuesday 17 August.

A week later Circus Dannerbrog will start their visit to Copenhagen. From 29 August and until 20 September they will put up their tent at ‘Trianglen’ in Copenhagen. They will give a total of 38 performances in Copenhagen plus some special kindergarten performances.

From 4 September to 13 September the oldest of the Danish circuses Circus Benneweis will put up their tent at the usual Copenhagen circus lot known as ‘Bellahøj’. They will give a total of 15 performances at Bellahøj. The performances on 13 September will close season 2009 for Circus Benneweis.

All three circuses present high quality performances. Circus Benneweis and Circus Dannebrog are large circuses with international performances. Circus Arli is a smaller circus but always having good performances presented by members of the Arli family and some foreign artists of good quality. To give you an example: One of the artist from their 2008 performance has been invited to take place in the Monte Carlo Festival 2010.

Check What's on to find the schedule for the performances of those three circuses and the other Danish circuses including information on how to make ticket reservations.

At Circus Arli you can among others meet the clowns Martino & co.

At Circus Dannebrog you can among others meet the Famiglia Togni. Photo: Rud Kofoed

At Cirkus Benneweis the magician Kim Kenneth is ringmaster. Photo by courtesy of Circus Benneweis

7 August 2009

Danish Youth Circuses Association arranges what might be Europe’s largest circus festival for children and youth circuses. So far 250 participants from 6 countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and the Netherlands have registered for the festival. Circus Festival 2009 will take place from Friday 21 August 2009 and until Sunday, 23 August at the festival lot located at the Circus Factory, Skivevej 84-90, Lindum, DK 7870 Roslev. Friday from 10.00 - 16.00 and Saturday from 10.00 - 16.00 there are several public performances. Sunday from 0:00 to 12:00, there are workshops. See more at http://www.dubal.dk/Dubal/Velkommen.html

2 August 2009

The Magic Flute (German: Die Zauberflöte). Some weeks ago I mentioned that Opera Hedeland which is Denmark's largest permanent outdoor theatre would put up The Magic Flute in a circus inspired production. They had engaged the horse trainer Suzanne BERDINO to present 6 white Arabian horses during the overture and HENRIK MØLLER to present his camels and 4 Indian ducks. In the performance Papageno was dressed as an Auguste clown and Tamino in the second act as a white faced clown. The Queen of the Night was dressed as a horse trainer. Also the French magician Julien Dauphin took part in the performance and made the magic flute flow. Below you can see a few photos from the event.

Opera Hedeland. See the circus ring. The photo was taken before the performance. The theatre can seat approximately 2,500 persons

Suzanne Berdino’s liberty horses during the overture

Tamino with the magic flute and two of Henrik Møller’s camels

Tamino (Nikola Matisic) and Papageno (Bengt Krantz)

1 August 2009

Addie Jepsen - 40 years with sealions. When I a few weeks ago visited Arena Circus Land the Danish sealion trainer Addie Jepsen told me that this year it was 40 years since she began her carrier as a sealion trainer.  

A 40^th anniversary should be marked. Due to this I asked Addie to tell a little about herself and her background.

As a child Addie spent much of her time at the Bruun family’s Circus Royal (a medium sized Danish circus). Her grandmother Maria Bruun was married with the circus owner Joseph Bruun but had a daughter Rosa (Addie’s mother) before she met Joseph Bruun, with whom Maria got another 3 children: Bent, Rita and Isabella.

When Addie was a couple of years old her mother took her to the Danish amusement part Bakken. "What a sweet little girl," a young man whom they met said. Addie’s mother liked that comment and it ended up with marriage between her and the young man who was a hairdresser. They got together another 2 children, so there were 3 children in the Jepsen family. Papa Jepsen believed that Addie should become a hairdresser as her 2 brothers became. But Addie was more attracted by life in the circus and worked as a tight wire dancer in Circus Royal. However, Addie would rather work with animals and in 1963 she came to the newly established Circus Vivi, who had rented some horses from Joseph Bruun. In subsequent seasons she worked for Circus Vivi and got acquainted with sealions as circus owner Vivi Schmidt was a well-known and talented sealions trainer. Circus Vivi closed by the end of season 1968 and Vivi Schmidt performed in season 1969 elsewhere with her sealions and offered Addie the job as her assistant. That’s how Addie got her debut at sealion trainer in 1969. The following year Addie presented Vivi’s sealions in the Norwegian Circus Berny. In 1971 she and the sealions toured with the large Norwegian Circus Arnardo. In 1972 she presented Vivi’s sealions at the large Swedish Circus Scott where she met another Dane, Nelly Jane, who this season was ringmistress in Circus Scott and therefore introduced "Vivi’s famous sealions presented by Addie Jepsen”. From 1973 to 1975 Addie presented Vivi’s sealions at the German Circus Barum. In the following years she and the sealions had jobs many different places in Europe. In 1981 she presented the act at Circus Benneweis in the Copenhagen Circus Building. In 1987 she toured with Danish Circus Arena.

At sometime Addie Jepsen bought her own sealions. The act worked well, but the economy was unfortunately not good. Due to this Addie sold her sealions to the large Swiss amusement and animal park Connyland, which is known for its shows with sealions, dolphins, etc. The park is owned by the famous Swiss artist family Gasser, who is particularly well known as some of the world's greatest sealions trainers. Addie also got a job in Connyland where she worked with the sealions which former belonged to her. In Connyland she also learned a lot about the training of sealions including how to perform with sealions in a basin.

In 2003 Benny Berdino of Danish Circus Arena persuaded Addie to return to Denmark to present his sealions at the Danish amusement park Bonbonland which from 2003 to 2008 leased a sealion act from Benny Berdino. Initially Addie only committed herself for the season in Bonbonland. But since Benny Berdino rebuilded his winter quarters and established a giant sealion pool (much larger than the one in Zoo in Copenhagen) Addie has spent more and more time in Denmark.

In season 2009 Bonbonland did not want to reengage Benny Berdino’s sealions. Due to this the sealions and their trainer can until 9 August and again in autumn holidays be seen at Arena Circus Land in the small village Aarslev close to Slagelse where Addie can celebrate her 40th anniversary as a sealion trainer.

Addie was born in 1942 and is hoping to find a young assistant who ultimately can take over her job as "mother of the sealions." Looking Addie and sealions there is however no doubt about that it will take many years before they can do without each other.

Addie Jepsen with two of her sealions

1 August 2009

The German born horse trainer Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys was for several seasons head of animal training at No Name Circus in the northern part of Jutland. He is now working for Christianshede Zoo-Circus in Jutland. Bjorn has sent me photo below from the training with the camels Mustafa, Abdul, Fatima and the camel colt which was born on 24 March. Every day Bjoern trains the young kids from the childcare institution connected to Christianshede acrobatics, how to clown and how to perform with animals: camels, donkeys, llamas, goats, ponies and horses.

In the small zoo visitors can see how a circus act is created. Currently this is done in a small outdoor ring the middle of the park. But there are plans for building a real circus building next season with a diameter of 24 meters.

Bjoern Schulte-Bjoernlys is known for his humane animal dressage. By the mind he is educated as a leisure time teacher. Bjoern has today passed 60 years of age. In his younger years he performed at several Danish and Norwegian circuses: Dania, Dannebrog, Benneweis and Berny with the act Björnlys - acrobats on horseback.

Christianshede Zoo is a mini-zoo, located between Funder (at Silkeborg) and Ejstrupholm. Christianshede Zoo is open every day from 1 May 1 October at 10 – 16

Bjoern with the colt and two of the grown up camels

29 July 2009

Press release from ECA: Netherlands and Scotland Reject Circus Animal Ban

Following a statement by the Government of Scotland that it would not ban animals in circuses earlier this month, the Government of the Netherlands also has ruled out a ban.

Two new reports released on Monday, 27 July 2009 by the Dutch Department of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality came to the conclusion that keeping animals in a circus does not necessarily have a negative impact on their welfare. Based on the studies, Minister Gerda Verburg announced that the government would not pursue a ban but, instead, strict regulations to provide for animal welfare. The Minister also indicated interest in exploring possible cooperation in developing common standards with other European countries due to the fact that circuses travel internationally. New regulations should be in place by 2011. 

Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said the animal welfare law, which was revised in 2006, cannot be used to outlaw circus animals. An independent scientific report had concluded there was no scientific evidence to show that the welfare needs of animals in circuses could not be met.  Instead, Lochhead stated that regulations must be developed under the law for the purpose of securing the welfare of animals.

This independent report was published in October 2007 by law professor Mike Radford who chaired a circus working group at the request of the United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The six person independent expert panel convened to review scientific literature. They unanimously concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a ban of any species of animal found in the circus in the UK. There was “little evidence that the health of circus animals is any better or worse than animals in other captive environments.” The experts concluded further that while circus animals traveled frequently, there was “no evidence that this, of its own nature, causes the animals’ welfare to be adversely affected.”  Scientific studies considered by the experts indicate that circus environments can provide significant opportunities for exercise, stimulation, and other forms of “occupational therapy” important to the well-being of the animals.

The conclusions of both governments are in line with the European Circus Association’s (ECA) longstanding view that appropriate regulations and good enforcement are the best way to guarantee circus animal welfare while safeguarding the future of the circus as an integral part of European culture. To this end, ECA has developed a Model Regulation that it offers to governments.  ECA’s Model provides general husbandry and veterinary requirements for animal care and welfare as well as requirements for safety, training, transport, registration, record-keeping, presentation and public interaction. It also proposes the licensing of animal trainers based on the existing system in Germany. To complement the Model, the ECA is developing Objective Indicators of Animal Welfare for species commonly found in the circus, following the approach advocated by the European Commission.

The European Circus Association represents the European circuses towards authorities and the general public. The ECA seeks to promote circus art and culture and to protect this important part of our common cultural heritage. ECA President Urs Pilz also serves as vice-president and artistic director of the International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo.

26 July 2009

Circus Scott. The Swedish Circus Scott, who for many years was Sweden's leading circus, has not toured since 2003. I have previously mentioned that the famous Swedish circus would return this year to give a few performances as an open air performance at a football stadium in Östersund and a few performances in a tent in Stockholm. The performances in Östersund took place 24 to 26 July, while the plan to visit Stockholm was dropped.

Among the performers were THE SIMETS with their high wire motorcycle/trapeze act.

Robin VALENCIA presented her human cannonball act. JOHN BURKE presented his Blues Brothers sealions Jimmy and Roger. From France came the comical gentleman thief PIERRE Ginette. Clown DAVID presented acrobatics and did somersaults on tight wire. Anastasia did a tissue act. The audience also met FRANKELLO’S elephants and a number of other artists.  

According to the newspaper Lännstidningen Östersund approx. 800 people saw the opening show running for 2 hours. To Lännstidningen the producer Robert Bronett said: "The five shows at Jämtkraft Arena are then only one given by Circus Scott in 2009. And it is unknown when you again can meet Circus Scott. " Robert Bronett also said that it was by initiative from Rolf Lohse of Jämtkraft Arena that Circus Scott reappeared for a few days. "There is no money in presenting a circus of this size for a few days. I did it just for the challenge and because it was fun," Robert Bronett said to Lännstidningen.

Click here and here to see photos from the show from a couple of Swedish websites.

25 July 2009

Royal visitors at Circus Benneweis. It is almost an established tradition that representatives of Danish royal family are visiting Circus Benneweis when Benneweis visit the town Graasten in the southern part of Jutland. This year the visitors were two of the younger members of the royal family: Princess Benedikte’s grandchildren Count Friedrich Richard Oscar Jefferson von Pfeil und Klein-Ellguth (born 14 September 1999) and his sister Lady Ingrid Alexandra Irma Astrid Benedikte von Pfeil und Klein-Ellguth (born 16 August 2003). They got of course a ride on Dumbo the elephant, see the photo below.

Royal riders on the elephant. Photo by courtesy of Circus Benneweis/ Freddy Bergmann Kolding

24 July 2009

Interview with Lillian Leitzel. One of the most charismatic female circus performers ever was Lillian Leitzel. She was born in Breslau, Germany in 1882. In 1910 she came to the United States. In 1915 she joined the Ringling Brothers Circus and soon became a centre ring star. The most awe-inspiring part of her performance was when she in roman rings performed a series of swing-overs or one-arm plunges. Generally she executed around 100 turns. However her record was 249 turns. On 13 February 1931 she was appearing in the Valencia Music Hall in Copenhagen Denmark. During her swing-overs the swivel ring snapped and she fell twenty feet to the ground. She was taken the Copenhagen City Hospital where she passed away on 15 February 1931.

In the evening Thursday 12 February 1931 she did an interview with Erna Milde of the Danish tabloid paper Ekstrabladet. Some years ago I translated the interview to English. The English version of the interview can now be read in the May-June issue of the world’s leading circus historical magazine Bandwagon. Visit http://www.circushistory.org/ if you want to know more about Bandwagon.

23 July 2009

The Magic Flute (German: Die Zauberflöte). Opera Hedeland in Hedehusene is Denmark's largest permanent outdoor stage and provide each year in August a great opera experience.

This year it is the Mozart opera The Magic Flute. It is directed by the Swedish director Lars Rudolfsson who started his carrier at the Swedish new circus company Circus Cirkör. A year ago theatre manager Claus Lynge contacted me because he and Lars Rudolfsson wanted to include some performing animals in the performance. Among others, they should use some white Arabian horses. I mentioned several possibilities for him.

Since the Claus Lynge engaged Suzanne BERDINO to present 6 white Arabian horses and to ride a high school together with holder of the leading part. Also involved in the performance is HENRIK MØLLER of Dronningmølle Camel rentals. Henrik has trained his camels and 4 Indian ducks to perform in The Magic Flute.

The opera can be seen on Saturday 1 August, Thursday 6 August and Saturday 8 August. Check out at http://operahedeland.dk/

23 July 2009

AFUK-artists opening World Outgames. Saturday 25^th July at 21:30 18 artists from the Danish circus school AFUK takes part of the official opening of the World Outgames at the Town Hall Square in Copenhagen.

The performing artists are

Anders Astrup Jensen - Aerial silk / Cube

Michiel Van Leeuwen - Straps / Cube

Camilla Becker Madsen - U-rope

Josephine Wulff Randrup - U-rope

Bjørn Olav Breken Hauknes, Elof Wendt, Joel Degerfeldt, Johan Prytz, Karoline Aamås, Laila Rosholm, Line Pallisgård, Marie Gros Wos, Mikkel Hobitz Filtenborg, MOA Asklof Prescott and Sofie Jasmin Sabroe – fire act / intermezzo / loveact

Lasse Knudsen, Malou Lindholm, Marek Magirecki – fire act

World Outgames will be held in Copenhagen from 25 July - 2 August 2009

20 July 2009

The circus building in Solbjerg. Jorgen Lorenzen writes:

There are 3 stationary circus buildings in Denmark. The largest one is situated in the Copenhagen city centre. The second is situated in Rold as part of the circus museum.

The third circus building is quite new and so far only visited by a limited number of people. It is situated at the Team LA Park in the village Solbjerg approximately 30 kilometres south of Aalborg and 25 kilometres from the circus building in Rold.

Recently the building was approved by fire authorities and is now used for its intended purpose. It can accommodate 400 spectators, some of which sit on the balcony. It is a wooden construction. Inside is lined with bright plates, which makes the room bright and friendly.

The construction of the building has cost 1 million DKK.  LAG Himmerland which is a part of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries has contributed 366,000 DKK

No Name Cirkus’ new building. Photo: Hans Vedel

The bulding during a performance. Photo: Jorgen Lorenzen

20 July 2009

Circus No Name. Jorgen Lorenzen saw the performance on Friday 16 July at 14.30 and writes:

Team LA Park at Solbjerg south of Aalborg has many activities. There are riding schools, a horse stud, 80 hectares of farming, an activity park and there is job training of young people from the childcare institution No Name.

One of the activities is Circus No Name. Performance is given in the newly built circus building.  

The performance is a mixture of amateurs and professionals. The professional part is carried out by the Ruml family from the Czech Republic: the couple Zdenek and Maria and their two children Robin and Zdenek junior. The family toured with tiny Danish Circus Mascot in 2003, 2004 and 2007. Zdenek senior plays the clarinet - virtuoso - and he has a fine juggler entrée which tops with 7 balls and 5 cigar boxes. In addition, he sings beautifully.

Mrs Maria is airial artist but due to illness she was not in today's show. The two boys played at sopranosax - with heart and soul - and Zdenek jr. presented a nice diabolo entrée.

And then there is Katja Schumann. Her sublime sense of horses and equestrian art was well expressed, particularly when she was riding high school. There is a privacy and warmth in her dealings with the animals which they clearly respond to.

Several young people from the institution No Name takes part in the performance. Especially Rikke shows good skills in beautiful number act in arial ring. And then there are a lot of animals: besides the horses there are ponies, goats, llamas, long-horn cattle and a shark and a pirate fish, though confusingly similar to two ponies! The owner of Team LA Luffe Bogh is circus manager and ring master and leads the audience through the performance. There were probably 50 visitors to see the show.

Katja Schumann. Photo: Jorgen Lorenzen

Luffe Bogh. Photo: Jorgen Lorenzen

19 July 2009

Co-operation between Soren Ostergaard and Circus Arena. This year the Danish comedian and actor Søren Østergaard has staged the performance for Circus Arena. In the coming years the plan is to increase the cooperation between Søren Østergaard and Benny Berdino, owner of Circus Arena. In 2010 and 2011 Søren Østergaard plans to tour his own Circus Nemo (a combination of a circus and a comedian show). Benny Berdino will assist Soren with a number of tasks in this connection. In 2012, Søren Østergaard will perform in Circus Arena. Following this Benny Berdino will again for some years assist Soren with Circus Nemo.

In 2009 you can until 29 August meet Søren Østergaard at the Glass Hall Theatre in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens with his Tivoli Variety Theatre.

Soren Ostergaard is a collector of old carnival equipment and owns this approximately 50 years old children merry go round. For the time being it is on display at Arena Circus Land.

16 July 2009

Baby sealion at Arena Circus Land. When I last week visited Arena Circus Land the sealion trainer Addie Jepsen told me that one of the sealions was pregnant and would give birth in a few days. On 14 July, I received the following happy message from Addie: Luna gave today at 11 a.m. birth to a fine healthy baby sealion who sucked after less than an hour. Addie has sent me the photos shown below taken the day the baby sealion was born.

When sealions are breeding in captivity it is a clear proof that they are doing fine. The sealions at Circus Arena Land has also excellent conditions. Their basin is larger than the one used by the sealions at the Copenhagen Zoo.

Luna and her baby, a female. Photo by courtesy of Addie Jepsen/Arena Circus Land

15 July 2009

Circus Summarum. Circus Summarum is a joint venture between DR Television and the foundation for support to persons with muscular dystrophy. In the Summarum performance you meet in the circus ring many of the familiar and beloved characters from DR televisions programmes for children. The idea has been to create an untraditional circus performance. However, the performance is more a theatre performance for children than a circus performance although it takes place in a giant circus which has been rented from Circus Arena.

Music is provided by 8 members of DR's big band assisted by the singer Simone West. The performance is presented by the actor Rasmus Bjerg.

Of dedicated circus features, there are very few. Most are done by 9 young artists from Salling Circus Kids. It is Johanne Nørgaard, 8 years, trapeze, Silje Kæseler, 7 years, trapeze, Anna Bell Madsen, 11 years, acrobatics, Cecilie Laursen, 12 years, Hula-hoop, Louise Sorensen, 9, tissue, Kevin Ringsborg, 14 years, mono bike, Line Jørgensen, 12 years, acrobatics, Anna Andersen, 9 years, vertical rope and Gorm Villadsen, 14 years, Diabolo.

Rated as a circus performance Circus Summarum isn’t good. But kids love the performance where they meet the characters they know from television.

Even before the opening night more than 45,000 tickets was sold to Circus Summarum. In total, 80,000 tickets are for sale. 40,000 tickets need to be sold to cover costs. What is sold more than this number goes to support children and young people with muscular dystrophy. On the show, I saw 11 July, there were few vacant seats in the tent that can accommodate up to 2,000 spectators.

The performance ran for the two times 45 minutes, separated by a break of 20 minutes.

The tent which is rented from Circus Arena is normally used for circus festivals in the southern part of Europe.

The TV character Bamse (”Teddy bear”) and Salling Circus Kids. Click here to see more photos from the performance

11 July 2009

Circus Pip. Per Krogh Petersen visited the tiny Circus Pip which until 21 July can be seen in the open air museum Andelsbyen Nyvang at Holbæk. "Can only say one thing. They can make people laugh,” Per writes. He has put a number of photos and some small movie clips from their show on his website. Click here to see Per’s photos etc.

10 July 2009

Arena Circus Land. Benny Berdino of Danish Circus Arena has for many years had a dream of transforming his winter quarter in Slagelse to a theme based amusement park called Arena Circus Land where the theme of course should be circus. Arena Circus Land opened during the winter holidays in 2006. Since then Arena Circus Land have been open to the public during the autumn and winter holidays and some weekends in winter season.

This year, Benny Berdino has decided to keep the Arena Circus Land open also in the summer season. A major reason for the decision is probably that he has lost the contract he had for many years for delivering a sealion performance to the Danish amusement park Bonbonland and that he no longer delivers circus or children's theatre productions to Bonbonland.

Arena Circus Land offers until 9^th August Circus Landino, Circus Arena’s Theatre, performing sealions, horse show in the training ring, Sune's crazy-magic show, pony riding, playland, etc.

The circus performance takes place in the large blue and yellow tent, which from April to mid-June and again from mid August to September is used by the Swedish Circus Skratt. The tent seats 1,300 people and is set up the courtyard of the Circus Arena Land. As ringmaster you meet Denmark's best ventriloquist, PREBEN PALSGAARD. The show runs for approx. 40 minutes and begins with 6 brown Arabian liberty horses presented by KIM Benneweis. It was nice to se a liberty horse presentation where everything worked perfectly. Kim was followed by Miss OLGA in a tissue entrée. Then Preben Palsgaard did one of his best ventriloquist entrées: the one where he uses a pair of shoes as ventriloquist dolls. The GLAVATSKY clowns had a short run-in in which they did some comical juggling. Then Circus Arenas chief animal trainer TIM DELBOSQ came in the ring with 6 dromedaries and one white Arabian horse. He was followed by an unnamed artist in an inflatable suit. Last act in then performance was rola-bola done by DAVID.

In the indoor sealion auditorium Addi Jepsen presented Catalonian sealions in a nice show during which she also told a bit about the animals. The stock is on 5 sealions one of whose was born in Circus Arena Land. One of the sealions is pregnant and is expected to deliver one of the very next days.

Besides the circus and sealions Circus Arena Land present a children's theatre with a circus theme. This performance took place in a large two pole tent set up the courtyard. In the playland, you can experience a magic show with the young magician Sune. In the museum department you can get clown make up. There is pony riding and examples on how to train animals. In the playland there is small Ferris wheel, a train and a merry-go-round. Outside, there is established a number of inflatable slides, moon bounces, a rocket simulator etc.

All beginning is difficult. When I together with my granddaughter of 4 ½ years visited Arena Circus Land on 9 July there were hardly more than 100 visitors. Other visitor tells of similar low number of visitor other days. It is well known that the introducing of a new amusement park takes several years and the owner the first few years need to bring "money from home." Despite the low number of visitors we had a wonderful day in Arena Circus Land. From a circus friend viewpoint the circus performance was nice but not a must for a circus friend.

Kim Benneweis at Circus Landino. Click here to see more photos from Arena Circus Land.

6 July 2009

Open tent at Circus Benneweis. Soren Nielsen Kastoft writes: Saturday 4th July I went together with 3 German circus friends to Aarhus to visit Circus Benneweis’ "open tent" event at the beautifully renovated circus lot Tangkrogen.

Despite very warm weather the tent was almost full when the event started at 10:30. The kiosks in the circus were open and there were certainly sold much ice-cream and cold water on this hot day.

"Princess Maika" and Kim Kenneth welcomed the audience and then left the ring to David Sosmann (son of Isabella Enoch and the late clown Eddy Sosmann) who presented a fine juggling entrée. Kim Kenneth showed samples of his talent as magician including "the floating table". Roger Mettin showed part of his juggling-on-horseback routine. Rosi Hochegger illustrated how she trained a dog to jump up on the back of a running horse. Later Rosi Hochegger showed how to learn a horse riding high school. Rosi Hochegger later told us that she has had only had the horse riding high school for half a year. It was impressive to se how much the horse had learned during those few months.

Rosi Hochegger at the open-tent event

Mr Bobylev (one half of this years clown couple) showed one of his run-ins the "water war battle" while the foot-juggler Jan Navratil showed his talent as a clown. Here it was, however, especially his 4 year old son who stole the picture. The charming kid showed clear talent, and the entire entrée was videotaped by a very proud Mrs Navratil.

In general the whole event had a very family friendly character and in the audience you could find many proud family members to the performing artists.

The trapeze acrobats Pisarev showed their entire act and Bambolina and Dodo showed the major part of their “the mechanical doll” entrée. Olander presented his performing house cats.

Unfortunately we had to leave the tent before Bernhard Kaselowsky came into the ring with Dumbo the elephant, because we had a reservation at a local restaurant where my German friends wanted to have a classical Danish meal, Danish steak.

Bernhard Kaselowsky with Dumbo during the open-tent event

As always, there was free access to the stables.

After the event and our lunch so we saw this years year's stunning Benneweis performance. We cross our fingers for Circus Benneweis to repeat the idea with an open tent again in 2010 and can only recommend others to visit this interesting event.

6 July 2009

Andrejs Fjodorov to Monte Carlo. Those who visited tiny Danish Circus Arli last year will remember the formidable pigeon trainer Andrejs Fjodorov who in 2008 had his début as professional artist. His act with pigeons was unique. You've never seen a pigeon run hurdle race; next pigeon crept of course below obstacles. Also borrowed from dog’s dressage was the dove, which ran between the legs of the trainer and as a whole the contact between the pigeons and Andrejs was incredible. He could as a Doctor Doolittle "talk" with the pigeons. This year he appears in one of France's leading circuses Cirque Arlette Gruss. And recently he has been invited to participate in Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in January 2010.

Andrejs Fjodorov at Circus Arli 2008

3 July 2009

Circus Summarum. Circus or not? Well, at least the performance takes place in a circus tent. Circus Summarum is a joint venture between DR Television and the foundation for support to persons with muscular dystrophy. Performances will be given in Copenhagen from 3 July to 29 July and in Aarhus from 29 July to 9 August. In the performance you will meet a lot of the characters who are well-known from DR television’s programmes for children. DR’s big band is in charge of the music. You can also meet some young circus artist from the Danish youth circus called Salling Circus Kids. They are trained by Einar Trie and others. Einar Trie tells that young artists the last few months have worked very hard to get ready for the big show. There was a dress rehearsal Thursday evening and everything went very well.

Salling Circus Kids during the rehearsals. Photo: Einar Trie

1 July 2009

Circus at Bonbonland. As mentioned earlier the amusement park Bonbonland in Holme Olstrup offers until 16 August short circus performances a free attraction. Performances are given in a two pole tent with old fashion seating: benches without back. The all-human performance lasts approx. 30 minutes and is done by 6 Italian artists whose names aren’t disclosed. The performers are dressed in commedia dell'arte style, with all the performers to bear half masks. There is no ringmaster. During the show we see performers in tissue, jugglers, slack wire, arial ring, rola bola (with a single roll), foot-juggling, an act combining Roman rings and cloud swing (artistically seen the best act in the performance) and a hula-hoop-entrée. None of the acts are anything special. But chorography is nice and my circus loving granddaughter of 4 ½ years followed the performance with interest. Most children will probably miss a clown in the performance. But a clown can be found elsewhere in Bonbonland: at the Bonbon theatre where the performance consists of dancing Bonbon-animals combined with run-ins by the Italian reprise clown Rudy BRUKSON.

Together with my granddaughter, I had a wonderful day in Bonbonland. However the circus performance itself was not of a standard which makes a visit to Bonbon Land a must for a circus lover.

From the Grand Finale at Circus Bonbon. Click here to see more photos from the performance

1 July 2009

Benneweis visits the Psychiatric Hospital in Aarhus. It is well known that Diana Benneweis does a lot in order to improve the situation for people with mental problems. She has openly told about her own mental problems. Therefore, it has for years been quite natural for performers at Circus Benneweis to give a free performance for embedded, relatives and staff at the psychiatric hospital in Aarhus (Aarhus University Hospital at Risskov).

This year the performance took place on 30 June when more than 400 people saw the performance in the beautiful park at the hospital. Artists, animals and audience had a great time and enjoyed the warm and sunny weather. Diana Benneweis has sent me the photos shown below from the event.

Bernhard Kaselowsky with one of his baby camels

Bobylevs

Dodo and Bambolina

Dumbo

Kim Kenneth and the floating table

Roger Mettin

Rosi Hochegger

29 June 2009

Press release from ECA: European Ombudsman Finds Mal-Administration by the Commission: Commission must Re-Examine Austrian Circus Animal Ban

Finding in favour of the European Circus Association, the European Ombudsman identified two counts of mal-administration by the European Commission as a result of the Commission’s closure of legal proceedings against Austria concerning its 2005 ban on non-domesticated animals in the circus. 

In response to a compliant filed by the European Circus Association, the Commission informed Austria on 12 October 2005 that Austria had violated the European Treaty’s provision guaranteeing European citizens the right of freedom of movement to provide services throughout the European Community on the grounds that the ban was discriminatory and disproportionate.  The letter stated that bans are very restrictive measures that are only legally valid if there are no alternatives.  The fact that there are alternatives is clear from the regulatory systems adopted in Germany, France, Italy and other Member States.

The European Commission’s letter of notice, which is confidential between the Commission and the Member State concerned, was leaked to an animal welfare organisation in Austria.  As part of their campaign against circuses, the organisation published the letter of notice and urged activists to complain.  According to internal Commission documents, the Commission received more than 22,000 emails opposing legal action against Austria in the first six months of 2006.

During this same time frame, according to Austrian press, the responsible European Commissioner met with animal rights groups in Austria and agreed that the legal action should be terminated.  The formal reason given for closure of the case in December 2006 was that the Commission had decided that the issue of protection of wild animals was best left to national authorities.

According to the Ombudsman, the Commission “abdicated its responsibility” as guardian of European law by failing to determine whether the total ban in Austria was a proportionate restriction on circus people’s freedom to provide services.  The Ombudsman has informed that Commission that it must either continue infringement proceedings or provide the European Circus Association with a legally valid reason for closing the case.  The Commission is directed to respond to the Ombudsman’s decision by 30 September 2009.

The European Circus Association is pleased that the Ombudsman has agreed that the Commission has failed to fulfil its responsibility as guardian of European law in this case.   Speaking to members of the circus community over the weekend, Mr. Urs Pilz, President of the European Circus Association, said:  “It’s clear that the guarantees provided to citizens under European law are equally applicable to circus directors, artists and workers and cannot be ignored just because some loud animal rights campaigners don’t like circus.  We all know that the Commission bowed to political pressure from these organisations, which do not represent the views of most Europeans. The Ombudsman has seen through the subterfuge and has called upon the Commission to apply the law.”

27 June 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -- also small but unique shows --

NOW: THEATRE DE L'ANTRE-ACTE /also called L'ANTRE MAGIQUE/, direction CHRISTIAN GAMBIN - proudly presents  stand-up-comedian-magician FABRICE ROUBEYRIE in an original and very charming one-man-show based on magic, ventriloquism, comedy and jokes -- the lot of it performed in a very appealing and sympathetic way.

FABRICE ROUBEYRIE is very funny in a relaxed way, not being afraid of making fun of - himself! - he is elegantly dressed wearing tuxedo, shirt and tie where the colors match the colors of the silks he uses in his act.

The audience is nicely, friendly and courteously treated, particularly the persons who are invited up onto the stage to participate actively, the magic effects are clear, the ventriloquism technique is good and the bird-puppet answering her master is hilarious and very lively. A very appealing program with a sympathetic finale. BRAVO !!!

POINT OF INTEREST: as far as I know, this type of shows can be seen only in Paris, where there are possibilities to organize them in small cabaret-theatres, which are rarely found elsewhere.

Also - particularly in Paris there exists a tradition for going to the theatre, and this since the time of Moliere in the 17th century.

Shows of this type make a very good publicity for the Art of Magic - and thus for LIVE ENTERTAINMENT - a satisfied and happy audience is the best publicity any show can get.

Address: Theatre de l'Antre-Acte, 50 rue Saint Georges, 75009 Paris, Metro Saint Georges.

------------------------------------------- reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Fabrice Roubeyrie

25 June 2009

Circus at amusement parks at Zealand. During the school children’s summer holiday both the amusement park Bonbonland in Holme Olstrup and Arena Circus Land at Aarslev offer circus entertainment. Earlier years there was cooperation between Benny Berdino and Bonbonland. But this year they are competitors.

At Bonbonland there is until 16 August circus performances every day at 13 and 15. There are no animals in the performance. Bonbonland also offers children's show on the outdoor stage and lasso show on the cowboy stage. In addition the park has a lot of rides. This year the park does not as previous years offer a show with sealions as they have moved to Arena Circusland. Everything is free when you have paid entrance to the park with 199 DKK for each person + a parking fee of 40 DKK for each car.  

At the Arena Circus Land there is from 27 June to 9 August circus performances every day at 13 and 16

The complete entertainment program looks like this:

10.30: Horse Show in the training ring

11.00: Sunes crazy-magic-show

11.30: Pony riding in the small ring

12.00: Arena-Circus Theatre

12.30: Sealion Show

13.00: Circus Landino

13.30: Sunes crazy-magic-show

14.00: Horse Show in the training ring

14.30: Arena-Circus Theatre

15.00: Pony riding in the small ring

15.30: Sealion Show

16.00: Circus Landino

Furthermore there is a mini train, a Ferris wheel, slides, carousels, a large space rocket simulator, football game, air hockey and mini-golf. The number and type rides can hardly match the competitor Bonbonland. On the other hand there are more shows and admission is cheaper: 149 DKK for each person, free parking. When the entrance fee is paid, all rides and shows are free.

24 June 2009

“Open Tent” at Circus Benneweis. Saturday 4 July from 10:30 to 12 Circus Benneweis invite to “Open Tent” at the circus lot at Tangkrogen in Aarhus. The lot has just undergone an extensive renovations and Circus Benneweis is the first circus to use the beautiful renovated space.

"Come in and experience the atmosphere, meet the animals, see our artists train and learn about circus life," Circus Benneweis writes in their invitation to the open tent event. No admission fee. A similar arrangement was held when Circus Benneweis last year visited Aarhus. With a lot of visitors. The tent was sometimes 3 / 4 filled. Circus Benneweis hope again this year to see a lot of people in their “open tent”.

Aarhus is the city where Circus Benneweis offers the largest number of performances. Twice as many as in Copenhagen although Copenhagen is five time as large as Aarhus. From 26 June to 2 July Circus Benneweis can be seen at the circus lot at Vestereng. From 3 and up to 14 July the circus can be visited at Tangkrogen in downtown Aarhus.

24 June 2009

The Circus Princess Festival was held in Stockholm from 1995 to 2003 as the world only all female circus festival. Swedish circus and show producer Robert Bronett has decided to start the festival again and writes:

We invite you to join us in the search for the best female circus artist in the world. The worldwide search for CircusPrincess 2009 is on!

The CircusPrincess, a fairytale come true, is no ordinary circus. It's the ultimate celebration of female grace, beauty and talent. And now, for the first time in history, we're inviting the global Internet audience to join us in the nomination, voting and selection process.

We're searching for the most entertaining, completely original female circus act or performance. You can perform by yourself or with a group, on land or in the air - whether you're an acrobat, comedian, dancer, singer or an entirely new type of performer.

Apply now on our website for the chance to be one of 14 finalists. The winner will receive a prize, the title of CircusPrincess 2009, a three-month contract with Circus Scott, a distinctive, irreplaceable Kosta Boda trophy and the prestige of being recognized as the best female circus performer in the world.

Buy your tickets today to reserve your seats for one of five amazing evenings!

To browse through the history of past performances, view the contributions or book tickets, simply visit www.cirkusprinsessan2009.se

23 June 2009

Fédération Mondiale du Cirque to Host Worldwide Digital Circus Photo Competition

A worldwide circus digital photo competition was announced today by the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, an international organization of circus-related associations based in Monaco.  The four-month competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, plus a special youth division for photographers under the age of 18.

“The circus is a universal performance art that speaks to the heart and spans generations, cultural barriers and national borders,” said Laura van der Meer, Executive Director of the Federation Mondiale du Cirque.  “It is also a highly visual performance art that readily lends itself to photography.  Our contest will capture the ‘best of the best’ in circus photography worldwide.”

The online contest begins today and ends 31 October 2009.  Amateur and professional contestants may enter one digital circus-related photo in each of four categories: circus performance, circus life, performing animals and youth circus.  Contestants under 18 years of age may enter up to two photographs without category specification in either the 12 years and under or 13-to-18-year-old class.

An international jury of renowned circus historians, chaired by the Federation’s Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, will award Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in each category, plus select two finalists from the youth division classes and one “best of show” photograph.  The winning photographs will be featured in a 2010 calendar.

Digital photo entries must be submitted in jpeg format to laura@circusfederation.org.  All entries must be received by 31 October 2009 to be considered for competition.  Contestants must agree to allow their entries to be reproduced, displayed online and/or exhibited publicly.  Winning entries become the sole property of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque.

For more information or to download an official entry form, visit www.circusfederation.org.

For many children this is probably an important part of a visit to the circus

19 June 2009

The clown Jody - summer theatre for children in Odense 30 June - 4 July at 12.00 noon. Lene Pedersen from Odense city’s museum writes:

Come and see the last circus summer performances at the open air stage at the Montergaarden Gardens in Odense. It is a magical and adventurous circus performance for children and adults with the poetic and humorous clown Jody. It is the 8th year in a row - and last year - you can see the clown Jody appear at the tiny stage in the garden. Many children and adults have through the years seen the one-man show with Jody. Behind the clown Jody you find the actor Arne Bjørk who is trained at Odense Theatre’s actors school. His debut as a clown was with Circus Benneweis in 1971 and from 1983 - 1987 he was also with Circus Benneweis in the Circus Building in Copenhagen and on tour. He has also toured in Sweden, Germany, Hungary and Japan. See www.jody.dk where you can find movie clips from his performances.

The poetic clown Jody. Press photos from Odense city’s museums

19 June 2009

The two small dog and pony shows from Jutland, Circus Krone and Circus Mascot, have recently both visited Zealand. (Denmark comprises of the Jutland peninsula as well as numerous islands in the Baltic and North seas. The principal islands, lying between Jutland and Sweden, are Zealand and Funen).Circus Krone visited in the period from 10 June to 20 June the cities of Skælskør, Dianalund, Sorø and Karrebæksminde. Most performances have been sold performances to kindergartens etc. Last day on Zealand will be in Karrebæksminde on 20 June. Then the tour goes to Funen, Ærø and Jutland where Circus Krone will spend the rest of the season. Their performance was reviewed on this website on 3 May.

Circus Krone in Skælskør. The lovely clown heads in the fence is painted by Leif Bach. Click here to see some photos from the year's performance.

Circus Mascot does usually not visit Zealand until late July. But this year they have changed their route and came to the Zeeland already by mid-May. The performance was reviewed on this website on 5 May. Per Krogh Petersen visited Circus Mascot in Haslev and took some photos of tents, wagons, and the performance show. Click here to see Per’s photos.

'

Gulio has been with Circus Mascot since 2003. Photo: Ole Simonsen

15 June 2009

The Go Go Show - music hall in Tivoli Friheden at Aarhus. Jorgen Lorenzen has seen the show and writes:

Is the old music hall on the way back? Many older people remember with pleasure how it was before it in the beginning of the 1960’s completely disappeared and was replaced by revues and discos.

It is sad that it disappeared because the genuine music hall is great entertainment. In its purest form it consists of serving good food in stylish surroundings. Between the courts or in a combined cycle after dinner there is entertainment. The music hall is a hybrid and at the same time is completely its own. It is not revue, not circus, not cabaret and not theatre. But it is a separate genre, which includes singing, dancing, artist tracks and entertainment in a mixture, all presented elegantly and aesthetically. Of course, there is live music and the music hall ends often with dancing. Dance is at all important in the music hall and a ballet corps is the music hall’s trademark. Girls must be piquant and erotic, but must never be suggestive or dirty.

In Denmark there are things which may suggest that the music hall faces a renaissance. The Circus Building in Copenhagen has for years been home of Wallmans' international dinnershow. The Tivoli Variety has under the actor Soren Østergaard's leadership in the past few years lived up to its name. In Aarhus there has for a number of years been a tradition of genuine music hall entertainment in the Magic Mirrors Pavilion during the Aarhus festival. And Isabella Enoch Variety Trapeze in at tent is gaining a footing.

And then there is Jette Torp. Together with her partner Claus Pilgaard she now at 4^th years in row presents a music hall show in Tivoli Friheden in Aarhus. And it is really music hall. There is great food in the restaurant next door, before the audience occupies seats in the Tivoli Theatre, an intimate, comfortable room with chandeliers and table lamps and space for 300 people. The performance is pure action. 4 dancing girls from Paris dressed up in beautiful costumes with sweeping dance. In one entrée they had omitted using the upper part of the costume! There were two male multiple artists from France. Les Vitamins they called themselves. They were acrobats, athletes and comedians. There was a good 4-piece band whose drummer Jesper Berg, called Mr Berg appeared in sketches with the keyboard and accordion player Claus Pilgaard. And then there is Jette Torp, who sang both lyrical and dramatic and joined the many acts being fond of singing and very professional. A lovely evening, but a pity that there were a lot of empty seats. And pity that the show did not get much press attention.  It deserved it.

The Go Go Show. Photo by courtesy of the Go Go Show

14 June 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   ---   also shows you don't see elsewhere --- 

NOW: CIRCUS GONTELLI, director and owner SERGE GONTELLE, performing a nice and pleasant program in a SMALL TOP - about 100 seats, and geared to an audience of mainly children as of 3 years and their parents and grand-parents ...a family atmosphere, very sympathetic.

CIRCUS GONTELLI   plays about 6 months a year in Paris and surrounding areas/suburbs, the tent is pitched in the small SQUARES /also called "squares" in French/ - where there already is a potential audience since there are play-grounds, merry-go-rounds, kiosks selling toys, sweets and cold drinks, and sometimes we find pony-riding for the small kids.

The SMALL TOP is well-kept, as are all the circus props, freshly painted each season, a fairly comfortable seating installation, elegant lighting and - when necessary - a heat-blower, type "hair-dryer". All the areas around and in Paris have a TOWN HALL /LA MAIRIE/ - where the ground can be rented for a reasonable price, often on a percentage basis, according to the principle "pay as you earn".

The program opens with an antipodean ACT, performed by SERGE GONTELLI, it is quick and slick, very spectacular with barrels and tables turning in the air above the performer's feet. Madame GONTELLI is RINGMASTER - and plays her part in the clown act.

The program targets small children, thus there are animals: performing:  white mice and cats - not together though ... and a female goat creating the joy of the children when she climbs a ladder and then slides down the toboggan, attached to said ladder !! Apotheosis and roaring laughter from the audience !!!

The GONTELLI's daughter, OPHELIE, 12 years old, walks the wire, very graciously, performs hula hoop, and the son, CHRISTIAN, performs a quite funny Rola Bola Act, dressed as one of the Blues Brothers, he also performs as a clown, juggles and shows lasso tricks -- and he is only 9 !!

Then there is a classic CLOWN ACT, often "Music is here forbidden" - a sketch that always makes everybody laugh. SERGE GONTELLI performs a short MAGIC ACT - mainly making rabbits and doves appear /Dove Pan and Drawer Box for those initiated in magic../ the idea here is that the kids may pat and stroke the small animals - thus they kind of participate and - everybody is happy!!

POINTS OF INTEREST: This being a family enterprise with virtually no paid stage-hands and artists, the GONTELLIS do everything themselves: putting up and taking down the tent, arranging the fence around, installing lighting and heating, pasting posters everywhere in the neighbourhood and visiting the various Town Halls to get further permits to perform --- and all this work is on top of presenting a very pleasant and appealing program. Read more at www.cirque-gontellis.com

This type of small show doesn't exist any more in Scandinavia, as far as I know you don't see it in London either, although it is about ten times bigger than Paris. The fairly mild climate in Paris is an advantage, making shows in tents possible all the year around, maybe avoiding January and February, although some circuses play here even at that time of the season.

Let us all --cross fingers -- and hope that this form for LIVING ENTERTAINMENT will continue and prosper!!!!

                            ENJOY THE SHOWS!!!!!!!!

--------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Circus Gontelli

11 June 2009

Circus in Bonbonland. From the season opening and so far the clown Rudy Brukson and his wife has performed in the Danish amusement park Bonbonland in the southern part of Zealand. From 14 June the park will probably as free attraction offer a non-animal circus performance with Rudy Brukson and several other artists performing in a small two pole tent. Visitors to Bonbonland tell that the standard of the park is not as good as in the previous owner's time.   

11 June 2009

No Name Circus. Work to finalize the stationary circus building in Team LA’s park in Solbjerg in the northern part of Jutland has progressed very well. And this year’s circus show, which had its opening night in the beginning of May, may soon move into the building. Hans Vedel has sent me these photos of the building as it looked 9 June. Among the performers in the show are Katja Schumann, the park owner Luffe Bøgh and a number of young people from the childcare institution No Name.

From No Name Circus. new circus building. Photo: Hans Vedel

9 June 2009

Artist at the Aarhus Festival. The Aarhus Festival is this year held from 28^th August to 6^th September. The Aarhus Festival was first held in September 1965 and has developed into both an international festival and a major local cultural event. For 10 days every year in August - September the streets and alleys, clubs, stages, galleries and museums of Aarhus are teeming with entertainment events. This year you can previous years see an artistic performance in the Magic Mirrors Pavilion which will present the show LA CLIQUE from Hippodrome in London.

A sexy, funny and dangerous experience, LA CLIQUE’s melange of cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety the show has taken the world by storm.  It has achieved cult status and won the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award in 2009 for "Best Entertainment of the year."

In Arhus the audience can meet Norway’s outrageously bendy Captain Frodo, the muscle-bound supermen The English Gents, Ursula Martinez from England with her cult-striptease and magic act and the entertainer and singer Lloyd Kandlin with his comical trapeze act.

Many have seen Ursula Martinez’s act at youtube. The act is sometimes called The Magic Pussy.

8 June 2009

Comeback for Swedish Circus Scott? The Swedish Circus Scott, who for many years was Sweden's leading circus, has not toured since 2003. But now it seems likely that it at least for a short period will be re-established. At the Swedish ticket bureau Eventimes you can read (my translation):

Circus Scott at Östersund! On 24-26 July Circus Scott will finally return to Östersund at the Jämtkraft Arena. Robert Bronett has decided to give in to all the letters, mails and people who have requested Circus Scott to make a new tour.

- It never stops to surprise me how many people which grew up with Circus Scott and miss it very much, Robert says. Visiting Circus Scott has been something of a family tradition, a tradition that everyone enjoyed. We are delighted that we are now after a long break again can offer our audience a circus as it should be. Robert Bronett promise to offer a program on top of what is possible!

Circus Scott will present:

Europe's only female, living cannon ball!

Trumpeting elephants

The king of pickpockets

Flying Trapeze Artists

Beautiful Horses

Funny Clowns

Naughty dogs

Cyborg artists

Two hours of fast entertainment where there is something for the whole family regardless of age.

6 June 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  - -- always something of interest, often something unexpected -- while visiting the big fun-fair LA FOIRE DU TRONE, situated at Pelouse de Reuilly, Paris, -- I met two French hospital clowns: LEBEAU ET CHRISTALL, they call themselves LES COEURS DES CLOWNS /literally the clowns' hearts/ and they mainly work for the French secular charity organization SECOURS POPULAIRE FRANCAIS.

They were present at LA FOIRE DU TRONE to get publicity for their activities, they offered balloon sculptures and face painting - and got a lot of attention.

The great difference between this kind of clowning and a circus-clown ACT is that the circus clowns'  time is limited to the ACT they do, there is really no time for improvisations as other acts are waiting behind.

In other countries: Hospital clowns:

Humour Foundation - Australia

Rote Nasen - Austria

Clini Clowns - Holland

Clown ONE - Italy

Jeanni Lindheim's Hospitals Clown Troup - USA

Sairaalaklovnit - Finland

Clownronden - Sweden- 

See more: http://www.danskehospitalsklovne.dk/Forside.asp

See here also info about the INTERNATIONAL CLOWN FESTIVAL, held in May in the town of SVENDBORG, Denmark- Clowns from all over the world turn up to show a gorgeous program. I saw DAVID SKUNK, PEE WEE and NILS POL - seen elsewhere in Denmark and Paris performing in circus or other events.

LEBEAU ET CHRISTALL

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- but also in Avignon, France, where an International Theatre Festival is organized each year in July.

CIRCUS IN DENMARK has received info re: the Festival d'Avignon OFF, presenting this year MORNING SHOWS:

PAUL MAZ, The Magic Touch, July 8 - 19, at 10.30

see more: www.soufflemagique.com

RAFISTOL, velo cello con vibrato, music, comedy and more ..., July 20 - 31, at 10.30

see more: www.rafistol.com

Both these shows at Theatre LA LUNA

LOST TRAVELERS- magic fantasies with JEROME HELFENSTEIN and CAUDE BRUN, July 8 - 31, at 10.00.

Theatre Les TROIS SOLEILS.

For more info, please contact Producer LULLY, email: lullys@club-internet.fr

---------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

4 June 2009

The funeral service over Nelly Jane Benneweis took place at Bronshoj Church on 4 June.

The small church was built in the 1180'ies by Bishop Absalon and is considered to be the oldest building in Copenhagen. It was a beautiful and moving ceremony. Besides members of the Benneweis family - Diana, Dawid, Nadia, Kim and Marek - there were representatives of other circus families as Enoch, Steckel, Deleuran and Moenster. And of course a lot of friends of Nelly Jane and old colleagues from her many years with the circus. The flower artist Tage Andersen had decorated the coffin with a wealth of roses in bright red colours. On front of the coffin was placed Nelly Jane’s top hat and the stick which she used as ring mistress. The whole aisle was filled with a lot of flowers from all those who wanted to send Nelly Jane a last greeting including a wreath from her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte, who Nelly had always been very fond of. There was escort to the colour from both the Danish Artist Association and Drabantgarden, the town guard of Hillerød. Nelly Jane was born at Bronshoj and both baptized and confirmed in the church. The hymns that were sung were the same as those Nelly had chosen when her elder sister Bitten a few years ago had her funeral service from the same church. Additionally Lise-Lotte Nielsen opera soloist of the Royal Opera in Copenhagen sung  Amazing Grace and Nelly godson Kristian played a piece on his cello. The vicar Karsten Arboe Woll gave a beautiful speech and touched on several of the things he had spoken with Nelly about when he visited her at hospital. At his questions to Nelly about what the best in her life had been the answer had been: "being in the circus."

Diana Benneweis gave a short speech, which she started in the way Nelly welcomed the circus audience: "High Distinguished audience, ladies and gentlemen, small and large circus friends". Diana ended the speech as Nelly always did: not saying goodbye but saying see you again and mentioned that Nelly when she realized that she would not live long enough to celebrate her 75th birthday had decided that that those who attended the funeral following the ceremony should be invited to a restaurant to have canapés and a glass of champagne.

After the funeral, the flower decorated coffin was carried out of the church by Kim Benneweis, Marek Benneweis, Larbi, Freddy Kolding, Arne Sorensen and Nelly’ godson Kristian Sørensen. While the coffin was carried out of the church Henrik Krogsgaard played Oh mein papa at the church organ. As bandmaster for several seasons in the Copenhagen Circus Building Henrik many times accompanied performances presented by Nelly Jane. 

Outside the church waited horse drawn hearse with 4 beautiful black Frisian horses

As Nelly Jane had desired large part those who had attended the funeral meet after the ceremony at Restaurant Bellahøj for champagne, luxus canapés and to exchange memories about Nelly.

Nelly Jane Benneweis will be remembered and missed by everyone who has had the privilege to know her.

The flowers decorated coffin with Nelly Jane’s top hat and stick. Leif Conradi was escort to the colour on behalf Danish Artist Association. Photo: Lise Kokholm

The church was filled with flowers. Photo: Lise Kokholm

The coffin it carried out of the church. In front to the left Marek Benneweis and to the right Kim Benneweis. Photo: Lise Kokholm

Diana Benneweis place a last rose at the coffin. Photo: Lise Kokholm

Outside the church. Photo: Lise Kokholm

The horse drawn hearse.  Photo: Henning Christensen

The flowers after the funeral. Photo: Henning Christensen

3 June 2009

Another baby camel at Circus Benneweis. When Circus Benneweis on 25 May visited a Lemvig one of Bernhard Kaselowsky’s camels gave birth to a colt. Today, when the circus was in Aabybro, another of the camels gave birth to a bay camel. The first baby camel was a male and the one born today a female.

The new baby camel. Photo: Freddy Kolding.

The first colt which now is 9 days old together with its mother and Bernhard Kaselowsky. Photo: Freddy Kolding.

2 June 2009

The new wave circus troupe Compagnie Aquanaut has the last few years during the summer visited a number of harbours at Funen and the south-eastern part of Jutland with their beautiful schooner Lovis, which they use as a stage for their performance. The group was established in 2005 and has artists from Denmark, Germany, Austria, Poland and Switzerland. This year’s performance is called "Pirate Queen" and is the story about the two female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. From 16 to 25 June the troupe will visit Soenderborg, Assens, Bogense, Faaborg, Svendborg and Aeroskobing.

Compagnie Aquanauts. Photos shot by Anja during the troupes visit to Sonderborg in 2008

31 May 2009

Circus Landino is the name of a circus which Benny Berdino of Danish Circus Arena will present from 27 June to 9 August at the Circus Arena winter quarter at Aarslev close to Slagelse, Zealand. Benny Berdino promises genuine circus atmosphere in the big circus tent put up in the middle of the square at the winter quarter which he calls Circus Land. The Danish ventriloquist Preben Palsgaard will be ringmaster and introduces a number of international artists. Danish Kim Benneweis will present Arabian stallions and there will be real clowns during the exciting and varied performance. Tent and equipment comes from the Swedish Circus Skratt which is produced by Benny Berdino but never tours in the summer months. Some of the artists will probably also come from Circus Skratt which this year present the trampoline comedian Max Weldy, Richard Ljungman with glass balance, David with rola-bola, Robertino with plate spinning, Miss Olga in an aerial act, Johanna on tight wire and the Glatvasky-clowns. Not all the artist mentioned will necessarily be with Circus Landino. – Apart from circus performances Circus Land will in the said period present a circus theatre, Sune's crazy-magic show, 4 sealions in a large pool, stables with lots of circus animals, pony riding and a museum. There will be an outdoor Tivoli and an indoor playland with roundabouts, slides, Ferris wheel, moon bounces and much more.

Last summer Benny Berdino took artist and equipment from Circus Skratt on tour in Norway during the summer months. The tour was not successful. That’s probably why he this year try his luck with a permanent circus in his winter quarter. In July and the beginning of August Circus Arena is the only large circus touring Zealand. So to some extent Benny Berdino will compete with himself.

30 May 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --- and now ---WARREN ZAVATTA, juggler, magician, comedian, musician  and more ... in a tremendously funny ONE-MAN-SHOW.

The background: circus-children are raised within the circus - they seldom get any real contact with people from the outside world except as an audience - and they start playing around in the sawdust of the ring and then - they are trained to learn various circus skills.

However, not all of them are enthusiastic for the career as a circus artist - but often they have no choice.

WARREN ZAVATTA tells us why he left the world of circus and why he preferred being a comedian, performing solo on stage.

This is done in a humourous way, and we feel that he is speaking the truth right from his heart - and he makes us understand, while still laughing, why he made that choice of his.

Obviously having a great talent for performing,  he enchants the spectators - and makes them laugh a lot!

His entrance is hilarious, made from the rear part of the theatre, where he is accompanied by loud, classic circus music and walking right thru the  audience, he immediately gets a very good contact with everyone.

Having received a thorough training in circus skills, he performs juggling with clubs and balls, ring-spinning around his foot, the fire effect known as The Living Volcano, magic effects and he plays the saxophone and the trumpet, and it is clear from his performance that he also trained dancing and acrobatics.

WARREN ZAVATTA is the son of Willy Zavatta and his English wife, a former BLUE BELL-dancer, and grandson of ACHILLE ZAVATTA, the grand old man of this well-known circus-family, of Italian descent they left Tunisia for France where they founded the CIRCUS ZAVATTA.

WARREN ZAVATTA is now playing alternatively: Theatre Trevise and Vingtieme Theatre, see

L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES, Euro 0.35 at all newsstands.

Reported by Zarro Zarro

29 May 2009

Elephants and sealions in circuses. In principle Danish legislation has since 1963 not permitted a circus to present wild animal acts. Only domestic animals are permitted. However, the Ministry of Justice can grant exemptions. And by tradition such exemptions have been granted for elephants and sealions but not for lions, tigers and other big cats. In 2003 a committee suggested that such exemptions should not be granted any longer resulting in a ban of elephants and sealions in Danish circuses. However many Danes wanted to protect the rights of circuses and trainers to continue to present animals as part of the classical circus. And the Minster of Justice did listen to their arguments and established in March 2007 a working group and asked them to consider the matter and deliver a report.

Based on at report from the working group the Danish Parliament has today passed an act making it possible also in the future to present elephants and sealions in circuses in Denmark. In an executive order to be issued by the Danish Minister of Justice he will set certain rules for animals in circuses, elephants and sealions as well as horses, dogs, housecats, pigeons etc.

Animals must be housed as appropriate for their species. They must be provided with protection from the weather, a clean dry stables / living area, fresh bedding, and freedom of movement within their enclosure. Suitable barriers must be in place between the public and the animals. Specific requirements will be set for each specimen. Transportation of animals must be appropriate for the species and individuals involved. Also here specific requirements are set up. All animal training must be based on operant conditioning and the use of positive reinforcement and repetition of desired behaviours. Training should showcase individual animals’ natural behaviours and athletics. Training must not place an animal in danger nor cause physical injury or psychological stress.

Touring circuses with animals will be required in advance to file a tour list with the authorities making surprise inspections possible.

Big cats as lions and tiger will still not be permitted in circuses in Denmark.

26 May 2009

Newborn camel at Circus Benneweis. When Circus Benneweis on 25 May visited the town of Lemvig in the northern part of Jutland one of the German animal trainer Bernhard Kaselowsky’s camels gave birth to a colt. Birth took place at 11 a.m. and took about 30 minutes. The baby camel is 1.20 meters tall and its weight is somewhere between 40 and 50 kilo. It has as all camels a long neck, but the two characteristic humps on the back come first when it is older. Freddy Kolding of Circus Benneweis has sent me the photos shown below from the camel birth.

The newborn camel is a male and has not yet been named. Naming will take place when Circus Benneweis start its visit to Aarhus on 26 June. Proposals for name are welcomed and an award in form of circus tickets will be given for the best proposal. Aarhus is the second largest city in Danmark. Circus Benneweis will give performances in Aarhus from 26 June until 14 July 2009.

Birth is in progress - see the legs. The elephant is watching.  

The newborn colt

Mom licks the colt clean

Now we can lie up

Now we can stand up - and the placenta is on the way out of mom

Mother and son. All photos by courtesy of Freddy Kolding

25 May 2009

Cirque du Soleil-performance will visit to Copenhagen. Cirque du Soleil is on their way to Scandinavia with the show Saltimbanco. The show can be seen in Stockholm from 17 to 20 September, in Helsinki from 23 to 27 September, in Turko (Åbo) from 30 September to 4 October, in Oslo from 8 to 11 October and in Gothenburg from 4 to 10 November. In between performances in Oslo and Gothenburg it will be visiting Copenhagen. Details are not yet available.

The show is an "arena-performance", i.e. not using a tent but performing in super arenas, sports centres etc.

Cirque du Soleil writes: ”Saltimbanco -from the Italian "saltare in banco", which literally means "to jump on a bench"-explores the urban experience in all its myriad forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers. Between whirlwind and lull, prowess and poetry, Saltimbanco takes spectators on an allegorical and acrobatic journey into the heart of the city. Saltimbanco is a Cirque du Soleil signature show inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colorful inhabitants. Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show's eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope.”

You can read more about the show and see video clips at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/saltimbanco/default.aspx

23 May 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  always something of interest, also now when the theatrical season is about to end:  The small theatre L'ANTRE MAGIQUE /meaning  THE MAGIC DEN  /  continues to produce programs for children up to 12 years - and for their parents and aunties and uncles ....

CHRISTIAN GAMBIN is the owner, animator and principal artist of this theatre, after a carrier of many years as a cabaret entertainer with an original and never copied COMEDY MAGIC ACT, essentially performed at the great Parisian cabaret PARADIS LATIN - he is now running his own show - and since the end of the nineties.

The theatre is a small one, allowed for maximum 50 persons, nicely decorated in red and black, comfortable and very French-styles seats and with an excellent view towards the stage.

The program is basically magic and balloon-sculpturing, and the children /some of them, as it is impossible to make all of them participate on stage/ are asked to enter the stage and to --- help the magician CHRISTIAN GAMBIN -- when things go wrong --- and with their help -- everything turns out right!

A particularly appreciated stunt is when CHRISTIAN GAMBIN borrows a ring from a lady, the ring disappears in a little box -- and is recovered in the last one of a series of Russian Dolls - a little magic sketch that always goes over very well.

The success is equally assured by an excellent contact with the public, a great talent for performing and a theatrical atmosphere.

Even with a minimum of French it is possible to enjoy the show, since it is very visual - as all good magic is.

Some evenings, short comedies by classical French authors like Feydeau are played - and here you have to understand French quite well.

 POINT OF INTEREST: this theatre fulfilling a need for family entertainment is unique for Paris, together with the MAGIC SHOWBOAT METAMORPHOSIS, direction Chantal Saint-Jean and Jan Madd -- there is nothing like it even in big cities like London, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, and the uniqueness resides in the fact that these theatres play all the year around and regularly.

You will find info in L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES, 0.35 Euro in all newspaper stalls.

Address: 50 rue Saint Georges, Metro Saint-Georges.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---- enjoy the shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

The magician Merlin alias Christian Gambin. Photo by courtesy of Christian Gambin.

22 May 2009

The Danish circus world's grand old lady, Nelly Jane Benneweis, passed away on 21 May 2009, aged 74.

"Ladies and gentleman, children and adults, dear circus friends!”. That is how an entire generation of Danes remember that Nelly Jane Benneweis as ringmistress in Circus Benneweis welcomed the audience.

But now it is over. On Ascension Day, the 21 May in the evening Nelly Jane passed away after some months of serious illness. She could have celebrated her 75 years birthday on 15 June.  

Nelly Jane was born in Bronshoj, a Copenhagen suburb, where her father was a master cabinetmaker and the father, mother, elder sister and Annette Otto Jensen (which is Nelly’s Christian name) lived in a house. Her father's pet name for Annette was Nellygirl. That’s why she chose the artist name Nelly Jane.

Nelly’s mother sent her to a dance institute where she was trained in classical ballet. After she finished school in 1951 she was offered a job as dancer at the Copenhagen Variety Theatre Lorry. Following this she travelled for several years all over Europe (especially in Germany) working as ballet dancer at cabarets and variety theatres. She toured with the Viko Torriani ballet, the Hoffmeister ballet and the Heinz Erhardt ballet and several other companies. She designed her own costumes and performed first as part of ballet corps, later with two partners and following that as solo dancer.

In 1964, Nelly Jane became compère at the Copenhagen Variety Theatre Lorry. There the Danish circus king Eli Benneweis saw her and offered her the job as ringmistress in Circus Benneweis. Together with her mother Nelly Jane went to Benneweis winter quarter at Dronningmolle and an agreement with Eli Benneweis was signed. Nelly Jane got her début as ringmistress in Hilleroed on 2 April 1971. In 1972, Nelly had the same job in the Swedish Circus Scott and was later the same year with Circus Benneweis when they closed their 1972 season in Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens. From December 1972 to February 1973 and again from December 1973 to February 1974 Nelly Jane was ring mistress at the English winter Circus Belle Vue in Manchester, where she got the well deserved pet name "Lady of the Ring".

In 1974 Nelly came back to Circus Benneweis where Eli asked her apart from presenting the performance also to be a kind of "hostess" and take care of the press. Nelly Jane’s office was a small office trailer where she discovered some big red boxes. When she opened them, they contained copies of applications to police, local fire authorities, etc., and Nelly realizes that taking care of getting such permissions was part of the job. "That I did not expect," she said to Eli Benneweis. "I knew that - that's why I didn’t tell you," was the circus kings reply.

Nelly Jane got the surname Benneweis when she on 9 April 1977 married Eli Benneweis smaller brother Sonny, who only two years later died from cancer.

Apart from working for Circus Benneweis Nelly Jane got several honorary tasks in the circus world. Among others, she was a member of the jury at the circus festival in Monte Carlo in 1990 and for several years she was a member of the jury at the European Youth Circus Festivals in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Nelly Jane continued as ringmistress for Circus Benneweis until 1994. Most seasons she toured with the tented unit of Circus Benneweis. However, she spent also for four seasons in the Copenhagen Circus Building then run by Eli Benneweis: 1979-1982.

Nelly Jane achieved with her charm and her winning ways an almost incredible popularity.

Up until 2003 Nelly Jane was Circus Benneweis’ press agent and responsible tour planning and authority permissions.

Even since 2003 Nelly Jane assisted Circus Benneweis with a number of tasks.

Also in other areas Nelly Jane remained very active. She was a splendid lecturer telling with enthusiasm of life in and outside of the circus ring. Nelly Jane also resumed a hobby from her youth: she began to paint and created a series of distinguished portraits of many of the white clowns that she had presented through her years as ringmistress. Friends convinced her to exhibit his drawings although Nelly with her usual modesty did not consider the drawing to be anything special. The exhibition showed that Nelly was a very talented painter who certainly could have made a career as such.

Nelly Jane had a special relationship with the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen. For several years she presented the Danish Artists Union as a member of the board of trustees of the museum and she gave much of her circus experience to the museum.

"It is a great and painful loss for me and my family that Nelly has now passed away. All of us in Circus Benneweis will miss her very much,” says Diana Benneweis, the present owner of Circus Benneweis.

Nelly Jane will be sadly missed by everyone who had had the privilege to know her. May she rest in peace.

Nelly Jane Benneweis (2004)

Nelly and her clown portraits (2008)

Nelly and Prince Rainer. Photo shot at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 1990

Nelly Jane and Sonny Benneweis (1977)

Nelly Jane as many remember her, here seen together with the Michel clowns (1987)

Nelly with José Michel (2004)

Nelly Jane photographed at the Circus Museum next to a photo from her appearance as ringmistress (2004)

A very young Nelly Jane

Nelly Jane and Pierre Miehe Renard at the reopening of the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, on 6 February 2009. This should be Nelly Jane’s last public appearance. Photo: Ebbe Forup

15 May 2009

New circus princess at Circus Benneweis. In the beginning of the season it was princess Maika, aka the actor Maiken Wessberg, who assisted the magician and ringmaster Kim Kenneth in presenting the performance. The last few weeks Kim Kenneth has been alone on the job as Maiken Wessberg is pregnant and due to this can not perform. People who have seen the show, tells me that Kim did the job as sole ringmaster with charm and elegance. But within a few days a new princess will be ready. Her name is Sara Poulsen. She is 25 years old and is looking forward to meet the Danish circus audience and to assist Kim Kenneth in leading the audience through the show.

15 May 2009

Cirque du Soleil on its way to Scandinavia. In July / August 2001 Cirque du Soleil visited for the first time Scandinavia performing in Copenhagen. Now another Soleil show is on its way to Scandinavia. It is the show Saltimbanco which are scheduled to perform in Stockholm, Sweden, from 17 to 20 September, in Helsinki, Finland,  from 23 September, in Turko (Aabo), Finland from 30 September to 4 October and in Gothenburg, Sweden,  from 4 to 10 November. Between Turko and Gothenburg it is scheduled to visit the Norwegian capital Oslo. There is currently nothing mentioned about a visit to Copenhagen. Another Cirque du Soleil show, Varkekai, can be seen in Hamburg from 28 August 20 September.

15 May 2009

Need a tent? The Circus Museum in Hvidovre has put its old tent including seating for sale. The tent is 20 meter in diameter and seats 350 persons. The tent has in recent years been used by the youth circus Circus Arcus for their annual performances. With the tent is also a foyer tent that can hold a nice bar or the like. The reason for the Circus Museum to dispose of the tent is that the museum through a grant from a fund has acquired a larger tent. The tent can from 18/5 to 30/5 been inspected at the circus lot on at Avedøre, Hvidovre. If you have an interest in acquiring the tent you can contact the curator Mikkel Knudsen on tel + 45 36 49 00 30 or email: mkk@hvidovre.dk.

Photos of the tent for sale.

14 May 2009

The Gogo Show. From 27 May to 27 June you can at the theatre at Tivoli Friheden in Aarhus, Denmark, see a variety show called The GoGo Show. The press material states that the GOGO Show is wild, beautiful and sexy. The performers are Jette Torp (singer) - Klaus Wunderhits (Claus Pilgaard,  musical entertainer) - The GOGO Orchestra - HerrBerg (DK) - Les vitamins (CA) - Julie Lavergne (FRA) - Ann-Karin (DK) - Svetlana (RUS) - Nalle (DK) - Perry Stenbäck (SE) - Rios Dance Girls (Paris / Moulin Rouge) and others.

The GoGo Show. Press photo

12 May 2009

The Danish master pick pocket Kenny Quinn has sent me this lovely photo of his and Mrs Joan son Jack standing in front of the Togni's elephants. Kenny Quinn is this year touring with Danish Circus Dannebrog. Jorgen Lorenzen has told me that Circus Dannebrog’s performance on Friday 8 May was sold to the savings bank Kronjylland. Kenny Quinn invited Kronjylland’s CEO Jakob Leth into the ring and emptied his pockets and stole his tie. It was great fun for the audience who knows Jakob Leth. And the applause was huge.

Jack Quinn with his camera in front of the elephants. Jack is 2½ year old.

11 May 2009

News from teatro GLIMT. After 1 1/2 years of research and rehearsals, teatro GLIMT premiered the performance ”Sisyphus Ascending” at Kaleidoskop Theatre in Copenhagen last October. We are happy to say that it was a huge success with the audience as well as the critics. We will be presenting the performance again at Musikteater PLEX in Copenhagen on 4 and 5 June 2009. The performance is meant for touring. Therefore it will be performed in France at the Monthelon Castle’s festival of contemporary Circus on 30 and 31 July. In the autumn the performance will be touring at a variety of Danish theatres in Elsinore, Holbæk, Herning, Roskilde, Vejle etc. So if you get the chance, be sure to pass by and see the performance. Click here to se a video clip.

5 May 2009

Circus Mascot seen in Langaa on 4 May at 18. Circus Mascot is a Danish dog and pony show owned by Jess and Marianne Deleuran. They established the show in 1994 and use a two pole big top seating 260 people. Jorgen Lorenzen saw their performance on 4 May and writes:

Circus Mascot has almost a full house. As always the equipment of Circus Mascot is extremely well maintained. Everything is newly painted and nice and clean.

The performance begins with Daniel and Ulmas in a juggling entrée with 2 x 4 clubs as the final trick. Then Marianne Deleuran and her poodles enter the ring. This year she is dressed in black coat and top hat. The dogs are doing new tricks and the props are new. The act is surprising and fresh. Her son Andreas assists her.

The Pinders then present a plate spinning entrée with a lot of good gags. The house clown Gulio then enters the ring and conducts the audience as if they were an orchestra. He enjoys his work and his cheerful mimic and energy rub of on the audience. Andreas then presents a diabolo entrée before Marianne and Jess is doing telepathy. With astonishing rapidity Marianne guess the object presented to Jess. I have not seen such a mind reading act done so well by Danish artists since the late Truxa.

Then Gulio comes in, dressed as Japanese who want to practice karate. A member from the audience assisted him - from the beginning somewhat uncomfortable, but he gives up and joins the game. The first part of the performance ends with Mascot’s crazy taxi. It is the Pinders who are driver and passenger. Such act is always great fun, especially when the car is behaving almost as a living obstinate creature.

The second part of the performance begins with Miss Prymachenko in vertical rope with much energy and many fast pirouettes. Then the clown trio Gulio is entering the ring. The trio consists of Gulio, Andreas and Gulio’s son. The trio has a short intermezzo where they are splashing with water. Then Miss Erika performs a stylish foot juggling routine.

Then it is time for the clown trio’s main entrée. Gulio is dressed as a female ballet dancer. The two boys are August’s and a member from the audience is “invited” to assist them with ballet dancing. It ends up in a mess and Gulio drags his assistants behind the curtain and "shoots" them one by one with a plastic gun.

Then Jess comes in with his 4 ponies in liberty dressage before Gulio enters the ring with two trained cocks. Finally, there are a spectacular painter entrée where Erika and Eddy sprays the ring and themselves with water and foam, while a rotating ladder functions almost at a wheel of death.

After this effective entrée it is time Grand Finale. Circus Mascot has again cemented its position as "the family circus for the entire Denmark."

Jess Deleuran with 2 of his ponies

3 May 2009

Danish Circus Krone seen in Ry on 1 May at 17. Circus Krone is the smallest of the Danish circuses. Having seen their 2009-performance Jørgen Lorenzen writes:

Circus Krone had a full house. It was even necessary to take in additional seats. Everyone in the audience was given a free program - a surprise fold-out program with a distinguished style and of high information value.

It is circus owner Irene Thierry’s 25 years anniversary season. For 25 years she has been in charge of the circus, which her parents founded 70 years ago. For several she has been assisted by her husband, Jan Allan, whom she married in 1996. Her two sons Marc and Frank have also been part of the team.

This year’s performance is a pleasure for the eye and a beautiful experience. It begins with sword box with Allan suffering inside the box which belonged to Irene Thierrys father Regner Thierry.

Li Chen does a strong balancing act with beautiful props and difficult tricks. In the final trick she is climbing two unsupported ladders balancing a bit with a ball. Duo Bessogonov present a quick change act as good of the best seen in the genre. And it makes a strong impression because you in a tiny circus is sitting so close to the performers and therefore should be able to see how it is done.  But that’s impossible.

The clown Allando especially enjoyed the children in his attempt to train an uncontrollable panda bear (Irene is inside the bear). Then we met Frank Thierry in a comical trapeze entrée with a lot of gags.

The second part of the performance begins with a Chinese contortionist where Jian Luo shows the trick where the artist bend himself together and disappear into a cylinder - to come out at the other end of pipe. Frank Thierry comes again, this time with his rola bola act. A female spectator is called in to assist with advice and deed. Without her help the act had never gone well!

Li Chen does magic in a stylish, oriental and colourful costume and with many beautiful props.

The magic continues, but with a comical flavour, as Irene and Allan takes over the ring before Konstantin Bessogonov come roaring in on a mega-motorcycle on which he performs a difficult rola bola act which culminates with the fact that he balanced on 5 rotating cylinders.

The sun shined outside. Inside the tent lighting was better than the previous year, and spectators left encouraged and happy with a feeling of having experienced something beautiful - a total experience where the ring filled with colours , movement, beauty and well artistry, launched with warmth and humour.

Circus Krone has received the best possible start for the next 25 years.

Normally you can also see ponies at Circus Krone, trained and presented by Jan Allan. Unfortunately, the horse trailer was broken and the ponies were on a grassy lot somewhere else not included in the performance of Ry.

Allando and the panda bear

1 May 2009

Carl Mundeling - 40 years - 6 May. Carl Mundeling was born as the son of the well-known Danish horse trainer and equestrienne Viola Mundeling and the Norwegian band master Odd Buvik. Carl grew up in Aarhus (Denmark) and took a high-school certificate from Aarhus Cathedral School in 1986. Really he would have been a helicopter pilot, but he chose the circus life and entered hence the track, which his family had entered before him as the Mundling's is an old Danish circus family. "Circus life is my backbone and my whole life," he says.

For 6 years he travelled with the Norwegian Circus Merano, and then with the Danish Circus Arena for 3 years in total. In both those circuses he worked on the administrative side. But in the autumn of 2000 he became a trainee with the English lion and tiger trainer Dick Chipperfield, and he soon took over a group of predators, which currently consists of 14 tigers. Carl is the only one - and probably last - Danish big cat trainer. And he is the only member of the Mundelig family still being active in the entertainment world.

For 3 years he travelled with Circus Busch-Roland in Germany before he switched to Italian circuses. Currently he is with Circus Bellucci, who travels in southern Italy. You can get a glimpse of him on Bellucci's website: www.circobellucci.it

Carl's mother Viola is with him as for his invaluable help and support.

Carl Mundeling

26 April 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---- just now March thru June:  LA FOIRE DU TRONE - a great funfair and carnival event, yearly featured in Paris. In fact, this event has apparently a tradition of about one thousand years and it is very famous and shows that popular entertainment is still very much alive and kicking - , an important point in this modern world of electronic entertainment.

Basically we find the traditional Merry-Go-Rounds and Swing-O-Plane attractions, also games requiring some skill and some pot-luck -and of course food and drinks in abundance.

Artistic performances are today - unfortunately - rather scarce, since they are less and less profitable - but we find some smaller tents presenting illusions, typically the Lady without a Head, or a variety of the same kind of illusion but where the lady appears to have nothing from the waist and below - a tipsy-turvy variety /if I may say so/ is the TALKING SKULL where a head is put on a table - and answers questions.

Great aerial acts are also scarce, but you may see THE WHEEL OF DEATH, as I reported from Dubai last February. This disappearance of artist acts can be seen for instance in Copenhagen, where the fine shows previously presented on the open-air stage PLÆNEN at the Copenhagen TIVOLI have been discarded and  the popular entertainment area DYREHAVSBAKKEN, called just BAKKEN, only has programs on the open-air stage about one week in August, directed by Benny Schumann.

Let us fight to keep live entertainment --- ALIVE !!!!

---------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Pictures from LA FOIRE DU TRONE.  Photos © Christophe Pasquet Images

22 April 2009

No Name Circus. Denmark's only stationary circus is situated in Team LA's adventure park in Solbjerg north of Hadsund in the northern part of Jutland. Park and building are owned by Luffe Bøgh who operates a childcare institution for young people and as part of the activities of this institution allows young people to train in circus arts including animal dressage. Performances are a mix of performances by professional artists and young people from the institution. Through the years, several talented professional artists have worked for the park and the circus. First it was KIM Benneweis. From 2005 to August 2008 it was the BJOERN Schult-BJORNLYS. And this year it is Katja SCHUMANN, who is engaged by the circus and the park.

Team LA writes on their website: Come and visit No Name Circus, we celebrate our fifth season and welcome our audience into our brand new circus building. We are a mixed group of professional circus artists and young talents, horses, ponies, exotic animals, children and adults. We have everything from trained chickens, llamas and zebras to foreign horsebreeds like the American saddlebreed for talented and versatile artists, both national and international.

Ladies and gentlemen we invite you to visit our wonderful circus park. We have performances Tuesday to Sunday at 14.30 from 1 May to 1 October 2009.

Team LA’s core business is job training of young people from the institution No Name. Team LA was founded in 1985 and consists of horse stud with approx. 100 horses, a riding school with over 100 members, a floral park and park activities. Team LA circus was established in 2005. Team LA has today approx. 30 employees and is a place of amazing development with approx. 5,000 guests from all over Denmark. The guests and the animals are important parts of the Team LA because it gives young people "real" jobs that are meaningful.

The last few years circus performances took place in a tent. But now a real circus building is under construction, see the photo below. However, the building will probably not be ready for season opening on 1 May,

The upcoming circus building photographed on 18 April. Photo: Hans Vedel

22 April 2009

Award to Paulina Schumann. Last year, I could tell that the famous now retired equestrienne Paulina Schumann had been awarded the Spanish Medallas de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes.  The gold medal was handed over to Paulina Schumann at a ceremony on Wednesday 15 October 2008. Benny Schumann has sent me the photo below, where his mother thanks the Spanish King Juan Carlos for the award. Paulina Schumann was born in 1921. Her father was the famous clown Charlie Rivel.

Paulina Schumann thanks the Spanish king for the medal

20 April 2009

Artist performance in the amusement park Bonbonland. Last year there was apart from a sea lion show no artist show in the Danish amusement park Bonbonland in the southern part of Zealand. This year they have skipped the sealion show. But they have decided to resume the tradition of artistic performances. It is not as previously Benny Berdino of Circus Arena who is responsible producing the show. The park has instead among others engaged members of the Brukson family to take care of the entertainment. One of the family members the run-in clown Rudy Brukson toured with Circus Dannebrog in 2006.

20 April 2009

European Circus Day. The European Association of Circus Owners ECA wanted to mark 18 April as the European Circus Day. None of the Scandinavian circus tried to celebrate the day or to create publicity for it. Many other places in Europe the day was celebrated. ECA writes:

With the organisation of the European Circus Day, we would like to increase the interest in the circus as a special form of art and culture, underlining its continuous importance and its international character. This year, the European Circus Day is celebrated within the scope of 2009 as the European Year of Creativity and Innovation. In many countries, circuses and circus schools are finalizing their activities.

In the Netherlands, the Nederlands Centrum voor Volkscultuur (NCV) fulfills a coordinating function, in cooperation with the Vereniging van Nederlandse Circusondernemingen (VNCO), the ECA and the Club van Circusvrienden Nederland (CvCN). Among all the activities, a flyer naming all Dutch circuses will be published on April 18. At Circus Herman Renz in Dordrecht and Circus Alberto Althoff in Fijnaart there will be Open Days.

In Belgium, a show with over 50 artists from circus schools will take place in Brussels, whereas in Tournai the Moscow State Circus (Holiday) will invite to the presentation of the “Gouden Chapiteau Sleutel” (Golden Chapiteau Key) by VNCO and an exhibition.

Lots of activities again in Budapest: Three gala performances are staged at the circus building, and students of the circus school perform on a podium in front of the building. In a small cage positioned in the big cage, journalists are invited to have a very close look at the lions. Music, street performances and an exhibition at the TRAFO centre for modern art will round off the Hungarian events.

Cirque Arlette Gruss will invite to an Open Day in Valenciennes, France, and also its new big top “Cathédrale” can be admired.

All circus organizations in Finland have worked together to produce a nice poster. Their activities are again coordinated by the Finnish Circus Information Centre. Also, a discussion forum called “Circus Today and Tomorrow” for culture politicians and circus professionals will be held in Helsinki.

In the United Kingdom, the activities are coordinated by the Circus Development Agency and will take place at among others at Zippo’s Circus in London and the Great British Circus in Grimsby, and in Spain by the Associació de Professionals de Circ de Catalunya. In Barcelona, the XVI Monocyclists' meeting will take place on the European Circus Day.

Circus fans are also active to turn the second European Circus Day into a success. In Switzerland, they have contacted all circuses and the media. Italian Circo Moira Orfei is preparing an event in cooperation with the TV and also the Circus Academy of Verona will devote its attention to the Circus Day. In Cascina, a performance of the children of the "Scuola di Piccolo Circo di Cascina" and professional artists will be combined with a conference about the circus world.

Baltijos Cirkas of Lithuania organizes a clowns exposition and a “historical hour” (with a lecture etc.) in Kaunas and the youth circus studio Dzukia dedicates a show to the ECD in Druskininkai. In the Russian city of Perm, the Center of Circus Arts prepared an Open Day, workshops and a special show.

The Swedish Circus Academy prepares a photo exhibition in shop windows in Växjö, an exhibition of circus posters and circus attributes and a special show.

The chairman of the Swedish Circus Academy Roy Himsel has provided me with the photos below from the event in Växsjö.

Åke Lundblad from Linnea Theater in Växjö welcomed the audience at the European Circus Day. Photo: Roy Himsel

12 years old Nanna Carling got huge applause for her wonderful ventriloquism. Photo: Roy Himsel

Acka Juntunen from Ingelsträde had many small guests who wanted to get a clown makeup. Photo: Roy Himsel

Some of the photos Linda and Roy Himsel exhibited. Photo: Roy Himsel

18 April 2009

Andrejs Fjodorov. Many Danes will from season 2008 remember the formidable pigeon trainer Andrejs Fjodorov who last year had his international debut at tiny Danish Circus Arli. His act with pigeons was unique. You've never seen a pigeon run hurdle race; next due crept of course below obstacles. Also borrowed from dog’s dressage was the dove, which ran between the legs of the trainer and as a whole the contact between the pigeons and Andrejs was incredible. He could as a Doctor Doolittle "talk" with the pigeons. This year he appears in one of France's famous circus, Cirque Arlette Gravel, whose performance this year is called La Cite du Cirque. Arlette Gruss use a tent seating 1,500 1,500 people, so it is much larger than Circus Arli. Click here for link to Arlette Gruss' website with photos of Andrejs and other performers. 

Andrejs Fjodorov at Circus Arli 2008

18 April 2009

Tim Holst has passed away. Tim Holst, Vice President of Talent and Production for Feld Entertainment (Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey), passed away April 16 in São Paulo, Brazil, during a visit to sign up circus acts. He was 61. Mr. Holst circled the planet for more than two decades signing performers from star clowns to trapeze hair-hangers. “He was the ambassador to the world for the Greatest Show on Earth,” said Kenneth Feld, Ringling’s owner and chief executive. “And for the performers, he was the one who introduced them to American society. He became involved in these families’ lives at every step of the way.” Tim Holst replaced in 1986 the late Trolle Rhodin as Ringling’s talent scout.

12 April 2009

Circus Dannebrog in 2009. Dannebrog is the name of the Danish flag as Union Jack is the name of the English flag and Stars and Stripes of the United States Flag. Circus Dannebrog was established in 1880 and toured until 1928. As a young man the present owner Haddy Enoch (born 1934) had a dream: to re-established Circus Dannebrog. When he did so in 1977 not many would have believed that he about 30 years later would be able to present such excellent programmes as he has presented in the later years. Performance takes place in a 4 pole tent with a diameter of 36 meter, no quarter poles, bucket seating at a high rake and a light and sound system being better than in any other Danish circus. Music is provided by an excellent 6 piece band.

Circus Dannebrog 2009-performance live up to the high expectations that the Danish audience today has to a circus performance. One of the acts is simply outstanding and deserved an invitation to the Monaco Circus Festival. Mr Urs Pilz – you should pay Circus Dannebrog a visit! (Urs Pilz selects acts that are invited to participate in Monte Carlo Festival).

In Circus Dannebrog’s usual style the show begun with all artists entering the ring followed by Haddy Enoch's welcome. The first number was very spectacular: the Italian Cesare Togni family came into the ring with 4 horses, three white and one black, and 6 family members build human pyramids-on-horseback. A great start to the show. The family head Cesare Togni passed away last autumn in an age of 84 years. Luckily enough his family continues the tradition for presenting elephant acts and pyramids-on-horseback.,The Togni family is one of the largest Italian circus dynasties. In the mid-1950s, Cesare founded his own circus with his brother Oscar. Cesare spent his last years at Circo Americano, led by his cousin Enis.

Famiglia Togni. Photo: Rud Kofoed

Togni family was followed by a short run-in with The Balder Clowns. The brothers Sidney, Christian and Engelbert Balder did also tour with Circus Dannebrog in 2008. This year they present brand new and original entrées. Many are concerned that the classic musical clown trio with a white clown and two August’s are a dying breed. Wonderful to see the 3 brothers who are probably in the late thirties, proving that there excellent classic clowns in the younger generation.  

After a short feature with the Dannebrog ballet that always connects the acts in Circus Dannebrog we came to the act which I have mentioned above: the juggler Rodgerio Gonzalves who juggled with tennis rackets and tennis balls in a magnificent entrée presenting among other tricks devil stick-juggling. He "sells" his excellent number fabulous good and was pleased when I after the show told him that I believed he was somewhere in the thirties. Correct answer was 46 years. He told me that he 24 years ago also toured with Circus Dannebrog. At that time together with his brother in Washington trapeze act using the name Goncalves brothers. "A very nice act," Isabella Enoch remembers.

Rodgerio Gonzalves. Photo: Rud Kofoed

Gonzales was replaced by Posnas with their happy dogs. Then came another top act: the elegant pickpocket Kenny Quinn who with his usual charm and elegance emptied pockets, removed belts and stole glasses from three clients. Kenny is a master in his field and no other current gentlemanthief is as good as him. After the pickpocket came Allison Togni in a fine entrée in tissue where the elegant staging clearly labelled Isabella Enoch fingerprints. Then came the Balder-clown's main entrance, which both offered music (with all three on trumpets) and a comical catering hall entrée.

The first number after the break was the bike act which always has been the trademark of the Haddy Enoch family: The Haddies. This year the Enoch family presented it as 4 Haddies using the routine Haddy, Solveig and their children for years toured with before they started their own circus. In 2009 performers are the son Dennis along with his niece Victoria and the grandson Jimmy with his aunt Katja. That’s how a bike act should be! Bravo! After a short run-in with the Balders Togni Jones entered the ring with 3 elephants. The act filled out the ring and the elephants performed synchronously in contrast to many other elephant acts where a large part of the routine is carried out by one animal at a time. The elephants were followed by a short but nice hand-stand and contortion act presented on the stage by 17 year old Ounes Conzalves.

Then Balders had another run-in, followed by a “dog school” entrance with the female partner from Posnas. Last act in the performance was the Brazilian trapeze stars The Flying Michaels. They have great charm and their final trick, a triple salto with a hood over the head of the flyer, triggered a stormy applause.

4 Haddies, The Balders and Posnas dog school. Photo: Lise Kokholm

10 April 2009

Medal to Haddy Enoch. In connection with Circus Dannebrog's performance on 9 April in Odense the Danish Circus Fans honoured the grand old man of the Danish circus world Haddy Enoch by making him an honorary member of the Danish Circus Fans Association. The visible sign of the honorary membership is a small medal. 

Haddy Enoch with his medal. Photo:  Rud Kofoed

Next week you can see further photos from the event and a review of Circus Dannebrog’s 2009-performance. Until then feel free to enjoy a slideshow with some photos from the performance. (Slideshow will not be ready until 12 April) I

10 April 2009

Season 2009 looks promising for circuses in Denmark. Due to the financial turmoil several circus owners have wondered what season 2009 would be like. However so far the season seems to be pretty good.” We have had more visitors this year than we had last year at the same time,” circus owner Diana Benneweis of Circus Benneweis tells. She is also happy by getting very good reviews in the leading newspapers. “And best of all. The audience loves our performance” daily manager Freddy Bergmann Kolding says. So no crisis at Circus Benneweis. Also the other Danish circuses seems so far to have had a fairly good season. So far six of the Danish circuses have begun season 2009: Arena, Arli, Benneweis, Baldoni, Dannebrog and Mascot. The last of the Danish circuses, the dog and pony show Circus Krone will open its season on 16 April.

6 April 2009

Circus Arli 2009 – Arli is wonderful. Someone believes that big is beautiful other than small is beautiful. My conclusion is that Circus Arli is wonderful! It is not a large show. But their performance is very good and presented in a most charming and elegant way.

This year Circus Arli has bought a brand new electronic light system using LED lamps (light-emitting diodes) giving very good light and using much less electricity than their old light system.

Martin Arli opens the performance by cleaning the stage (Arli use a stage and not a traditional circus ring) and catching rays of light. Then circus owner Søren Arli welcomes his audience and introduce his grandson 22 year old Alexander Arli. Alexander is a gifted multi-acrobat every year presenting a new act. This year he is juggling with tennis balls and rackets in a very fine routine being assisted by his girl-friend Ailona. Next comes Bettina Arli with a nice magician entrée. Then we meet one of the season’s foreign artists: Edi Laforte with dog of various breeds, a cat and three goats. It is a perfect act for Circus Arli’s small ring (stage). Then Alexander presents a charming entrée Singing in the rain with his father Martin as the rain main. His is followed by Martin with a soap bubbles blowing entrée. Then Bettina Arli taking over the task as ring mistress can present Duo Rubstov in a melange-act including juggling with hats, acrobatics, handstand and chair balancing. Everything done to tango music.

Firs act after the interval is Edi Laforte with trained dogs in a liberty routing. Charming and impressing. Then we meet Ailona in a good hula hoop entrée where she is guest in a bar with Alexander as bartender. She is replaced by the clown Martino (Martin Arli) in an entrée where he shows his talents as concertino-musician. Then the female partner in Rubstov present a nice tissue acts as Miss Katja the arial fiddler. Last act in the performance is the kids favourite: the clowns Martino & Co., this year Martin and Alexander assisted by Bettina and a dangerous “ape”. Very entertaining, very funny and very charming.

This years performance is called ABBA-DABBA-DOO and a lot of the music – all taped – is ABBA-music. Kids and their parents or grandparents will love the performance in this charming circus.

Martino & co. Click here to see a slideshow from the performance

5. April 2009

New chairman for the Danish Circus Fans. At the annual general meeting on 4 April 2009 in the Danish Circus Fans Association the chairman for many years Jens Frobenius did not want to get reappointed. When he joined the board many years ago his ambition was to establish a circus museum based on the artist Ølund Barly’s (1917-1999) huge and unique collection. Such museum opened in 2001 in the old headquarter at the former military base at Avedøre. The exhibitions have recently been rearranged and Jens believed that someone else should take over the task as chairman. As new chairman was appointed John Lington. John comes from a family of artists: his grandfather was a musical clowns and his two uncles performed at Circus Schumann. Also his cousins became artists. His father was a well-known bandmaster. But John himself became a cabinet-maker but kept the contact to the world of circus and acrobats.  

John Lington

4 April 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --- April 3 thru 5 we had a great event:  LE SALON MONDIAL DU CIRQUE - WORLD CIRCUS EXHIBITION, located in the immense exhibition halls at Porte de Versailles, Metro: Porte de Versailles.

A really great and interesting event, featuring, in my random order: a fantastic photo display/exhibition by photographer MICHEL RIMMER, describing the round-the-clock life of various circuses.

 From Russia, master juggler SERGUEI IGNATOF held workshops where we could admire both his juggling skills and his great pedagogical talent to forward and put over the essentials to his trainees

This alone would have been worth the trip to Paris ...

A BIG TOP, nicely colored in black and yellow stripes, was ideal to present a number of artists, just to mention a few: Catalan Circus, Spain, presented URSULA AND DIMITRI /COSTUME QUICK CHANGE, DANCE AND COMEDY/.

Ursula & Dimitri also known as Los Galindos. Photo by courtesy of Ursula & Dimitri

La Maison des Jonglages featured SLYDE /cane and hat manipulation/juggling and hip-hop/, LUDOVIC RENDU /rola rola and comedy/.

Odysseo Show presented a classical cabaret ballet, a very elegant juggling couple and a stunning Chinese antipodean/contortionnist.

Circus NIKOULINE, Moscow, featured: DIMITRI CHERNOV /original juggler/, EVGUENIA AVASEVA AND ALEXEY BOLCHAKOV /handstand-acrobatics/, NATALIA CHAPLYUN /aerial act/, ELÖD TRAGER /aerial act/, DESIRE N'GOMA /rola rola with an African touch/.

Rosgoscirk, Russia, featured possibly the best act of the day: MIKHAIL IVANOV AND ELENA SOSSINA /juggling football-sizeballs  riding on one wheel, thus  without any saddle, also jumping from one rolling wheel to another - certainly the limit of what can be achieved in this field.

Great, surprising and esthetic value !!!

Around the BIG TOP various activities flourished: stalls with books, posters, souvenirs, and circus props, particularly juggling ones - and nice miniature models of circuses.

ECA was represented by Mr ARI OUDENES, the President of the ECA - he asked me to convey his best greetings to OLE SIMONSEN, publisher of  www.circus in denmark, and to all the friends and colleagues worldwide - which I duly hereby do.

Only problem, as I see it - all the circuses are now travelling -preventing a number of circus people to attend this event - February would probably be better - next year.

I would like to point out that due to the amount of activities, it was impossible to see them all, I quote some of them.

Also - as the Russian names are transcribed from the Russian alphabet - there may be a variety of spellings.

All in all, this is a great event not to be missed --  and while spending some days in Paris - why not enjoy this wonderful city --- so ---- see you next year - right ????

---------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.        

From Salon Mondial du Cirque. Photo by courtesy of Salon Mondial du Cirque

2 April 2009

Circus Krone 2009. This year is it 70 years since the tiny Danish Circus Krone had its first season and 25 years since the present owner Irene Thierry took over the circus from her father Regnar Thierry who started his carrier as a market performer.

Performers this year are the acrobat and contortionist Jian Luo from China and his wife Li Shen who is a magician and also present acrobatics. Duo Bessogonov from Czech Republic present a rola-bola act (Konstantin Bessogonov) using a motorbike as trinka. Ivana Bessogonov presents a quick change act. Circus owner Irene Thierry’s son Frank Thierry will present a comedy trapeze entrée. Irene’s husband Jan Allan will present his liberty ponies and entertain the children as Allando the clown. Together with Irene he will also present a comical magical entrée. Season will open on 16 April and last until 19 September. Circus Krone will mainly tour Jutland and Funen.

Circus Krone. Photo from 2008

Ivana Bessogonov. Photo from 2004 when Duo Bessognov toured with Circus Krone

2. April 2009

In Soren Ostergaard's Tivoli Variety Theatre in Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens you can this year apart from Soren Ostergaard and two other Danish comedians meet the contortionist Elena Fiesta, the hand stand acrobats Ingo Reissig & Frank Schreiber and the comical magician Otto Wessely from Austria. The show can be seen from 11th May and until 29th August, Tuesday to Friday at 19.30 and Saturday at 16.00.

Elena Fiesta. Photo from 2008

30 March 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ----  just now - THEATRE GYMNASE MARIE BELL,  38 boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, Metro Bonne Nouvelle, proudly presents  LES JUMEAUX  DROLE DE MAGIE which means FUNNY MAGIC SHOW - and funny it is, even hilarious when the twins / LES JUMEAUX in French/  CLAUDE AND LAURENT MAMOU indulge in classical magic tricks with unexpected endings and bizarre effects.

The show really is in the best of variety, vaudeville, cabaret  and music hall tradition - conducted at a good pace, dynamically presented and with a never-ending good humour - all contributed to creating a fantastic atmosphere where the adult audience / 25 - 50 or so ,,,/ had a really good time.

Point of interest: THE SPIRIT CABIN is still very much alive and kicking .... this magic sketch was the grande finale and nearly brought the ceiling down.

Another one: as it is difficult to stage entertainment without any feminine element, CLAUDE AND LAURENT invited a couple of good-looking ladies to come up on stage to help out with the audience participation bits ... a very clever stunt, at least as I see it.

Do I have to mention that all were courteously as well as humouristically treated ...

Although the language was French, CLAUDE AND LAURENT speak English and Spanish, in case of need .... and the effects are very visual - so don’t miss out on this excellent show !!!

Showtime one hour.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  ---------- reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

LES JUMEAUX  DROLE DE MAGIE

26 March 2009

Circus Baldoni is a medium sized Danish circus owned by Thessa and René Mönster. Opening night was on 26 March in Lyngby (a Copenhagen suburb). Opening took place in a brand new tent. As the old tent the diameter was 26 meter and the seating capacity about 600 persons. The new tent is higher than the old tent and seating facilities have been improved. Circus Baldoni has also purchased a new and up-to-date light system,

The clown Danilo (Daniel Dim) opens the performance by entering the stage (Baldoni use as Circus Arli a stage and not a classical circus ring) and put the light on and of to much annoyance of the groom Thomsen. (Thomsen is a character in Baldoni’s performances). Then René Mönster and the entire company enter the stage singing Circus Baldoni’s well-known welcome song. First acrobatic act was Chinese Liu Fu who assisted by a countryman first did juggling with hats and then a short rola-bola entrée. He was followed by the Kapitanski clowns in the first of their 3 run-ins. Following the clowns René Mönster, assisted by Leonardo the lion (a ventriloquist doll) introduced the clowns Danilo and  Danila (Thessa Mönster) in the entrée with the transistor radio. Next act was the hand stand acrobat Monika Magyar. The final trick in her entrée was the popular trick with bow and arrow introduced by Elayne Kramer at the Monte Carlo Festival in 2008. Following her the groom Thomsen presented a diabolo entrée in a Tyrolese dress. Last act before the interval was one of the top acts in the performance: Chinese He Yuan who riding a 2½ meter high mono bike with one foot threw bowls up on the top of her head. Well done and simply marvellous when she placed her bike on top of a large ball and did the same tricks! According to the printed programme He Yuan presented her act at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 1987. She might at that time have been member of the large Chinese TROUPE DE SHEN YANG

He Yuan

After the interval three Chinese acrobats one of them being Liu Fu jumped through hoops using the name Chinese Sensation. They were followed by Alexandra Kapitanskaja in an entrée with acrobatics in a large ring. Then we met the jugglers Duo Monro the female partner being Monika Magyar (the girl with bow and arrow). They presented a very nice juggling routing. Then Zhang Ruichong entered the stage and did chair balancing with up to six chairs. He was replaced by Kapitanski in a charming quick-change entrée using both the female partner and their 3 dogs. The came an act of type I have never seen before: Yuang Rui called the man with the hundred faces. He was able to change his face mask with lightning speed. Incredible! Last act in the performance was the act which was awarded the evening’s highest applause. Indeed very well deserved. Circus Baldoni introduced their very own version of GOT TALENT and an elderly couple was invited to tru their luck at the stage. They were dressed a bit like The Svenssons and Karl Kossmeyer and did a fabulous comical casceadeur entrée. The couple was the master casceadur Freddi Steckel and Thessa Mönster. If I was a German or Dutch winter circus owner I would ASAP offer Freddi a contract for this act! The performance was accompanied by a two pieces band.

Freddi Steckel & Thessa. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

25 March 2009

Circus Arli 2009. This year’s programme for Circus Arli is:

Juggling with tennis rackets – Alexander Arli

Illusions – Bettina Arli

Small animals - Edi Laforte

Bubbles – Martin Arli

Chair balancing –Duo Rubtsov

More small animals – Edi Laforte

Hula hoop - Ailona

Clown act – Martin Arli

Miss Katja – the arial fiddler

Clowns – Martino & Co

The members of the Arli family are well-known to all Danes. Martin Arli is a gifted clown and multi-artist and his son Alexander a charming and very talented multi acrobat. Edi Laforte presents his goats and dogs. Duo Rubtsov present chair balancing and the female partner Katja also a tissue entrée called the acrobatic fiddler. The charming hula hoop artist Ailona is Alexander Arli's girlfriend. They met at Circus Arli in 2007. Opening night for Circus Arli is 5 April.

Edi Larforte. Photo by courtesy of Circus Arli

The hula hoop star Ailona and Miss Katja, the acrobatic fiddler. Photos by courtesy of Circus Arli

26 March 2009

The Danish dog and pony show Circus Mascot has its opening night in Roslev in the northern part of Jutland on 2 April.

Run-in clowning is done by GULIO. Furthermore the audience will meet Mascot’s crazy taxi anno 1920. A plate spinning entrée is presented by THE PINDERS.

ERIKA & EDDY present a traditional clown entrée: the painter entrée. DANIEL & ULMAS has a juggling entrée and ANDREAS a diabolo entrée. Miss ERIKA is foot juggler and Miss PRYMASHENKO works in vertical rope. LEURAN presents a mind reading entrée. Circus owner Jess Deleuran presents a horse act: big and little and his wife Marianne her dogs.

23 March 2009

Per Krogh Petersen has taken a lot of photos from the performance in Circus Arena. Click here to see those photos.

23 March 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -- a few more pieces of information - in case you drive by ....

WARREN ZAVATTA, grand-son of legendary ACHILLE ZAVATTA, performs at THE  THEATRE TREVISE every now and then - he is a musician, a juggler, an acrobat and  hilarious stand-up comedian, , but for the last bit you have to understand French

DANI LARY, known from LE PLUS GRAND CABARET DU MONDE has a big illusion show, now performing at the GRAND REX - a giant venue where various events do happen, he is often on tour as well.

LA CLIQUE is circus-variety company, performing in a Magic Mirror Structure, on tour.

During the school holidays the various municipalities organize circus workshops for children and teenagers - the public can watch.

April 3 thru 5, at the Porte de Versailles, Paris, Le SALON MONDIAL DU CIRQUE takes place, see more: www.salonmondialducirque.com  -- info also in English.

I will cover this important event

----------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.        .

20 March 2009

Circus Benneweis 2009. ”Benneweis is back in the top of the Danish circus world and live up to their slogan: the Best Circus in Denmark”, the reviewer Rud Kofoed wrote in the leading Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet. All the guest at the opening night in Hilleroed on 18 March will agree: it is one of the best circus performances which we in the later years have seen in Denmark.

Ringmaster was Danish magician Kim Kenneth, known as the Dane in the fast lane, assisted by prinCESS Maika alias the singer and actor Maiken Marie Wessberg. Together with the director Jan Hertz they have created a performance where the different acts in a most charming and elegant way merge into each other.

Princess Maika opens the performance by inviting a member of the audience into the ring. At the opening night it was a well-known Danish actor Steen Stig Lommer. In the ring he was introduced to Kim Kenneth’s flying table and even helped Kim to keep the table flying. Pure magic!

Immediately thereafter princess Maika entered the ring riding on a camel while she sang a welcome song to modern rhythm. And then Bernhard Kaselowskys remaining 5 camels entered the ring for a short entrée. Next act was called the worm in the apple. We met the fabulous Russian reprise clowns Bobylevs in an original run-in where he by use of a flute get a worm out of a giant apple. Very funny and poetic. In the next act Rosi Hocheggers charming entre with dogs was mixed with her husband Roger Metin as juggler on horseback. A very charming entrée.  

Then Bobylevs was back. Once again with an original entrée where he is a knife-thrower using plungers. As always with Bobylevs funny and charming and with an unexpected point. In a short run-in Kim Kenneth and princess Maika conjured with scarves. A nice idea to use such short magic acts as run-ins.

Kim Kenneth and princess Maika. Photo by courtesy of Circus Benneweis

The came a very poetic act: Dodo AND Bambolina with most charming entrée with the doll maker who falls in love with his doll which unfortunately for him seemed to prefer someone from the audience. The audience loved the act and was chuckling.

Bambolina and Dodo. Photo by courtesy of Circus Benneweis

Olanders domestic cat act is one of the best house cat acts I have ever seen. He was followed by another magical run-in with Kim Kenneth and princess Maika. She entered the ring with an aquarium. He filled a water glass with water and turned it upside down. And the water did not fall out of the glass until he as if by magic let the water fall down into the aquarium. Try it yourself over the kitchen sink! But remember a dishcloth! Following this magic trick we met one of the best arial acts I have seen for years: DUO PISAREV. I was happy to see that the used a lounge during their dangerous tricks. Maria hang in one knee holding Evgeni. Later Evgeni was hanging in one heel holding Maria. And at last Evgeni hang by his feet in the trapeze holding another trapeze in his hands in which Maria hang in one heel. They was followed by Rosi Hochegger presenting what Kim Kenneth called riding high school without a rider, first with a large knabstrupper and then with a charming knabstrupper pony. Then we saw one of Bobylevs most lover entrées: the one where Olga enter the ring as the lover part of Alexeys body! Fantastic! Last act before the interval was Kim Kenneth with his great and very impressive illusions, assisted by his beautiful girlfriend Jessica and in one trick also by Melanie Kaselowsky. Kim is the best circus magician I have seen since seeing Lee Pee Ville (Leif and Pia Hansen) and Johnny Hart in the Copenhagen Circus Building many years ago. Especially the trick where Kim on motorbike is driving though a cage while Jessica is chained inside the cage impressed the audience.

Kim Kenneth through the cage

After the interval princess Maika entered the ring singing on a bike. She introduced Rosi Hochegger’s famous entrée with the horse which both can tease her, laugh and go to sleep in a bed. Both children and adults shouted with joy. The Olga Bobylev had a short entrée blowing soap bubbles. Next came the foot juggler Jan Navratil with a fine and fast act presented much better than done by most other foot jugglers. The audience loved him. Then came one of Bobylevs most well-known act: their fabulous ping pong entrée. Last act in the performance was Bernhard and Melanie Kaselowsky with the elephant Dumbo in a nice entrée.

With a magician as ringmaster it seemed natural that grande finale opened by Kim conjuring most of the performers out of an empty cage while princess Maika sang That’s entertainment. A great way to close a perfect show.

The audience at the opening night rewarded the performers, the 6 musicians in the band and the director Jan Hertz with standing ovations.

Dumbo and Melanie. Click  here to see more photos from the performance. (Slideshow will not be ready until  22 March).

18 March 2009

Circus Arena 2009. Jørgen Lorenzen was among the invited guest at the opening night in Copenhagen on 17 March. Jørgen writes:

The performance was very well staged and fast running of a good quality. European circus when it is best. You could miss an animal act in the first part of the performance and I noticed that Flying Mendonca failed in their try for doing the triple without trying another time.

There was three clown ensembles; BonBon whose main entrée was his badminton act in which he is assisted by Tiina. RIVELINOS presenting the boxing entrée and the bullfight entrée. And the there was something new: Barto – a type of clown I first saw at this year's Monte Carlo Festival. A mimic clown with gags and nuts throat. Barto is also a contortionist what he managed to use in a fine way. Ha had the audience in the hollow of his hand right from the beginning. Ad his run-ins was not to long what open happens for solo clowns.

Patrick Berdino had his debut as horse trainer presenting Arena’s liberty horses. He did that in a very convincing way. It was a pleasure for the eye.

Patrick Berdino. Photo: Circus Arena/Christian Warrer

The large Chinese Puyang troupe had thee strong acts: first German Wheel in all sizes. It was a fine opening act creating a good atmosphere. Then an act with jumps through hoops. And then their main act: a combination of trampoline and pole climbing with a lot of jumps from the trampoline to the poles. It was probably the best act in the performance.

Karl Ramwell is a very reliable and skilful juggler. Merrylu did her fine contortion act including the trick with with bow and arrow. Before that she did a Marinelli – impressive and not seen for many years in a Danish circus ring. Marc Giely presented his act on mountainbike with a fine combination of cycling, balancing and jumping on bike. Flying Mendonca did a classic flying trapeze act. And then we met Los Alamos. Their knife throwing is the ultimate thrill – if something goes wrong …

Last act in the performance was a tableau. Well-known from other circuses but not usual for Arena. The set up was Africa. Several apes (members of the Chinese troupe and not real apes, which are forbidden in circuses in Denmark) were set free and BonBon was taken into the ring in a cage. An elephant popped up with Tarzan and Jane who climbed – not in lianas but in tissues. The name of the performers was Jonatas AND Aline. By the way a very niece and poetic act. Both artist was members of the flying Mendocas. That could explain why they didn’t try to accomplish the triple: they had do to another demanding entrée. At last RENÈ Casselly entered the ring with four elephants and four horses. They did all possible combinations of horses and elephants. Casselly is a very skilled trainer and he is able to renew his acts. Then the tableau was over and the performance ended by the grande finale.

The performance was accompanied by a 4 pieces band either playing live ore playing in addition to pre-recorded music.

All in all a great circus evening.

Merrylu doing a Marinelli. Photo: Circus Arena/Christian Warrer

17 March 2009

Kenny Quinn. I have often teased Kenny by the fact that the best gentleman thief in Europe didn’t have a website. But know Kenny has got a website. And a very fine one created by Swiss webdesigner Marcel Hulzli. Languages English, German and Danish. Click at www.kennyquinn.dk to visit the page.

16 March 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS - more ideas about small but - maybe - interesting shows ---

Here they come ... VINGTIEME THEATRE, 7 rue des Platrieres, 75020 PARIS,/ vingtieme= 20th refers to the number of the arrondissement or administrative district/

Metro: Menilmontant and then ... some walking ...

CABARETTO BARBELLINI gave a show geared at the young audience - a conconction of fun, clowning, magic and acrobatics - Monsieur BARBELLINI presents his partner MAROUCHKA - DANCE AND MAGIC - and also a young female acrobat CHARLY RIGOULOT, very clever at acrobatics on the floor /par terre acrobatics/ and in the Aerial Ring.

A nice and pleasant show for the family audience.

Showtime one hour.

Cabaretto Berbellini

Theatre du Rond-Point, 2 bis avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, 78008 Paris,

Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt,- presents a show by and with VICTORIA CHAPLIN, her daughter AURELIA THIERREE and JULIO MONGE - and friends...

The title of the show is ORATORIO d'AURELIA, which doesn't mean much but the actors explain that it appeals to the secrecy, the mystic and the personal in each individual - I quote, you understand it as best you can ...

The show features great surprises and great originality, particularly the opening where weird things happen within a chest of drawers and also the sequence where Julio Monge battles with an overcoat - and we believe that it is a real person ...

This show has had and still has great success - you have to see it to make your own judgement

It is very much avant-garde and must have required a tremendous amount of work.

The publicity says: magic, dreams and dance - quite true.

The publicity also says as of 8 years - but I think this is too early - it is a show for adults.- as I see it - and a very good one at that !!

Showtime about 70 min.

----------------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

ORATORIO D'AURELIA. Photo by courtesy of Theatre du Rond-Point

13 March 2009

Jimmy Enoch 25 years. On 25 March the young Danish bike acrobat Jimmy Enoch can celebrate his 25 years birthday. Danes know him from the Enoch family’s Circus Dannebrog where he apart from presenting his excellent acrobatic entrées on bike is in charge of a number of practical tasks, including light setting. In the winter season you can meet him alone or together with other members of the Enoch family at winter circuses and variety theatres all over Europe. He has also performed in the well-known French TV show Les Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. A short while ago Danish Kenneth Severinsen produced a documentary DVD called Jimmy Enoch – a life in circus. Not many 25 years old persons have been profiled by such a DVD.

Jimmy Enoch

12 March 2009

Kim Kenneth, ”the Dane in the fast lane”. As earlier mentioned on this page Circus Benneweis has this year engaged Danish master illusionist Kim Kenneth, ”the Dane in the fast lane” as ringmaster. Kim is by far the one of the young Danish magicians who in the later years has had most success in Europe. Kim will also assisted by his fiancée Jessica present some of his fantastic illusions at Benneweis.

The 43 old master magician has told me that he inherited his interest for magic from his father who was a gifted amateur magician. Fist time he stood on a stage presenting a magic act he was only 6 years old. It was also his entrance examination for membership of “Magic Circle Denmark”. He passed the test.

When he was 16 or 17 years old he got contact with some professional magicians. The put some go into him. But he was at that time apprenticed at DT Group (a large retailer and distributor of building materials). And Kim decided to complete his training before trying his luck as full time magician.

On 22 March 1989 he made his début as a circus performer. The circus was the Danish Circus Dannebrog. And since that day Kim had been a full time magician.

From the start his ambition was to travel 2 or 3 year and see a lot of the world and learn at lot of language and then return to Denmark for a more traditional job. Well – it was 20 years ago and Kim is still in business!

His fiancée Jessica Caveagna is also his partner in the ring. Se comes from a well-known Italian circus family. Kim met Jessica 5 years ago in Brussels.

Here is a list of the circuses in which Kim Kenneth has performed:

2008 - Herman Renz in Holland

2007 - Circus Vegas in Ireland

2006 - Blackpool Tower Circus in England where Kim had his own magic show

2005 Circus Probst in Germany

2004 Circus Billy Smart in England

2003 Circus Elfi Althoff-Jacobi in Austria

2002 Circus Nock in Switzerland

2001 and 2000 Circus Charles Knie in Germany

1999 and 1998 Circus Billy Smart in England

1997, 1996 and 1995 Circus Arena in Denmark

1993 Circus Barum in Germany

1990 Circus Elfi Althoff-Jacobi in Austria

1989 Circus Dannebrog in Denmark

In addition to this a number of Christmas circuses in Germany and Holland, amusement parks in France and England, variety theatres in Germany (including several engagements at Starclub and Hansa-Theater), Kim’s own illusion show at Abu Dhabi in the United Arabic Emirates, 3 large ice shows in France and TV programmes over most of Europe.

Kim Kenneth and Jessica. Photo by courtesy of Circus Benneweis

Kim Kenneth and Jessica. Photo taken at the reopening of the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, on 6 February 2009.

10 March 2009

Circus Dannebrog 2009. In 2009 it is 60 years since circus owner Haddy Enoch had his debut as an acrobat on bike. After at few years he met his partner Solveig who later became his wife. Together Haddy and Solvieg travelled over most of the world as the bike acrobats 2 Haddies. Solveig and Haddy has 4 children who all became a part of the bike act which then was renamed 4 Haddies. The bike act has always been the Encoh family’s brand. This year the audience can see it in the original version as 4 Haddies. Members of the troupe in 2009 is the son Dennis and the daughter Katja who together with the grandchildren Jimmy and Victoria present the bike act which a circus audience first time could see in the 1950’ies.

Haddy Enoch can celebrate his 75 years birthday in October. His is still active in the ring. This year he will himself present Circus Dannebrog's liberty horses. In old days it was a tradition for a circus owner to present the circus’ horses. Circus Dannebrog has upheld this tradition in their 2009 performance.

The Danish master pick pocket Kenny Quinn has decided to celebrate his 25^th anniversary with Circus Dannebrog. The word pickpocket shall be taken with a grain of salt. Everything is given back to his “victims”. Kenny Quinn is among the top of specialists within this somewhat quaint profession. He astonishes everyone with his pickpocket abilities and tricks which no one would ever have thought possible. With an unbelievable deftness he manages to remove the most astounding objects from his “victims” – and they never see it coming. His knowledge of the criminal pickpockets’ working methods and mentality is so extensive that he has several times been invited to visit police stations all over Europe where he has been giving instructions and demonstrated his special profession to police constables and chief constables. He has also been giving instructions to police probationers at the Danish Police College.

Famiglia Cesare Togni is the first act in the performance presenting trick riding and human pyramid building on 4 horses. Jones Togni present the family’s the elephant. Allison Togni performs a beautiful arial act in tissues.

Clowning is as in 2008 done by the 3 Balders. The audience loved them last year. This year the will present a new entrée plus a number of run ins.

The juggler Rodgerio Gonzalves from Portugal is a master juggler with tennis rackets. Posnas dog revue is a group of happy dogs, presented with great charm by Mr. and Mrs. Posna.

The last act in the performance is The Flying Michaels. They had great success with Dannebrog in 2006 and were reengaged for season 2007. However they got for season 2007 an attractive offer from the famous Swiss Circus Knie. A contract with Knie is a great honour for acrobats and Haddy Enoch released them from their 2007 contract and engaged them in stead for season 2009.

Isabella Enoch has staged the performance. Ryszard Murakowski is in charge of the 6 piece band. Agnete Louise Enoch is ringmaster as well as press agent. Season opening is on 26 March in Vojens in the southern part of Jutland.

Famiglia Cesare Togni. Photo by courtesy of Circus Dannebrog

22 February 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  now back from Dubai I'll tell you where to find an excellent show - which you might miss otherwise --- so here we go:

THEATRE TREVISE, 14 rue de Trevise, Metro: Grands Boulevards right in the city-center, presents an original and very visual show where you don't need to understand French to be able to follow -

A young man made balloon-sculptures out of very colorful balloons - very artistic and charming and not the usual twisting and wringing of latex ...

PASCAL ROUSSEAU equilibrist on RolaRola, an original twist was that he had adapted a string on and between his two hand-stand-sticks -- and balanced on this string

LES MANGEURS DE LAPIN , clowns with original and funny ideas

MIKAQUARTZ, modern dance and contact juggling, aestethic and poetic

CARMELO AND KARFAX, mime, theatre, comedy, magic - wonderful artist absolutely to be seen.

On other occasions you can see:

WARREN ZAVATTA, grand-child of the late and famous Achille Zavatta

Roberto Strizzi, mental and paranormal experiments /but here you need French/

Eric Antoine, comedy magic

Laurent Beretta, modern dance and card manipulations

Rafistol, multiartist:acrobat, clown, magician

Fred Razon, original magic

Fabien Soudiere, magic with pictures

Maria Angeles, dance and hula-hoop 

Theatre TREVISE is a springboard/trampoline for young and - not so young - talented artists.

See more:

www.spectacles-credo-music.com

www.cabaretdeletrange.com

Enjoy the show !!!!!

----------------------------------------------------- reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Carmelo is among the performers at Theatre Trevise

20 February 2009

Circus Benneweis 2009. Diana Benneweis has now permitted me to release the program for the coming season which begins in Hillleroed 35 kilometre north of Copenhagen on 18 March. Is seems to be a very strong program she this year offer her audience.

As ringmaster she has engaged the Danish master illusionist Kim Kenneth, ”the Dane in the fast lane”. Kim is by far the one of the young Danish magicians who in the later years has had most success in Europe. He was for a couple of seasons at the famous Blackpool Tower Circus in England and has also toured with Dutch Herman Renz. At Benneweis he will present some of his fantastic illusions and also be ringmaster, assisted by the actor and acrobat Maiken Marie Wessberg. Responsible for staging of the performance will be the Danish actor and former theatre manager Jan Hertz who in Denmark has staged successes as Fiddler on the Roof, Miss Saigon, My Fair Lady, Sound of Music and The merry Widow. It will be Jan Hertz first time as director of a circus performance.

As reprise clowns Diana Benneweis has this season engaged Russian Bobylevs alias Olga and Alexey Bobylev. Since they couple graduated from the famous ’Circus and Variety College’ in Moscow they have worked in first class shows over most of the world. The Danish audience loved them when they toured with Circus Benneweis in 2007. It is certainly not the cheapest reprise clowns you can get. But simply the best!

Bobylevs. Photo from Circus Benneweis 2007

New in a Danish circus ring is BAMBOLINA & DODO. They present a poetic entrée with the doll maker who falls in love with his doll, almost as in the ballet Copelia. Celia Mendizabal is born in Barcelona in 1973. She was trained in several disciplines of performance art including ballet, drama and acrobatic. Ralph Taylor is born in 1975 in Wales. He started as juggler and street performer, combining miming with juggling and magical tricks. Ralph & Celia got married on 15th of November 2008 in Bracknell Forest, England. As Dodo and Bambolina they have the last 7 years toured all over Europe performing a comedy mime act and doubles trapeze. Bambolina & Dodo participated at the International Circus Festival of Massy, in France, from the 22- 25 of January 2009 and will also perform at the 2nd edition of the International Circus Festival of Izhevsk, in Russia, from the 3-8 of March 2009.

Also new in a Danish circus ring in Vladislav Olandar and his cats. Last year I saw his act at Swedish Circus Maximum. In the later years we have seen many acts with trained house cats. About Olander’s act I have only one ting to say: simply the best!

Also the 34 year old foot juggler Jan Navratil toured with Circus Maximum in 2008. Also his act is by fat better than most other foot juggling entrées.

Rosi Hochegger and her husband Roger Metin was last year with Swedish Circus Brazil Jack. Rosi presented her excellent comical entrée with a nasty horse and the couple together presented a charming act combining horses and dogs and with Roger as juggler on horseback.  

Rosi and her horse. Photo from Circus Brazil Jack 2008

The couple Maria and Evgeni Pisarev present an arial act with spectacular tricks performed in a swinging trapeze.

Bernhard Kaselowsky, born in 1961, present assisted by his oldest daughter Melanie his camels and his elephant Dumbo which he acquired in 1983 when Dumbo was only two years old.

At always at Benneweis there is a 6 piece live band. However as in many circuses some artists insist in using their own taped music.

After opening night in Hillerød Circus Benneweis will tour Denmark and as usual close their season in Copenhagen in September.

20 February

Less than a month to circus season starts in Denmark. Circus Arena will begin their season in Copenhagen on 17 March. Circus Benneweis has opening night in Hilleroed north of Copenhagen on 18 March. Opening night for Circus Baldoni is 25 March. The venue is the Copenhagen suburb Lyngby. Circus Dannebrog presents the season’ first performance at Vojens on 26 March. Circus Mascot will have is premiere in 2 April in Roslev in the Northern part of Jutland. Circus Arli will begin their season in Floeng, probably on 4 April. Circus Krone will start touring in mid April. The small German family Circus Amara has already now toured the southern part of Denmark for a while. The somewhat larger Circus Renz-Berlin is also planning a tour in Denmark, especially in areas with German tourists.

20 February 2009

Arena Circusland as summer amusement park. When Arena Circusland at Circus Arena’s winterquarters at Aarslev closes their winter season on 22 February they would usually not open again until mid October. But this year is different: From late June to early August they will be open and their activities supplemented with part of the performance from Swedish Circus Skratt. Circus Skratt never tours in the summer months. Circus Skratt is owned by Swedish Bo Rönnberg. But it is Benny Berdino of Circus Arena who produces the performance and engages the performers. Until 2007 he used the equipment and some of the performers to present a circus performance in the Danish amusement park Bonbonland in the period when Skratt had summer holiday. But Bonbonland got new owners in 2007 and they didn’t want to renew the contract with Benny Berdino.

In the summer 2008 Benny Berdino tried his luck by touring Norway with Circus Skratt using the name Circus Arena. Audience was very limited! Due to this Benny Berdino will this year use equipment and artist at Arena Circusland where you during the summer also can meet his sealions presented by Addie Jepsen. Until 2008 Addie and the sealions performed at Bonbonland. But this contract has not been renewed.

15 February 2009

Success for Benny Schumann's mini-circus. Both in Elsinore and Slagelse Benny Schuman’s mini-circus in week 7 in local shopping malls was a huge success. Per Krogh Petersen shot a number of photos from the show in Elsinore, starring Benny Schumann and John Burke and his Blues Brothers sealions. Click here to see those photos.

In Slagelse you met Pat Clarrison and his hot dogs. After Slagelse Pat and the dogs continued to Norway where they this season will tour with Circus Merano. Furthermore you met Vicky, Hans and Laura Pedersen with sealions and penguins.

Performers at Slagelse:  Hans Pedersen, Pat Clarrison, Vicky Pedersen and Laura Pedersen. Behind Laura Brian ”Briano” Behrendt. Photo: Rikke Threms

15 February 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS – but NOW – more in DUBAI

The Dubai Shopping Festival had built up THE GLOBAL VILLAGE – a giant marked where traders from the Middle East and Europe  offered their goods for sale – a really exotic marked  and on top of that several attractions, dancing and musical troupes and, of special interest: THE WHEEL OF DEATH, performed by the TROUPE ALEX RAMIEN, manager Ghassan Jalal.

The TROUPE ALEX RAMIEN is widely and internationally known, having performed in many countries, also in Scandinavia with Circus Arena and Circus Scott.

An elegant and stunning act which got a lot of publicity in the newspapers Gulf News, The Nation and 7 Days. The act presented tremendously well against the all-black nightly sky – so we had a beautiful view as well as a thrilling one.

---------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO 

Troupe Alex Ramien

11 February 2009

Circus Baldoni being a medium sized Danish circus has opening night in Lyngby (Copenhagen suburb) on 24 March.

Starring is “The man with the 1.000 masks” and a female balancing artist. You will also meet a female hand stand acrobat performing a trick with bow and arrow inspired by bronze clown awarded Elayne Kramer from the 2008 Monte Carlo Festival.

Clowning is done by Russian reprice clowns Kapitanski’s who also toured with Circus Baldoni in 2005. Furthermore you will meet the Danish clown Danillo (Daniel Dim). Freddi Steckel will assisted by Thessa Daniella present his excellent comical casceadeur act. Ringmaster will be circus owner René Moenster assisted by the lion Leonardo (a ventriloquist’s doll).

10. February 2009

Dante's Mysteries on DVD. The famous Danish magician Dante (born Harry Jansen in Copenhagen, Denmark, 1883-1955) toured the world with his spectacular illusion show. Dante's Mysteries was his first feature film, made in Sweden in 1930. The hour-long movie featured Dante's magic surrounded with drama and comedy. Dante acted alongside some of Sweden's biggest stars of the time but his magic was the star of this atmospheric black and white film. He performs his Sawing a Woman in Half, produces ducks and flowers, performs card manipulations and a card through handkerchief, passes a cane through a startled actor, and other magical moments, including a few wonderfully creative simulated-magic shots added by the director. Long unseen, Dante's Mysteries DVD brings you the complete movie in a digitally remastered version. The film is filled with visual moments and is easy to follow, but discreet subtitles had been added in a few places in the film to translate some of the Swedish script into English. This DVD was created in collaboration with expert magic film historian William H. McIlhany. Click here for further information.

9 February 2009

Duo Aerius stops – Esben Aerius goes solo. For several years the Danish aerial cradle dou Duo Aerius (Maja and Esben) was one of the most successful Danish arial acts. They had several good jobs at variety theatres in Germany and Spain, something which not to often happen for acrobats coming from the newcircus world. It is several years since Esben and Maja were partners in private life and for periods they have not performed together. In December they were engaged for Dinner Zirkus Hagenbeck. However Maja broke a tiny bone in her foot shortly before opening night and they had to cancel their engagement. Esben and Maja have now decided to part. Esben has created his own arial act called "Chains of Love". You can read more about Esben Aerius at www.aerius.dk. Click here to see a youtube-vidoe from his new act.

8 February 2009

Danish newcircuses have success in the Middle East. “We used to hate you because of the Mohammad drawings, Denmark. Now we love you!” audience said after meeting the two Danish newcircus companies Cikaros and TinCanCompany with their performance Zoots at the Muscat Festival 2009 in Oman. Zoots will perform until 12 February and is every day seen by more than 2,000 spectators. In total 41 performances will be given in Oman. Performers are Signe Løve Anderskov, Gry Lambertsen, Rune Andersen and Jorge Albuerne.

Cikaros as well as TinCanCompany at two of Denmark’s leading newcircus companies. They have in the later years toured Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Holland, France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Senegal and now also Oman.

Rune Andersen at slack wire. Photo by courtesy of  Cikaros/TinCanCompany

8 February 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -----  but also – now and once again in DUBAI --/see last week’s review/ -- to continue the celebrations of the Dubai Shopping Festival  --

The CHINESE STATE CIRCUS presents a stunning show, brought here by French circus manager Alain Pacherie – I immediately recognized his blue and yellow Big Top which I saw so many times in Paris ….

The program: troupes of 8 – 10 artists performed Diabolo-playing – Tempo acrobats jumping thru plastic rings put on top of each other – Shaolin martial arts combined with fakir tricks and contortion –-- Cycling - acrobatics on two wheelers with the “Lota flower figure” as finale – after a 15 minutes break came Acrobats on Chinese masts – Springboard acrobatics/Schleuderbrett/ - Skipping ,as it were …  just for the fun of it   where the entire troupe of 30 persons participated --  very colourful and funny and a great Grande Finale !!!!!!

A memorable show where I found these particular points of interest:

1. An elegant and stunning show having great entertainment value for people coming from various cultures: Europe, The Middle East, India, Pakistan … and many more.

2. The traditional Chinese music had been replaced by more international harmonies.

3. Speed and excellent timing, without any filling in material.

4. The presentation was very personal focusing on the special value of each act, thus

     the circus skills were enhanced by each troupe’s personality.

Due to the great success, the show has been prolonged until March 1st.

Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

6 February 2009

Circus during the winter holidays. School children in Denmark are having their winter holiday either in week 7 or week 8. By tradition a number of shopping centres etc are during those weeks offering short circus performances

Until 11 February you can meet tiny Danish Circus Krone at Gellerupscenen at Brabrand, Aarhus. Performers are circus owner Irene Thierry, the clown Alando, the acrobat Eva Varadi and the juggler Nandor Varadi.

At the Copenhagen suburb shopping mall Ballerup Centret you can from 9 to 14 February meet Circus Bonbon. Ringmaster Finn Bendixen presents PUPSIKI (gradually inflating body suits), Marina (hula hoop), Yvo Antoni with his tiny dog and the comical magician Sune.

Finn Bendixen presents Circus Bonbon

Benny Schumann’s Minicircus has two units from 9 to 14 February. Unit one is in  Vestsjællandscentret shopping mall at Slagelse. Performers are Pat Clarrison and his Comedy Hot Dogs and Stevens Pedersens sealions and penguins. Unit two perform in ELSINORE CITY CENTRE presenting Benny Schumann and John Burke and his Blues Brothers sealions.

At Herning Centret you can from 9 to 14 February meet Circus Mascot. 16 to 21 will bring Circus Mascot to Aalborg Storcenter. Performers are Marianne Deleuran with her dogs, her and circus owner Jess Deleuran’s two sons Daniel and Andreas, Ulmas (alias the clown Gulio), his wife Tatyana and the couple’s 8 year old son Husik, Husik probably with a hula hoop entrée.

Husik

In Skive you can from 9 to 12 February meet Charlie’s One Man Circus (Einar Trie) as part of the indoor Tivoli Legeland Hop og Rul.

At Kolding Storcenter there are from 9 to 14 February shows with a number of magicians.

At the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, you can from 9 to 13 February meet the juggler and acrobat Kasper Jensen, known from the Danish version of Got Talent.

From 16 to 21 February you can meet Circus Baldoni/Circusteatret at Rødovre Centrum (Copenhagen suburb shopping centre). Performers are René and Thessa Mønster and the clown Daniel Dim.

In Odense being the third largest city in Denmark you can in week 8 meet not less than 4 circuses:

At the shopping mall RosengAArdcentret you can from 16 to 21 February meet Circus Kenny. Agnete Louise Enoch is ringmistress. Josefine and Daniel Igen present two acts: one with dogs and one with goats. Shirley Dean presents her outstanding juggling entrée. And Maria and Eduard Williams has three entrées: as musical clowns, a reprise with plate spinning on unicycle and a hula hoop entrée.

Circus Trapeze’s tent is raised outside the furniture store MEGA. They present from 16 to 20 February a performance with elephants, camels, jugglers, clowns and acrobats. The performers are Berhard Kasselowsky with camels, ponies and the elephant Dumbo, the footjuggler Henry Fröchte (”Winnitou”), Josefine Casselly with cloudswing and tissue. Furthermore you can meet two clowns and Katja and Victoria Enoch and the circus ballet with 6 girls.

At Odense Kongrescenter you can from 17 to 22 February see a circus performance presented by Melanie Casselly.  Among the performers is Andreas Quaiser with horses and elephants. Circus is a part of as part in the indoor amusement event Slaraffenland.

At Blangstedgaardvej 14 you can from 19 to 21 February meet performers from the leading Danish youth circus Circus Flik-Flak. Friday evening there is a special show with the clown and multi artist Benny Schumann.

In week 7 as well as in week 8 Arena Circusland at Circus Arena’s winter quarter at Aarslev is open every day. Among the performers are Addie Jepsen with Circus Arena’s sealions and Pjerrot alias Ib Groth Rasmussen. You can also visit the stables and see how the animals are trained.

Addie Jepsen and her sealions

You can find further information at What's on.

4 February 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  ---  but NOW also --- in DUBAI, the most developed Emirate out of the 7 UAE, United Arab Emirates.

During the DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL -  /DSF/ - a Chinese Circus is performing, for the circumstance called The Rainforest Story Show.

More than 25 artists perform on a giant stage, mirroring a little girl’s dreams of a rainforest and wild animals, everything painted on the backdrop and accompanied by elegant lighting and an original sound-track.

Her dreams are visualized by acrobats, dancers, jugglers, antipodians, plate-spinners, equilibrists and comics.

I found 2 special Points of Interest:

• Great skill combined with a very personal presentation, where the artists displayed their joy of performing.
• The aim was to attract people to the Shopping Festival – we know this technique from places all over the world – since we do live in --- The Global Village !!!!

--------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO

Forest Circus in Dubai

3 February 2009

As earlier mentioned on this website Diana Benneweis was one of the 15 members of the jury at this years Cirque de Demain-festival in Paris. Gold medals were awarded to the Chinese rola bola acrobats from Troupe du Chemin de Fer, to the juggler Alexandr Koblikov from Ukraine and to the trapeze acrobat Emma Henshall from Australia. Silver medals were awarded to the tumblers and pyramid acrobats Troupe de Xi Ym from China, to the French juggler Florent Lestage and to the French handstand acrobats Antoine et Amrore. Bronze medals were awarded to the French magician Etienne Sagho, to the Chinese pole acrobats Mat Chinoise and to the hand voltage act Bankina from Columbia. “There were many good acts,” Diana Benneweis tells. “Especially I was impressed by the Chinese rola bola act.”

1 February 2009

Invitation - Nordic Circusfestival 2009 National Academy of the Arts OSLO, NORWAY - Kunsthøgskolen i Oslo (KHIO) - Address: Fossveien 24 (entrance. Steenstrupsgt.) 0551 Oslo

01.03.2009 – 15:00 Stage 4 KHIO – OSLO:

Selected artists from seven countries. Performers and teachers from nearly all the Scandinavian Circus Academies are represented, as well as freelancers, youth circuses and special guests. Jean–Marie Akkerman from Cirque Nova in UK, will give an informative short lecture about his organization, working with disabled circus artists. There will be an informal café-gathering at Grünerløkka right after the show. Free entrance!

Make sure to be listed by sending an e-mail to nordic@globalbalancing.com enter your complete name and number of tickets.

WORKSHOPS (all workshops are free of charge)

“JUGGLING UPSIDE DOWN – FIND YOUR STYLE”

Time and place: 28.02.2009 10:30 / KHIO stage 5. Teacher: Frida Odden Brinkmann (France/Norway). Educated: Académie du Cirque Fratellini- France. Participate: You are between 8 and 20 y/o (or a teacher) and already a juggler with a bit of experience.

(maximum number of participants 15).

“DIABOLO”

Time and place: 28.02.2009 14:00 / KHIO stage 5. Teacher: Aaro Kontio (Finland/Kulta Norway). Participate: You are between 08 and 20 y/o (or a teacher) and already a diabolo-juggler with a bit of experience. (maximum number of participants 10)

“TRAPEZE A STEP FORWARD”

Time and place: 01.03.2009 12:00 / KHIO Stage 5. Teacher: Maria Zeniou. Educated: Russian circus school, Gävle academy of circus, and Academy of Ballet. Participate: You are between 08 and 20 y/o (or a teacher) and already a trapezist with a bit of experience.

(maximum number of participants 10)

Send an e-mail with complete name, age and phone number to nordic@globalbalancing.com

28 January 2009

The Haddy Enoch family has now released the names of the artists you can meet as free attraction in Circus Kenny in the Odense shopping centre Rosengaardcentret in week 8:

Josefine and Daniel Igen will present two different acts: one with dogs and another with goats. They could also been seen in Circus Dannebrog in 2006. Shirley Dean will present her outstanding juggling entrée. Master juggler Kris Kremo says that the charming Shirley by far is the best of all those jugglers who are inspired by Kris Kremo’s entrée. Furthermore you can meet Maria & Eduard Williams with 3 entrées: as musical clowns, a reprise with plate spinning on unicycle (one-wheeled bike) and with a hula hoop entrée.

Josefine Igen and her charming dogs. Photo from 2006

28 January 2009

When tiny Danish Circus Krone on 5 February present winter circus at The Gellerup Stage at Aarhus you can apart from circus owner Irene Thierry and her husband Jan ”Alando” Allan meet the acrobat Eva Varadi from Hungary and her nephew, the juggler Nandor Varadi. Both took in December 2008 part in Baldoni’s Christmas Circus and toured with Danish Circus Krone in season 2007 together with Nandor’s parents.  Nandor and his parents toured with Circus Baldoni in 2008.

Eva Varadi. Photo from 2007

25 January 2009

Memories from Monte Carlo. Click here to se a slideshow with a lot of photos from this year’s festival.

25 January 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --   here we go for a tour of CIRCUS AND MAGIC SHOWS:

CIRQUE NATIONAL ALEXIS GRÜSS plays every year from NOV thru MARCH in Paris, location Bois de Bouloogne, really a big park although "bois" means wood or forest.

A fantastic show, with great acts lovingly put together by the Grüss family who perform most, if not all of the acts.

CIRQUE d'HIVER BOUGLIONE plays every year in the beautiful, newly refurbished circus building, rue Amelot, Metro Filles de Calvaire, the show includes the best of European acts/ last year we saw VICTOR TOTO CHABRI in his second-to-none clownentrée  and some acts come from the Eastern countries.

Ringmaster SERGIO.

CIRQUE DIANA MORENO BORMANN plays all the year around in Paris, catering for many special events where show and dinner are combined.

Featuring Erik Bormann and his unique tiger-act and Sandrine Pauwels-Bormann juggling up to nine rings - beautiful

CIRQUE TSIGANE, director and owner Alexandre Bouglione, plays some months and is on tour for the rest of the year, this show has been featured abroad, for instance in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Small animals, young artists from the Bouglione family and a gipsy band from Roumaina, featuring gipsy singer Delia Roumanes.

A very special atmosphere!

CIRQUE PINDER plays from NOV thru beginning JAN - traditional circus with lots of animals, flying trapeze and always a good clown-troupe. Director GILBERT EDELSTEIN, his son FREDERIC presents a group of lion and tigers, 16 animals in the ring - unique!

Daughter SOPHIE, formerly balance artist and elephant trainer, presents a MAGIC SHOW with big illusions and five male acrobatic dancers - Las Vegas style --- this act got - perhaps - the strongest applause.

CIRQUE PINDER JEAN RICHARD which really is HERMANN RENZ CIRCUS, from Holland, plays NOV thru DEC in Nanterre, a suburb to Paris, catering for enterprises' Christmas shows. This year they featured Danish illusionist KIM KENNETH, THE DANE IN THE FAST LANE - stunning big illusions and beautiful female dancers.

CIRQUE DE DEMAIN / CIRCUS OF TOMORROW - plays end of JAN in the big top of CIRQUE PHOENIX, certainly interesting acts BUT the problem is that those are not always welcome in circuses catering for the general, lay audience, being too complicated and avant-garde, thus not being understood by the general public since the importance is laid more on skill than on presentation. Also, some of the big aerial acts need so much height and space which few circuses can offer. Since it was impossible for this magazine's correspondent to get a journalist invitation, I have no more comments.

The 17th FESTVAL INTERNATIONAL DE CIRQUE plays in MASSY, a suburb to Paris, featuring many animal acts, also wild animals, clowns and acrobats. Ringmaster CHRISTOPHE IVANES. See more: www.cirque-massy.com

MAGIC:

L'ANTRE MAGIQUE, CHRISTIAN GAMBIN, presents various magic shows.

BALAJO presents GERARD MAJAX, formerly very well-known TV-magician.

Theatre CLAVEL presents ROBERTO STRIZZ, mental magic and paranormal phenomenon. Theatre des MATHURINS features XAVIER MORTIMER, magic, juggling, mime, music. Theatre HEBERTOT presents a THREE MAN MAGIC SHOW - a very good one at that - it is difficult to produce an appealing show without any feminine element!-

For some of these shows you need to understand French, more or less - often less - most of them are very visual  though, both circus and magic-

As you see, Dear Reader/ or Dear Readers/  as there may be more than one .../ DON'T MISS OUT ON PARIS --- for details, as always check with L'Officiel des Spectacles, in all news-stalls and of course check with THE NET.

------------------------------------------------------------------reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

23 January 2009

Diana Benneweis member of the jury at Cirque de Demain. The 30^th edition of Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain will take place in Paris from 29 January to 1 February under then dome of Cirque Phoenix. Among the members of the jury are Diana Benneweis of the famous Danish Circus Benneweis. Diana has earlier served as member of the Monte Carlo jury. Click here to read more about the festival.

21 January 2009

European Commissioner Addresses Circuses in Monte-Carlo

Press Release from Fédération Mondiale du Cirque

Mr. Ján Figel’, Member of the European Commission responsible for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, addressed the circus community at the European Circus Association’s annual symposium in conjunction with the 33rd Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo on Friday, 16 January.  Recognizing the circus as an art form that is both historical and inspirational, Mr. Figel’ invited the circus community to join in the 2009 European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.  He welcomed linking the Year to the annual European Circus Day to be held 19 April 2009.

“The circus community has shown an amazing capacity to imagine, create and innovate,” Mr. Figel’ said while complimenting circus owners, producers and performers by noting that “in the past few decades, you have managed to bring totally new concepts to the tradition with an astonishing mix of acrobats, clowns and animals performing in a ring.  While classical circus has never lost its magic, contemporary circus – or cirque nouveau, as it is sometimes called – has expanded its expressive means.”

H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco welcomed Mr. Figel’ to Monte-Carlo, alongside Mr. Urs Pilz, Artistic Director of the Festival and president of both the European Circus Association and the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, and Dr. Alain Frère, responsible for culture in the Nice-Côte d’Azur area. The Symposium opened with a short film created by the French television producer Telmondis entitled “Circus: Culture for the Millions” that captured the essence of this popular art form.  

Mr. Figel’’s address to Symposium participants was among the activities undertaken by the Commission to help launch the European Year of Innovation and Creativity 2009. Noting the slogan of the Year as Imagine.  Create.  Innovate., Mr. Figel’ stated, “The world–wide circus community has earned the right to stand before us as a paragon of creativity and innovation.”  At the conclusion of the day, Mr. Figel’ attended one of the Festival’s competition shows, seated with H.S.H. Princess Stephanie.

Symposium members also heard from a representative of Mrs. Doris Pack, Member of the European Parliament, about her plans to follow up on the Parliament’s October 2005 resolution on circuses.  The Resolution urged specific actions by the European Commission and Member States to remove obstacles confronting the circus relating to work permits and visas and technical requirements while recognizing the need to further recognize the “classical circus, including the presentation of animals,” as part of European culture.

Mrs. Katja Vatter, speaking on behalf of Mrs. Pack, informed the circus community that it was time to analyze which of the actions requested by the Parliament had been completed and to identify additional steps that might be taken to resolve outstanding issues and to address new challenges that have arisen since the adoption of the Resolution in 2005.

20 January 2009

In a nwewsletter from Circusfans Italia they proudlu writes: Italy come back on the podium of the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo: Elvis Errani and brothers Giona have conquered the legendary Clown at 33rd editions of Monte Carlo Festival.

Yesterday night Italy is again on the podium of the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo, winning two prestigious Clown: one silver and one bronze. The winners are the Giona Brothers, with horses liberty, who have won the Clown 's Silver and Elvis Errani, with the elephants of his family, who won the bronze.

CIRCUS FANS ITALIA wants to congratulate the artists who have once again highlighted the importance of Italy in the circus world scene.

Through its website www.circusfans.net, the Association is in the front row at the Festival of Festivals, as in the main Festival and world events, to give you always punctual and tasty previews. And this time we fought, in fact, first in the world, we spread the Palmares and photos of all the winners. If you want to see the photos of the Winner, or that of two different show, you just go to the “news section” of our site (http://www.circusfans.net/news/) and select from the list the page you want to view.

20 January 2009

Standing Ovations for Animal Acts in Monte-Carlo.

Press release from ECA:

Prize of the Public to the Giona Horses

During the 33rd International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, which took place from 15 to 25 January 2009, the animal acts were awarded many top prizes. S.A.S. Princess Stephanie, who is the president of the festival, does not only care about the choices of animal acts that participate in the competition, but also about the welfare of the animals, as the attached pictures show.

The international jury decided to award the Italian Giona Brothers a Silver Clown, one of the highest recognitions in the circus world. The brothers present their liberty horses in their very own style and got a standing ovation from the audience. Also the European Circus Association gave its special prize to this amazing highlight of this year’s festival. The Giona Brothers take home six of the special prizes of the festival, last but not least the Prize of the public, pointing out once more the preference of the circus audience for animal acts.

Also the elephant act of Elvis Errani and his family and the French Roger Falck with his Bengal tigers scored high, with a Bronze Clown. Elvis and Roger show their animals with a lot of contact and care. They also got many of the special awards.

German Karl Ferdinand Trunk and his ponies and farmyard animals received among others prizes the special award of the German Circus Fans Association (Gesellschaft der Circusfreunde e.V.) and Wolfgang Lauenburger got several special prizes for his funny dogs.

The European Circus Association represents the European circuses towards authorities and the general public. The ECA seeks to promote circus art and culture and to protect this important part of our common cultural heritage. ECA President Urs Pilz also serves as vice-president and artistic director of the International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo.

S.A.S. Princess Stephanie and the Errani elephants. Photo by courtesy of ECA

19 January 2009

Monte Carlo winners 2009

A golden clown was awarded to: the flying girls from Moranbong Circus Troupe and to Flight of Passion for their aerial fantasy.

A silver clown was awarded to Tsisov Troupe (Tightrope walkers), Moranbong Circus Troupe (swing and fixed bar), Giona Brothers (liberty horses) and Fujian acrobatic troupe (acrobatics using lassos).

A clown of bronze was awarded to Elvis Errani (elephants), Roger Falck (tiger act), Housch-Ma-Housch (clown), Zhengzhou acrobatic troupe (acrobatics with oscillating poles) and Duo Sorellas (trapeze).

The award of the junior jury was granted to The Izhevsk Children (aerial double act ).

Prix de public was given to Giona Brothers.

In addition there were 38 special prizes given. The result is that no less then 26 acts can claim to have been awarded an award at the Monte Carlo festival. Top runner was Giona Brother with 5 special awards apart from their silver clown. Wolfgang Lauenburger received 3 special prices for his dog act. Karl Ferdinand Trunk was awarded 3 special prizes for his ponies and performance by “small animals”.

18 January 2009

Saturday evening you could for the second time at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo see the first of the two different performances during which the members of the jury are going to pick out this year's award-winning acts. Each show is run two times: the first Thursday and Saturday, the second Friday and Sunday. After the Sunday performance the jury will take its decision which will be announced late Sunday evening. The winners’ gala is Tuesday evening.

he tent used for the festival can be seen in the middle of the photo. It is placed in the part of Monte Carlo known as Fontvielle.

The Saturday performance was somewhat stronger than the Friday performance. Friday’s run-in clown didn’t have much success. Saturday his colleague Housch Ma Housch did much better and the audience obviously loved him. I guess he will be awarded a bronze clown. After his first run-in we met as at the Friday performance les enfant d’Izhevsk (The Izhevsk Children) with their charming aerial double act assisted by the ballet from Circus Nikulin of Moscow. Then the entire group of performers entered the ring lead by ringmaster Petit Gougou and greeted Princess Stephanie, the jury and the audience.

Petit Gougou and the company

Friday we met the Mayorov Troupe with comedy jumps. Saturday the started the acrobatic part of the performance with high speed acrobatic jumps. A great way to open a performance. Then we met Karl-Ferdinand Trunk with his charming act with dogs, goats and pigs.

After another run-in with Houcsh-Ma-Housch we met Romain Cabon in an aerial performance with straps (tissue). There are in these years a lot of tissue acts. Romain’s is one of the very best. The audience awarded him the evening’s first standing applause.

Romain Cabon

German/Swiss Tr’Espace Duo presented a diabolo entrée of high technical standard. Then came many horse lovers favorite act: one of the Giona Brothers with 7 beautiful Arabic stallions. Almost (but only almost) as seeing one of the late Albert Schumann’s famous liberty horse acts. Once again standing applause. The act could very well be awarded a golden clown.

Giona and his stallions

Then Housch-Ma-Housch once again had a great run-in which reminded me a bit of the legendary George Carl’s fight with a mike. Housch ends up tied in in tape – see photo.

Housch-Ma-Housch

Then came Los Vivancos acrobatic dance. Great tapdancers in a riverdance inspired style. But not a circus act. Last act before the interval was the tightrope walkers from the Tsisov Troupe. The strongest highwire act I have ever seen, using the line both vertical and with a 45 degree angel. Two men high, three men high, and a double passage two men high on two wires. And with a final trick which hardly can be described where the entire troupe up to three men high balance on a pole on the wire. One of the female performers missed a handstand at the end of the trick a fall to the safety net (not being hurt). She succeeded with the trick Thursday evening. So I guess they will get their well deserved golden clown despite the fall Saturday evening. The troupe was awarded with long standing applause.

Tsisov

After the interval Roger Falck presented his 3 white and 3 yellow tigers. A great act also seen Friday evening. Then we met Flight of Passion in an aerial fantasy in straps. Again a strong act awarded standing applause. Spiral Duo (Russian Nikolai Morison and Spanish Monica Gonzales) presented acrobatics. Monica doing tricks I never before have seen a girl do. Impressive! Then Elena Drogaleva and her 3 male partners presented a strong juggling entrée. They were followed by Elvis Errani and his elephants. A fine act also seen in the Friday performance. Then came Fujian acrobatic troupe with acrobatics using lassos. A nice and fast-running act. Last act in the performance was Moranbong Circus Troupe with a swing and fixed bar act. Very impressive. It was not the same persons as we saw in Moranbong’s trapeze act Friday evening.

Moranbong Circus Troupe

All in all a very strong program where all performers very well deserved was awarded a long ant strong standing applause when it closed after almost 4½ hours.

18 January 2009

Saturday afternoon there was Open air circus show at Port Hercule in Monte Carlo. The festivals marvelous ringmaster the French reprise clown Petit Gouge presented in the show running for almost an hour some of the performers from the festival. First we met the ballet from Circus Nikulin. Then Wolfgang Lauenburger presented a somewhat shortened version of his dog act. 

Wolfgang Lauenburger

He was followed by Gypsy Gomez in a shortened version of her hula hoop act. Then we met Karl-Ferdinand Trunk with his farm animals.

Karl-Ferdinand Trunk

The run-in clown Val de Fun had one of his run-ins. Then came the rola bola acrobat Dany Daniel. Impressive that he could do the act in the somewhat cold weather. His assistant certainly found it chilly!

Dany Daniel

Elvis Errani had brought his 3 Indian elephants to the harbour. Assisted by his mother and his two sisters he presented a good part of his elephant entrée.

Elvis Errani

After a colorful entrée with the clown band Clowns en Folie came the Grande Finale. The performance was accompanied by another band: Reto Parolaris' 13 pieces bigband. As during the festival performance some performers saddly enough prefer to use taped music.

Grande finale

17 January 2009

The Friday evening performance at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo was one out of the 4 performances during which the members of the jury are going to pick out this year's award-winning acts.

It was a nice performance with many good acts. First act was les enfant d’Izhevsk of Circus Nikulin from Moscow: 8 year old Sonia and 9 year old Daniil who was circulating in some sorts of straps above the corps de ballet. Then we met the Russian reprise clown Val de Fun with the first of a number of run-ins. I have seen him before, when I found his entrées very good. But it didn’t quite work for him in Monte Carlo where he was just another run-in clown. Next act was Gypsy Gomez in a spectacular hula hoop entrée. But maybe the act was more spectacular than great! After another Val de Fun run-in Wolfgang Lauenburger and his dogs entered the ring. One of the best dog acts in today’s circus world. And certainly ward some sort of award.  

Then we met Konstantin Mourebiev with his comedy act as the fat man in the German wheel. Also a good act word some sort of award. Maybe a clown of bronze?

Konstantin Mourebiev

Next came Maria Efremkina in arial ring. A good act with many fine details. Then we met one of the positive surprises during the performance: Dominic Lacasse working in some sort of horizontal bar. A great act which ought to be awarded a silver clown.

Dominic Lacasse

The talented French-Canadian was replaced by river-dancing Los Vicancos in the weakest act in the performance. If you like tap-dancing you will find them great. But not a circus act.

Last act before the interval was Troupe de cirque Moranbong Pyong Yang from North Korea in a spectacular trapeze act where the trapeze was some sort of a swing. Last trick was a quadruple salto made by a female member of the troupe. However done while she was thrown down from a catcher to the swing, making it much les difficult than a true quatredouble. However, a great act which most certainly will receive some sort of clown award.

After the interval 20 year old Roger Falck presented his tigers. Some of them were white tigers. The best big cage act I have seen since the two Lacey brothers’ acts.

Roger Falck

Roger was followed by the Mayorov-truppen in a comical jumping act. Then we met Karl-Ferdinand Trunk with his ponies of all sizes. A very nice act presented in a most sympathic way.

Karl-Ferdinand Trunk

After another Val de Fun run-in we met Dany Daniel in a rola bola entré. Good, but not outstanding. He was followed by young Elvis Errani with the Errani family’s 3 elephants. The act went perfect and he might be awarded a clown of silver or bronze.

Elvis Errani

After the elephants we met Duo Sorella’s outstanding trapeze act. Val de Fun had another run-in. Then came Chinese Zhengzhou truppen in swaying poles hanging down from an apparatus over the ring. A new version of the well-known Chinese pole number. Nice, but at bit borrowing. Last act in the performance was an extremely short version of the Courier performed by one of the Giona brothers.

9 January 2009

Monte Carlo 2009. Here comes the complete programme  for the 33rd International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo -15th to 25th January 2009 – Big Top Fontvieille:

Housch Ma Housch - Clown

The Izhevsk Children: Aerial double act

Mayorov Troupe: Acrobatic jumps and comedy

Karl Ferdinand Trunk: Ponies and performance by “small animals”

Spiral Duo: Acrobatics

Giona Brothers: Horses running free and Hungarian Post

Romain Cabon: Aerial performance with straps

Los Vivancos: Acrobatic dance

Tsisov Troupe: Tightrope walkers

Roger Falck: Tiger act

Flight of Passion: Aerial Fantasy

Elena Drogaleva: Troupe of jugglers

Elvis Errani: Elephants

Fujian acrobatic troupe – China: Acrobatics using lassos

Zhengzhou acrobatic troupe – China: Acrobatics with oscillating poles

Moranbong Circus Troupe – North Korea: Flying trapeze

Moranbong Circus Troupe – North Korea: Swing and Fixed Bar

Gypsy Gomez: Hula Hoop

Val de Fun: Clown

Wolfgang Lauenburger: Dogs

Konstantin Mourabiev: Comedy and German wheel

Maria Efremkina: Aerial hoop

Tr’Espace Duo: Diabolos

Dominic Lacasse: The Flag Man

Dany Daniel: Rolla-rolla

Les Sorellas: Trapeze

Ballet: Nikulin Circus

The panel of judges, under the Presidence of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie of Monaco and composed of celebrities from the world of the circus, will award the supreme prizes: the famous Gold, Silver and Bronze Clowns. The panel includes Ms Nadja Gasser - Switzerland and Messrs Cheng Haibao - China, Kim Chang Su - North Korea, Askold and Edgard Zapashniy – Russia and J.M. Gonzales-Villa – Spain.

8 January 2009

European Commissioner for Culture at Circus Symposium in Monte-Carlo. ECA has issued the following press release:

On Friday 16 January, Ján Figel, European Commissioner for Education and Culture, will address the audience of the Symposium ‘CIRCUS: CULTURE FOR THE MILLIONS’ in Monte-Carlo.

This Symposium is organized by the European Circus Association in cooperation with the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque and will be a world-wide event with international speakers and audience. The Symposium will take place from 14.15 - 17.15 Friday afternoon, among numerous other activities, workshops and meetings occurring on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 January 2009, at the Auditorium Rainier III, easily accessible via the Fairmont Hotel.

For the European Union, 2009 is the Year of Innovation and Creativity. This is reason enough for both organizations to invite Commissioner Figel to attend the Symposium as part of his activities to "launch" the European year.

The opening presentations for the Symposium have the theme Innovation and Creativity in Circus Arts, fitting very well to the European theme of 2009. A panel of artistic directors from London, New York, Moscow and Amsterdam will discuss developments and trends in circus art, explaining how they create acts and programmes, incorporating artistic and cultural elements.

Circus offers not only a platform for unlimited creativity, but also can serve a social function. Cirque du Soleil from Canada will introduce the concept of “Social Circus” and its Cirque du Monde project that has been carried out in 45 countries over the last 15 years. The founder of Circus Harmony from the USA will familiarize Symposium participants with the power of circus to teach life skills to at-risk children and youths and circus arts as a medium for peace.

This year, the Symposium is free for all interested persons, so the organizers expect a large audience!

The European Circus Association represents the European circuses to authorities and the general public. The ECA seeks to promote circus art and culture and to protect this important part of our common cultural heritage. ECA President Urs Pilz also serves as vicepresident and artistic director of the International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo. Nearly all renowned European circuses are members of the ECA.

4 January 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---  also on the stage of small theatres, show-places and cabarets, where tourists seldom find their way. Here you will find some suggestions and worthwhile info.

From Paris the magician Zarro Zarro reports:

NOW FEATURING:  THEATRE DE NESLE /pronounce: nell /, rue de Nesle, near Metro ODEON, presents CARMELO MAGIC SHOW.

CARMELO, family name Cacciato, came from his native Sicily, Italy, many years ago - to Paris where artists find coaching, teaching and inspiration.

CARMELO is an actor, a mime,  a magician and counsellor/director for shows and plays - a greatly talented artist who knows how to adapt classical principles to his own imaginative thinking.

He does not refrain from using some magic props, available at magic shops, for example "the racoon" - a dummy animal that can be - seemingly - brought to life -- if manipulated by skilfull hands - but everything is personal, and the show is elegant, stunning, sympathetic, personal and very, very funny and interesting  and all this is achieved with gestures, mimicry and - just a few words. Since the greater part is purely visual - you don't need knowledge of French - important to know, I think.

CARMELO together with his partner  KARFAX also perform at the THEATRE TREVISE, rue de Trevise, Metro Grands Boulevards.

It is great to be able to see good shows, magic ones  and others -- all geared to the general lay audience, always present all the year around -- this stands out in contrast to a number of acts and events  specially made up for magicians and performed at magic conventions, certainly in great numbers - and not without importance  -  BUT where the general audience is  seldom  admitted and - after the convention the city venue is left as void of magic shows as it was -- before.

See more: www.carmelokarfax.com and: lullys@club-internet.fr

2 January 2009

Birthdays with a round figure in 2009. Several personalities from the Danish circus and artist world can in 2008 celebrate a birthday with a round figure. On 7 January Jackie Berdino, son of Circus Arena’s owner Benny Berdino, can celebrate his 40 years birthday. On 6 May the big cat trainer Carl Mundeling can celebrate his 40 years birthday. As lions and tigers are not aloud in circuses in Denmark Carl is working abroad, for the time being in Italy. 15 June former Circus Benneweis ringmistress and press agent Nelly Jane Benneweis can celebrate her 75 years birthday. 28 October Haddy Enoch of Circus Dannebrog can celebrate his 75 years birthday. 31 October Thessa Mønster, co-owner of Circus Baldoni, can celebrate her 50 years birthday.

As mentioned above the first birthday with a round figure can be celebrated by Jackie Berdino of Circus Arena. The last couple of years his father Benny Berdino has involved Jackie more and more in the management of his circus empire, both Circus Arena in Denmark and their tent renting franchise in France etc. Jackie has been very active in developing Circus Arena from a Danish circus to an important player on the European circus market. As a child he presented ponies and horses in Circus Arena. But he and his dad realised that other trainers were better and since 1987 Jackie have worked “behind the scenes” at tentmaster etc. Jackie proposed a few weeks ago and we can expect to hear the wedding bells ringing sometime in the autumn. The lucky girl is Laura Staaling and she and Jackie have been close friends for quite a while.

Jackie Berdino

2 January 2009

Circus Amara stay in Denmark. When the German komediant circus Renz-Berlin in December 2008 returned to Germany after 2½ years tour in Denmark many had hoped that it was a permanent goodbye to the Bernhard Renz-family and their circuses. But one of the family’s small circuses, Circus Amara, stay in Denmark and intent to tour Denmark in the coming season with at tent seating 450 persons and a total crew of 10 persons. They will mainly visit smaller cities and villages. Stefan Rothmann who for a time worked for Renz-Berlin hopes that at lot of Danes will prefer a tiny and totally unknown German circus for the 7 well-known and well-reputed Danish circuses: Circus Arena, Circus Arli, Circus Baldoni, Circus Benneweis, Circus Dannebrog, Circus Krone (Irene Thierry’s dog and pony show using the same name as the mighty German Circus Krone) and Circus Mascot. By experience successful touring in another country where its brand are unknown are not easy for foreign circus. It is close to impossible unless you can offer a high quality performance. And it seems unlikely that Circus Amara will be able to offer the same quality as the 7 Danish circuses.

1 January 2009

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --- now a wonderful special event based on three international but French magicians: IGOLEN, RENE SEPTEMBRE and CARRINGTON  --- and even more particularly on their wives and long-time partners: CLAUDIA, JANETTE and MANITA.

Everything carefully orchestrated by CHANTAL SAINT JEAN and JAN MADD, a lot of research and work had been put in to make this fantastic evening possible. This special event was organized to honour a life-long participation of these three ladies, now widows, within the framework of their husbands’ activities, touring internationally and honouring prestigious engagements at some of the world's top varieties.

We got the thrill of listening to the souvenirs of these three ladies and we got the unique opportunity to watch and admire the ACTS on films, made possible by the technique of a long-gone era. Together we all lived a story from the times when people dressed up and went to the theatre to watch a wonderful show, only available LIVE - no TV at that time!!

We saw the IGOLEN ACT, full of humour and surprises, the CARRINGTON  MAGIC TOUR presented all over French-speaking Europe and the RENE SEPTEMBRE ACT, with lots of animals, a real zoo --- and with which he and MANITA toured world-wide.

This was a precious piece of culture and history - Robert Houdin would have been happy, had he experienced it. We can all of us extend a big thank you to CHANTAL and JAN MADD who treated us so well, including a delicious French dinner on board the magic showboat METAMORPHOSIS, on the River Seine, near the Louvre Museum.

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reported by ZARRO ZARRO    

Rene Septembre                   

1 January 2009

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