Circus news from 2010

31 December 2010

Circuses in Denmark in 2011. For the time being Denmark is covered by snow. Much more that we are used to in the winter season. It is difficult to believe that the circus season will begin in just 2½ month.

Circus Arena will have its opening night in Copenhagen on 15 March. Circus Benneweis will begin the season in Hillerod (40 kilometres north of Copenhagen) on 18 March. Circus Baldoni will have their opening night in the Copenhagen suburb Lyngby on 23 March. Circus Dannebrog will begin the season late March. Circus Arli will have their opening night at Flong in the beginning of April. Date for opening nights for Circus Krone and Circus Mascot are not yet published but will probably be sometime in April. – What's On is now updated with all performances etc. know to me until the end of March.

31 December 2010

Monte Carlo 2011. Please find here all acts of the 35^th edition of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival which will take place from 20^th to 30^th January 2011:

One more time, the Festival presents the world’s best acts in Monte-Carlo. Come and see the world-famous Geschwister Weisheit High Wire Troupe from Germany, performing human pyramids open air and under the big top.

Celebrated Italian animal trainer Flavio Togni presents all kinds of animals in the 35rd edition of the Festival: 16 liberty horses, High School, as well as five golden and white tigers and a group of Indian elephants. It’s the return of the legendary Italian circus family to Monte-Carlo. High class animal presentation- made in Italy

Here is the list of other performers at the festival:

Bello Nock - Le Clown des Clowns (Etat Unis)

Andrey Romanosvki - numéro de tube (Russie)

The Strangers - numéro de perches (Russie)

Les Pompiers de Paris - présentation de deux numéros barres parallèles et numéro de sauts (France)

Valérie - Roue Cyr (Canada)

Troupe Vorobiev - numéro de balançoire (Russie)

Troupe du Cirque Globus (Roumanie)

Pavel Roujilo - jongleur (Russie)

Royal Brothers - Equilibristes (Italie)

Troupe Khubaev - acrobates (Russie)

Super Silva - numéro aérien (Brésil)

Anton et Victor Franke - comédies (Russie)

Troupe The White Birds - numéro de trapèze (Kazakhstan)

Troupe de Dalian - bicyclettes (Chine)

Roman Khaperskiy - Equilibriste (Russie)

Troupe du Drapeau - numéro d'équilibre sur ampoules (Chine)

Enfants d'Izhevsk - acrobates, l'avenir du Cirque (Russie)

31 December 2010

Birthdays with a round figure in 2011. Several persons from the Danish world of artist and circus owners can celebrate a birthday with a round figure 2011. On 19 January elephant and camel trainer Bernhard Kaselowsky can celebrate his 50 years birthday. On 28 January Einar Trie can celebrate his 60 years birthday. From 1988 to 2077 he ran the Danish Circus Charlie. Today he is involved in training of young artist for youth circuses. On 11 February Josette Carmen Dubsky can celebrate her 80 years birthday. She is daughter of the clown Polo Rivel and married to the clown Joseph Dubsky. For many years Josette and Joseph performed together as the Dubsky-Rivel family. On 7 July Dina Theodora Mosgård Steckel-Schmidt can celebrate her 85 years birthday. She was married to the late clown Frederik ”Gugele” Schmidt and was for many years her husband’s partner in the clown entrée. On 3 August Benny Berdino of Circus Arena, being the largest circus in the Nordic countries, can celebrate his 65 years birthday.

28 December 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- more Christmas Circus -- CIRQUE CHRISTIANE BOUGLIONE proudly presents a very nice and sympathetic circus show, particularly geared to the youthful audience: LE CIRQUE DE NOEL.

Shows are scheduled Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday - and this year we saw:

DAVID MASCOT, funny reprise clown and comic featuring several entrées.

ELENA AND ELENA, graceful aerial act.

SANDRINE AND JENNIFER BEAUTOUR featuring classic horsemanship.

SARAH SCHWARTZ - a wonderful and elegant act on tight wire, really an appealing performance where music and movements were perfectly co-ordinated ---- this act is well worth seeing!!

From Southern Germany, Bayern, came JOSEFINE AND DANIEL IGEN, featuring the two acts that probably were the most appealing to children: trained mountain-goats, performing what these animals normally do out in the wild -- balancing, jumping and climbing.

Also the dog act is very funny and full of life, the ten dogs behave naturally showing their skills at jumping, leaping and balancing. Both these acts are performed to local music from the Tyrol, the props are colorful, JOSEFINE AND DANIEL wear Tyrol costumes - and their young daughter participates in both acts. The point of interest is undoubtly that the young children easily identify with these animals - even kids from towns have seen goats ...

JOSEFINE AND DANIEL IGEN mainly work in Germany, but could be seen in the Danish CIRKUS DANNEBROG in 2006.

CIRQUE CHRISTIANE BOUGLIONE had other artists, among others a clever juggler, but I didn't get the names. The BIG TOP, 900 seats, offers a human dimension, appropriate for the smaller fry who may be afraid in an environment that is huge and unknown to them.

Length of show: 2 hours including intermission.

Ringmaster: XAVIER FAGNON.

An excellent Christmas show ---.-  and ... IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

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

Josefine Igen and her dogs. Photo from Circus Dannebrog 2006

25 December 2010

The circus year 2010 in review

Introduction

In 2010 7 tented circuses toured Denmark. 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.

The quality of the performances in the Danish circuses was high. Also the small circuses had apart from family members foreign performers of good quality.

Despite high quality performances the economic crisis meant that most circuses experienced a decrease in the number of spectators. Theatres, cinemas, professional football clubs etc. had the same experience. In addition, the Danish circuses for the second consecutive year had competition from DR television’s Big Band’s and the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation’s  Circus Summarum where many of the familiar characters from DR televisions children universe met in the circus ring, but where the performance completely lacked real circus elements. Partly due to intensive free advertising in the DR television's children's programs 83,000 persons visited one of the Circus Summarum performances. A number of guests did it instead of paying a visit to one of the real circuses.

In addition, the spectators who went to the circuses used less money in the kiosks than in previous years. Advance sale to firms was more difficult than some years ago. And most full houses was seen when a performance was sold to e.g. a supermarket. It did not make the same income as if the tickets were sold at the box office.

Unlike other art forms the Danish circuses does not get any sort of public subsidy. The only circus form, which received support from the Ministry of Culture, is the so-called new circus (contemporary circuses).

In earlier years some municipalities purchased special children's shows for preschoolers, etc. Economic cutbacks in the municipalities meant that almost no such performances can be sold any longer. Meanwhile, the rent for public owned circus lots was increased in many municipalities. In addition, the municipalities often require costly renovation of lots after use. Even if a lot is that soft that even a bicycle will leave traces on the lot! Especially in March / April and August / September there was many soft circus lots.

The performances in 2010

During the school’s winter break Circus Krone performed at Gellerupscenen. Benny Schumann produced performances for both the West Zealand Shopping Centre and for Elsinore City Centre. Circus Mascot could be seen at the Herning Centre and Aalborg Shopping Mall. Circus Landino (produced by Benny Berdino) could be seen at the Ballerup Shopping Centre. In Odense Isabella Enoch produced circus performances for the indoor amusement park in Odense Congress Center.

The largest circus in the Nordic countries Circus Arena began their season on 16 March in Copenhagen.

The Arena performance followed the tradition from the later years: spectacular acts in a large scale show. And Arena kept the tradition for having something from the world of fairs: in old days fairs presented a wall of death. Now the wall has been changed to a globe: DIORIOS were back at Circus Arena, now with 6 riders.

Then we had the run-in clown JIMMI FOLCO in an entrée reminding one of the funny kitchen in Tivoli. A lot of china was smashed – he was assisted by 4 persons from the audience.

First act in the performance was LAURA BERDINO, wife of Jackie Berdino, with 8 liberty horses. She was received by the audience with warm.

Laura Berdino. Photo: Circus Arena/Christian Warrer

The circus owner BENNY BERDINO welcomed the audience before ROBY BEROUSEK presented his juggling act. Then JIMMY FOLCO came in with his first run-in with the puppet which is changed to his own son. Then came SAILORS - 5 Chinese bungee jumpers. And then an act certainly worth seeing: MERRYLU CASSELLY one woman pas de deux! Surprising and new because it also included quick changes and hula hoop on horseback.

MAX VELDY presented his comical drunken main routine on trampoline. Great news was a new Danish exoten act. PATRICK BERDINO presenting horses, zebras, and lamas before first part of the performance closed with DIORIOS in their globe of death.

Diorios – 6 cross motorbikes in high speed in the globe

Second part of the performance was lead off by Chinese SAILORS with their main act: jumps through hoops from a Russian swing very high up in the air. Next came KONSTANTIN MOURAVIEV in very good form in his awarded comical entrée in German wheel (Rhönrad). Also WOLFGANG LAUENBURGER has been awarded at the Monte Carlo-festival. His 9 dogs of different breeds pleased everyone from the front row to the back row. You could wish that persons being against animals in circus would see his dogs and their tricks. It is a play and not many commands are used.

RENÉ CASSELLY had the last act in the performance with his 4 elephants. But before him came a fabulous aerial act: TRIO WOZNIEVSKY, where a man works as catcher for his two female partners.

Circus Arena closed the season in Koge on 5 September.

Merrylu Casselly and two of the elephants. Photo: Circus Arena/Christian Warrer

As earlier years Circus Arena had in early October a show on tour in Greenland. Among the performers were BETTINA AND MARTIN ARLI, the clown DON CHRISTIAN, DUO DARIUS with ladder balancing and a juggler entrée and WOLF BROTHERS with a handstand entrée and a knockabout table act.

As in 2009 Circus Arena’s winter quarter in Aaslev was open to the public during the winter holidays, summer holidays and autumn holidays. Arena Circus Land, as it is called, offered training of circus animals in the training ring, a crazy show with magician the Sune, sea lion show, pony rides, circus theatre, playground, museum, etc. and during the summer holidays Circus Landino. The performers here were SUZANNE BERDINO and her children and the clowns DUO SALVINI.

Circus Benneweis opened season no 123 in Hillerod on 17 March. Diana Benneweis and her team had produced a very strong performance. There were standing ovations after the opening performance. Also the top name in the performance, Chinese CONG TIAN was greeted with standing ovations after his act. Something I never before have experienced in a Danish circus but only in Monte Carlo. By the mind Cong Tian was awarded a silver clown in Monte Carlo some years ago.

Before the performance started a cleaning lady, Frau Schmidt, began to sweep the ring clean. However, ringmaster KIM KENNETH managed to get the sour cleaning lady out of the ring and wanted then to introduce the first act in the performance. However he was interrupted when a carrier brought a large package into the ring. The carrier was this year’s run-in clown DON CHRISTIAN. Inside the parcel you found one of the young artists from ART ALLÉ ENSEMBLE, which then entered the ring. The 12 person large troupe presented a wonderful and funny children super show which included a combination of all sorts of acrobatics. A great start for the performance!

Art Allé Ensemble. Photo: Circus Benneweis/Arne and Vibeke Maj Magnussen

Many clowns are playing music on bells, assisted by members of the audience. This goes also for Don Christian in his first run-in. But instead of using members of the audience sitting at first row he invited a lad into the ring and asked him to use a large gong fastened to Don Christian's bottom while Don himself was playing music on the bells.

Then came the evening’s aerial act: the couple YVES AND AMBRA with tango, singing (he sings) and aerial silks (tissue) with a spectacular final effect. Next act was a reunion with one of the stars from last year’s performance: ROSI HOCHEGGER with a beautiful knapstrupper horse in a sort of high school riding without a rider. Then we met 3 young artists from the Art Allé-troupe with fine and funny acrobatics. Following them Don Christian had another run-in, his main entrée: a boxing ring routine where he was assisted by 5 volunteers from the audience. Last act before the interval was the brothers CHRISTIAN AND ALEX GÄRTNER with their 2 Indian elephants.

First act after the interval was the well-known clown entrée where 3 buckets is used for the clown version of the three shell game and where the clown’s head comes up under different buckets. At Benneweis it was ringmaster and magician Kim Kenneth who moved the buckets and Don Christian who was under the buckets. Following this run-in came the act which was the best any Danish circus presented during season 2010: Chinese CONG TIAN at slack wire. You will often see new wave circus acrobats performing at slack wire. But Cong Tian's act is far better than any other slack wire act I ever have seen. He can not only walk at the wire and make somersaults. He can also walk on his hands and ride a large monocycle. At mentioned above he was awarded by standing ovations. Very well deserved!

Cong Tian. Photo: Circus Benneweis/Arne and Vibeke Maj Magnussen

After him came YVES NICOLS with a juggling entrée with footballs etc. Before next act Kim Kenneth has a magic run-in where he managed to change the colour of the water in a bowl, to put sand in the bowl, stir the water and get the sand up completely dry. And then to get the water in the bowl to change back to ordinary water colour. Then the sour cleaning lady Frau Schmidt once again entered the ring and wanted to sweep it. I could now be seen that she is partner in the formidable comical bike act FARELLOS, where the couple amongst other things on their unicycle jumps up and down of a staircase. She could also stand up at her partners head. An outstanding act! Then we once again met Rosi Hochegger with at new dog entrée she has trained during the winter. It was a very charming act. No doubts that Rosi loves her dogs and that they loves their ”mother”. Last act in the performance was a speedy and funny skipping act done by the Art Allé ensemble.

Circus Benneweis closed the season in Copenhagen on 12 September.

Farellos. Photos: Circus Benneweis/Arne and Vibeke Maj Magnussen. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

Circus Baldoni is a Danish medium size circus without any connection to German Circus Baldoni. They began their season in Lyngby (a Copenhagen suburb) on 18 March. The performance began with the young clown Danilo entering the stage (Circus Baldoni use a stage instead of a traditional circus ring) with a basket in which he collects light as Oleg Popov did in one of his famous entrées. Then the entire corps of artists entered the stage and song Circus Baldoni’s welcome song (a tradition in Circus Baldoni). Then came the YUAN GUOSHENG-TROUPE with ”jumper-spring” e.g. jumps where the artist has some sort of springs on their foots.

The Yuan Guosheng troupe

After a short run-in with the clowns Danilo and Danila MIGUEL PERIS did a slinky-entrée. Miguel Peris version of the act is among the very best of such acts. Circus owner RENÉ MOESTER appeared years ago as a magician and presented spectacular illusions at e.g. Circus Arena. In the later years he has mainly been seen as ventriloquist and René and his ventriloquist doll Leonardo the lion are among the children’s favourites in Circus Baldoni where the jointly acts as ringmasters. Following Miguel Peris entrée René and Leonardo presented the Hungarian VARADI-FAMILY with a nice and funny plate spinning act.   After them came ALICIA PERIS with a charming lasso-entrée. Then you met Danilo and Danila who dressed as Indians did the well-known knife thrower gag with a member of the audience as assistant. Last act before the interval was two female members of the Guosheng-troupe: GUAN HUIFANG AND LI LING. They presented a spectacular balancing act which also proved their skills as contortionists.

Guan Huifang and Li Ling

First act after the interval was bungee-jump performed by the 4 male members of the Guosheng-troupe.  Then Danilo entered the stage with a run-in in which two members of the audience should act as singers while he was painting them (at least that was what they believed!) He was followed by the young juggler NANDOR VARADI who can juggle with clubs as well as balls as well as rings. He can manage to juggle with no less than 7 clubs and 9 rings. After him came his parents DIANA AND MICHI VARADI with a charming act with 5 happy poodles and a tiny Chihuahua.

Then Danilo and Danila entered the stage as Mr Hokus and Miss Focus in a comical magician entrée. Last act before the Grand Finale was DUO PERIS with a roller skate act with all the tricks you will expect from a first rate act. 

Circus Baldoni closed the Danish summer season on 26 August at Olstykke. Following that the toured the Faroe Islands until 9 September.

Nandor Varadi. Click here for link to more photos from the performance.

Late November and in December Thessa and René Moenster presented Baldoni's Christmas Circus. It was a nice and happy performance with plenty of pixie-artists. Even Santa Claus found his way to the show. The clown Danilo appeared as a ventriloquist with the Christmas pig Anton Antonius. He also had several clown run-ins. You did also meet his girlfriend Cindy as the pixie girl Vanilla. The four members of the GaoChen Troupe presented diabolo, lion dance, knockabout acrobatics and plate spinning and had furthermore as the last act the performance a very fine acrobatic entrée. You met Czech Eduard Janacek as a juggler and a rola-bola acrobat where he ended up playing two trumpets! Thessa Moenster clowned and has a magic entrée. Circus owner René Moenster had a funny entrée as balloon clown. Jonathan Beck and Sergei Scerbin did together with Thessa a festive entrée with buckets.

The GaoChen troupe at Baldoni’s Christmas Circus. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

Circus Dannebrog opened their season on 25 March at Vojens. This year’s performance was called A tribute to Haddy Enoch. Haddy Enoch, being the founder of the present Circus Dannebrog, passed away in November 2009. The artists for season 2010 were booked before he died. Thus, season 2010 can be called the last programme put together by the late master. The performance was as in the later years staged by Isabella Enoch in her well-known music hall style with ballet, light and colourful costumes.

The performance began with what Americans would call an ”opening spec” with all the performers entering the ring doing a few tricks. Accompanied by beautiful singing: AURA GUERRERO, who we met in the last act in the show, is a very good singer.

First act in the performance was the Moroccan tumblers CASABLANCA TROUPE in a great entrée with lots of human pyramids. Then came BERNHARD KASELOWSKY in the ring with his camels. After him came KSENIA AND PASHA (Pavel Voladas) in tissue (aerial silks). Then came a Wild West show with lasso and whip, done by two members of the VESLOV-TROUPE. Very often it is the male partner doing all the tricks in such an entrée. But in the charming act presented by Veslovs also the female partner did a number of tricks.

It is not easy to get good classical musical clowns. But the Enoch family has once again managed to get some of the very best: THE MICHELS with their great version of the water entrée. As usual the entrée began and ended with music on saxophones. Last act before the interval was Bernhard Kaselowsky who assisted by his daughter Melanie presented his elephant in a nice routine.

Bernhard Kaselowsky’s elephant. Photo: Lise Kokholm

After the interval you met the magical entrée Black and White presented by AUGUSTO GONCALVES and a couple of female assistants. They did several nice tricks, including a face-lifted version of the well-known substitution trunk. Then the Veslovski-family was back – probably dad, mother and daughter – with a roller skate act. Save your love my darling, save your love was a 1982 hit with the duo Renée and Renato. Many others have mimed to the song. But in my eyes (or ears) no one has done it as good as JOSÉ MICHEL who had a great run-in after the roller skates. Then we met PAVEL VOLADAS in horizontal bar in a tango inspired entrée where he got help from the dancer RIKKE DALL-HANSEN.

Voladas. Photo: Lise Kokholm

Next act was GABI DONNERT with elegant and well-groomed horses that did everything you could expect from a first class liberty act. Last act in then performance was the high wire act DUO GUERREROS, twice awarded a silver clown in Monte Carlo and once with the jury’s special prize. You understand why if you have seen their impressive act where she sings during her tight wire walking!

Circus Dannebrog closed season 2010 on 26th September at Gram.

Duo Guerreros during the decent. Photo: Lise Kokholm. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

On 28 March Circus Arli opened their season no 40 at Flong. Circus Arli is not a large circus. Their tent can only seat approximately 250 persons. But as usual they presented a very nice and family friendly performance.

MARTIN ARLI began the performance with the poetic entrée where the clown does his makeup in the ring. An entrée which the Arli’s introduced back in 1978. Thus changed to the clown Martino he welcomed the audience with a song called Long live the Circus. Then his father Soren Arli welcomed the audience and turned over the mike to his daughter in law Bettina Arli who as usual did a great job as ringmistress.

First act in the show was the juggler RIUS (Darius) with a nice juggling entrée with footballs. Then came KRISTAPS who dressed as pirates had a magical entrée.

Kristaps

Then Martino had a run-in assisted by two kids from the audience. In Circus Arli you are always looking forward to the act presented by the very talented ALEXANDER ARLI. Every year he presents something new. This year is was a fine tap-dancing entrée which also included juggling.

Then DARIUS came back, this time with a fine ladder balancing act in which he was assisted by his female partner.

For many years the goat Bukke was a star in Circus Arli’s performances. By the mind during the years there was probably more than one Bukke. Due to the tradition it is quite natural to celebrate the tiny circus’ season number 40 with a goat act- this time with 3 goats, skilfully presented by Martin Arli. He was followed by GOGOL in what is called a miniput entrée (see photo).

Gogol

Most dog acts in a circus are done by poodles which seems easy to train. However MISSINA master to train dachshunds which are much more difficult to train. She did a charming entrée and you could feel that also the dogs were enjoying the performance. In an Arli performance you will always meet the clowns MARTINO & CO. – Martin and Alexander Arli assisted by Bettina. This year they started playing music. Later in the act Alexander did glockenspiel and Martin plaid jazz on hunk horns fastened to his costume. Then came the well-known balloon shooting gag. The act ended with music – Martin playing trombone and Alaxander trumpet. After the clowns came INA SOPOVA with an elegant foot juggling act in which she wears boots with high heels. The closing of the performance was as poetic as the beginning when Martin made his clown makeup: Martin entered the stage with a doll that first song What a wonderful world and then When the saints go marching in while all the performers entered the stage to get their well-deserved applause.

Circus Arli closed their season on 25 August at Vindinge

What a wonderful world. Martino and his doll. Click here to see more photos from the performance

Circus Mascot is what Englishmen will call a dog and pony show. Owner JESS DELEURAN presented his ponies and his wife MARIANNE her poodles. Their oldest son DANIEL could this season be seen with a combined juggling/rola-bola entrée and an act in aerial straps and the youngest son ANDREAS with a diabolo entrée and a clown entrée. Marianne and Andreas are also presented trained goats. Furthermore, there was some foreign artist: THE BARBIES presented a quick change act, JEFF JAY a comical trampoline act (the drunken man entrée), THE JAYS a cowboy act with lassos and knife-throwing, GULIO a slinky entrée and several run in’s as clown, his wife TATYANA PRIMACHENKO an act in aerial silks and their son HUSIK hula-hoop. The season opened on 8 April at Roslev and closed on 18 September at Thiese.

Daniel Deleuran with his cube rola bola act. Photo by courtesy of Circus Mascot

Andreas, Marianne and some of the dogs

The smallest of the Danish circuses, Circus Krone started their season on 15 April at Torring. In the performance you met JAN ALLAN with horses, MARTINA with handstand, the juggler ERIC MUNOZ, DUO UNGUREANU with aerial straps and acrobatic, IRENE AND JAN ALLAN with their musical clown number (where Irene is a puppet), JOSE MUNOZ on tight wire, the clown ALANDO with his penguin, MUNOZ BROTHERS with their casceadeur entrée and the musical entertainer FREDDY ANTHONY. It is always difficult to highlight some of the performers on behalf of others as all was good. But the best acts were Irene and Jan Allan's musical clown entrance and the tight wire act. Jose a clear talent in a nice development and it is a pleasure to see his fine tricks which includes a backwards somersault. Freddy Anthony’s number is almost similar to the one the Danes saw in Circus M Schumann 1978-1980, in Circus Arli in 2000 and in Circus Dannebrog 2003. But the audience loves him!

At the start of the season you could instead of the Munoz brothers meet Ukrainians Glavatska Olga and Oleg Glavatskyi - also called Duo Smile - with bike act and a clown entrée. The couple did not quite live up to Irene Thierry's expectations and were therefore during the season changed with the Spanish brothers Eric and Jose Munoz.

 Circus Krone closed their summer season on 18^th September at Aale.

The super talent Jose Munoz

Freddy Anthony with his honk horn entrée.

During the summer holidays the amusement park Bonbonland offered short circus performances called Crazy Music Circus. There were 4 performers. In the family friendly performance you could see juggling, rola bola and a musical clown entrée. The performance ran for about 30 minutes. The performers, whose names weren’t mentioned, were probably coming from Italy.

Music on a saw blade at Crazy Music Circus. Click here to see more photos from the performance

From 11 May to 4 September you could meet a show called Zirkus Nemo. It is owned by a popular Danish actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard and is a combination of a comedy show (spoken language Danish) and artist performance. Most Danes loves Soren Ostergaard but foreigners will hardly be able to understand him or his typically Danish jokes. However, there were as mentioned also some real circus artist: PETER ROSENDAHL with his bike entrée, SUZANNE DA CRUX in aerial rope, JENNIFER FRANCOIS in trapeze and as the last act in the performance (and the act getting most applause) the juggler CLAUDIUS SPECHT. The audience was mainly adults – it was not a show for children.

At Solbjerg in the northern part of Jutland you could from May to September enjoy No Name Circus. Artistic Director was again this year KATJA SCHUMANN. The owner of the circus LUFFE BØGH owns the socio-educational institution No Name and a stud farm with over 100 horses and performs also in his the circus. Several of the performers come from No Name. The professional part of the performance was provided partly by Katja Schumann and partly from the Ruml family from the Czech Republic.

 All weekends in Advent there was Christmas Circus in the heated circus building.

No Name’s Circus Building. Photo: Hans Vedel

Besides the above mentioned Danish circus two German family circus toured Denmark for part of the season: Circus Amara and Circus Astoria. Quality wise they were below the standard of their Danish competitors.

World class clowns was the title of the clown performance produced by BENNY SCHUMANN for the Open Air Stage at the Danish amusement park Bakken. The performance could be seen from 7 to 15 August. Benny Schumann closed the performance by showing his grandfather Charlie Rivel’s famous entrée as opera diva. It was first time Benny used this entrée and he did it very good. Before Benny not at least MIKE SANGER (Mike Freeman) had received great and well deserved applauds for his comical dog act Sanger Dogs. You had also met the German mimic clown HERR NIELS, this Swedish musical clown RUBEN and the young Danish diabolo-juggler KASPER JENSEN.

Benny Schumann as opera diva. Photo: Per Krogh Petersen. Click here to see more of Per Krogh Petersen’s photos

During the school children’s autumn Circus Mascot performed at the Bilka Supermaket in Holstebro. Circus Arena produced a performance for the Kolding Shopping Mall and Circus Krone was sponsored by Dronninglund saving bank on a tour to several cities in North Jutland.

It is a tradition for the Frederiksberg Shopping Centre in Copenhagen to engage Benny Schumann to present a performance as free attraction during the school children’s autumn holiday. In this year’s performance you met Benny as balancing acrobat, on tight wire, as magician and as ventriloquist. Furthermore you met the Belgian clowns Toto Chabri & Co. with some of their beloved entrées.

Children and adults watching the show. Click here for link to more photos from the show.

Benny Schumann's Christmas Circus could be seen at the Frederiksberg Shopping Centre in Copenhagen from 17^th  to 23th December. The show began with a giant snowball rolling into the ring. Out of it came Benny Schumann, who in an inflatable Santa costume made a short rock-parody. Then came the ponies Shadow & Labanowsky in the ring to show some off their tricks. After a short magic entrée Benny presented his ventriloquist bird Nina. The performance closed with Old Regnas wonderful entrée with 2 happy dogs.

Circus Krone and Circus Mascot had a number of sold Christmas performances. Baldoni's Christmas Circus is mentioned above. Besides Baldoni's Christmas Circus Thessa and René Moenster produced Circus Christmas Fun, who with two units performed 45 minutes long shows for kindergartens etc.

Obituaries

he jazz saxophonist JIMMY CAMPBELL passed away on 24th November 2010. He was 93 years. Besides being an excellent musician, Jimmy had a past as bike acrobat of international standing: In the late 1920’s he and his brother Jonny joined the famous Swedish bike acrobat troupe the Malmstens. Jonny and Jimmy quickly became very tough on bikes and in addition to touring activity in Scandinavia and northern Europe, they toured several times in the 1930'ties with the Russian state circus in large parts of southern Russia. At the outbreak of war in 1940 the brothers chose to return to Denmark. The two brothers were since then more known as musicians than as acrobats. Jimmy's brother Jonny died last year.

The English-born sea lion trainer DOREEN PEDERSEN passed away 27th November 2010, some three months after she had turned 80 years old. For many years, she presented the act Doreen’s sea lions. The act did also include penguins, a tradition which is continued by Henry and Doreen Petersen's two sons Steven and Hans Pedersen, who both perform with sea lions and penguins. Doreen Pedersen had for many years lived in an abandoned village school at Farstrup in Denmark where her two sons also had their animals in tanks or paddocks when they were home.

23 December 2010

Benny Schumann's Christmas Circus could be seen at the Frederiksberg Shopping Centre in Copenhagen from 17^th  to 23th December. Two performances were giving each day, each lasting 30 minutes. There is not much space in front of the small ring at the Frederiksberg Centre. But for all performances there were crowded, and both children and adults enjoyed the show. The show started with a giant snowball rolling into the ring. Out of it came Benny Schumann, who in an inflatable Santa costume made a short rock-parody. Then came the ponies Shadow & Labanowsky in the ring to show some off their tricks. After a short magic entrée Benny presented his ventriloquist bird Nina. The performance closed with Old Regnas wonderful entrée with 2 happy dogs.

Benny Schumann photographed after the show with some of his fans. From left my neighbour’s grandson Simon, my own grandson Sebastian, Benny, Shadow and my oldest granddaughter Liva. Click here to see more photos from the show.

Also Per ”Mr. Sputnik” Krogh Petersen visited the show. He writes: Benny Schumann ChristmasShow 2010 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 from the show

19. December 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   ---    our Christmas circus-season is well alive and kicking - CIRQUE ARLETTE GRÜSS, direction GILBERT GRÜSS, features a gorgeous show as usual on the Pelouse de Reuilly, intra muros in Paris /, a large park where several circuses are allowed to play according to the mantra PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE =  PARIS LOVES CIRCUS.

Ringmaster KEVIN SAGAU presents the program, playing his role as MONSIEUR LOYAL, as the ringmaster always is called in France, accompanied by an excellent circus band, directed by FREDERIC MANOUKIAN.

The program:

PETER BALDER, dogs and ponies in a nice and playful sketch.

TROUPE WUQUIAO, diabolo-playing in incredible positions.

SANDRO MONTEZ, exotic animals - camels, lamas, donkeys - and later in the program he re-enters the ring accompanied by four Indian elephants - impressive and sympathetic animals.

DUO TRAPEZE KEVIN GRÜSS AND JULIA FRIEDRICH, aerial elegance and strength.

SDENEK ZUPKA tempo juggler, every move accurate.

FLYING ZUNIGA flying trapeze - where also the female partners feature advanced stunts.

TROUPE WUQUIAO foot-jugglers in various positions, also on top of one another, standing on drums.

During the intermission, MATHIEU, resident clown at CIRQUE ARLETTE GRÜSS, entertains the audience with many funny ideas and stunts, accompanied by one of the CLOWNS GOTY'S.

ALFREDO BEAUTOUR takes us to the jungle, featuring five tigresses, one of whom is white - a display of love and confidence between man and animals - beautiful and all "en douceur".

TROUPE WUQUIAO, juggling hats in synchronized sequences.

LAURA-MARIA, LINDA AND GILBERT GRÜSS present beautiful horses in appealing tableaux.

KEVIN SEGAU on the trapeze - strength and precision-

THE CLOWNS GOTY'S in the classic entrée THE BROKEN MIRROR - never did I see it better performed !!

LIVING TRAPEZE, two female acrobats performing very aesthetically in TRIANGLES, used like aerial ring and trapeze, original!

TRIO LARUSS, hand-to-hand acrobatics on a triangular podium in the style of living statues - certainly an outstanding act from the Russian circus school-tradition.

GRANDE FINALE with about all the artists, springing, jumping and tumbling on props that resemble the inner tube of a tyre, those props were used as springboards by the acrobats.

An excellent show, more geared to adults than to smaller children, as I see it.

The administrators Messieurs ALAIN and WILLY always welcome the press - so ---

from my seat high up in the VIP area, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for a memorable circus show !!!

See more at http://www.cirque-gruss.com/

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

17 December 2010

The Charlie 2010 award to Jessica and Niklas Bengtsson. The Swedish Circus Academy has awarded the siblings Jessica and Niklas Bengtsson the academy's honorary award The Charlie 2010. Jessica and Niklas are daughter and son of Henrika and Herbert Bengtsson of the Swedish Circus Olympia. The last few years, Jessica has presented some of Circus Olympia’s horses, camels, alpacas, goats and ducks at the Swedish Circus Wictoria while Niklas with his wife Natascha Jarz has been with Circus Olympia. Both siblings are talented trainers and the Charlie is very well deserved awarded them for their efforts within animal dressage.

Jessica and Niklas Bengtsson with their Charlie award. Photo: Tobbe Gustavsson

16 December 2010

”Circus is Magic”. Remember Charly Ross? He was an outstanding contortionist, known as “Die Schlange” (“The snake”). He was born in 1939 and retired as acrobat after season 1996. He now lives in sunny Mexico. One of his hobbies is creating all kind of mini circus sculptures from peanut shells Together with Christmas greetings Charly has send me the photos shown below of a top hat he made, called "Circus is Magic". Last year (16 December 2010) you could at this page find other photos of the sculptures made by Charly Ross 

At YouTube you can find a video of Charly’s famous entrée as The Snake. Click here to see this video.

Interested in buying one of Charly’s circus sculptures? Send me an e-mail, and I will put you in touch with Charly Ross.

The top hat created by Charly Ross

15 December 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --   the CHRISTMAS SEASON features circus on LA PELOUSE DE REUILLY, a large park intra muros in Paris, /pelouse = lawn/, where the giant CIRQUE PINDER presents a family-friendly program:

SACHA HOUCKE presents Pinder's exotic animals: Siberian camels, lamas, donkeys and a zebra, the latter not just being a striped horse but having its own special character and - kicking not only backwards but also sideways...

MICHAEL OLIVARES, skillful and elegant juggler with footballs, clubs and boomerangs.

SACHA HOUCKE returns with Pinder's legendary mascots, two Indian elephants - new this year is that FREDERIC EDELSTEIN, the director GILBERT EDELSTEIN'S son, directs the animals in a discreet and sympathetic way.

CLOWNS NICOLS with the WATER ENTRÉE - as funny as ------ always!!

GABY DEW and her beautiful horses in several sequences.

TROUPE ZHUKOV, incredible stunts in the Russian swing.

TROUPE QIQIHAER, daring flying trapeze from China.

The comic COURT CIRCUIT amuses everybody during the pause - using many funny ideas.

FREDERIC EDELSTEIN confronting a mixed group of 16 lions and tigers   -  a unique feature,  very impressing and it is clear that there is a mutual respect and love between the performer and the animals.

Frederic Edelstein with his big cats. Photos by courtesy of Cirque Pinder

AKAENA, a charming girl in aerial straps, very elegant and daring.

THE SHAOLIN MONKS, an oriental tale, told by means of acrobatics and mystery.

SOPHIE EDELSTEIN presenting her big illusions, assisted by five acrobatic dancers --- the usual scenario with a man and chorus girls is here turned around - with an excellent   result.

LES FERNANDEZ, stunning hand-to-hand and hand-to-head acrobats.

LIU XIN, Chinese contortionist featuring incredible stunts.

LES KASBEK KHADIKOV, Cossack riders, finishes the program by an impressive performance on horseback-

Sophie Edelstein with big illusions

The program is presented, sympathetically and in a pedagogic way by FREDERIC COLNOT, who is Ringmaster, MONSIEUR LOYAL as he is usually called in France.

CIRQUE PINDER safeguards the traditional circus program, we find dare-devil-stunts, beauty and lots of fun - exactly what the family audience wants.

The Big Top for Christmas holds 5000 persons, the tour-tent 2000.

The circus events in Paris are an important part of the Parisian X-mas festivities - and ....

LA MAIRIE DE PARIS /townhall/ claims PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE /Paris loves circus/.

So --- IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

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

10 December 2010

Haddy Enoch’s bike at museum. Last year circus owner Haddy Enoch of Danish Circus Dannebrog passed away. Before establishing his circus he was known as an excellent bike acrobat. Together with his wife and later their children he presented the act The Haddies. Haddy and his bike have been widely around the world: in total in 32 countries in 4 continents. So you can say that there is many years of history behind Haddy’s old bike. The Enoch family has now given the old bike to the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen. - This year's performance in Circus Dannebrog began with a short documentary about Haddy Enoch's life. Click here to see this film which Haddy’s grandson Jimmy Enoch has put on YouTube.

10 December 2010

René Moenster of Danish Circus Baldoni has sent me this photo of a circus poster at the Faroe Islands. Baldoni’s Christmas Circus will visit the islands from 16 to 19 December.

9 December 2010

Doreen Pedersen has passed away. The English-born sea lion trainer Doreen Pedersen passed away 27th November 2010, some three months after she had turned 80 years old. For many years, she presented the act Doreen’s sea lions. The act did also include penguins, a tradition which is continued by Henry and Doreen Petersen's two sons Steven and Hans Pedersen, who both perform with sea lions and penguins. Doreen Pedersen had for many years lived in an abandoned village school at Farstrup in Denmark where her two sons also had their animals in tanks or paddocks when they were home.

Steven and Hans have several times toured with Danish circuses etc. Their act with sea lions and penguins can however not again be seen in Denmark as the current rules on the keeping of animals in circuses containing a total ban on display of penguins.

Doreen and the sea lions

9 December 2010

The list of museums of circus, artistics, and showmen has now been updated. Dan Roneklint Sorensen has updated the list. It now contains information about 449 museums about the subjects circus and variety (vaudeville), artistics, circus music, showmen, fireworks, puppetry, toys and model building. New are among others Ørnereservatet (eagles) in Denmark, the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Thailand, and the collection of conjuring at Schloss Schönfeld in Germany under artistics, a museum of panoramas in Switzerland, several museums in UK, and Kit Carson Carousel Museum in USA under Showmen, and some museums of puppetry in Australia and Italy. Some of the museums of the list do not exist to-day, but the information that a museum is closed may also be of interest. Click here to see the updated list.

5 December 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---   the  big Christmas Market on LES CHAMPS ELYSEES, called the most beautiful avenue in the world, we can see the German high-wire troupe DIE TRABERS, featuring a  Father Christmas happening: Santa Claus comes from the sky, travelling high over the ground in his sledge before landing with all his numerous gifts.

DIE TRABERS use their high-wire structure, it can be discussed whether this is an artistic feature or not - but it certainly is a big attraction for the market.

DIE TRABER feature a fantastic happening - the sledge is illuminated and shines against the dark sky - very beautiful it is - and an incredibly big crowd had come to enjoy all this - Les Champs Elysées crowded - you don't see it often! It was very impressing that FATHER CHRISTMAS, who greeted the people, was able to turn the sledge around when it had reached the end of the high-wire - the sledge hangs down under the wire, clutched in a mechanical device - and it can thus be turned in either direction. All this is performed to Christmas carols - the people on the ground clapped their hands, cheered and took photos!!

A great open-air attraction that DIE TRABER offer to any festivity in the bigger cities of Europe. Last year's success in Paris was thus repeated this year !!!

See more at www.hochseilartistik-traber.de/

Reported by ZARRO ZARRO

2 December 2010

ECA, FMC and Monte Carlo. The European Circus Association (ECA) and Federation Mondial du Cirque (FMC) has circulated an updated program for the ECA and FMC activities in Monaco in January 2011.

Thursday, 20 January 2011

17.30 -18.30: Fédération Mondiale du Cirque Welcome Reception; Opening Silent Auction and Circus Business Exhibition

20.00 Show A

Friday, 21 January 2011

10.00 – 18.00 Circus Business Exhibition

10.30 – 13.00 ECA Members Meeting

13.00 – 14.00 Meet and Greet Lunch (boxes)

14.00 – 15.15 9th ECA Symposium: Music in the Circus

15.15 – 15.30 Coffee Break

15.30 – 16.15 Video presentation of a recent scientific research by Dr. Birmelin of lions and elephants - Welfare assessment of circus animals.

16.15 – 17.30 Performing Animals – Update and Discussion – Laura van der Meer

20.00 Show B

Saturday, 22 January 2011

10.00 – 18.00 Circus Business Exhibition

10.00 – 12.30 Federation General Assembly meeting (English only)

12.30 – 13.45 Luncheon with Colleagues (tickets available from ECA)

 14.30 Parade to the Palace and Open Air Show

16.30 – 17.00 Circus in India – Presentation by Mr. Sujit Dilip – Proprietor of the Rambo Circus

17.00 – 17.45 Introduction to EUROPEAN CHARTER for hosting circuses in towns

18.00 Close of Silent Auction

20.00 Show A

Sunday, 23 January 2011

15.00 Show B

Monday, 24 January 2011

19.00 Ecumenical event (Chapiteau)

20.30 Match de Football at the Cap d'Ail Stadium

29 November 2010

During the weekend 27th-28th November children and adults could see Baldoni's Christmas Circus in the Fencing Hall at Avedørelejren in Hvidovre, Copenhagen. It was a nice and happy performance with plenty of pixie-artists. Even Santa Claus found his way to the show. Nis aka the clown Danilo appeared as a ventriloquist with the Christmas pig Anton Antonius. He also had several clown run-ins. You did also meet his girlfriend Cindy as the pixie girl Vanilla. The four members of the GaoChen Troupe presented diabolo, lion dance, knockabout acrobatics and plate spinning and had furthermore as the last act the performance a very fine acrobatic entrée. You met Czech Eduard Janacek as a juggler and a rola-bola acrobat where he ended up playing two trumpets! Nisseline aka Mrs. Thessa Moenster clowned and has a magic entrée. Circus owner René Moenster had a funny entrée as balloon clown. Jonathan Beck (the owner couple's son) and Sergei Scerbin did together with Thessa a festive entrée with buckets.

16. to 19 December Baldoni’s Christmas Circus will visit the Faroe Islands.

Besides Baldoni's Christmas Circus Thessa and René Moenster produce Circus Christmas Fun which with two units are showing 45 minutes long performances in kindergartens etc.

The GaoChen troupe at Baldoni’s Christmas Circus. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

29 November 2010

Jimmy Campbell passed away - jazz saxophonist and former bike acrobat. After a short illness Jonny Campbell died quietly in his home 24th November 2010. He was 93 years. Besides being an excellent musician, Jimmy had a past as bike acrobat of international standing.

He was born in Copenhagen on 17 July 1917. He was son of the American tap dancer William Campbell, who had settled in Denmark after being married to Danish Oda Jorgensen. William died in 1923, and the mother told Jimmy and his older brother Jonny that they needed to find employment, so the family could earn a living. Their career began at the Casino Theatre in Copenhagen, where the brothers were extras in some performances. In 1927 they were engaged as tap dancers in Kramer’s Variety Theatre at Bakken. In the late 1920’s the joined the famous Swedish bike acrobat troupe the Malmstens. Jonny and Jimmy quickly became very tough on bikes and in addition to touring activity in Scandinavia and northern Europe, they toured several times in the 1930'ties with the Russian state circus in large parts of southern Russia. At the outbreak of war in 1940 the brothers chose to return to Denmark to be with their mother. Shortly after that they established together with the drummer Kai Timmermann the Black & White Swing Quartet, which continued as the Harlem Kiddies. The two brothers were since then more known as musicians than as acrobats. Jimmy's brother Jonny died last year.

28 November 2010

The book about La Norma - now also available in English. In 2009 the author Aase Thomassen published her book about the Danish-born trapeze star La Norma who ended up as a great star in circuses in USA. The richly illustrated book is in Danish but not least in the USA a lot of persons was interested in the book. A proper release in English would be very costly. Aase Thomassen has therefore chosen to load a translation into English on a CD, which interested parties can get together with the book.

Since the release, there has been considerable interest also in Denmark for the history of La Norma. Aase Thomassen has held several lectures and organized a number of exhibitions about La Norma.

The book about La Norma can be purchased in bookstores but also directly from the author. It costs 150 DKK plus shipping costs. 150 DKK is equivalent to approx 20 Euro or 17 GBP or 27 USD. You can contact the author by phone + 45 86 46 61 14 or by e-mail at aase.thomassen@mail.dk.

From one of the exhibitions arranged by Aase Thomassen

28 November 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   ---   now during Christmas time there are many circus-shows featuring pleasant programs, geared to a family audience, often with very young children. I saw CIRQUE ROMANES /GIPSY CIRCUS/, directed by ALEXANDRE BOUGLIONE. The program: acrobatics, aerial acts, juggling in various presentations, hula hoop by a graceful young girl, dancing and --- a goat performing amusing tricks --  the entire show is backed up by a band of six musicians and DELIA BOUGLIONE-ROMANES who sings along ....

Points of interest: the GIPSY SETTING, the show takes place in a tent holding 400 seats, there is no comfort, you sit on raw planks - but that is the name of the game - and the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and human -- the artists perform on what looks like oriental carpets and --   in-between the acts - the musicians rise from their seats, walk onto the carpets and play oriental music.

The show lasts a good hour, afterwards people can buy cakes, soft drinks and now in wintertime mulled wine - they can also buy a collection of poems written by ALEXANDRE BOUGLIONE himself !

The audience consists mainly of parents with their often very young children, some adults who you otherwise see at the new-circus-performances.

An original circus-show featuring a pleasant program in an original setting !!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

See more: www.cirqueromanes.com

Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

26 November 2010

Circus Dannebrog 2011. A German website tells that the Mexican clown Versace will be with Danish Circus Dannebrog for season 2011 season after 4 seasons with German Circus Charles Knie. But that is not true. Agnete Louise Enoch of Circus Dannebrog has told me that the clown the Danes will meet in 2011 in Circus Dannebrog will be the musical clown Totti Alexi, son of the famous Toni Alexi. As mentioned on this website on 18 November you can also in 2011 meet the formidable trick riders from the Richter Troupe at Circus Dannebrog. The audience will also be able once again to meet the charming juggler Eddy Carello, who toured with Circus Dannebrog in 2006. During this season he felt in love with the elephant and camel trainer Bernhard Kaselowski’s youngest daughter Josephine. They are now a couple. So I believe that we also will see Josephine in Circus Dannebrog’s ring in 2011.

Eddy Carello at Circus Dannebrog in 2006

25 November 2010

The Copenhagen Circus Building for sale. In 1974 the municipality of Copenhagen bought the Copenhagen Circus Building. Now the municipality has offered the building for sale as they want to sell all properties not used for municipal purposes. The building has not been used for circus purposes the last 20 years.

The tender documents which are in Danish can be viewed on the municipality's website at

http://www.kk.dk/Borger/BoligOgByggeri/OplysningerOmEjendomme/SalgOgTilbagekoeb/SalgAfKKEjd/AktUdbudt/Jernbanegade 8.aspx

The tender documents states among other things (my translation):

The Circus Building in Copenhagen was built in 1885-1886 and was inaugurated on 8 May 1886 by the German circus king Ernst Renz from Berlin. The building was designed by architect Henry Wilhelm Brinkopff.

The Circus Building should after the original plans have had a stately facade with statues and Greek columns, but at the inauguration the facade was a little simpler but still elegant and stately. On the outer edge just below the roof edge existed and still exists a beautiful frieze by sculptor Frederic Hammeleff.

On 7 March 1914 most of the Circus Building burned down and only the outer walls and entrances survived and can be seen today. After the fire the Circus Building was rebuilt after design from the architect Holger Jacobsen.

From 1918 and until 1969 it was the Schumann family who ran the circus business in the building, however not between 1938 and the 1942.

From 1970 to 1990 it was the Benneweis family who produced circus in the building.

The municipality of Copenhagen bought the Circus Building on 8 November 1974. In collaboration with Benneweis the building underwent extensive renovation in 1983.

In 1988 the building was listed with its current appearance.

Since 1 January 2003 the Copenhagen Circus Building has been leased to Wallman plc who uses the building for dinnershows.

The lease is a fixed term lease which expires without further notice 31 December 2012. The lease cannot be terminated during the tenancy. The yearly lease including taxes etc. is 2,618,421.49 DKK, equivalent to 351,000 Euro.

If you dream about owning a circus building, you might consider to put a bid for the Copenhagen Circus Building!

The Circus Building in 1888

The Circus Building in the Schumann years. Photo from Benny Schumann’s collection

The Circus Building as it looks today.

25 November 2010

Fred D. Pfening, Jr. passed away. In the just circulated July-August issue of the world’s leading circus historical magazine Bandwagon you can read the sad news that the Bandwagon Editor and Publisher, leading recorder of American circus history Fred D. Pfening, Jr. passed away on 6 September 2010.

For 49 years, he edited the journal of the Circus Historical Society, a bi-monthly magazine that will forever be associated with his name and well-deserved reputation for excellence in honouring circus history through an unstinting fidelity to truth. As mentioned the Columbus businessman, philanthropist and circus enthusiast died Sept. 6. He was 85. I am sure that he in his heaven will meet full houses and grassy lots! He deserves it for his outstanding contribution to circuses and circus history.

22 November 2010

Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market in Odense. By tradition the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market takes place in Odense on the weekends around the first and second Sunday of Advent. This year the market is held the 27th-28th November from 10-18 and 4th-5th December from 10-18 in the area around Sortebrødre Torv (the Black Friars Square). Both weekends there will be market activities throughout the Old Town. Activities will take place in the streets, at market stalls and in the Mirror Tent at Sortebrødre torv. The actor and comedian Søren Østergaard has for several years collected old amusement park rides, and a selection of those can be seen at Christmas Market.

As an established tradition the youth circus Circus Flik-Flak participates in the activities. 15 artists featuring a versatile performance comprising inter alia juggling, one-wheeled bikes, magic, diabolo etc. Circus Flik-Flak performs Saturday and Sunday 27th-28th November and the 4th-5th December, all day during the period from 11 to 16 at Sortebrødre Torv close to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. On 12.30, 14, 15 you can see artists in Møntergården. On 12.30, 14.30 and 16.30 there is Christmas variety entertainment with music and artistry in the Mirror Tent.

The full program for the Christmas market can be viewed on the website. www.hcajulemarkedet.dk

Circus Flik-Flak at the Christmas Market last year

21 November 2010

Christmas Circuses. In France, Holland and Germany there are many Christmas circuses, often with performances of international excellence.

In Denmark you can experience a more limited number of Christmas circus out of which only one offers a performance of usual length, i.e. approx. 2 hours.

Baldoni's Christmas Circus opens their season in Fencing Hall at Avedørelejren close to the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, in the weekend 27th-28th November. They will have 3 performances in the Fencing Hall. The performance lasts approx. 2 hours incl. break. Among the performers are Chinese multi artists from the GaoChen troupe which previously has toured with Circus Baldoni and Danilo, Thessa, Sergejs Scerbin and Jonas Beck as knockabout acrobats. And then of course circus owner René Moenster with the Christmas pig Antony (a ventriloquist doll). After Avedøre they will have a number of sold performances. From 16 to 19 December Baldoni's Christmas Circus visits the Faroe Islands.

In Solbjerg north of Hobro you can see No Name Christmas Circus in the last 4 weekends before Christmas. Among the performers are Katja Schuman, Luffe Bøgh, the Rummel family and adolescents from the school in No Name.

From 17 to 23 December Benny Schumann present Christmas Circus Show in Frederiksberg Shopping Centre in Copenhagen. Besides Benny you can meet the ponies Shadow & Labanowsky and English Pete Freeman ("Old Regnas") with his dogs.

The tiny Circus Krone has a number of sold Christmas circus performances. Either in the form of 2-person Christmas show lasting approx. 20 minutes or in the form of 45 minute performances with several artists.

Circus Mascot presents a Christmas circus show with Santa Claus himself. The performances includes Marianne's dog show, cube rola-bola, diabolo, magic as only Santa can do it, juggling, the sleeping pony Ricky and a Slinky act. Also at Circus Mascot all performances are sold to institutions, shopping malls etc.

At the Frederiksberg Shopping Mall you can meet Benny Schumann with his Christmas Circus Show

21 November 2010

Swedish circuses in 2011. According to the Swedish circus magazine Cirkuläre Notiser the leading circus in Sweden Circus Maximum will in the coming season among other presents motorcycle riders in a globe of death. It is the 4 person large troupe Globe Riders led by the Brazilian Silva family. The globe, which they use, has a diameter of 4 meters, which probably is a bit smaller than the globes we've seen in Danish Circus Arena. Circus Maximum in 2011 will also be able to present the Austrian clown Don Christian who also toured with Maximum in 2009. In 2010 he appeared in Circus Benneweis in Denmark. The Flying Costa will do their act in the flying trapeze. The troupe was at Circus Dannebrog in 2007. Ludwig Frank will present his act with a single elephant. It does not seem as the three elephants owned by Danish Circus Arena will be with Maximum in 2011, as they have been in 2009 and 2010.

Don Christian at Benneweis

Cirkuläre Notiser also writes that the José Michell clowns will be with the Rhodin family’s Circus Brazil Jack in 2011. They were in Brazil Jack in 2009 and with Circus Dannebrog in 2010. The white clown Julie Mitchell, who is married to Jose, will be replaced by a male white clown from Rivelino family, as Juliet in 2011 will travel with her and José's two daughters Azzario Sisters (Katie and Quincy), who with their excellent handstand number is engaged to German Circus Roncalli.

The Michell clowns at Circus Dannebrog

20 November 2010

The Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn and Mrs Joan is for the winter season engaged at the Palazzo Variety Theatre in Mannheim, Germany. The season started in late October and ends in January. The 4 ½-hour dinner show features performances by a number of international top artists as well as an exclusive 4 course menu. The show is set in a mirror tent with room for about 400 spectators. Already at the beginning of the season was almost completely sold out in November and December.

Kenny Quinn says that both the press and the audience was very pleases with this year's show. One newspaper wrote: if you must give this year's Palazzo show from one to 10 stars it should have 20 stars! About Kenny Quinn Mannheimer Morgen wrote: Mit viele Lacheln und Fingerfertigkeit zieht Meister Taschendieb Kenny Quinn, die Blicke auf Sich, die wachsamen Männer aus dem Publikum machen es ihm schwer, Dennoch - Handy, Geld, Schlüssel, Krawatten oder Brillen mit Tricks und Geduld bekommt er alles in die Händen. Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung wrote Kenny Quinn schließlich, der König der Taschendiebe, setzt das i-Tüpfelchen, in den er seine Opfer mit unglaublicher Fingerfertigkeit beklaut - aber alles Gestohlene natürlich auch wieder zurückgibt.

Click here to read more about the show.

The entrance to the Palazzo variety. The tent is set up at Europaplatz almost in the centre of Mannheim with the city's television tower in the background. Photo: Kenneth Quinn

In season 2011 you can be as previously mentioned on this page meet Kenny Quinn at the German Circus Knie Charles, which today is owned and managed by Sascha Melnjak. Season 2011 starts on 24 February 2011 in southern Germany, somewhere between Heilbronn and Stuttgart, where Sascha Melnjak again this year presents the Heilbronner Christmas Circus.

Besides Kenny Quinn you can at Charles Knie in 2011 among others meet the Swiss reprise clown André (André Broger). He toured with Swedish Circus Scott in 2003 and has been with Circus Krone in Germany and the French Circus Arlette Gruss. He replaces the clown Versace who has been with Charles Knie in the last 4 years. Other news for season 2011 in Charles Knie will be two members from Flying Mandonca making a scarf entrée under the artist name Duo Jungle.

Kenny Quinn stealing a tie

21 November 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  more about puppet plays and the French answer to PUNCH AND JUDY - here called GUIGNOL.

LES MARIONNETTES DU CHAMPS DE MARS, direction LUIGI TIRELLI, proudly presents various puppet-plays in a concrete building located at the CHAMPS DE MARS, right in the heart of Paris.

Beautiful decorations, a lively presentation, nicely and well sculptured puppets and a good lighting as well as an excellent contact with the youthful audience --- all of this makes the play a success. The theatre is well heated and the seats relatively comfortable.

The play is presented by four young actors, under the guidance of JULIEN SOMMER.

A great success for kids between 3 and 6 ----    and the tradition goes back to the Italian COMMEDIA DELL ARTE

The theatre at Champs de Mars

One of the puppets from Les Marionettes du Champs De Mars. Photo by courtesy of Julien Sommer

LES MARIONNETTES DU RANELAGH. In the park RANELAGH, PIERRE LEFAUCHEUX -- proudly presents various plays, type PUNCH AND JUDY, here called GUIGNOL.

The theatre is just a small one where the children are seated on simple low benches - there is just a kind of roof-cover in case of rain -- thus this theatre is closed wintertime.

The plays and the plots are the classical ones, featuring GUIGNOL'S adventures -- the important element is that the kids can talk to the puppets, cry, shout and yell as much as they like and warn GUIGNOL of any danger ...

A most pleasant show, playing for about  100 children when I was there - and the small ones are allowed to greet PIERRE LEFAUCHEUX upon leaving - the whole thing is LIVE - which is important as they otherwise are very exposed to electronic entertainment  only.

A good show !!!

The theatre at the Park Ranelagh. Photo by courtesy of Pierre Lefaucheux

I just saw LE GUIGNOL DE PARIS, direction the RANK FAMILY, who run their own theatre in the beautiful park  PARC DES BUTTES CHAUMONT, and they also run another one:  LES MARIONNETTES DU PARC MONTSOURIS, where all the classical plays: Little Red Riding Hood, The Sleeping Beauty and all the others .. are featured.

The actual performers are the third generation of the RANK FAMILY, thus upholding the theatrical tradition.

The theatre building is constructed to be well ventilated in summer and ditto heated in wintertime.

Points of interest: this PUNCH AND JUDY TRADITION is on the wane elsewhere which might be to the children's disadvantage, as they are exposed to electronics and thus virtual impressions only - and the virtual ones can never be of the same value as -- LIVE ONES.

This kind of theatre remains a cultural phenomenon, in ancient times the puppets could voice critical opinions against society - which real actors were not allowed to express.

This art goes back to the ITALIAN COMMEDIA DELL ARTE - it still has great value.

It opens doors to dreams, to the marvellous and the wonderful  -- it is important that the children encounter this !!!

See more: www.guignol19.skyrock.com

Entrance to the theatre at Parc des Buttes Chaumont

One of the puppets from at Le Guignol de Paris. Photos by courtesy of Baptiste Rank

On top of the shows in the stable theatres, there are in France a number of travelling PUNCH AND JUDY /GUIGNOL / theatres, playing in tent structures, holding about 100 people. When travelling in France, they can be seen in the squares and parks of various towns, they are given permit to play by LA MAIRIE /THE LOCAL TOWNHALL /.

These travelling shows are run by families, having had these activities for very long, and the shows are of a good quality. The entrance fee, about 2.5 Euro is propped up by the sale of sweets and candies, souvenirs and some toys. All in all - these PUPPET SHOWS contribute to a pleasant life- style and a lively animation - everywhere outside Paris.

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

18 November 2010

The Richter troupe in Circus Dannebrog in 2011. At the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in January 2008, the Hungarian Florian Richter troupe was awarded with a gold clown for their formidable bareback riding act. At the festival in 2004 Florian and Edith Richter was awarded a silver clown for their act with horse acrobatics and high school riding. Florian and Edith Richter is for 2011 engaged with German Circus Roncalli where they will present high school riding and the Courier. The rest of the Richter troupe including their jockey horses can be seen in Denmark at Circus Dannebrog. The Danish audience can look forward to seeing the circus world's currently best jockey riding act at Circus Dannebrog.

7 November 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- now many circus-shows plant their tents in Paris - they get a grassy lot for an affordable amount - and the season lasts from end of Oct thru mid-January.

Paris municipality proclaims PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE /Paris love circus/ --   a saying I thus clarify for those who missed the French lessons...

Now: CIRQUE ALEXIS GRÜSS, Cirque National de France - proudly presents a superb program, on the theme MELODY --all the acts are accompanied by evergreens that both our parents and their parents enjoyed  - and which they connected to sweet memories from their youth ... - there is here an emotional treasury - not the least by MY WAY which toured the world when Frank Sinatra and later Paul Anka sang it - it really was the English version of COMME D'HABITUDE, by Claude Francois /Clo-Clo/, composed in 1967.

The entire show is presented by the big family GRÜSS,  ALEXIS and GYPSY being behind it all, and supported by their children and grand-children, their son STEPHANE is to be mentioned particularly - juggler on horse-back, musician, clown, and acrobat.

A poetical opening with ALEXIS and his grandson Louis starts the show where we are treated to juggling, acrobatics in tissues and straps, clowning with new ideas, big illusions including the immortal Substitution Trunk, a very original hula hoop act by Anna Micheletty, and on top of all this a number of superb horse acts - I never saw horse acts of that class since the days of Albert and Max SCHUMANN in Scandinavia.

I take it that this show is more geared to the adult audience than to the smaller fry ...this has to be taken in a positive way.

CIRQUE GRÜSS is unique - artistic quality, presentation, ideas.... all of it...

An excellent band and two singers provide the backup - great!!.

 ...

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --- don't miss this opportunity to see a splendid show!!!

See more: www.alexis-gruss.com

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

1 November 2010

Circus Mascot in Holstebro. In week 42 all school children in Denmark has autumn holiday. Due to this the Bilka Supermarket offered short circus performances as free attraction. The performances were produced by Circus Mascot and presented in a large warmed up party tent. Among the performers were the Danish clown Lars Larna and Daniel Deleuran, son of circus owners Marianne and Jess Deleuran, with a good rola-bola entrée.

To the left the clown Lars Larna. To the right Daniel with rola-bola. Photos by courtesy of Daniel Deleuran

In these days reality television seems to be very popular. Also in television in Denmark there is a number of reality shows. One of them called Rock n Roll Camping featured a Danish reality show star Sidney Lee. In one of the shows in the series Sidney and his friends Kasper and Dennis spend 3 days with the Danish dog and pony show Circus Mascot. You can see it at Kanal 5’s web-tv. Look for ”Kanal 5 – programoversigt” and then choose Rock n Roll Camping (7). 

Sidney, Kasper and Dennis with the Deleuran family: Jess, Marianne, Daniel and Andreas.

Sidney & co. in the ring dressed up as clowns. Photos by courtesy of Daniel Deleuran

1 November 2010

My correspondent in Paris Zarro Zarro has seen one of Europe’s best circus performances in the famous Cirque d’Hiver (the Winter Circus) in Paris. Since 1852 the Cirque d'Hiver has been a venue for not just the ever popular circuses, but also musical concerts and even fashion shows.  The circus has been operated by the Bouglione brothers and their descendants since 1934 and hence why it has become known as Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione. About this year’s performance Zarro Zarro writes:

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   --  CIRQUE BOUGLIONE opens the door to dreams, impossible features and a trip into the land of fantasy. The show is named PRESTIGE - a good reference to this marvelous show, presented by Alberto Caroli and Sergio.

By the way, French press announces that Sergio will retire at the end of this show - but he will go on as an actor, he is well-known for his participation in the Monte Carlo Festival.

Dominik Gasser, Switzerland, presents a group of five lions, including one male - beautiful animals, well kept and obviously in concert with their master.

La Salima, Finland, tissues and hula hoop - feminine grace and beauty.

Les Rollers Pilar, France, rollerskate-act in a whirling tempo.

Les Bingo, Russia, aerial acrobatics, contortion, balancing - fantastic !

Joseph and Regina Bouglion - horse show and haute école riding - a real treat !

Gregory Bellini, France, comedian with surprising gags.

Malvina Abakarova and Velery Sychev, Russia, straps - strength and beauty combined.

Iryna and Kateryna, Russia, double trapeze, extremely appealing.

Eva Julia, Norway, big illusions with dogs and a tiger -- surprises ...

Drogaleva Troupe, Russia, juggling in partnership - very sure and elegant.

Julien Cottereau, comedian with many gags

Alessandro Valentino, young acrobats.

DUO GUERRERO, Portugal, opened the second half of the program featuring their incredible ascending and descending on the wire where the female partner is standing on the shoulders of the male partner -- a stunt seldom seen since the days of Mendez and Seits, decades ago ----------

BRAVO !!!

The efficient and quick circus-hands merit an applause...

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   ----

CIRQUE BOUGLIONE is a circus show that can't be surpassed - world class !!!

See more: www.cirquedhiver.com

The comedian Julien Corrreau. Photo: G Girbes - Cirque d'Hiver. By courtesy of Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione

Duo Guerrero. Det danske publikum huske dem fra årets forestilling i Cirkus Dannebrog. Foto: G Girbes - Cirque d'Hiver. By courtesy of Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione

28 October 2010

Contemporary circus performances. In November and December you can see two new wave circus performances in Copenhagen.

The first performance is Chouf Ouchouf with Le Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger. Bustlingly energetic, technically supreme, humanly playful and musically majestic. Le Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger will have the audience on the edge of their seats with their new show “Chouf Ouchouf”. Their acrobatics rooted in the ancient market place traditions of Morocco are added a theatrical sharpness from the ingenious Swiss director duo Zimmermann & de Perrot.

The performance can be seen at MusikTeatret Albertslund in the Copenhagen suburb Albertslund from 24 to 26 November.

The next performance is Santa's Shadow by Teatro Glimt. In a smoky brown bar a confused Santa Claus tries to find his own story. Run amuck and with breakneck acrobatics we begin an odyssey through 1700 years of history about the giver of presents that we all know. Idea, concept and development Lars Gregersen. Taking part are Camilla Sarrazin, Henriette Groth, Lars Gregersen and Stuart Lynch. Teatro Glimt is a Danish contemporary circus company, which was founded in 2002.

The performance can be seen at Dansehallerne in Copenhagen from 7 to 22 December.

Dansehallerne is Northern Europe’s largest centre for modern dance. Copenhagen residents and international dancers and choreographers work together in the setting of Carlsberg’s old mineral water bottling factory - on stages, in rehearsal spaces and in offices.

27 October 2010

New documentary DVD from Circus Dannebrog. Kolibri Film has for Circus Dannebrog produced a DVD, Sikke et cirkus (Oh, what a circus!) describing the life in Circus Dannebrog during 24 hours.  The DVR runs for 35 minutes. The price for the DVD is 100 DKK plus postage. If you are interested in acquiring a copy please send a mail to Jimmy Enoch at jimmy@cirkusdannebrog.dk

27 October 2010

Halloween at Tivoli. In 2006, Tivoli set out to create the standard for Halloween celebrations in Denmark. The fifth Halloween celebration at Tivoli took place in week 42 which is the traditional autumn break in the Danish schools. As a special feature this year Circus Halloween took place at the Open Air Stage. It was a short performance with amongst other members of the Tivoli Ballet as jugglers, diabolo artists, magicians, hula hoop-dancers etc. Alexander Arli of Danish Circus Arli has assisted in staging the performance.

27 November 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  but also in TARASCON, a small town in Southern France, where I saw IL CIRCO DI VENISE -- touring all the year around, also coming to Paris.

IL CIRCO DI VENISE is a family-circus, having one or two acts hired for the season - I saw LES RADOI, -- ADRIANA and FLORIN, presenting several acts: acrobatics in silk, fakir-stunts, clowning and THE WHEEL OF DEATH. The LANDRI family features comic and lively dogs, clowning, horses and a unique group of tigress and lions - everything well and pleasantly presented.

IL CIRCO DI VENISE performs in Venetian style - the performers wear carnival masks and appropriate costumes, all props are nicely decorated and in good condition.

Just for fun:  I could say hello to ADRIANA and FLORIN after more than 20 years - we had met when they worked with CIRQUE LYDIA ZAVATTA in Paris and my daughter MADELEINE was hired to perform her MAGIC WITCH ACT.

A good circus show - well worth seeing !!!

See more: www.ilcircodivenise.com

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

Indgangspartiet til Circo di Venise. Photo: Hélène Leblanc

The entrée in aerial silks. Photo: Hélène Leblanc

23 October 2010

Got Talent Denmark 2010. The Danish version of TV format Got talent was first time aired in the fall of 2008 by Danish broadcast corporation, Danmark's Radio's DR1. This autumn the show was aired for the third time. The grand final took place on October 22.

Also professional performers can participate and amongst the seven acts in the final were two of best magicians in Denmark Michael Deutch and Joakim Solberg. However, they only became no 5. The top prize was won by Copenhagen Drummers.

21 October 2010

On 28 October Lotte and Søren Arli of Danish Circus Arli can celebrate their golden wedding.

21 October 2010

Benny Schumann at the Frederiksberg Shopping Centre. It is a tradition for the Frederiksberg Shopping Centre in Copenhagen to engage Benny Schumann to present a performance 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. In this year’s performance you will meet Benny as balancing acrobat, on tight wire, as magician and as ventriloquist. Furthermore you will meet the Belgian world class clowns Toto Chabri & Co. with some of their beloved entrées.

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 in December.

Children and adults watching the show. Click here for link to more photos from the show.

Also Per ’Mr. Sputnik’ Krogh Petersen has visited the show and writes: Benny Schumann Show is a really nice gift present for all children. It is always a pleasure when you see Benny Schumann show. Frederiksberg Shopping centre autumn 2010. Here, with guests from Belgium "Toto Chabri & Co."   Benny always gets the good mood up. It is with great pleasure that I now can show you the pictures I took. Click here for link Mr. Sputnik’s photos.

19 October 2010

Festivals.  During the winter season there are a number of circus festivals where talented artists compete for awards. In the following I have mentioned some (but certainly not all) festivals.

The most important festival is Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo (International Circus Festival de Monte-Carlo) which was created in 1974 by S.A.S. Prince Rainier III of Monaco (1923-2005) to promote circus arts for which he had a lifelong passion. The festival takes place every year in January. The festival in January 2011 will be the 35^th festival as there has a few years without festival. The most prestigious awards at the festival are the golden clown, the silver clown and – since 2002 – the bronze clown. Furthermore there are a number of special awards. A golden clown or a silver clown is in the circus world seen at the most prestigious award an artist can get. The names of the performers at the festival in January 2011 are not yet disclosed. But amongst the competing artist should be the Togni family with their elephants.

Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain takes place every year in Paris in January. The first festival took place in 1977 and the festival in January 2011 is no 32. The festival is for “the stars of tomorrow”. Due to this The Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain is a competition open to artistes of more than 16 years of age and less than 25 years of age for acrobats and less than 30 years of age for carriers, clowns and excentrics. The names of the performers at the festival in January 2011 have not yet been disclosed.

Also for young talents are European Youth Circus Festival which takes place in October every other year in Wiesbaden, Germany, next time 28 to 31 October 2010. The first festival took place in 1987 and the participants are between 10 and 25 years old.

Festival International du Cirque de Massy in France takes place every year in January. The festival in January 2011 will be the 19^th festival. The first Massy festival took place in 1993. For some years Danish Circus Arena provided tent and other equipment to the festival. However, in 2011 it will be Cirque Bouglione providing its new big top from Nanterre. The names of the performers at the festival in January 2011 have not yet been disclosed. However, at special guest you can meet the clown David Larible.

A good reputation has also International Circus Festival of Budapest which takes place in January every other year in Budapest, next time in 2012 where festival no 9 will be held.  

International Circus Festival Enschede in Holland takes place every year in December, this year from 18 to 28 December. For some years they rented tent etc. from Danish Circus Arena. However, this year the festival goes into an arena (Go Planet entertainment centre). This year’s festival will be festival no 15. The participants are the Kovgar troupe from Russia with a skipping entrée, Sebastian & Kristina Richter from Hungary with an illusion act, the Boytsov troupe from Russia with Russian bar, acrobats from Cirque Nikouline de Moscou, George Berousek fro Czech with liberty horses, Gagik Avetissyan from Russia with a comedy entrée, Tatiana Rojdestvenskaya from Russia in vertical rope, the Mikos clowns from Russia, the Russian contortionist Maria Efremkina, Renate Berouskova from Czech with camels and zebras, Troupe Garamov from Russia with an aerial act, the juggler Evgueny Pimonenko and Ballet Jack Doll from Paris. As guest stars you can meet the hand stand acrobats Liazeed and the human canon ball Robin Valencia

Festivale International del Circo Citty of Latina is taking place for the 12^th tome in these days in Latina in Italy. It takes place every year in October.

International Circus Festival Warsaw (Międzynarodowe Festiwale Sztuki Cyrkowej w Warszawie) take place every other year in the autumn in Warsaw. The 9th festival took place in 2009. Thus, next festival will probably take place in the autumn 2011. The festival is arranged by Cyrk Zalewski.

Cirkusprinsessan is a festival in Sweden for female artists. Originally it took place in the Swedish capital Stockholm but the 2010 edition was moved to Sweden’s second largest city Gothenburg. The festival took place every year from 1995 to 2003. No festivals were held from 2004 to 2008. In 2009 the circus producer Robert Bronett restarted the festival. The idea to have an all female festival came from the late Francois Bronett who had planned the first festival to take place in the eastern holiday 1994. However, Francois passed away in January 1994 and the festival was postponed for one year and then from 1995 to 2001 produced by his sons Henry and Robert Bronett. For 2002 and 2003 Henry Bronett was the producer. As mentioned above Robert Bronett produced the festivals in 2009 and 2010. 

15 October 2010

Isabella Enoch 50 years. Friday 22 October Isabella Maybritt Enoch Sosman, Mølby, Sommersted, can celebrate her 50 years birthday. Isabella was born in Copenhagen and was the artists Haddy and Solveig Enoch's third child. Haddy and Solveig toured at that time all around the world as the bike acrobats The Haddies. Due to this Isabella and her brother and sisters spend their childhood constantly on tour from one country to another country.

In 1972 The Haddies was in Ecuador with German National Circus. As the circus’ former trapeze star Miss Mara suddenly left they lacked a trapeze artist. Due to this Isabella got her debut as a trapeze artist in an age of only 11 years. Mama and Papa Enoch were not happy - it was dangerous! Maybe they remembered a fatal accident in Tivoli in 1947 where one of the two Enoch Sisters (from another line of the Enoch family) rushed down from the trapeze during a performance at the Open Air Stage.

"My father bought my first trapeze for 100 DKK (equivalent to 13 Euro), hoping that I would quickly lose interest if I had my own trapeze. The trapeze had belonged to Julie Enoch," Isabella Enoch tells. But Isabella was eager for being a trapeze performer so Haddy and Solveig had to surrender. The old trapeze does still exist and Melanie Kaselowsky used it at the opening spec in Circus Dannebrog’s 2010-show.

Later Isabella became a trapeze star in the Swedish Circus Carnival.

When Isabella was 19 year old she began touring alone, i.e. appearing in performances not having The Haddies on the program. She soon developed into a trapeze star of international stature, just as Danish-born La Norma Fox and Greta Frisk had done before her and she did all the beautiful and dangerous tricks that you can make in a swinging trapeze.

Isabella Enoch

At the prestigious French Festival Mondial you Cirque de Demain Isabella got the Ring Award and in the following year she appeared in a number of leading circuses and music halls over a large parts of the world: the German Circus Barum (not less than 3 seasons) Circus Krone at Circus Building in Munich, Tigerpalast in Frankfurt, Friedrichstadtpalast in Berlin, Martin Hansson's winter circus in Eindhoven, Hansa Theater in Hamburg, Circus Tivoli Gardens in Canada, Circus Suarez in Mexico etc. After Haddy and Solveig Enoch restarted Circus Dannebrog in 1978 Isabella in some seasons toured in Denmark with Circus Dannebrog and in other seasons worked abroad. In Copenhagen we saw her at the Open Air Stage in the Tivoli Gardens in 1988 and 1993. In 1985 Eli Benneweis offered her job at the circus building in Copenhagen. Due to a contract with Circus Barum Isabella had to reject the offer and the job therefore was given to the Dutch Linda van Gool.

Isabella Enoch. The photo was used for Christmas cards in 1987

In 1989 Isabella married the excellent French clown Eddy Sosman, with whom she has the children Edward and David. Sadly enough Eddy died in 2002.

As a supplement to her trapeze entrée Isabella created a nice crossbow entrée which i.e. could be seen in Circus Dannebrog in 1994 and 1998. After an accident, where Isabella was struck by an arrow in the shoulder, she promised Eddy stop with this act when her contracts were fulfilled (papa had taught her that an artist does never breach a contract!). She kept the promise to Eddy although she still has the equipment from her crossbow act at her home in Mølby. Recently, however, a possible buyer has popped up.

In 2004 Isabella Enoch was Freddi Steckel’s partner in his comedy knockabout table act.

In February 2006, Isabella and her boyfriend Bernard Kaselowsky were involved in a nasty traffic accident in Germany. Although Isabella recovered without serious injuries of a permanent character the accident meant that the 2005 was the last season where you could see her at the trapeze

Isabella Enoch together with Josephine Kaselowsky. Photo from Circus Dannebrog’s performance in 2005 being the last season where Isabella performed at the trapeze

Some years earlier Isabella began to stage the performances in Circus Dannebrog and she has demonstrated a clear talent as for this and has created the show style with ballet etc. which today is one of Circus Dannebrog’s hallmarks.

Assisted by her boyfriend the elephant and camel trainer Bernhard Kaselowsky Isabella established in 2006 Dinner Show Trapeze which every year has a number of sold performances throughout the winter season. Isabella has also worked as director on a number of courses for circus interested children.

At her birthday she will be at her home in Mølby in the southern part of Jutland.

Isabella Enoch, September 2010

12 October 2010

Famed Chinese Acrobat Xia Juhua Named Circus Ambassador by Monaco’s Fédération Mondiale du Cirque. Press release from Fédération Mondiale du Cirque.

On the occasion of Monaco Day at the 2010 World’s Fair in Shanghai, China, the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque’s Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco bestowed the honorary title of Circus Ambassador on Madame Xia Juhua, outgoing President of the Chinese Acrobatics Association (CAA).  Ambassador Xia accepted the award at a gala dinner hosted by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and attended by Chinese dignitaries.  The gala dinner followed a day of circus performances and exhibitions at the Exposition Site on 7 October 2010. 

The theme of Circus as Monaco’s special contribution to this year’s World’s Fair was selected by H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco. China is home to world renowned acrobatic troupes and artists featured in circuses around the world, including their many performances at the annual Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, recognized as the world’s premiere circus competition that was begun by Prince Rainier III in 1974 and successfully continues under the presidency of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

Ambassador Xia is one of China’s most acclaimed contortion and balancing artists, known as the “Empress of Acrobatics.”  She became the symbol of Chinese acrobatics due to her outstanding and innovative balancing routines with Pagoda bowls.  In 1981, she helped establish the Chinese Acrobatics Association (CAA), a national association for acrobats.  Under her leadership, the CAA has played a pivotal role in advancing the art of Chinese acrobatics and gaining worldwide recognition of the highly talented Chinese acrobats.  Ambassador Xia will retire from the CAA later this year.

During her acceptance speech, Ambassador Xia announced the intention of the Chinese Acrobatics Association to become a member of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque in the near future, joining the six founding members: 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 of South Africa, and the Canadian organization En Piste. 

The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque is a non-profit organisation founded in 2008 under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco for the preservation and promotion of circus arts and culture and is headquartered in Monte-Carlo. 

Madame Xia Juhua, outgoing President of the Chinese Acrobatics Association, awarded title of “Circus Ambassador” by Fédération Mondiale du Cirque Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco

11 October 2010

European Youth Circus Festival at Wiesbaden, Germany, has reputation for being a festival where you can meet the talents of tomorrow. Young artists come to Wiesbaden for this Festival every two years in autumn. About 80 young European artists under 25 years of age meet for the competition this year taking place from 28 to 31 October 2010. Not only the artists come to Wiesbaden, but so do numerous circus and variety show directors and agencies in order to hire the artists for their companies and shows. For many years the late Nelly Jane Benneweis was a member of the jury.

This year the Nordic countries are represented by three acts: two from Finland and one from Norway.

From Finland it is the trapeze artists Ronja, Valpuri & Maria. Ronja (18), Valpuri (20) and Maria (18) from have now come to take on the heights of Wiesbaden. Training together on the flying trapeze at the Sorin Sirkus in Tampere, Finland for four years now they have developed their own way of doing the triple trapeze. Their act “Kolme” is inspired by Japan and was originally part of the Japanese show called “Sorigami”.

Also from Finland comes Nelli & Rosa. Nelli and Rosa are young talented foot-jugglers. 16-year-old Nelli has already been training for six years while her partner Rosa (aged 17) has been training for four. They have been working together at Sorin Sirkus in Finland for three years now. In this act you will see a funny and skilful couple exuding great charm and the pure joy of performing.

From Norway comes the young slack wire acrobat Christer Pettersen. Christer’s childhood memories were the times he spent on his slack rope after school. He practised all the time and was destined to become a circus artist. With his friends he created small circus shows for other children in the neighbourhood. His passion for triggering people's emotions is still present. In 2009 he worked one season with Circus Monti in Switzerland. In 2010 he worked with the French Cirque Baroque“ in the show “Le Cirque des Gueux”. He won the GOP award at the Young Stage Festival 2010 (Basel, Switzerland) which comes with an engagement at one of the GOP varieties in Germany. Over Christmas 2010 Christer will perform with the “Cirque du Soleil” in the show “Wintuk” in New York (USA).

In total 27 acrobatic acts compete in Wiesbaden for this year’s awards.

10 October 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS. My reporter in Paris, the magician Zarro Zarro, has visited a number of Punch and Judy Theatres and writes:

Here we go to visit a very French phenomenon, viz. the many PUNCH AND JUDY theatres, still playing in Paris - and they are very much successful, alive and kicking!

In France the marionettes are called GUIGNOL, sometimes POLICHINELLE. This kind of puppet-theatre originated in France in LYON - but it can be traced back to the Italian COMMEDIA DELL ARTE. This kind of show pleases in fact also the adult audience but it is mainly directed towards the young children, 3 thru 6 years - they are delighted when they are allowed to shout and yell, telling GUIGNOL this or that ... reminding him about what he forgot... or warning him about a danger !!

POINTS OF INTEREST: the youthful audience gets the opportunity to watch a theatre play together with their parents or other family and friends - the theatrical experience has thus a social bias, it is educational and broadening their outlook - and it connects to the old French tradition of going to the theatre - a tradition living on since Molière's days /1600/,.

Also, it is important that the young children get to see LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, as opposed to the electronic one - everything virtual remains artificial and somewhat sterile - whereas live plays go directly to your heart, creating feelings and, maybe, even passion...

I saw LES MARIONNETTES DU LUXEMBOURG, still playing since 1933 in a concrete building in the Luxembourg Garden, in the very heart of Paris. The theatre LES MARIONNETTES DU LUXEMBOURG was founded in 1933 by ROBERT DESARTHIS, today his son, FRANCIS-CLAUDE has taken over and continues the adventure.

The theatre can seat 300 persons, it is the biggest one of the kind in France, and it possesses numerous backdrop-decorations and sports 2,500 marionettes, all beautifully sculpted by craftsmen in the workshop of the theatre.

The show is magnificent, lavish background decorations please the eye, the sound and lighting technique is perfect - this show is a real treat and very visual, which means that even children not speaking French may enjoy it.

Check it out on your next visit to Paris!!!

Venue: JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG, entrance from Boulevard Saint Michel, RER Regional Express Train, Station Luxembourg.

Showtime: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday p.m., Check L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES, a "What's on ..." sold in all news stalls, 0.35 Euro.

See more: http://guignolduluxembourg.monsite.orange.fr

Francis Desarthis with one of the marionettes

Another PUNCH AND JUDY SHOW is the little theatre called LES MARIONNETTES DES CHAMPS ELYSEES and is directed and animated by JOSE GONZALEZ, who has been active here for many years. The theatre is indeed a small one, it is located - somewhat hidden - behind the bushes in the park near Champs-Elysées, and it dates from 1818 - and still alive and kicking!

The theatre is really a kind of kiosque where the facade has a kind of window, opening to display the adventures of GUIGNOL. The youthful audience and their parents sit on low rough wooden benches, painted green, the same color as all the kiosques in this area.

Everything here is traditional, JOSE GONZALEZ rings a hand-held bell to announce the start of the show and he strikes the three traditional beats against the stage, which always starts a performance in France. There are no surprises here - the children know what to expect and this is the force of the show.

JOSE GONZALEZ greets each and everyone personally before and after the play, this gives an intimate atmosphere and he gets the children's confidence and attention. Those who wish can buy two books containing GUIGNOL's adventures, after the show.

Points of interest: this ancient form for entertainment which certainly is both educational and social - survives in this little corner of a Parisian park - it is no doubt of great cultural value.

As JOSE GONZALEZ also tours abroad - you might see him -- and don't miss him out the next time you visit Paris!!!

Venue: Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées, corner of the avenues Matignon and Gabriel.

Metro: Champs-Elysées or Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées. 

See more: www.theatreguignol.fr

LES MARIONNETTES DE PARIS, managed and animated by LAURENT DAVAL, produces plays, using elegantly made marionettes-puppets. As always this kind of cultural entertainment addresses mainly children 3- 6 years old.

The shows are based on expectations, amazing happenings and - the joy of seeing the classics - children who already know GUIGNOL are aware of what is going to happen - and they exult!! Audience participation and interaction are the cornerstones of these shows.

The GUIGNOL plays are presented in a concrete building, heated in wintertime, the theatre can accommodate about 100 children. The location is BOIS DE VINCENNES, a large park in one of the better areas in Paris, this means that families are present in the park on Wednesday-Saturday-Sunday when the shows are on - thus part of the audience is already there.

LAURENT DAVAL is a clever artist with great success and both children and parents get a good experience - together - and this is LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!!!

Venue: Orée du Bois de Vincennes, behind Saint Mandé Townhall/La Mairie/.

Metro: Saint-Mandé-Tourelles.

See more: www.lesmarionnettesdeparis.com

Puppets at the stage at Les Marionnettes De Paris

GUIGNOL DU PARC FLORAL is located in a concrete building, pleasantly furnished and with a modern design.

From the very start KASPER addresses the young ones and thus gets their attention immediately, a good contact with the audience is established.

Absolutely a pleasant show -- and there are plenty of other activities within this park, named BOIS DE VINCENNES PARC FLORAL.

Venue: Bois de Vincennes Parc Floral, Metro: Chateau de Vincennes - you cross the yard of the castle /chateau de Vincennes/, turn slightly to the left, you will see a sign PARC FLORAL.

See more: www.guignol-parcfloral.com

6 October 2010

Baldoni´s Christmas Circus. It is not at tradition to have Christmas circuses in Denmark or other Nordic countries. However Thessa and René Mønster of Circus Baldoni have tried their luck several times and will do it once again in 2010. So far 3 performances open to the public has been scheduled for on 27 and 28 November at premises belonging to the Circus Museum at Hvidovre. Copenhagen. Furthermore, Baldoni’s Christmas Circus will tour the Faroe Islands from 16^th to 19^th December. There will also be a number of sold performances. Amongst the performers will be the talented Chinese multi acrobats GaoChen-troupe (two couple of twins) who toured with Circus Baldoni in 2005 and 2008 and was part of their Christmas Circus in 2006. Furthermore, you will meet the clowns Danilo and Thessa and Sergejs Scerbin and Jonas Beck in a knockabout table act.

The Christmas elk’s from the GaoChen-troupe. Photo by courtesy of Circus Baldoni. Photographer: Kenneth Severinsen

5 October 2010

The Circus Princess 2010. Between the 30 of September and the 3 of October, several of the worlds’ female circus-artists came to Lisebergshallen in Gothenburg to compete for the title "Circus Princess" of the year. The 14 exclusively selected finalists gave all their charm, tantalize, surprise to the audience. Winner of the title Circus Princess 2010 was Lunga from South Africa with a thrilling contortion act. Françoise Rochais from France won the Francois Bronett Memorial prize for her juggling entrée which began in a traditional poetic style and ended up as a more modern and rocky juggling entrée. Emila Arata from England was awarded the Liseberg prize for her act in aerial crystal globe. Members of the jury were Kristian Kristof from International Circus Festival of Budapest, Lasse Råde from the Swedish newspaper Göteborgs Posten, Sophie Edelstein from Circus Pinder, Gerhard Klauss from Show&Media Consulting Berlin, Franz Althoff, producer of Zauberwald, Circus Williams-Althoff and Pere Pinyol from Teatro Circo Price in Madrid. Click here to see video clips from the winning acts.

5 October 2010

Workshop about the Preservation of Circus Memory in Wiesbaden (Germany). In a press release from ECA is written:  

Not only will international young circus performers compete at the 9th European Youth Circus in Wiesbaden, Germany, from 28 to 31 October 2010, but the European Circus Association, the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque and the European Youth Circus also invite to a workshop called “The Preservation of Circus Memory.” It will be held on Saturday 30 October from 13 to 17 o’clock.

After an introduction by Jörg-Uwe Funk of the European Youth Circus, Rodney Huey, who is in charge of the FMC’s Preservation Project, will introduce the Federation and summarize the Preservation Project, including specific activities in which participants are invited to join. The main topics of the next contributions are circus collections in Germany and in the Netherlands. Dr. Helmut Bauer (Münchner Stadtmuseum) and Mr. W.N. Rodenhuis (Library of the University of Amsterdam) speak about a museum’s function when circus memorabilia are to be collected, preserved and exhibited. Mrs. H.J.M. Best-Otte represents the Jaap Best Circus Archives Foundation, a perfect example of the cooperation between a private collector (late Jaap Best) and a museum. Finally, Dietmar Winkler, private collector, circus historian and author from Berlin, talks about terminology and classification systems in circus arts. His wife Gisela Winkler has just published a book on that topic, “Von Abfaller bis Zwölferzug.”

In a discussion led by Rodney Huey, the participants will discuss the feasibility of institutions offering digitization services to collectors and circuses in order to document circus history and to make circus documents available to the public while preserving the integrity and ownership of the collection. Arie Oudenes, ECA director, will speak about the importance of documenting personal histories, beyond posters and artifacts. He will present two examples of the preservation of histories including a short film featuring Tom Duffy, Ireland, and video images representing the Italian families Togni and Casartelli.

The second presentation the ECA is involved in in Wiesbaden is about school education and vocational training for showmen and circus youngsters, on Friday 29 October from 13 to 16 o’clock.

Everybody interested in these topics is cordially invited.

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.

4 October 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- and now the season is starting up --here comes an interesting show presented at one of the many small theatres in Paris: THEATRE PROVIDENCE proudly presents magic comedians ZAPE AND ZIPI in "Le Voyage Magique" / the magic trip/ -- a cute little play which is interesting and amusing both for the parents and the small ones -- there are clowning, comedy and magic - all on the theme "a magic trip".

ZAPE AND ZIPI are clever comedians, easily getting into contact with the audience, of all ages - there is a lot of interaction which allows several kids to go on stage to assist ... there is plenty of action and thus no dead spots and because they are two to perform - they can appear alternatively, thus giving the show a modern and interesting touch.

There are many funny bits of business, a variety of effects and I particularly noticed beautiful manipulations with red billiard balls, elegantly performed by ZIPI. ZAPE closed the program by playing a Mexican air on acoustic guitar -- clowns regularly end their entrée by playing music - apparently comedians and magic entertainers can do so as well!!!

These shows continue the old French tradition to go to the theatre - and so it has been since Molière /1600/  -- and the children learn to like going to the theatre - most important since they are the audience of tomorrow!!!

Length of show: one hour. Venue: Theatre Providence, 73, rue Rébeval, 75019 Paris.

Metro:Pyrénées.

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

Zape & Zipi

1 October 2010

It is a tradition for many shopping centres etc. to offer circus performances as free attraction during the school children’s autumn holiday in week 42.

Maybe due to the economical crises there are in 2010 fewer shopping centres etc. than in previous years which offer such sort of entertainment. E g last year a shopping centre and a large furniture store in Denmark’s third largest city Odense presented circus performance. But in 2010 none of them offer such form for family friendly entertainment.

However, there are still a few places where you can find circus and artist performances in week 42. At the Kolding Shopping Centre you can see a performance produced by Circus Arena. In the performance you will meet Bettina and Martin Arli and some of the following artists: the clown Don Christian (toured with Circus Benneweis during the summer season), Duo Darius with ladder balancing and juggling (toured with Circus Arli during the summer season) and Wolf Brothers with hand stand and a knockabout table act (they toured with Norwegian Circus Merano this season).

At Bilka Supermarket in Holstebro you can meet Circus Mascot.

At the Frederiksberg Shopping Mall in Copenhagen you can meet Benny Schumann’s Mini Circus. Apart from Benny Schumann himself you can meet some clowns who for many years have been the Danish audience’s favourites:  Toto Chabri & Co. (Victor ”Toto” Chabri, his wife Nora and this year their new partner Eric Dedessus le Moutier). First time the Danish audience met Toto Chabri was in 1966 at Circus Schumann in the Copenhagen Circus Building. Already at that time it was obvious that the then 33 old Belgian was a gifted musician and a great clown. In 1969 Toto Chabri & Co. toured with Circus Benneweis. In 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1978 Toto Chabri & co. was with Benneweis in the Copenhagen Circus Building. In 1980 they toured with the tented version of Circus Benneweis. In 1984 they were back in the Copenhagen Circus Building. In 1986 and 1987 they toured with Circus Arena and in 1989 with Circus Dania. In 1990 they were back in the Copenhagen Circus Building. By the mind 1990 was the last season the building in the summer period was used for circus. In 1998 Toto Chabri & Co. toured with Circus Benneweis (tent). For some weeks in the spring 2006 they could be seen in Circus Dannebrog. Some other clowns did not turn up and Toto helped the Enoch family for some weeks. At the clown festivals at the amusement part Bakken north of Copenhagen you could meet Toto Chabri in 2001(when he was awarded The World Artist and Clown Award), 2004 and 2008.

During the autumn holidays in week 42 Benny Schumann has as mentioned persuaded the now 77 year old world class clown once again to come to Denmark and entertain the audience.

Les Chabri’s 1966

Toto Chabri & co. 2006

Of other circus related activities in week 42 can be mentioned Arena Circusland

at Circus Arena’s winter quarter in Årslev, Slagelse. You can see horse show in the training ring, pony riding in another ring, a comedy show with the young magician Sune, sea lion show, Arena Circus Theatre, a museum section etc. Open 16 to 24 October from 10 to 16.

27 September 2010

As the last of the Danish circuses Circus Dannebrog closed the season Sunday 26 September where they had two sold out performances in Gram, sponsored by a local bank. In connection with the season closing Jimmy Enoch told a TV station that Circus Dannebrog during the season has visited 120 cities, given a little less than 200 performances and have had approximately 160,000 visitors, making the season on of the best in the history of Circus Dannebrog. Jimmy’s cousin Edward Enoch Sosman made a video shot of the very last Le Grande finale. Click here to see the video clip, lasting a little less than 5 minutes.

26 September 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  the season for shows is now beginning and as always I will do my best to inform about - mainly - the VISUAL PERFORMANCES.

This info will come as time goes by - and now I have a POINT OF INTEREST:

Paris is the most popular tourist spot in the world, and among the people there are families with very young children, often crying and yelling since they get warm and tired and being too young to appreciate all the marvels of Paris, they react negatively.

The thing to do is to find something that can interest them Here comes a good suggestion to amuse children 4 - 7 years old:  CIRQUE GONTELLIS, previously mentioned in Circus in Denmark  ---  but the point of interest is that this is a small circus sporting an intimate family atmosphere where the children enjoy seeing goats, cats, white mice as well as acrobats, jugglers and a cowboy swinging his lassos, sometimes there is a magic act.

The show is presented in French, but the acts are very visual, thus one doesn't need to know this language.

A further point of interest is that few shows address the very youngest children - CIRQUE GONTELLIS  does!!!

CIRQUE GONTELLIS performs in the green squares of Paris, regularly from April to October when the weather is pleasant.

In wintertime they go to Southern France.

Info can be found in L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES /a kind of What's on in ...../, Euro 0.35 in all news stalls.

You look under the headline "cirques"

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

Gontellis. Photo by courtesy of Serge Gontelli

20 September 2010

Reprint of 3 old Benneweis' posters. Prior to season 2010 Diana Benneweis had two of the fabulous circus posters Erik Stockmarr (1905-1963) made for Circus Benneweis reprinted:

·         A poster from 1952 with the lion tamer with his head into the mouth of the lion

·         A poster from 1957 with a lot of animals: elephants, giraffe, bears, lions and a tiger

Also reprinted was the 1988-version of a poster, created for Circus Benneweis in 1952 by Oscar Knudsen (1898-1971). It was with small adjustments used as poster for Benneweis Circus Star Time in 1988.

The reprint was made on high quality paper. And each poster was only reprinted in 100 copies all of them numbered. The price was 150 DKK (20 Euro) for each poster. Size of posters 62 x 85 centimetres. There are still a few posters left which you now can order through Benneweis’ webshop. At the webshop you can only pay with the Danish banks joint credit card Dankort. However, non-Danes being interested in one or more of the posters can send a mail to info@benneweis.dk. Then price including postage and method of payment can be agreed with the circus.

19 September 2010

Circus Skratt 2010. Skratt is the Swedish word for laughter. And Swedish Circus Skratt says that their purpose is to make Sweden a funnier place. The owner Bo Rönnberg calls his Circus for the largest circus in Sweden. And they do have Sweden’s largest circus tent being 38 meter in diameter or two meters more than Sweden’s leading circus, Circus Maximum.

Circus Skratt call themselves the largest circus in Sweden

While Circus Maximum as the Danish circuses Arena, Benneweis and Dannebrog aim for creating a international performance with top stars Circus Skratt has a bit lower ambition: to present a performance of good quality but without big stars. And Bo Rönnberg and his audience can accept that light and sound is not state-of-the-art. To produce such performance is of cause cheaper than to produce a top performance. Due to this ticket prices are also much lower than in other circuses. Almost all performances are sold to supermarkets, companies etc. and when I saw the performance 19 September in Malmö ticket prices was for all seats just 50 SEK equivalent to approximately 5 Euro! A lot of full houses prove that Circus Skratt’s audience can accept at performance without top stars if the ticket price is favourable.

Circus Skratt at the circus lot Bultofta in Malmö. September 2010

Ringmaster 19 September was circus owner Bo Rönnberg himself. At some other performances the Danish ventriloquist Palsgaard has been ringmaster.

First act was a run-in by the Russian clowns Yuri and Ljuba. Then Berdinos (17 years old Charmaine and Stefanie Berdino) presented a synchronic hula hoop entrée. Next came Preben Palsgaard in the ring with one of his bird ventriloquist dolls.

Preben Palsgaard and his bird

Then came a comical taxi routine presented by the Salvini-clowns. Next came the Belgium hand stand star Gina Gioavannis. I remember seeing her at the open air stage at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens in 1986 and 1996 and in Danish Circus Dannebrog in 2000. Although not any longer a youngster she presents still a stunning routine performed on a high platform. Following her (and short run-in with a human camel) Charmaine and Stefanie Berdino rode high school and presented liberty ponies and liberty horses. Usual also their mother Suzanne Berdino is riding high school, but she has just returned from another engagement in Stockholm and not yet ready to enter the ring.

First act after the interval was run-in with balloons with Yuri and Ljuba. Then came Charmaine and Stefanie’s brother Oliver Berdino with a very nice juggling entrée in young look style and dressed in T-shirt and blue jeans. Then Yuri did a strongman parody using a gradually inflating body suit. Then we met musical clowns: The Salvinis. Following them Oliver and a naughty dog had a short entrée doing the dustbin dog routine. Last act in the performance was Ljuba in cloud swing. Music was provided by a good 7 piece band.

As mentioned above Circus Skratt is owned by Swedish Bo Rönnberg. But tent and equipment is rented from Benny Berdino of Danish Circus Arena who also assists Bo Rönnberg in producing the performance. Bo Rönnberg has co-operated with Circus Arena from 1984 to 1986 and again since 1994. Technical manager is a Dane, Jacki Steckel, who for many year run Circus Stella Nova in Finland together with his wife Ulla.

19 September 2010

Suzanne Berdino at The Orion Theatre, Stockholm. Suzanne Berdino is daughter of Danish circus owner Benny Berdino and his wife Hanne of Danish Circus Arena. This season she has together with her 17 years old triples Charmaine, Stefanie and Oliver toured with Swedish Circus Skratt. However, she had leave in the beginning of May and from 1 to 18 September in order to participate in a performance at The Orion Theatre in Stockholm where six mime artists from Teaterhögskolan in Stockholm worked together with Six Friesian horses presented by Suzanne Berdino.

Last year in august Suzanne and some of her families horses was part of The Magic Flute (German: Die Zauberflöte) at Opera Hedeland in Hedehusene being Denmark's largest permanent outdoor stage. It was directed by the Swedish director Lars Rudolfsson who started his carrier at the Swedish new circus company Circus Cirkör. Lars Rudolfsson wanted to include some performing animals in the performance. Among others, they should use some white Arabian horses and he got into contact with Suzanne Berdino.

Suzanne Berdino presenting liberty horses during the overture to the Magic Flute

The co-operation between Lars Rudolfsson and Suzanne was that good that he invited her to be part of a performance called 6 mimara 6 levande hästar (6 mine artist and 6 live horses) in the beginning of May this year. As Suzanne had a contract with Circus Skratt she had to ask Bo Rönnberg for permission. Bo has for many years had a very good cooperation with Suzanne. So luckily enough he gave her the necessary permission and agreed that her daughters could present the horses in Circus Skratt during her leave. The performance was only scheduled to play for a week. But both the audience and the newspapers were very happy with the show and additional performances were scheduled for 1 to 18 September. And again Bo Rönnberg granted Suzanne the necessary leave.

The Orion Theatre, Stockholm's largest avant-garde stage was formed in 1983, and is one of Sweden's most interesting and innovative theatres. Artistic Directors are Lars Rudolfsson and Stina Oscarson.

Susanne Berdino finds it very interesting to participate in performances as the Magic Flute and 6 mimara 6 levande hästar.

Click here for link to the Orion Theatres website with some photos from 6 mimara 6 levande hästar

17 September 2010

Close of the season for circuses in the Nordic countries. 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 have for season 2010 final stands as follows:

• Circus Arena closed the season on 5 September at Køge. In the beginning of October they will as usual present circus performances at 5 cities on Greenland. Among the performers are Bettina and Martin Arli of Circus Arli, the clown Don Christian (he toured with Circus Benneweis during the summer season), Duo Darius with ladder balancing and juggling (they toured with Circus Arli during the summer season) and the Wolf brothers with hand stand and a knockabout table act (the toured with Norwegian Circus Merano this season). Some of the performers can be seen in week 42 in Denmark as free attraction in the Kolding Shopping Centre.

• Circus Arli had their final stand 26 August as a performance schedules for 27 August was cancelled due to a flooded lot.
• Circus Baldoni had their final stand on their tented tour 26 August. The tour continued until 9 September in sporting centres etc. at Faroe Island.  On 27 and 28 November they will present Christmas Circus at Avedørelejren at Hvidovre
• Circus Benneweis closed the season 12 September in Copenhagen
• Circus Krone will close their summer season on 18 September at Åle.
• Circus Dannebrog will close the season on 26 September at Gram. Until 19 September they are in Copenhagen where they have had much more visitors than previous years.
• Circus Mascot will end the summer season on 20 September at Thiese. In week 42 they can be seen at the Bilka Supermarket in Holstebro.

Wolf Brothers are amongst the performers when Circus Arena tour a special performance to 5 cities on Greenland

In Norway the situation is as follows

• Circus Arnardo will close the season at Kvinnesdal on 19 September
• Circus Merano closed the seaon in the beginning of September in Oslo
• Circus Zorba: I have no information

As for Sweden

• Circus Brazil Jack closed the season earlier in September

·         Circus Maximum will close the season on 19 September in Gothenburg.

·         Circus Olympia will close the season 20 September at Borås

• Circus Skratt will probably tour until late September
• Circus Wictoria will close the season at Kärrtorp on 26 September

In Finland Circus Finlandia will close the season on 31 October in Helsinki.

13 September 2010

Katja Enoch the youngest of Haddy and Solvej Enoch’s 4 children has lately been very happy: she fell in love with one of the artist performing at this year’s performance in Circus Dannebrog: Abdel Aziz El Messaoudi who is troupe manager of the Moroccan acrobat troupe the Casablanca troupe. On 13 September at 11 a.m. the courting couple was married at the Copenhagen Town Hall. In the evening there was a party in the circus tent.

Katja and Abdel. Click here to see more photos from the wedding.

12 September 2010

Circus Mascot at local TV in Funen. When Circus Mascot visited Korup at local TV channel visited them and made an on-the-spot-report with clips from the performance and interview with the owner Jess Deleuran. Click at http://www.tvkorup.dk/ to visit the website of the TV channel. At the top of the page you will at the right side find a box called ”tidligere udsendelser”. Choose her ”29-08-10 Cirkus Mascot i Korup” to see the on-the-spot report lasting 22 minutes.

Part of a performance in Circus Mascot is always their dogs, this year presented by Andreas and Marianne Deleuran. Behind them Jess Deleuran

11 September 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  but also during the summer circus season in Denmark  --  most of the bigger circuses featured MAGIC AND ILLUSION ACTS. CIRKUS BENNEWEIS had KIM KENNETH AS RINGMASTER WITH MAGICAL EFFECTS /already mentioned in the columns of Circus in Denmark, last week/, CIRKUS ARLI presented THE KRISTAPS PIRATE MAGIC and CIRKUS DANNEBROG featured LOS GONCALVES ILLUSION SHOW.

A short analysis: THE KRISTAPS, from Latvia, have an act based on the legends of the pirates of ancient times: the setting and costumes belong to that age: three-cornered hats, boots and sabres --- and a pirates' chest where jewellery and precious stones appear from nowhere. The main illusion is a variety of THE SWORD BASKET - here it is really a kind of cauldron which is transperced by swords and burning spears.

The two KRISTAPS play a theatrical game and the illusion is just the pretext for acting together - there is drama, comedy and emotion. This is a good example of how a classic illusion can be dolled up and rendered most interesting - the public is engaged whereas just a mere demonstration gets but little interest.

The influence of the Russian circus school is very present - these schools were exported to the areas occupied by the then Soviet Union. In these schools acrobatics and classical ballet were taught, the KRISTAPS' act shows that they have been through this training.

An elegant and original act, well worth seeing.

Kristaps at Circus Arli

LOS GONCALVES, from Portugal, feature four illusions where the female partner appears, disappears - only to pop up again where you less expect it... a very stunning performance. After a quick change of position, inside and outside a cabinet, between the male and the female partner - a second girl appears -- very amazing. This is a variety of the SUBSTITUTION TRUNK, a classic in magic.

These three performers are obviously trained in classical ballet as well as modern dance - this is clear when viewing their movements in the ring - smooth, elegant and precise use of

their bodies.

Goncalves at Circus Dannebrog

It is difficult to present illusions in a circus ring as a number of these cannot readily be shown from all angles.

This problem had been solved here - the technique was flawless and the showmanship excellent.

The public appreciated by clapping wildly!!!

-------------------  Reported by ZARRO ZAARO, now in Copenhagen.

9 September 2010

MyDenmarkTV.com is the very first weekly Web-based TV show about Denmark. Today, the show is loyally watched in more than 130 countries around the world. MyDenmarkTV was designed with the purpose of making the lives of those who come to Denmark for either a short or a longer stay much easier by providing useful insights and practical tips.

In episode # 67 aired on 8 September 2010 they visited Circus Benneweis. Click here to see the episode.

10 September 2010

As earlier mentioned on this website the Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn and Mrs. Joan has for season 2010 worked in the amusement park Hansapark north of Lübeck, Germany. Every day they have presented 3 shows (in the main season 4 shows) at the Open Air Stage. It is quite a challenge to present a pick pocket entrée at an open air stage, especially in case of rainy weather. A few times they have had to cancel the performance as their due to rain was no one watching the show.

I visited Kenny and Joan Quinn on 7 September together with another Danish circus friend Bent Petersen who has known the Quinn’s for years. The park did not have many visitors that day. However Kenny managed to present his elegant world class act at both the performances we saw.

Kenny and Joan’s almost 4 year old son Jack together with Bent Petersen and Ole Simonsen. Click here to see a number of photos from Kenny Quinn’s performance.

9 September 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -- but sometimes also elsewhere, e.g. in Copenhagen. NOW after a nation-wide summer-tour, CIRKUS BENNEWEIS presents an amazing and attractive program, the guide thru the program is MASTER MAGICIAN KIM KENNETH, aka as THE DANE IN THE FAST LANE. He is thus the RINGMASTER, in France he would be called MONSIEUR LOYAL, in Germany and Denmark: SPRECHSTALLMEISTER.

He features several magic effects, and also jumps in to perform some "reprises", as some clowns are not enthusiastical about that, preferring to limit their work to their main clown entrée. This is a problem generally not known by the public.

KIM KENNETH holds that it is important that the public identifies with what they see in the ring - thus at the start of the show, he is interrupted by a removal man, dressed in the green uniform of a removal firm, known in Denmark by all - it might be of interest to know that it was difficult to get hold of such a uniform - all kinds of uniforms are used by terrorists who want to appear without any suspicion. The big parcel appears at first empty, then an acrobat appears -- there is a normal and understandable action - as well as entertainment.

The identification issue:  KIM KENNETH offers pop-corn to some kids in the audience, entirely emptying the cornet --- then clown CHRISTIAN appears dressed as a waiter and carrying a tray with two glasses. Immediately KIM KENNETH fills the two glasses with soft drinks - from the empty cornet ---- the point of interest is that pop-corn and soft drinks are perceived as connected to a visit to the circus -- the magic transformation is just an add-on.

ORIGINALITY is important: KIM KENNETH pours yellow and green sand into a big bowl filled with water - he dips his hands into the water and -- removes  the sand completely dry, and this by the handful - big surprise !! No wonder that the public is still speaking about this upon leaving the show!! In fact this miracle is seldom seen today - I saw it at JAN MADD THEATRE DE MAGIE DE PARIS METAMORPHOSIS - but certainly it is the first time in Scandinavia.

Last year, also at CIRKUS BENNEWEIS, KIM KENNETH performed the LEVITATED TABLE, assisted by a little girl from the audience - a nice effect but without the flash-bang finale and this was in line with the question: how does the public think and what do they expect?? Certainly they don't fancy being bombarded with "knock-outs” -- as this would finally tire them out and they would thus respond less strongly.

It is very difficult to present a show, but KIM KENNETH manages in an excellent way, having a sympathetic and friendly approach to the audience, as well as elegant costumes, frequently changed.

------------------------  Reported by ZARRO ZARRO , now in Copenhagen.

Kim Kenneth doing the act with yellow and green sand poured into the bowl with water. Furthermore, the water changes colour every time Kim washes his hand in the water.

8 September 2010

Open tent at Circus Benneweis at ’Bellahoj’ in Copenhagen. A couple of hundred persons visited Circus Benneweis 4 September at 11 a.m. where they had invited to an open tent event free of charge. The audience was very pleased with the show lasting a little less than one hour. The elegant ringmaster and magician Kim Kenneth presented some of the artist training new acts or showing an entrée not being part of the ordinary performance.

First act in the show was Roger Mettin showing how he is teaching his two children to stand up at the back of a galloping horse. He also showed a bit of his own speciality: juggling standing on the back of galloping horse.

Then the clown Don Christian entered the ring and showed how he made his make up while Kim Kenneth was explaining why all artist use make up.

Next the audience met members of the Art Allé ensemble showing some of their tricks.

Then it was time for Roger Mettin’s wife Rosi Hochegger to enter the ring and show how she is training her dogs. Rosi is as her father Toni Hochegger an outstanding trainer of horses and dogs.

In this year’s Benneweis-performance you meet The Farellos as acrobats on unicycles. Ralf Lindner, 33 years old, and Jaqueline Marschan, 31 years old, has also another comical acrobat entrée which they showed at the open tent event. As the bike act with Ralf as the elegant acrobat and Jaqueline as the rather sour cleaning lady. And as their bike act an excellent entrée.

Then came two of the girls from the Art Allé-ensemble, training on their very own juggling entrée. An entrée which I believe has the potential for becoming a great act in a few years.

Next in the ring was Don Christian with the entrée where he is playing music on bells and invites a kid from the audience into the ring asking him to use a large gong fastened to Don Christian's bottom. And it is a kid from the audience and not as sometimes seen an assistant hidden among other members of the audience.

Last act at the open tent event was Christian Gärtner who assisted by his two children presented one of his elephants.

The juggling girls from Art Allé. Click here to see more photos from the open tent event.

2 September 2010

Circus Baldoni has ended their tented season and is now and until 8 September touring sporting centre’s etc at the Faroe Island. On 27 and 28 November they will present a Christmas Circus at Avedørelejren close to the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen. Season 2011which will be season no 10 for Thessa and René circus will begin on 20 March 2011 in Lyngby north of Copenhagen. Click here to see a few video clips from Circus Baldoni 2010.

2 September 2010

On 27 August I wrote that Circus Arli would close the season the same day at Reeslev. But the Arli family decided to close the season the day before as the lot Circus Arli should have used in Reeslev due to heavy rain was flooded.

2 September 2010

World Circus Day 2011 will be Saturday 16 April. Both the Danish Circus Friends Association and the Swedish Circus Academy will participate in the celebration of the day. Hopefully also some Danish and Swedish circuses will participate in the event.

The name used for World Circus Day in Denmark is Store Cirkusdag. In Sweden it is called Stora Cirkusdagen. The Swedish circus friends have had a yearly Store Cirkusdagen since 1978, inspired by the UK Circus Re-union.

2 September 2010

New book on circus pictures. Gerardo Reyes, Mexican photographer, recently published a book on circus pictures. Coix Luis Gerardo Reyes (Mexico City, 1981) graduated in Communication Sciences with a major in journalism and photography by the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences of UNAM. He completed his postgraduate studies in Cultural Policy and Cultural Management at the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana. Honorary member of the National College of Circus and Performing Arts at the University Mesoamerican (Puebla). Image participated as a juror in the International Circus Festival of Albacete City (2010). As a teacher he has lectured at the school and higher education. In 2007 he published his first book: From the point of the body, published by Oxford University Press Mexico. His photographic work has been exhibited in various venues nationally and internationally.

His new book with circus photos is with text in Spanish. Format: 15 x 17 inches. Pages: 48. Interior printed in black and white. Cover: Paperback. Price: 6 Euros shipping (The distribution is independent, the author directly. The contact is via email: ripasos@gmail.com.

Synopsis: The circus is a gateway to another dimension. Once you cross the threshold, cannot stand still in a seat. Enter under the new mantle stellar define these poles and tarpaulins, means voluntarily submit to a process of metamorphosis necessary.

At the edge of the circle of centre court, from the first act, velvets and feathers will give us the opportunity to disguise ourselves and to gallop clinging to the mane of our imagination.

Curiosity desentume and becomes more elastic, and unexpectedly ignites the sense of wonder. You can get to feel the rapture of the heights, orphanhood to the abyss, the salvation offered by threading a thin wire as a network to free us from the fatal fall ... and that is just the beginning.

Astonished eyes to the stunt, the levity, the hitherto unknown ability of the body, invade the viewer as reflexive laughter, tears, joy, will become a flying and hoped someone in the strong arms of a friend, someone who wrong and smiles, remember that it is able to feel tenderness and fear at the ferocity ... and be reconciled with the world, will leave here smiling, different, changed inside and out, transfigured. Witnessing the seemingly ephemeral magic of a circus performance makes us witnesses to a link in entertainment history and human nomadism, which is also testimony of those who pursue the dream of dreams to others.

1 September 2010

Dutch and Belgium circus fans on visit to Copenhagen. John de Vries and Fred de Ligt writes: The last weekend of August, more than 50 circus fans from Holland and Belgium visited Copenhagen, to see the major shows in Denmark. They saw Circus Arena, Circus Benneweis and Circus Dannebrog. Only Circus Arli cancelled the show in Reeslev, because of the bad (rainy) condition of the showground. Everybody was very happy with the shows, the Museum in Hvidovre and of course Tivoli-Park. Every circus made the fans a warm welcome!

Mr. Erik Mertz did a wonderful job at the Museum giving the visitors a guided tour.

The Dutch and Belgium circus fans seen together with ringmaster and star magician Kim Kenneth in front of the Benneweis big top at Greve. Photo: Helle Thomsen/Circus Benneweis

1 September 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- but sometimes also elsewhere --- I jumped into a street festivity in a popular area in the heart of Copenhagen. The Danish-Spanish magic entertainer MIGUEL EL ZORRO presented a very nice MAGIC SHOW, with plenty of interaction. Starting by addressing the audience in Spanish, he switched to Danish -- and immediately got a good contact with the youthful public, the setting was really that he was dressed in a kind of splendid uniform and presented himself as "Governor of Spain".

Points of interest:

- You can often and unexpectedly run into a nice show - I happened to see a small poster announcing the event.

- As always the most interesting point is to watch the reactions from the audience, telling us if the performer has succeeded - or not.

- All in all - an original and sympathetic show - and when there is mutual sympathy - the success is there !!

----------------- Reported by zarro zarro, now in Copenhagen.

About Miguel el Zorro: Miguel Martinez is born in 1970. His father is Spanish. His mother is Danish. Only 9 years old Miguel started to do magic tricks. Since 1996 he has been a professional magician. Read more on http://www.magiskunderholdning.dk/

Miguel el Zorro. Photo by courtesy of Miguel

31 August 2010

The winners of Fédération Mondiale du Cirque’s 2010 photography contest. The overall winner of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque’s 2010 photography contest selected by Federation Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is an extraordinary photograph of a circus chapiteau, or “Big Top”, taken by Ms. Elena Frolova-Trufanova, a professional photographer from the Russian Federation.  A total of 55 amateur and professional photographers from 16 countries competed in the contest, responding to the question: “What makes a circus a Circus?” Ms. Frolova-Trufanova’s photograph, featuring Rosgoscirk’s chapiteau at Victory Park in Moscow, captures the tent and the rays of the sun in a way that emphasizes the magic of circus.

“This year’s ‘best of show’ is perfect because it is not only great photography but also highlights the importance of the travelling tent in the popular conception of ‘Circus’” said Federation Executive Director Laura van der Meer. “Ms. Frolova-Trufanova’s photo also is perfect for the cover of the Federation’s 2011 wall calendar because, like the

chapiteau, one must look inside to discover the mystery and delights of Circus.” The overall winner and twelve other photographs selected by an international jury of historians comprising Greg Parkinson (USA), Antonio Giarola (Italy), Pascal Jacob (France), Arthur Hofmeester (The Netherlands), Mark St Leon (Australia), Julio Revolledo Cárdenas

(Mexico), and Charles Ricketts (South Africa) will be exhibited in January 2011 during the 35th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo. Together, the winning photos provide an interesting perspective on what makes a circus a Circus.

A long-time circus enthusiast, Ron Mikkenie (The Netherlands) believes that what makes Circus is the ongoing love of learning circus arts seen in young people everywhere. His winning photo, taken at Staatscircus van Moskou-Holiday in Delft, The Netherlands, features 14 year old Nigel Voets, a juggler working with balls, sombreros, rings and

sometimes torches at high speed. Mr. Mikkenie’s photograph of a circus tiger mid-jump won the 2009 photo contest in the category of color photography. Consistent with these sentiments, Jessica Hentoff’s (United States) photograph captures Circus Harmony's youth performance troupe, the St. Louis Arches, defying gravity during a

performance at Circus Flora. Ms. Hentoff says that “humans flying” is part of what makes a circus a Circus.

Richard Verdoni (Mexico), the great-great-grandson of the founder of the Mexican Circo Atayde Hnos., caught second and third generations of the Flying Millas (Chile) mid-air during an Atayde show in Mexico City. Mr. Verdoni believes that the Trapeze Artist is a unique and inspirational ambassador of Circus – a living, flying, fantastic character that

gives us surprise, anticipation, action, danger and triumph. As Mr. Verdoni says: “the wonder of Circus never wears off.”

For Andrea Giachi (Italy), what makes a circus a Circus is the relationship between animals and artists. Mr. Giachi’s beautiful photograph of Ingrid Casartelli and her stallion at a performance of Circus Medrano demonstrates the strong bond between performing animals and their trainers. Fellow Italian Roberto Ermanis also photographed an artist

performing at Circus Medrano, but Mr. Ermanis’ subject of choice is a clown, which he describes as the “soul” of Circus. The clown featured in the photo is Vladi Rossi. Mr. Ermanis was also among the winners of the 2009 photography contest.

Next to animals and clowns, Stefan Nolte (Germany) asserts that acrobats are the third pillar of traditional circus. His photograph of the Trio Laruss, taken at Cirque Arlette Gruss in Strasbourg, France presents an elegant equilibrium act involving tremendous strength and balance but appearing nearly effortless to the audience. Ryan Easley (United States), an assistant tiger trainer with the American Kelly Miller Circus, captured the essence of circus with his photograph of Kelly Miller’s Big Top caught in a rare snowstorm in Texas: the show must go on! Circus staff were roused from their sleep to save the tent, their personal lives, once again, coming second to the never-ending demands that create the magic of sawdust and spangles.

Another winning photo was submitted jointly by Jason and Justin Senft (United States), American artists and identical twins. These multi-dimensional creative individuals work collaboratively in many disciplines including sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, video/animation, computer graphics, theatre arts, and the art of magic

and illusion. Their photograph features a clown and a child artist peeking into Circus Vidbel’s tent in West Milford, New Jersey, thus capturing several fundamental components of circus. As Messrs. Senft explain, the sights, sounds, and spectacle under the canvas big top are so amazing that even circus performers, young and old, are enticed to

peek through a slit in the curtain to be part of the excitement happening within.

Tobias Erber’s (Germany) talents as an amateur photographer continue to impress. In both the 2009 and 2010 contests, two of his photographs were selected as winners. This year’s photograph of the heads of three perfectly grouped tigers was taken at Circus Crocofant in Kempten, Germany and features the tigers of Christian Walliser. The

photo demonstrates how closely the public may observe the individual characteristics of exotic animals featured in the classical circus, providing an opportunity to learn about and appreciate animals. Mr. Erber’s other winning photograph shows the finale of a Circus Roncalli performance in Cologne. Mr. Erber believes that this photograph catches the

nearly overwhelming atmosphere of Circus, with all of its colours, lights, music, and the joy of artists – both worldfamous and aspiring to be world-famous – just before the enthusiastic standing ovation of the audience.

Christoph Enzinger (Austria) points out that the modern circus began with horses and so, for him, horses are an essential element of Circus. A postman by day, Mr. Enzinger also is a collector of circus memorabilia and posters, works with Austria’s famous Clown Museum, and writes for circus magazines in his free time. Mr. Enzinger’s photograph is a stunning snapshot of a classical liberty act performed by Louis Knie Jr. at Circus Louis Knie Jr. in

Austria. Danka Dear’s (Australia) photograph of Sascha Williams springing from scattering components of a rolla bolla at Circus Sunrise in Queenscliff, Victoria shows the incredible skill, determination and daring involved in most circus acts. According to Ms. Dear, “it’s the wonder, joy and amazement of it all, together with extraordinary skills, that makes a circus a Circus."

Calendars featuring the winning photographs may be purchased at www.oaba.org for residents of North America and in the Federation’s Boutique at www.circusfederation.org for other world regions.

27 August 2010

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 have for season 2010 final stands as follows:

• Circus Baldoni had their final stand on their tented tour 26 August. The tour will continue until 9 September in sporting centres etc. at Faroe Island. In 2008 and 2009 they did also visit Iceland. However, due to the financial crises on Iceland no visit to Iceland this year
• Circus Arli had their final stand on 27 September at Reeslev.
• Circus Arena will have their final stand on 5th September at Køge. In the beginning of October a special unit will tour Greenland using in sporting centres etc. Some of the performers can be seen in week 42 in Denmark as free attraction in the Kolding Shopping Centre.
• Circus Benneweis will have their final stand on 12th September at Bellahøj, Copenhagen

·         Circus Krone will have their final stand ending the summer season late September

·         Circus Dannebrog will close season 2010 in late September somewhere in the southern part of Jutland. For many years the Enoch family has in week 42 produced Circus Kenny for the Rosengaard Shopping Centre in Odense. But this year the centre has decides to try something new and skip the circus performance.

• Circus Mascot will close their summer season at Thise in late September or early October

All Danish circuses have had high quality performances in 2010. However most of them have had fewer visitors than in 2009 due to the financial crisis and a competing show called Circus Summarum produced by DR television and Muskelsvindfonden (The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation). Circus Summarum has not much to do with a circus although it takes place in a circus tent rented from Benny Berdino. But it is advertised during DR TV’s programmes for kids. Presale to companies (offering free circus tickets to employees) has been difficult. And sale of performances to Kindergartens has almost been impossible due to cut down in expenses for al municipalities.

As you can see my two oldest grandchildren Sebastian (almost 3 years) and Liva (5½ years) enjoyed this year’s performance at Circus Arli. Liva had also had great fun when visiting other circuses.

23 August 2010

Circus lots under water.  The main part of the summer 2010 has been warm and dry. But lately we have got a lot of rain in Denmark making the lots used by circuses very wet and soft.

When Circus Dannebrog visited Tune 19 August it took 4½ hours to get the heavy trucks into the circus lot! Dannebrog and other circuses have had same problems on several other lots. And it is not just that it makes it difficult for trucks to drive on and off the lot. Often the circus will get an invoice for repairing a destroyed lot after the performance. And it is mighty difficult not to harm a lot if it is wet and soft.

22 August 2010

Circus Arena 2011. Benny Berdino has long time ago told that he in 2011 will present Circus under Water as he did last time in 2006. First part of the performance will be an ordinary performance in a ring. In the interval the ring will be covered with plastic making it possible to fill the ring with water. The equipment will more or less be the same as used in 2006.

Most circus owners prefer not to release the program until short time before season opening. But Benny Berdino has always told about next year’s performance before the end of the ongoing season.

According to Kenneth Severinsen from the website www.cirkusskandinavia.dk René Casselly JR will as Mowgli present the Casselly family’s 4 African elephants. The Cassellys has worked for Circus Arena since 2005.

MerryLou Caselly will have a handstand entrée and a contortion entrée. The reprise clown Jimmy Folco will present other run-in’s than in 2009. Roby Berousek who in the 2010 performance worked as juggler will in 2011 as in 2008 present his ladder balancing entrée. The Brazilian dare devils Diorios who in season 2010 and several earlier seasons have worked in their globe of death will in 2011 work in a wheel of dead with two separate wheels. Furthermore the might run their motorbikes in a globe up under the big top.

MerryLou and Alexia Casselly will together with Laura Berdino ride high school. And you will see liberty horses from Arena’s own stables. Apart from that you can in 2011 meet sea lions, a comical dog entrée and an 11 piece troupe from China doing foot juggling and Riesley Acrobatics.

As always when a programme is released that much in advance changes might happen!

22 August 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  a magic show, really a theatre-play for children - this is without doubt one of the very best ones that I have seen.

So ... NOW in Paris: LA COMEDIE SAINT MICHEL proudly presents MARTIAL ET LA MALLE ENCHANTEE  --   /MARTIAL AND THE ENCHANTED TRUNK /  -- a story about an explorer who brings home a big trunk containing the most wonderful things - and all that makes strange things happen:  streams of coins gush out from everywhere, a live dove appears, the Genii escapes from the oil-lamp - only to make weird things occur.

This an excellent theatrical entertainment for kids, MARTIAL plays his part convincingly, the plot is interesting and MARTIAL presents everything in a dynamic way with lots of comedy and humour - the young audience responded with much laughter and applause.

This show is very nicely geared even to the youngest ones - when I saw it, the very youngest followed the jokes and the plot very closely.

Martial uses a headset, this was correctly adjusted so everyone could hear well - not always the case in spite of all high-tech - we say thank you for that!

All in all, MARTIAL won the audience's sympathy, and thus got a well-deserved success, a pre-requisite for any successful performance.

Length of show: 50 min.

Venue:LA COMEDIE SAINT MICHEL, 95 Boulevard Saint Michel, Metro: Cluny.

See more: www.martialmagie.com

                 www.comediesaintmichel.fr

--------------------------------  Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Martial et la Malle Enchantée © K. Samira - CP/AO&T

20 August 2010

Open tent at Circus Benneweis. Friday 3 September is the day for the Copenhagen opening for Circus Benneweis. The following day, Saturday 4 September, they are inviting everyone to open tent from 11 to 12. No entrance fees! You can meet the animals, hear about circus life and see the artist training in the ring, including training on new acts not yet presented to the ordinary audience.

Benneweis has for several years had similar event in Arhus. Last year they also invited to such event in Copenhagen. There were many visitors and positive comments. That’s why Benneweis again in 2010 invite to such event.

14 August 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- presently several family-shows where MAGIC is  the pretext for the entertainment. LA COMEDIE SAINT MICHEL proudly presents GIORGIO MAGIC SHOW, a cocktail of good, magical effects - GIORGIO'S presentation of these is dynamic, hilarious, tongue-in-cheek and thus unpretentious, an excellent program for the entire family and a program where also the younger children can follow the plot.

GIORGIO has chosen to perform in a kind of "Disco-style" - a good idea as even the youngest kids feel comfortable with this theme.

LA COMEDIE SAINT MICHEL is an intimate theatre, it consists of several units, like many cinemas that have opted for this solution -- everything is newly refurbished and - the most important detail: -- the children see a LIVE PERFORMANCE, very important nowadays when entertainment often is - electronic.

Equally important is that this young audience, in fact our audience of tomorrow, watch a show in a REAL THEATRE, and not on all sorts of inappropriate premises, where nothing gives a proper back-up and where the performer struggles on  an unsuitable podium.

The children and their parents responded lively and enthusiastically and the kids got some sweets to take home, but more important --- they  also brought  the memory of a good, entertaining show !!

LA COMEDIE SAINT MICHEL proudly also presents ECOLOMAGIQUE, performed by French magician GIORGIO - the theme is environmental questions. The performance, geared to children and their parents, is both entertaining and pedagogically sustained in order to awake the children's comprehension  and interest  for this issue, and at the same time to provide good entertainment.

A number of magical effects are used to illustrate ecological farming, recycling of about everything - this appealed to the audience who clapped enthusiastically.

This idea is an excellent one, and it was clear that the young audience had heard about ecology and environment in class at school.

There was a lot of interaction and the show was an obvious success.

Length of show: 50 minutes.

Venue: LA COMEDIE SAINT MICHEL, 95 Boulevard Saint Michel, Metro Cluny.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

See more: www.lelapinblanc.net

                www.comediesaintmichel.fr

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

.

12 August 2010

Circus Baldoni to the Faroe Island. For the 4^th year in row Circus Baldoni will end their season with a visit to Faroe Islands. This time they will visit no less than 10 cities. Three of those have never before been visited by a circus! A circus can’t bring animals to the Faroe Islands. Due to this Diana Varadi will stay at home with the Varadi family’s dogs. But her husband Mischi (plate spinning juggler) and their son Nandor (juggler) will take the trip to the Faroe Islands. Also Duo Peris (roller skate act plus Alicia with lasso) will stay with Baldoni during the trip to the Faroe Islands. The Chinese artists from this year’s Baldoni performance will not go to the Faroe Islands. Due to this Thessa and René Mønster have created some additional acts, amongst those a cascadeur entrée with Sergejs Scerbin and Jonas.

The ventriloquist doll Leonardo will also be with Baldoni at the Faroe Islands

9 August 2010

World class clowns are the title of the clown performance produced by Benny Schumann for the Open Air Stage at the Danish amusement park Bakken. The performance can be seen from 7 to 15 August.

In connection with the performance Sunday 8 August at 17:30 Benny Schumann received an honourable award of 20,000 DKK from the Danish Artists Union. Furthermore he was made honorary members of the union. Only 8 artist and performers have earlier been made honorary members of the union.

Benny had his debut as artist only 5 years old and can this year celebrate his 60 anniversary as artist.

Unfortunately it was heavy rain during the show 8 August. And is it not easy to clap your hands holding an umbrella although Benny once again presented a very nice show. Clown festivals produced by Benny Schumann has since 1996 been one of the traditions at Bakken.

Benny Schumann closed the performance by showing his grandfather Charlie Rivel’s famous entrée as opera diva. It was first time Benny used this entrée and he did it very good.

Before Benny not at least Mike Sanger (Mike Freeman) had received great and well deserved applauds for his comical dog act Sanger Dogs. You had also met the fantastic German mimic clown Herr Niels, this Swedish musical clown Ruben and the young Danish diabolo-juggler Kasper Jensen.

Due to the rain I didn’t bring my camera to Bakken. But so did Per Krogh Petersen a few days later. Click here to see Per’s photos.

Benny Schumann as opera diva. Photo: Per Krogh Petersen

8 August 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  even now during summer-time -- THEATRE DE LA CITE INTERNATIONALE proudly presents  PROPAGANDA  ACROBAT -- a new circus show where advanced acrobatics are the dominant factor, but as in all new-circus the show tries to convey a message, in this case the importance of taking well care of Mother Nature.

It can be discussed whether this message is clearly perceived by an audience who basically comes to get entertainment, but the acrobatic features are widely appreciated by the public - and this makes the show a definite success. The show would gain a lot if the artists wore colorful costumes, not necessarily with sequins, but an attire giving an artistic impression would greatly enhance the festive mood.

A look at what the sportsfolk are wearing today --  might well be a good idea !

The troupe comes from Australia: Acrobats: Jo-Ann Lancaster, Simon Yates, Fidel Lancaster Cole, Grover Lancaster Cole. Technique: Ryan Taplin, Scott Grayland. Music: Tim Barrass. The show is financed by The Australian Council for The Arts. Length of show: one hour.

Venue: Theatre de la Cité Internationale, where students from many countries stay during their studies in Paris, 17 Boulevard Jourdan.

RER /local and suburban train/ station Cité Universitaire.

See more: www.theatredelacite.com

                www.quartierdete.com

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

Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Propaganda Acrobats. By courtesy of Theatre de la Cité. Photo: Ponch Hawkes

6 August 2010

Ten years with Circus in Denmark. ”Why don’t you make a website about circuses,” my IT interested youngest son Lars asked in the summer 2000. “I am willing to help you a bit,” he offered. “You will get less than 100 hits the first year,” was my oldest son’s comment.

However, I launched the website with good help from Lars. The site should mainly give historical information about circuses in Denmark. However there was also a news section. The site was at the web from 13 August 2000 and the very first news read:

 For the fifth year in row The International Clown Festival was held 7 - 13 August at Dyrehavsbakken (Denmark's oldest amusement park, north of Copenhagen). 12 world-class clowns participated in the festival. Benny Schumann is the man behind the Clown Festival. The clown Francesco Caroli (born 1922 and this year celebrating his 60th year as a white face clown) was awarded the Charlie Rivel award. In 1998 the great Russian Clown Oleg Popov received this honorary price. In 1999 it went to Konrad Thur.

In the following month the subpages was updated. By the end of 2000 there had been 10 short news at the news page. The site had had 782 hits, a bit more than my oldest sons guess. Lars, who since the start have been my webmaster, and I decided to continue. At we noticed that the news page was the most popular we soon began with weekly updates. After one year the site have had 7,000 visitors. And today the total number of visitors during the last 10 years is more than 269,000.

The website has brought us in contact with a lot of wonderful people: circus owners and their families, artist, circus fans and reporters and other doing research. As long as we every week have between 500 and 1,000 hits we will continue with the page which apart from Danish news also brings news from other Scandinavian countries and as a special feature even news from Paris thanks to my local reporter Zarro Zarro.

Lars and Ole Simonsen

Lars and Ole Simonsen, both with Monte Carlo scarves, together with Solvej Enoch, Jørgen Lorenzen and Haddy Enoch at the circus festival in Monte Carlo 2009. Photo: Rud Kofoed

6 August 2010

Circus Mascot has as usual paid a short visit to Zealand and Lolland. After almost 3 weeks at the small island of Fanø Marianne and Jess Deleuran took their show all the way to Zealand where they had their first performance at Boelslunde on 25 July. On 31 July they were at Jægerspris where I took a number of photos from the very fine show. Click here to see those photos.

4 August 2010

Crazy Music Circus. The amusement park Bonbonland offers this year short circus performances called Crazy Music Circus. There are 4 performers. In the family friendly performance you will see juggling, rola bola and a musical clown entrée. The performance runs for about 30 minutes. The performers, whose names aren’t mentioned, are probably coming from Italy.

Music on a saw blade at Crazy Music Circus. Click here to see more photos from the performance

2 August 2010

Amongst the visitors at Swedish Circus Maximum’s performance 1 August at Höganäs was the president of the Danish Circus Fans John Lington who is a friend of Yann Rossi from the clown duo Les Rossyans who after being awarded a bronze clown in Monte Carlo in January this year now is touring with Circus Maximum. Next year you can meet Les Rossyans in Europe’s largest circus, the German Circus Krone. Before that they can be seen at Roncalli’s Christmas Circus in Berlin.

John Lington and Yann Rossi. Click here to see photos from their entrées in Circus Maximum.

29 July 2010

Human cannonball in Denmark. The Spanish/American human cannonball Luis Muñoz, known as The Human Missile, is touring Denmark this season, performing at festivals and amusement parks. His brother Christobal Muñoz, also a former human cannonball, is married to a Dane and lives in Denmark where he and his wife are inn-keepers.

28 July 2010

La Clique of London is a fusion of cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary vaudeville. With a brilliant Summer Tour lined-up and the culmination of a fantastic eight-month run in Paris this June, you can catch LA CLIQUE across Europe this summer in a number of cities including Aarhus, Denmark, where they as in 2009 will be a part of the annual Aarhus Festival. In this year’s touring performance you will meet:

Carl-Einar Häckner from Sweden with his unique and shambolic brand of musical comedy and illusion 

Mario - Queen of the Circus. A showman of exceptional talents, Clarke McFarlane’s Mario is a leather-bursting reincarnation of Freddie Mercury - that's if you can imagine a Freddie who had been able to juggle, ride a unicycle and if indeed he had ever run away to join the circus.

Montreal’s Cabaret Decadanse features a cast of amazing characters, who deliver breath-taking performances to a haunting soundtrack. It’s a rollicking, sassy, sexy and hilarious puppet feast for adults, in which the puppeteers are as mesmerising as the puppets themselves.

Captain Frodo. The son of a famous Norse magician, this wunderkind has graced the stage since he was four. Possessed of an utterly beguiling charm, and famed the world over for bending, contorting and manipulating his body into shapes that are as astonishing as they are unnatural, Frodo is one of a kind. You will never look at a tennis racquet, much less a baked-bean tin, the same way again.

The Skating Willers. Your eyes are not deceiving you: steel yourself for one of the most extraordinary displays of physical skill you are ever likely to see. Jean Pierre Poissonnet and Wanda Azzario spin at breakneck speeds, disregard gravity and have been amazing audiences around the world with their breathtaking roller-skating act for over 27 years. Skating Willers performed at Circus Benneweis in 1987 and in Tivoli in 1996. At that time the troupe had 4 members: the brothers Jean-Pierre and Andre and the twin sisters Wanda and Jean-Pierre Poissonnet.

Ursula Martinez is a renowned writer, actress and cabaret performer. Her cult striptease act with its mischievous disappearing hanky is a jaw-dropping sensation.

Australian Jess Love is a comedian. She has earlier been with Circus Oz, The Candy Butchers and The Burlesque Hour.

La Clique can be seen at the tent of Mirrors in Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus, from 25 August to 4September at 21. Afternoon performance 4 September at 15. Phone number to ticket office + 45 70 20 20 96.

Before Aarhus they have visited Stockholm, Sweden (10 to 15 August). After Aarhus they will visit a number of cities in Sweden: Stockholm (10 to 18 September), Lund (21 to 24 September), Halmstad (25 to 27 September) and Umeå (29 September to 3 October).

28 July 2010

Circus Zalmov. Tiny Circus Zalmov can until 31 August 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. The show is a music/comedy show with very few spoken words. The owner 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. Performances every day at 19, however Sundays at 15. And no performances on Saturdays.

Circus Zalmov

 28 July 2010

Small German circuses in the southern part of Jutland. Two of the small German family circuses which have visited Denmark in the later years are back in the southern part of Jutland. Circus Astoria with papa Ricardo Köllner, mama and three kids of 12, 10 and 6 as performers gave a performance 27 July in Sønderkobbel for an audience of approximately 100 persons. And Circus Amara was in Årøsund on 23 and 24 July. The quality of their performances is lower than in the Danish circuses.

Some weeks ago the Danish Tax authorities made an on-site inspection of 4 of the Danish circuses controlling tax, VAT, working permissions etc. The German circuses visiting Denmark should be prepared for a similar inspection. And no pre-warning will be given!

26 July 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  now in the very heat of the summer -- LE CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE PROUDLY PRESENTS the new-circus-show STEAM.

The program basically consists of stunning acrobatic features: on a Chinese mast, where the base of the mast can be loosened from the ground-fitting and can thus be made to revolve, an acrobat then performs amazing figures. A female acrobat performs on the vertical rope and also on a swinging trapeze, very elegant and daring. Together these two perform in a cube, approximately 3 meters on all sides, the features remind us of what we can see on a bar, where acrobats jump and swing from one bar to another. A very original version, I never saw it before.

Live music: cello, trumpet, percussion enhances the artistic impression, there is also some recorded music.

Showtime: one hour.

Further points of interest: LE CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE organizes concerts, has a bar-restaurant service and ... an old dance-hall with an oak-floor about a hundred years old, where generations of people have enjoyed themselves dancing joyfully ...

The CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE has a broad repertoire, e.g. a kids ‘show ABBA DABBA, already mentioned in CIRCUS IN DENMARK.

Venue now: near Metro Porte des Lilas, you can see the big top nearby when leaving the Metro system-

Don't miss out on this show - next time you visit Paris !!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!

Further information at www.cirque-electrique.com

-----------------------------------Reported by ZARRO ZARRO, Paris.

23 July 2010

Circus Pip 2010. Per Krogh Petersen writes: Thursday afternoon (21th of July) we visited Circus Pip. It's always a pleasure to be with Circus Pip & Co. You can now see the pictures and film clips that I took. THANKS to the Circus Pip for a nice SHOW. Click here to see Per’s photos.

22 July 2010

Fédération Mondiale du Cirque writes: Photographers have spoken through the lenses of their cameras on what makes a circus a Circus: human and animal artists. By far the largest category, more than half of all of the photos entered in the contest focused on individual artists and/or acts. Most commonly presented human acts were trapeze, clowning, juggling, and silk or rope acts. Horses, followed by elephants, then big cats, were the most often featured animal acts.

One-quarter of the photos featured circus artists posing before or after shows, preparations for performance (mostly focused on application of make-up), or caught circus people in various aspects of their daily lives outside of the performances. The role of the audience as part of Circus also was shown through its inclusion in many photos and several photos focusing predominantly on the audience. A number of photos also featured children, either participating in circus activities or as part of the audience.

Interestingly, the photographs also demonstrated the importance of the Big Top tent in defining Circus. While the Federation recognises and celebrates circuses of all forms and in all possible venues, it is clear that the moveable canvas tent is closely associated with fundamental concepts of circus. In contrast to various surveys concerning circuses carried out in the last two years, no photograph focused on circus foods – such as cotton candy, popcorn – which are commonly associated with the circus.

Of the 174 photographs that qualified for the contest, 44 included animals. The photos of animals were divided evenly between pictures of animals performing and those of animals outside the circus ring, interacting with visitors, receiving care, or enjoying their freetime. Of the photos with animals, elephants were featured most often, followed by horses, big cats (primarily tigers) and sealions.

A significant portion of the submissions appeared to purposefully present multiple elements of circus in a single photograph. These photos most often featured combinations of members of the audience, circus rigging, the circus tent, artists, lights and musicians with human and/or animal artists.

Photographs selected by the panel of judges for the final round of judging include submissions by Elena Frolova-Trufanova (Russian Federation), Danielle Lennon (Australia), Richard Verdoni (Mexico), Roberto Ermanis (Italy), Andrea Giachi (Italy), Jessica Hentoff (United States), Vincenzo Pellino (Italy), Stefan Nolte (Germany), Jean-Claude Péclard (Switzerland), Ryan Easley (United States), Danka Dear (Australia), Patrick Prévost (France), Ron Mikkinie (The Netherlands), David Burton (Australia), Tobias Erber (Germany), Christoph Enzinger (Austria), and Justin Senft (United States). The panel will now select 13 photographs from which Federation Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco will choose the overall winner.

Photographs were received from 55 participants in 16 countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Russian Federation, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States. The overall winner of the contest, who will enjoy two nights’ accommodation and tickets for two to Competition Show A and B of the 35th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo in January 2011, will be announced in August. Calendars featuring the top 13 photos will be available on the Federation website in early September.

21 July 2010

Pinders Circus. In England you can this summer meet Pinder's Circus. The two pole red/yellow tent might look familiar to Danes. The explanation is easy: last year Erika and Eddy Pinders toured with Circus Mascot in Denmark with a plate spinning entrée, a comical taxi act and a decorating/revolving ladder number in an amusing and energetic style. Erika and Eddy had a dream about starting their own circus and bought the tent Circus Mascot had used until 2005 and since then had kept at their winter quarter. It is a mistake when David Jamieson in King Pole no. 178 indicates that Mascot got a new tent this year. They are still using the tent they bought in 2006.

Erika and Eddy Pinder had planned to spend the entire season 2010 in an amusement park which unfortunately ran into economical problems before season opening. That’s why Erika and Eddy now in cooperation with Mike Lea tries their luck with a touring circus. Without animals as many city councils in UK won’t let a circus with animals use a public owned circus lot. Pinder's Circus has nothing to do with the large French Cirque Pinder. Erika and Eddy Pinder became very popular at the Danish audience in 2009. So a lot of Danish circus friends wish them good luck with their new circus.

20 July 2010

Flying Superkids 2010. Jimmy Enoch of Circus Dannebrog had recomended a visit to the show Flying Superkids, Due to this I had invited my daughter in law and our oldest granddaughter Liva to the show in Copenhagen on 19 July.

Flying Superkids - founded in 1967 - is the elite team of the gymnastic club and non-profit organization “Gymnastikgården” (aka “The gymnastic farm”) from Aarhus, Denmark.  The basic element in the Flying Superkids show is gymnastics; the foundation is skills achieved through long term and continuous training. The show is a journey through the world of gymnastics; an attempt to defy gravity combined with singing, dancing, comedy, and with the children’s joy of life as the most important ingredient. A beautiful light design and a uniquely composed soundtrack support the various choreographies - all produced by the Superkids staff. Over the years, millions of spectators in more than 33 countries have experienced the kids dance, sing and fly. It started out as a traditional gymnastic team, but through the years, Flying Superkids has evolved into a unique show ensemble.

The show provided in Copenhagen by the 30 talented Superkids was great! “We want to see the show next year again,” my daughter in law and my granddaughter said after the performance. I fully agree: Don’t miss a show with Flying Superkids if you get a chance to see them!

Flying Superkid’s tent put up at Fisketorvet in Copenhagen

Inside the tent

Excellent hula hoop show at the stage.  The 4 pole tent has a diameter of 26 meter and several quarter poles. However you don’t think about the poles when the show gets started!

19 July 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --- now summer-time .. and the small, very charming CIRQUE GONTELLIS is touring in and outside Paris - they get permission to play in the many Parisian squares - and also in the suburban areas.

The CIRQUE GONTELLIS seats 150 persons, the program is geared to smaller children from 2 to 10 years old. - we see trained and performing animals: cats, white mice and a goat - and part of the show is that the animals are walked around the audience allowing the kids to touch them gently ! The animals perform stunts and tricks that come natural them - as in all modern animal training they are made to perform ... what they already can ... the training is made to  make them perform when asked to do so .. A horse naturally rears up, but not a cow --- a goat balances swiftly, but not a pig.

On with the program: Madame GONTELLIS is a nice and friendly RINGMASTER, her husband SERGE GONTELLIS is an antepodean/footjuggler, their son CRISTIAN, 10 years old, juggles, and has a RolaRola act as well as a cowboy-feature with various lassos.

He also warms the audience up before the show, throwing balls to the children and they have to return them .... this awakes the children's interest and is a good start to the show.

OPHELIE, daughter 13 years old,  graciously walks a wire and performs very elegant acrobatics in an aerial ring, she was trained at the Cavaillon Circus School, Southern France.

Her sister, Mary,  offers a nice little Hula Hoop Ring act, very clever she is at only 5 years.

The show ends featuring the classic sketch "Music is here forbidden" - this brings the house down as it is very lively and sympathetically performed, using lots of funny gags.

The Circus TOP is fairly new, all props are newly painted and the seating is a good mixture of gradins and chairs, small ones for the small kids, comfortable theatre chairs in red and gold for the grown-ups Length of show: 90 minutes.

During school holidays GONTELLIS play every day, otherwise on Wed-Sat-Sun afternoons, the Wednesday show is due to the fact that French schoolchildren are off that day, originally to attend Religious Knowledge, since the French State School doesn't offer that, as the French Republic is secular and thus has no official religion - but on the other hand everyone enjoys full religious freedom, outside the republican institutions, that is.

Another example: the French Republic recognizes only the secular wedding at the TOWN HALL, but those who wish so , can get religious benediction from any cleric, but the couple must present a certificate from the Town Hall, the cleric has to see it before he proceeds to the religious ceremony.

The Entrance fee is Euro 5 and during the intermission balloons, light rods, flags and candy are sold - an important contribution to  the economy of the circus - and to the children's joy !

The circus moves short distances only, to avoid big transport costs, and it stays about two weeks at each location, thus allowing the ear-to-ear publicity/communication to work -

people have to know that it is CIRCUS-DAY TODAY !!

Furthermore this kind of activity can only work within or near big cities, it does work in Paris, Marseille and Bruxelles, for instance it might be difficult in Scandinavia where the weather isn't always very friendly.

All in all, this is an excellent entertainment for the children AND their parents, they all enjoy the show and the parents and grand-parents are pleased to see their offspring happy !

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

---------------------------- Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

15 July 2010

Dutch circus friends visit Copenhagen.  Every year John de Vries and Fred de Ligt arrange rallies to other European circuses. This year the trip goes to Denmark which they last time visited 5 year ago. “We will come with 55/58 circus fans.” John de Vries writes. The schedule is as follows:

Thursday 26 August:  Amsterdam - Lübeck (hotel) in Germany visit circus.

Friday 27 August:  Lübeck – Copenhagen. 12.15 Hvidovre lunch and visit at the circus museum. 15.00 Visit Circus Arli for photo-session and buying programmes. 18.30 visit to Circus Arena in Albertslund

Saturday 28 August visit in the morning of Copenhagen. 16.30 second afternoon show Circus Dannebrog at Trianglen. In the evening Tivoli.

Sunday 29 August: 13.30 Benneweis in Greve, afterwards back to Lübeck (hotel). Monday 30 August Lübeck – Amsterdam.

Foreign circus fans who want to visit circuses in Denmark could choose either the week-end 27 to 29 August or the week-end 3 to 5 September. Both week-ends it is possible to see Circus Arena, Circus Benneweis and Circus Dannebrog in or close to Copenhagen. If you also want to see Circus Arli last chance seems to be 27 August when they probably will close season 2010.

14 July 2010

Tiny Circus Mascot is for the time being on the Isle of Fanö where they will stay until 23 July. Kurt and Elly Stær have visited them and sent me the photo below from a parade in Nordby (the largest town on Fanö).

Circus Mascot’s parade at Nordby. Photo: Kurt Stær

14 July 2010

Diana and Marek Benneweis’ twins Nadia and Dawid Benneweis could celebrate their 23 year birthday on 13 July when Circus Benneweis visited Middelfart and had an almost full house. At the same day Circus Benneweis could celebrate their 123 year anniversary. Helle Thomsen has sent me the photo below.

Dawid and Nadia Benneweis together with their dad Marek. Photo: Helle Thomsen/Circus Benneweis

11 July 2010

This year the small Danish Circus Krone will this year not visit Zealand. Due to this some circus friends from the Copenhagen area visited the smallest circus in Denmark when it  on 10 July gave performance at Camp Hverringe (Bøgebjerg Stand Camping) north of Kerteminde.

Circus friends from Funen and Zealand. From the left Kurt Søegård, Ole Simonsen, Ann Alakazam and Bent Petersen. Photo: Jörgen Börsch

In the performance you met Jan Allan with horses, Martina with handstand, the juggler Eric Munoz, Duo Ungureanu with arial straps and acrobatic, Irene and Jan Allan with their musical clown number (where Irene is a puppet), Jose Munoz on tight wire, the clown Alando with his penguin, Munoz Brothers with their casceadeur entrée and the musical entertainer Freddy Anthony. It is always difficult to highlight some of the performers on behalf of others as all was good. But the best acts were Irene and Jan Allan's musical clown entrance and the tight wire act. Jose Munoz says modestly that he cannot do as much as his father, who once was a top star on tight wire and then ended his career with a comic line number. But Jose a clear talent in a nice development and it is a pleasure to see his fine tricks which includes a backwards somersault. Freddy Anthony’s number is almost similar to the one the Danes saw in Circus M Schumann 1978-1980, in Circus Arli in 2000 and in Circus Dannebrog 2003. But the audience loves him!

Do not miss a visit to the Circus Krone, if they come to an area of the Denmark which yoy are visiting. Like in the other small Danish circuses the owner Irene Thierry proves that you can have a very fine program even if you are a small circus.

The super talent Jose Munoz

Freddy Anthony with his honk horn entrée.

Freddy Anthony in1979

12 July 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -- now THEATRE MONTPARNASSE proudly presents ELISABETH AMATO featuring a one-woman-show,  based on magic effects, mentalism, mindreading and predictions -- in a nice stage-setting by ALAIN SACHS-

The magic is classic, featured in an attractive stage-setting, music sustains many of these effects and the BLACK ART-principle is used. The finale with the floating table, "snowstorm" and soap-bubbles plentiful - is very stunning.

ELISABETH AMATO uses a lot of audience participation/interaction during the greater part of the show -- as she treats her momentaneous assistants politely and pleasantly, everybody invited gladly goes up on stage. Very good contact to the audience right from the beginning - everybody had lots of good laughs and applause came spontaneously.

A good show - but you need French to be able to follow.

Venue: Theatre Montparnasse, 31 rue de la Gaité, Metro: Edgar Quinet.

See more: http://www.kewego.fr/video/iLyROoafJvMZ.html   -- and you will see a video.

------------------------Reported by ZARRO ZARRO

Elisabeth Amato with the floating table. Photo: Didier Pallages

9 July 2010

Circus at Bonbonland. As in 2010 the amusement part Bonbonland at Holme Olstrup in the southern part of Zealand present a circus performance lasting about 30 minutes. The performance is called Crazy Music Circus and there are 5 performers. Visitors tell that it is a nice and family friendly performance. No entrance fee if you have paid the entrance fee to Bonbonland.

At Arena Circus Land at Aaslev also in the southern part of Zealand you can also see short circus performances at Circus Landino. Performers are Suzanne Berdino and her children and the clowns Duo Salvini. You can also see a sea lion show what you not any longer can at Bonbonland. However, Bonbonland has much more rides than Arena Circusland and much more visitors.

7 July 2010

Circus Pip. Ole Bünger of tiny Circus Pip writes: After 4 years at The Co-operative Village Nyvang (Andelslandsbyen Nyvang) the tiny family circus are again on a traditional tour and will during the school children’s holiday visit a number of camping lot at Zealand. Opening day is Sunday 11 July at 15.00 at Reersø camping. In the performance lasting for one hour yon will meet the clowns Pip & Mitti and the owner's grandchild with juggling and diabolo. Ole Bünger is the male partner in the mind reading duo Jack and Winky. Furthermore he has an ventriloquist entrée and ends the performance with the Magic of Circus Pip.

6 July 2010

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 6 July when approximately 600 people saw the performance in the beautiful park at the hospital. The clown Don Christian did some of his run-ins. Yves Nicols showed his talent as a juggler. Art Allé Ensemble presented part of their act. The Gärtner-brothers had brought their elephants and it was possible to get close to the large animals. Rosi Hochegger had brought some of her wonderful dogs.

Don Christian, Yves Nicols and the Gärtner elephants. Photos: Freddy Bergmann Kolding/Circus Benneweis

4 July 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  but also elsewhere --  here comes good news:  ANKERS TIVOLI, Denmark, proudly presents THE AERIAL BÜGLER - TONELLI SHOW, we see daring features on high-wire where ALFONS BÜGLER and partner  ride a motor-bike on the wire 42 meter up in the thin air, he also performs acrobatics on a 62 meter high swinging mast.

On the open-air stage Norwegian magic entertainer TOM TRIX performs a colorful and funny program for children.

Points of interest: ANKERS TIVOLI, being a travelling fun fair, or carnival in American English, travels Denmark while many   competitors have given up - it is true that the theme parks make up for heavy competition but they can't move to other locations when there are big events - a travelling fun fair can !

Rather a long time ago we saw sensational aerial acts on the fun fair lots - this has been very scarce lately - so we congratulate ANKERS TIVOLI to have the courage and spirit to revive this display of VISUAL ACTS - very appreciated by the public.

See more: www.ankers-tivoli.dk

www.buegler-tonelli-show.de

www.tomtrix.dk

For those interested in life with a carnival, the book by Daniel P. Mannix, himself a sword-swallower and fire-eater /1911 - 1997/: STEP RIGHT UP, aka Memoirs of a sword swallower, will surely be of interest.

4 July 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  during summer as well, the school year ends in June --

NOW: THEATRE ALAMBIC COMEDIE proudly presents an excellent show for children and their parents, created and performed by PETER DIN. Playing the part of a travelling magician, he entertains using magic, ventriloquism but above all using his talent as an actor --- body language and mimicry are very present.

Lots of interaction with the kids, they all follow what is happening with the greatest interest, laughing a lot and responding lively. PETER DIN, dressed in an original and colorful costume is the leader of the game, where the "talking dog Bobby" gets an enthusiastic reception.

It should be clear that, although the show is in French, this show is very  visual, when I attended there were some people from Germany, and judging from their reactions - they did follow what was going on. Furthermore it is to be noted that it is unique for Paris to feature family shows in small theatres and cabarets which otherwise would have remained empty in the afternoons - I know that I have mentioned this earlier, but we get new readers every week - and it is thus important to point it out. 

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- see more: www.peterdin.com

Venue: Alambic Comedie, 12 rue Neuve de la Chardinniere, Metro:Simplon.

--------------------- Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Peter Din. Photo by courtesy of Peter Din

2 July 2010

Small change in the program for tiny Danish Circus Krone. Circus owner Irene Thierry has engaged two new artists for the remaining part of the season: the two Spanish brothers Eric and Jose Munoz aka Munoz Brothers. Individually they do a juggling entrée, respective a comical entrée on tight wire. Together they present a comical casceadeur act. The Munoz-family is a well-known Spanish artist family. Apart from Munoz Brothers you can at Circus Krone meet Freddy Anthony with his beloved honk horn entrée, Martina Arment Steinhelle with handstand and hula hoop, Duo Ungureanu and the clown Allando, both as a clown, with ponies and in a musical clown entrée with his wife Irene Thierry.

30 June 2010

Open tent event at Circus Benneweis. It’s a tradition for Circus Benneweis to invite to open tent (free of charge) during their visit to Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark.

This year the event took place on 27 June and a lot of people visited Benneweis.

Visitors entering the big top. Photo: Helle Thomsen/Circus Benneweis

Kim Kenneth presented a programme lasting a little more than one hour. It was a fine combination of acts from the performance and alternative acts. First this year’s clown made his clown makeup in the ring.

Don Christian making his makeup. Behind him Kim Kenneth. Photo: Lasse Knattrup Sørensen

Art Allé troupe presented a sort of a training programme without costumes and with new music but including several of their fine trick – both old tricks and new tricks not seen i the performance. Rosi Hochegger presented some great tricks with dogs she is training but which not yet are ready for her dog act. Rosi Hochegger and Roger Mettin’s daughter Saskia showed an act in arial silks which she is training. Then Ambra Faggioni (half of the duo Yves & Ambra) showed her act in aerial silks.

A highlight at the open tent performance was Farellos´ comical hand stand entrée. It is of the same high standard as their bike entrée. It is again Ralf Lindner as the serious artist which tries to get the sour cleaning maid Frau Schmidt to take part in the act.

Farellos’ hand stand entrée. Photo: Helle Thomsen/Circus Benneweis

Two female twins from Art Allé showed an act combining acrobatic and juggling. Don Christian showed one of his run ins – the one with cow bells. Last act in the show was Christian and Alex Gärtner with one of their elephants making tricks together with Alex’ three children, the youngest Alex Gärtner JR only being one year old.

One of the Gärtner’s elephant together with one of the kids. Photo: Lasse Knattrup Sørensen

29 June 2010

Zirkus Nemo Classik 2010. If you visit Denmark in 2010 you may meet a show called Zirkus Nemo. It is owned by a popular Danish actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard and is a combination of a comedy show (spoken language Danish) and artist performance. Most Danes loves Soren Ostergaard but foreigners will hardly be able to understand him or his typically Danish jokes. However, there are as mentioned also some real circus artist: Peter Rosendahl with his bike entrée, Suzanne Da Crux in aerial rope, Jennifer Francois in trapeze and as the last act in the performance (and the act getting most applause) the juggler Claudius Specht. The audience is mainly adults – it is not a show for children. Ticket prices are higher than in an ordinary circus.

Zirkus Nemo has got a new tent seating 500 persons. The tent is owned by Jackie Berdino who rents it out to Søren Østergaard.

28 June 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- we visit THEATRE DU ROND-POINT -- featuring French plays - BUT various visual shows as well -- Chaplin's children and grand-children use to present a comedy-acrobatic-musical show in Jan - Feb.

NOW: famous actor MICHEL FAU, together with dancers JOEL LANCELOT and DELPHINE BEAULIEU, stage setting by EMMANUEL DAUMAS, present a certainly original show, with songs in French but otherwise very visual and enjoyable even for people who don't speak French. MICHEL FAU has a remarkable mimicry and masters all stage-moves, he is a great comedian, the dancers are precise and elegant and all of them immediately get a good contact to the audience. The show is really a parody based on the big REVUE SHOWS, appearing in Paris at the beginning of the 20th century, being exported to the USA and then re-imported, somewhat influenced by American showbiz-style.

This show, L'IMPARDONNABLE REVUE PATHETIQUE ET DEGRADANTE DE MONSIEUR FAU /approximately: Mr Fau's unforgivable and pathetique revue/ is delivered dynamically, hilariously and with a tongue-in-cheek attitude -- all in all an excellent entertainment bringing us back to the Music Hall - Vaudeville - Variety era -- a good target as people don't go to the theatre to be confronted with all the problems of the world.

At your next visit to Paris, check  L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES / = What's on in Paris/

you will find THEATRE DU ROND-POINT, 2 bis avenue Franklin-Roosevelt, just off the Champs Elysées to the right if you come  from The Triomphal Arch /L'Arc de Triomphe/.

Metro:Franklin-Roosevelt-

--------------------------- Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Michel Fau. Photo by courtesy of Théâtre du Rond-Point. Photographer: Brigitte Enguerand 

24 June 2010

Arena Circus Land at Aarslev (Circus Arena’s winter quarter) is from 26 June to 8 August open daily from 10 to17. Circus Landino present short performances with Suzanne Berdino and her children Charmaine, Stefanie and Oliver and a few of the other artist from Swedish Circus Skratt which never tours in the summer season. Furthermore Addi Jepsen presents four sealions in a large indoor pool. Tim Delbosq will present horses in the training ring. For kids there are children’s theatre, a comical magic show and some rides.

21 June 2010

AFUK untamed night cabaret 2010.  Approximately 30 artists, performers and musicians met Saturday 19 June at 12 in order to prepare a "once in a lifetime" Night Cabaret. The outcome could be seen at AFUK’s new premises ’Remisen’ at Enghavevej, Copenhagen, the same evening at 22.

Although there was football in TV (Denmark ctr Cameroun) there was full house at AFUK. Everybody was in good spirit also before it was known that Denmark won the football game (so far Denmark’s only win in the football world championships!). The performance began with fire dancing. Then the hostess welcomed the audience sitting in a swinging trapeze. For the next two hours we saw pole acrobatics, slack wire, several trapeze acts, acrobatics, vertical rope (both a male artist and a female duo), diabolo juggling, a slinky entrée (Esben Aerius' very fine Sculpture in Motion), a comical magical entrée, handstand and a male duo in aerial straps. Last act was Anders Astrup's great entrée in arial silks. Everything tied together in the crazy universe you meet in many new circus performances. Both the performers and the audience had a great evening and look forward to the night cabaret 2011.

That’s how the untamed night cabaret 2011 was opened. Click here to see more photos from the performance. Due to the light set up not all the photos are good. But they give an impression of the performance.

20 June 2010

Exhibition about the trapeze star Norma Fox. Friday 18 June an exhibition about the Danish born trapeze star Norma Fox opened in Randers at the shop of photographer Ole Jacobsen, the untraditional. Norma Fox was born in Randers, baptized Norma Nielsen and her father was an attendant in a local cinema. For over 30 years La Norma soared through the air on the high single trapeze in some of the world’s greatest circuses including Ringling where she was a centre ring attraction. In 1951 La Norma was selected to work as a stunt double for actress Betty Hutton in the Oscar winning movie "The Greatest Show on Earth". The author Aase Thomassen has written the book La Norma about Norma Fox’s life. Today Norma Fox is retired and lives as many other circus folks at Sarasota, Florida. Aase Thomassen has visited her several times – last time in April 2010.

The same day Circus Benneweis has their opening night in Randers.  At the opening of the exhibition Benneweis was represented by Diana Benneweis, Freddy Kolding and ringmaster and magician Kim Kenneth. Many people from Randers visited the opening. Some elderly people in Randers still remember Norma’s family.

It is a small but very fine exhibition showing glimpses from Norma’s exiting life. You could also see film clips from Hollywood Palace (1952 or 1953) where Bing Crosby introduced La Norma. And there was film clips from Aase Thomassen’s visit with La Norma.

”We were more than 100 persons in the tiny photo shop,” Aase Thomsen tells. “Some of the visitors had to take seat in the kitchen or in the photo studio. Not everyone could hear the opening speech. After I have told about the exhibition and thanked Diana Benneweis, Freddy and the local mayor for their interest I handed over the mike to mayor Henning Jensen Nyhuus for the formal opening speach. He was very impressed by both hearing about the life of La Norma and of the large number of visitors.”

From the opening of the exhibition. In the background you can see Aase Thomassen and the mayor Henning Jensen Nyhuus. Photo: den utraditionelle

21 June 2010

Newsletter from Circus Historical Society. “Enjoy our new CHS Newsletter”, writes Bob Cline, secretary of American Circus Historical Society. Circus Historical Society publish bimonthly the world’s leading circus historical magazine Bandwagon. And now the paper based magazine is supplemented by newsletters circulated by email. You can contact Bob Cline at fivetiger@shtc.net if you are interested in receiving the newsletter. He will surely also accept membership applications!.

20 June 2010

Danske Cirkusvenner (Danish Circus Friends) has received the diploma below from Féderation Mondiale de Cirque due to the participation in first World Circus Day on 17 April. The Circus Museum at Hvidovre has received a similar diploma.

20 June 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --- now exceptionally many shows, after the real end of season.

CREDO PRODUCTION, direction LULLY, proudly presents a new show by and with LAURENT BERETTA: a show called PARADOXES that blends together magic effects, big illusions but without big stage-props, modern jazz-dance, elegant light-settings, and a sound-track that enhances the visual effects.

Together with the dancer CECILE MEDOUR, the esthetic and choreographic values bring the performance up to a high level of art.

Two assistant stage-hands are busy in the wings and sometimes on stage.

LULLY presents her shows at the THEATRE TREVISE, an old theatre rich with traditions and where generations of artists have performed.

Point of interest: as the shows are mainly visual, you don't need French to appreciate what you see - an important point for visitors, many of whom don't master French enough to enjoy a theatre play.

Venue: Theatre Trevise, 14 rue de Trevise, Metro: Grands Boulevards.

See more: www.laurentberetta.fr

Further info: LULLY features the following artists at the International Theatre Festival in Avignon, Southern France:

Paul Maz, magic, mime, music for the young audience

Rafistol, comedy - with cello and bike

Cabaret de l'Etrange, magic, juggling, comedy /various performers/

Fred Razon, magic, pickpocket

Voyageurs Egarés, juggling, comedy, burlesque.

See more:/ Paul Maz/ www.soufflemagique.com

www.rafistol.com

www.cabaretdeletrange.com

www.fredrazon.com

www.voyageurs-egares.com

---------------------------------------------- Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

18 June 2010

Jess Deleuran of Circus Mascot can celebrate his 60th year’s birthday on 21 June. Jess is not out of a circus family. But as a child he was crazy about circus and spent all day at the circus lot whenever a circus visited his home town Fredericia. He was educated as an electrician and worked as such for several years. For some years he assisted Circus Benneweis by setting up posters etc. Later Jess and his wife Marianne worked for the tiny Circus Scandinavia. They performed as mind-readers and magicians and learned how to run a circus. And also how not to run a circus. Based on this knowledge Jess and Marianne established Circus Mascot in 1994. Their ambition was never to become the largest or the leading circus in Denmark, but to produce good entertainment for the entire family. Circus Mascot is a traditional circus with international artist, clowns and animals. All the animals belong to the family. Marianne presents poodles, Jess ponies. Also their sons Daniel and Andreas work in the circus and can be seen as performers.

Jess Deleuran

18 June 2010

AFUK in Copenhagen has for years run the only real circus school in Denmark. They have three classes and the graduates from third class has just in connection with AFUK’s annual FESTIVITAS presented their final performance “The threes grow into heaven”. Performers Bjørn, Elise, Joel, Johan, Johannes, Karoline, Rebecca, Sofie and Tuk. Regi:  Josephine Wulff Randrup. Music: Sture Ericsson. Consultants: Marie Topp & Petter Wadsten. The almost one hour long performance proved that there is a lot of talent amongst young Danish new circus performers. Especially an act in aerial straps, two ground acrobats and a girl in swing trapeze combining her trapeze skills with some contortionist tricks were good. Click here to see some photos from the performance. Due to the light set up not all the photos are good. But they give an impression of the performance.

On 19 June a night cabaret will be presented. A Review will follow next week.

14 June 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- theatre LES FEUX DE LA RAMPE, meaning LIMELIGHT, proudly presents CARMELO CACCIATO featuring a one-man-show with illusion, mime, comedy and ... magic including lots of funny surprises, very original and based on CARMELO'S personality, talent and artistry.

The show is very funny and interesting and the audience responds well.

As the theatre is a small one, an intimate atmosphere is created and the contact between the artist and the audience is well established, even the children responded well although the program is not particularly for children.

Showtime: one hour, mainly silent so -- no or very little French is needed.

CARMELO CACCIATO is a great artist - check him out at your next visit to Paris !!

Venue: Theatre LES FEUX DE LA RAMPE, 2 rue Saulnier, Metro: Grands Boulevards or Cadet.

See more: www.carmelocacciato.com

Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Carmelo Cacciato

10 June 2010

Entertainment, artistry and clowns at Bakken. From 26th June to 4th July you can on the lawn in front of Restaurant Skovly at the Danish amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen see and experience entertainment and artistry of bygone times. During the day a dozen acrobats, sword swallowers and other performers will ensure entertainment on the lawn in front of Cafe Skovly. You will also be able to experience the world's smallest artists: fleas. All day ends with a grand finale with a variety theatre show of international class.

From 7th-15th August BENNY SCHUMANN presents a true celebration of great clowning at the Open Air Stage. Benny has put together a program that brings some of the biggest names in the genre to the country. This year you can see the well-known German mimic clown HERR NIELS who has appeared all over the world with his mix of entertainment, comedy and clowning.  You can read more about Herr Niels at www.herr-niels.de (language: German)

Moreover, the Swedish musical clown RUBEN, who we last time met at Bakken 14 years ago, will be back in great shape. Mike Freeman (brother to Peter ‘Old Regnas’ Freeman) will present his comical dog act LES SANGERS. Of course also Benny Schumann will present a good mix of his famous and beloved classics entrées and some new approaches, including Benny’s own version of his grandfather Charlie Rivel’s famous opera entrée.

Benny Schumann as opera diva. Photo: Per Krogh Petersen

9 June 2010

Circus at Liseberg in Gotenburg, Sweden. The large Swedish amusement park Liseberg will from12 to 17 June offer interesting circus entertainment as free attraction when the entrance fee has been paid. At the large stage you can see a traditional circus performance lasting approximately 1 hour. Robert Bronett will be ringmaster, there will be an 8 pieces live band and the performers will be:

MIKE SANGER & CO – dog act

PRICE & MCCOY – comical acrobats

HAVANNA COMPANY – flying trapeze and Chinese pole

JUMPING HIGH – skipping and Russian swing

TOTTI ALEXIS – clown

KATA KISS – aerial acrobat

At the Tauber stage Ludvika Minicircus (the best youth circus in Scandinavia) will several times daily present performance of approximately 40 minutes, starring FOUR DOLLS, GOLDIES, JENS & JULIA (bike act) and MARIA (hula hoop).

Due to this event Robert Bronett has postponed the festival CirkusPrinsessan which should have taken place from 3 to 6 June until 30 September to 3 October. The festival will take place in Gotenburg.

9 June 2010

Per Krogh Petersen visited the Danish amusement park Bakken when Pjerrot on 9 June could celebrate his 210 years anniversary. Per writes: Thanks for a great day on BAKKEN (8-6-2010). HAPPY BIRTHDAY PJERROT with the 210 years (Pjerrot on BAKKEN). You can now see some new picture & movie clips from the birthday. Benny Schumann, Kasper Jensen the Clown, Santa Claus, Rune & Pjerrot on stage. Click here for link to Per’s photos.

7 June 2010

No Name Circus 2010. Hans Vedel has visited No Name Circus at Team LA in Solbjerg in the northern part of Jutland and writes:

Can an audience of only 12 persons in a circus building a Sunday in June bring a good circus experience with them back home?

It should be impossible. But in No Name Circus the impossible can be to big applause and reality. This year’s performance is by far the best No Name Circus so far has presented. It is season no 6 for the special circus which is connected to a child care institution which has a lot of animals.

KATJA SCHUMANN presents three beautiful horse entrées. There are moments when you dream back to the days where horse acts as seen in Circus Schumann and the legendary Circus Royal was the base in every circus performance. Wonderful to see that beautiful horse acts still can be seen in a Danish circus ring. Let’s hope that many horse lovers during the summer will enjoy themselves by watching Katja’s presentations in No Name Circus.

Katja Schumann

LUFFE BØGH’S presentation of 10 flighty ponies and another act with a lively bull and two naughty bull calfs proved that also a person not born into circus life can do it very well when he combines interest with hard work.

Luffe and the bull. Behind Katja Schumann

Great animal acts are in itself a great circus experience which especially kids will love. But No Name Circus offers more. The Czech circus family RUML binds the performance together with music, song, run in clowning, juggling, devil stick juggling an aerial act and the youngest son with a rola bola entrée. Very good! It has been a pleasure to see how papa Zedenek has trained his own two kids and several kids from the child care institution. It is the Ruml family’s season no 3 at No Name. Earlier they have toured Denmark with Circus Mascot.

Ruml JR with rola bola

The Circus Building No Name is in itself a sight and invites to a wonderful day in Denmark’s only circus building still being in use as such.

The Circus Building at No Name Circus. All photos shot by Hans Vedel

5 June 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  NOW -- LE THEATRE DE MAGIE DE PARIS, direction, artistic creation and production: CHANTAL AND JAN MADD --celebrates its 20-years-jubilee.

When JAN MADD chose to put an end to his 30-years-artistic career and  to open a Magic Theatre - it was a risky enterprise - savings from the entire career were invested in an old barge which was refurbished as a restaurant, café, bar and --- a theatre of 120 seats.

The French audience doesn't have the old traditions for variety shows as we find in Germany, neither those of the English Music Hall. On the other hand there is a strong theater tradition in France -- but ... there was no safety net.

NOW - after a solid success of 20 years, Paris may well proudly present another tourist attraction: LE THEATRE DE MAGIE DE PARIS METAMORPHOSIS.

The jubilee-celebration program is called MAGICORAMA and we see the BEST OF the best magic illusions as they were presented by the master performers touring the world.

A fantastic evening out - surprises, beauty, fun and poetry made real ... all in a modern style !!

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT !!!

See more: www.metamorphosis-spectacle.fr

Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Jan Madd. Photo by courtesy of Theatre Magie

3 June 2010

Last year Circus Arli as the first circus ever got permission to put up their tent at the Frederiksberg town hall square. The City of Frederiksberg is a modern, metropolitan local authority with the characteristics of a major city and with approximately 95,000 residents.

The visit to Frederiksberg was very successful and will as the photo above indicates be repeated this year.

2 June 2010

Circus Wictoria. Martin Lasson Berglund has taken number of photos from Swedish Circus Wictoria. For the time being Circus Wictoria is on their way to the northern part of Sweden. Click here to see Martin’s photos. You can get further information about Circus Wictoria and see their tour list at www.cirkuswictoria.se/

1 June2010

Schumann and horses. For several generations of Danes the Schumann name was synonymous with world class horse dressage – Schumannship at the family itself called it. The younger generations of Danes knows mainly the Schumann name from the clown and multiartist Benny Schumann whose performance since 1984 has been seen by more than 1 million Danes.

His cousin Katja Schumann performed for several years at New York’s Big Apple Circus with liberty horses and riding high school. In 2008 she came back to Denmark and toured with Circus Dannebrog. Since 2009 she has worked for No Name Circus at Team LA at Bælum.

There is another member of the Schumann family who works with horses and has a dream about making the Schumann name as well-known as horse trainers at it was when Circus Schumann performed in the Copenhagen Circus Building and later toured Denmark with Max Schumann as sole owner.

It is Laura Schumann, daughter of Katja’s brother Philip. Laura is born 16 May 1980 and married to Luis Torres. They live in Sonderso as Funen and works with horse dressage. Luis Schumann Torres tells: ” We have created a way of training horses that will bring

the Schumann name back in to the horse world and in to the 21st century”. You can read about Laura and Luis at their elegant website www.schumannship.dk. The language is English!

Laura Schumann

30 May 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --exactly NOW: CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE  proudly presents  a wonderful program suited  and geared to  the target group of kids between 2 and 10, as well as to their parents and also - why not - to the grand-parents who always take pleasure in accompanying their grand-children to the circus !!

CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE, director and manager HERVE VALLEE has created a concept containing and combining circus acts, acrobatics: vertical rope, tissues, juggling, roller-skating, unicycling on giraffe, trapeze, magic and escapology. Everything is very child-friendly: the acts are short as is the kids' attention span ... The two-masted tent is decorated with cuddle bears, the music is attractive diffusing simple rhythms and there are lots of funny "bits of business". Since the parents enjoy that their offspring is happy - the success is in the basket!

Showtime: 50 minutes, followed by a free kids' soda bar, where pancakes and soft drinks can be bought.

This concept is a most successful one, I saw it some years ago in Paris, CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE has spent the previous year in Bruxelles and they plan to prolong their stay in Paris. To be able to play year-long in one city requires a very big town  in Europe, also the weather counts ...it is less cold in Brussels and Paris than in Copenhagen, the only really big city we have in Scandinavia - would it be possible to play for a whole year there ??

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- also because of a more than hundred year-long theatrical tradition - here we go to the theatre AND TO THE CIRCUS!!!

See more: www.cirque-electrique.com

Reported by ZARRO ZARRO.

Cirque Electrique montage

28 May 2010

New Circus Festival 6th – 31st August. Once again Copenhagen International Theatre fills the Copenhagen summer with the finest, bravest and funniest contemporary circus.

With highly versatile productions there’s room for the thought-provoking, the seductive, the child friendly and the brutal and we have found the perfect settings for each of the performances. You can meet Jeunes Talents Cirque Europe (6-8 aug.), Mille Lundt (6-9 aug.), Okidok (10-12 aug.), Cirque Trottola (from 12 aug.), Lefeuvre & André (13-15 aug.),  Zimmermann & De Perrot (15-17 aug.), Collectif Petit Travers (18-19 aug.), Race Horse Company (20-22 aug.), Nova (25-26 aug.) and TinCanCompany (29-31 aug.). 

28 May 2010

The Truxa award to TinCanCompany. TinCanCompany is a Danish contemporary

circus company formed by Gry Lambertsen and Rune Andersen in 2005. The style is playful, twisted, comical, physical and poetic. Exploring the human nature for better or worse. Using the clowns unique gift to mirror the faults and inabilities of man, and bringing them out in the open for us all to see... Recently the Truxa Memorial Foundation has awarded TinCanCompany the Truxa award to remarkable artiste. Truxas Memorial Foundation was established in memory of the famous Danish magician Truxa (Erik Bang), who passed away in 1996. Read more about TinCanComoany at www.tincancompany.dk

27 May 2010

What makes a circus a Circus? Performing animals was the number one answer to the question “What makes a circus a Circus?” in a recent online survey conducted by the European Circus Association in connection with World Circus Day celebrations last month. Interestingly, while exotic animals such as elephants, tigers, and sea lions, were identified as the most fundamental element of Circus, domestic counterparts such as horses and dogs were identified as defining Circus only after acrobats, the Big Top tent and caravans, clowns, and jugglers. Cotton candy was associated more closely with Circus than popcorn.

In an informal similar survey of the public in Brussels, Belgium conducted on World Circus Day, respondents were asked to write the first three things that came to mind in response to the question “What makes a circus a Circus?” The two most common responses were clowns and acrobats. Animals were accorded an equal role with music in the circus, followed by the circus ring and trapeze and other performing artists. A significant number of those surveyed did not identify individual performers or acts but, instead, provided words that related to the ambiance or the feeling of Circus. The most popular words used to describe the circus experience were “dream, smile, happiness and magic, followed by imagination, danger, laughter, talent, beauty and daring.

The results of these informal surveys may be compared to an independent survey carried out in Germany in 2008 by the professional polling company GFK. Of those surveyed, 96.7% indicated that artists/acrobats are what makes a circus a Circus, while 86.1% viewed animals as a necessary component of circus, and 94.7% identified clowns as the essence of Circus. Approximately 75% of those surveyed associated tents and caravans with Circus.

Photographers now have their turn to define Circus through their photography. The Federation’s ongoing photography contest, opened on World Circus Day, invites photographers to submit up to four color photos responding to the question “What makes a circus a Circus?” The competition will end on 30 June 2010. Additional details as well as the Official Entry Form can be found on the Federation’s website at www.circusfederation.org.

25 May 2010

FLYING SUPERKIDS on tour. FLYING SUPERKIDS - founded in 1967 - is the elite team of the gymnastic club and non-profit organization “Gymnastikgården” (aka “The gymnastic farm”). Over the years, millions of spectators in more than 33 countries have experienced the kids dance, sing and fly. It started out as a traditional gymnastic team, but through the years, Flying Superkids has evolved into a unique show ensemble. This summer the talented superkids is on tour in Denmark visiting Kolding, Odense, Copenhagen and their home town Aarhus. The basic element in the Flying Superkids show is gymnastics; the foundation is skills achieved through long term and continuous training. The show is a journey through the world of gymnastics; an attempt to defy gravity combined with singing, dancing, comedy, and with the children’s joy of life as the most important ingredient. A beautiful light design and a uniquely composed soundtrack support the various choreographies - all produced by the Superkids staff. The Show is known as the only one of its kind in the world – a truly unique show. “It’ an extremely good show”, Jimmy Enoch of Circus Dannebrog writes.

F lying Superkids visit Odense from 30 June to 4 July, Copenhagen from 7 to 18 July and Aarhus from 14 to 20 August.

Flying Superkids. Photos by courtesy of Flying Superkids

24 May 2010 

No Name Circus. Again in 2010 you can meet No Name Circus in the Circus Building at the Team LA part at Solbjerg, Bælum in the northern part of Jutland. Performance daily, however never on Mondays. A lot of horses and other performing animals. As last year Katja Schumann works for No Name Circus. Also the Czech acrobats the Zdenek Ruml family (father, mother and two kids) can be seen in No Name Circus.

No Name Circus- building. Photo: Hans Vedel

16 May 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  but as well in the vicinity -- we will visit  LE MUSEE DU CIRQUE ET DE L'ILLUSION, inaugurated since 2004, located in DAMPIERRE-EN-BURLY, near ORLEANS, somewhat south of Paris.

Artist and circus-lover  REMY DEMANTES  has succeeded in creating a museum that shows us the essential elements in the circus art, as well as the art of magic.

LE MUSEE DU CIRQUE ET DE L'ILLUSION has a wide display of circus props, also of props used by magic entertainers. We see miniature displays of circus enterprises and there are numerous offers of activities for children and adults where they can try out their hidden talents in acrobatics, line-walking, juggling, monocycling and --- magic. There are special bids for school classes and other groups and in a well -stocked shop - it is possible to buy the props needed to continue the training - at home or elsewhere.

Commercial enterprises can here organize conferences, lectures and sales promotions - and entertainment for kids' birthdays is also offered.

All this makes up for a wonderful visit in a marvellous world, filled with dreams and poetry - as in any circus show of good quality.

REMY DEMANTES, together with daughter ANNE SOPHIE have succeeded in creating a space for Circus History - unique in Europe and --- well worth visiting!!

Venue: DAMPIERRE-EN-BURLY, near ORLEANS, somewhat south of Paris-

Phone: ++ 33 2 38 35 67 50.

Email: cirqueetillusion@aol.com

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

Photos from LE MUSEE DU CIRQUE ET DE L'ILLUSION by courtesy of the museum

14 May 2010

On 22 May Soren Arli of Circus Arli can celebrate his 75^th year birthday. Soren Arli is not out of a circus family. As a young man he was apprenticed to a house painter. However he found the life as a performing artist more interesting and on 30 April 1953 he had his debut as an artist at the variety theatre Alhambra at the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen.

Soren Arli is presenting his first entrée. Photo from 1953 by courtesy of Martin Arli

A couple of years later Soren together with his wife Lotte (the couple was married on 29 October 1960 and can celebrate their golden anniversary later this year) created a comical juggling act called Lott and Arli. Furthermore Soren performed as whiteface clown and Lotte did thought reading using the artist name Madame Zarina. With acts like those Soren and Lotte toured with circuses among those the Danish circuses Moreno and Arena.

Lott and Arli 1959. Photo by courtesy of Martin Arli

As many artists Soren Arli had a dream about establishing his own circus. Not the largest circus in the world but a small show with good atmosphere and close contact to the audience. In 1971 his dream came through when Soren and Lotte opened Circus Arli in a tiny 1-pool big top they had made themselves. The staff consisted of Soren, Lotte and their son Martin (born 1960). The first two seasons was spent in Jutland Mini Zoo in Haustrup. Since 1973 Soren Arli and his circus has toured Zealand with a two pole tent with a seating capacity of 220 people. Family members do the acts: Martin and his wife Bettina, their son Alexander (born 1987) assisted by a couple of foreign artist of good standard. Until 2003 Soren acted himself as ringmaster. In 2004 he left this position to his daughter in law Bettina. However Soren still welcomes the audience at the beginning of the performance and are standing just outside the tent and saying goodbye after the performance.

On his 75 years birthday Circus Arli have put up their tent next to the shopping centre in Himmelev, Roskilde. However, no performance is given this day, being Whit Saturday.

Soren Arli. Photo taken by Ole Simonsen in connection with season opening 28 March at Fløng

13 May 2010

Circus Mascot 2010. The Danish Circus Mascot is what Englishmen will call a dog and pony show. Owner Jess Deleuran present his ponies and his wife Marianne her poodles.Their oldest son Daniel can this season be seen with a combined juggling/rola-bola entrée and an act in arial straps and the youngest son Andreas with a diabolo entrée and a clown entrée. MARIANNE and ANDREAS are also presenting trained goats. Furthermore, there is some foreign artist: THE BARBIES presents a quick change act, JEFF JAY a comical trampoline act (the drunken man entrée), THE JAYS a cowboy act with lassos and knife-throwing, GULIO a slinky entrée and several run in’s as clown, his wife TATYANA PRIMACHENKO an act in arial silks and their son HUSIK hula-hoop. Circus Mascot uses a two pole big top seating 260 persons. Music is taped. Circus Mascot was established in 1994 by Marianne and Jess Deleuran.

13 May 2010

Einar Trie’s Circus Charlie has not had a regular touring season since 2007. Instead they have given a limited number of performances in Aarhus and Skive and been involved in training etc of youth circus kids.

This goes also for 2010. In week 26 they are involved in the yearly European Circuscamp at their winter quarter at Cirkusfabrikken in Salling. You can find further information at www.circuscamp.eu

In each of the weeks 27 to 30 they will arrange a circus holiday camp for families. In week 31 Einar Trie and Circus Charlie are involved in UniCycleCamp 2010.

4 May 2010

Free riding in the ring. 25 April I mentioned that Circus Benneweis has a new offer to children in the audience: horse riding in the ring at a real circus horse. 30 minutes before each performance kids can try their luck as circus riders. Here you can see a photo from such riding.

Riding in the ring. The girl at the photo is the daughter of Rosi Hochegger and Roger Mettin. However, the riding is for ordinary kids and not for children of performers. Photo: Helle Thomsen

3 May 2010

Danish circus book now for sale in America. Last autumn Aase Thomassen published the book ”La Norma”. In the book she tells the story about the trapeze star Norma Nielsen, born in Randers (Denmark) in 1926. In the 1940’ties she became a star in Denmark. Later she went to America where she performed as a centre ring star in Ringling and other leading circuses. The touching story about Norma’s way to international stardom has interested many and the richly illustrated book are now also for sale at the American market.

A short while ago the first books was delivered to the American agent Peter Adams who had asked the author to inscribe the book together with the key person Norma Fox. It happened in Sarasota, Florida.

 Peter Adams had asked Aase Thomassen and Norma Fox to inscribe the first copies of the book for the American market. It is La Norma to the left

La Norma 1946. Photo from the programme for Danish Circus Belli. Bent Petersen’s collection. During the tour with Circus Belly La Norma met her coming husband André Fox. He was a member of the French troupe of riders Yves de la Cour presenting dressage riding

2. maj 2010

World Circus Day celebrated all over the world. It was not just in Denmark the international circus day was celebrated on 17 April. Fédération Mondiale du Cirque has circulated the following press release:

FIRST WORLD CIRCUS DAY CELEBRATED ON FIVE CONTINENTS.  Festivities held in 36 Countries

The importance of Circus as a performing art and as living cultural heritage was overwhelmingly demonstrated by World Circus Day festivities in 36 countries in North, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Building on the success of the European Circus Association’s celebrations the third Saturday of April each year, the first World Circus Day took place on 17 April 2010 under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Honorary President of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque.

“The success of the first World Circus Day, a day designated to honor and celebrate the circus in all of its many forms, demonstrates its continuing popularity and universal appeal of circus as part of our shared cultural heritage,” said H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

Circuses, both classical and contemporary, were joined by circus festivals, circus friends and circus historical societies, professional circus schools, youth organizations, museums and libraries housing circus collections, representatives of local governments, public sector cultural organizations and state-sponsored circus companies to celebrate World Circus Day with some celebrations lasting as long as ten days. More than 75 individual events were registered on the Federation’s website (www.circusfederation.org), with many additional celebrations, both planned and spontaneous, taking place.

From Europe’s largest circus to family, youth, and amateur circuses around the globe, World Circus Day was celebrated by parades, open air shows, gala events, open doors, exhibitions, competitions, raffles, and give-aways, and free admission to circus shows under tents, in halls and on stages. These celebrations created opportunities for the public, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, to celebrate Circus. In Nairobi, United Nations Under Secretary General Achim Steiner hosted a special performance by Kenyan acrobats for United Nations staff and their families.

Highlighting the history of the modern circus, the grandchildren of the founder of the India circus received a special momento. Newly published books on the golden era of circus in Mexico and the history of the Big Top in England were launched at book signing events held in Puebla and London. Perhaps challenging the commonly held view of London as the birthplace of the modern circus, indigenous performers in Mexico performed acrobatic acts that have long been part of this community’s traditional rituals. Similarly, celebrations in the Republic of Sahka, Russian Federation featured Yakut traditional folkore while in Lithuania the public enjoyed live circus singing, an important part of the area’s circus tradition.

The commitment of circuses and circus people to philanthropy was apparent at numerous World Circus Day events. Several fundraising events for local charities were organized in England; in Brazil more than 2,000 underprivileged children were invited to circus shows. South Africans, including some in circus costume, participated in a 5k fun run/walk to raise funds for local organisations. In the United States, a celebration generated funds to benefit rural families in Mongolia. Social circus organizations based in the United States that employ circus arts to help kids living with cancer and to build bridges between communities also opened their doors to demonstrate the power of Circus.

Events highlighting the special role of animals in the classical circus included a workshop on the care of performing animals in partnership with an animal welfare organization in Lithuania, as well as open stables and open animal training sessions in circuses across Italy as well as in Poland. In Germany, a local mayor hosted a bountiful breakfast for an African elephant. World Circus Day events in Bucharest combined open animal training sessions and a free show for underprivileged children.

Always loyal, circus friends’ organizations from Monaco, Denmark, France, Italy, and the United States celebrated by attending circus performances, hosting special gatherings, or partnering with others in the circus community to offer high quality World Circus Day events. Circus photographers hosted an exhibition in Sweden, musicians performed under Big Tops in France and elsewhere, and a British watercolour artist painted clowns in a 12-hour open studio event. Circus professionals, students and amateurs demonstrated circus arts and skills in France, Latvia and Ukraine; students in Australia combined their skills to build a human wall in the streets of Melbourne. More than 800 children participated in a week of workshops and performances in Munich.

Additional details about World Circus Day events and contacts for further information can be found on the Federation’s website. World Circus Day also served as the opening of the Federation’s Second Annual World-Wide Photography contest. Photographs that answer the question “What makes a Circus a Circus?” may be submitted to PhotoContest@circusfederation.org through 30 June 2010. The next World Circus Day will be celebrated on Saturday, 16 April 2011.

2 May 2010

Charlie & Binalto from Circus 3. Per Krogh Petersen has seen one of the shows which the clowns (Jan Kierulf and Bo Bjerregaard) from Circus 3 present in shopping centres etc. All over Denmark. Click here to see Per’s photos and report from the show.

25 April 2010

Appetizer to the Benneweis-performance. Circus Benneweis has made a short video-trailer with highlights from this year’s performance. Click here to see the trailer.

Free riding in the ring. Circus Benneweis has a new offer to children in the audience: horse riding at a real circus horse. 30 minutes before each performance kids can try their luck as circus riders. The horse trainer Roger Mettin will teach them how to stand up on a running horse. Of cause using a lounge to make sure that no one is hurt. Horseriding is free of charge for every child with ticket to the circus performance.

25 April 2010

Martin Arli celebrated his 50 years birthday one day before the birthday: 25 April. The circus tent was put up at a parking lot in Bagsværd and Martin and his wife Bettina had invited a number of friends to a both delicious and enjoyable lunch in the tent.

The guest persuaded Martin Arli and Danish actress and singer Grethe Mogensen to sing a song together

24 April 2010

Royal visit in Circus Arli. This year’s first royal visit to a Danish circus took place when Circus Arli on 13 April visited Fredensborg. Among the visitors were HRH Prince Christian, born on 15 October 2005 and HRH Princess Isabella, born on 21 April 2007. Their parents are the Danish Crown Prince HRH Frederik and his wife HRH Crown Princess Mary.

The prince and the princess followed the performance with great interest

Prince Christian enjoyed himself at Circus Arli’s tiny merry-go-round. Both photos by courtesy of the Arli family

24 April 2010

In connection with the annual general meeting on 17 April in Danske Cirkusvenner (Danish Circus Fans association) former chairman Jens Frobenius and former cashier Bjarne Laursen was made honorary members of the association. Jens and Bjarne have done a tremendous job in connection with the establishment of the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, having the largest circus collection in the Nordic Countries.

From left Jens Frobenius, present chairman John Lington and Bjarne Laursen. Photo: Per Krogh Petersen

After the general meeting World Circus Day was celebrated in cooperation with the Circus Museum. About 40 persons listened to a talk show with Danish star artist Freddi Steckel who told about his life in circus. The Circus Museum had about 100 visitors looking at the collections and a lot of children enjoyed the clown Pee Wee. Jorgen Lorenzen gave a lecture about Danish wild cat trainer Carl Mundeling and showed a film with Carl and his tigers. There was also film clips from the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo 2009.

Danske Cirkusvenner and the museum have decided also in 2011 to celebrate World Circus Day.

24 April 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   --   even now when the theatre season is about to end -- but we have school holidays now - and thus family shows! So - NOW --- THEATRE MARSOULAN proudly presents MARGOT MAGIC SHOW - really a musical with dancing, funny happenings, magic and big illusions - the latter otherwise mostly seen at the circus.

The show is briskly conducted, with great enthusiasm, the story is clear and interesting: it is about a girl who lost her dog, she walks into the big forest where she meets the witch - a rather kind and sympathetic one - and various situations occur.

The magic: the witch performs magic where tied silks mysteriously untie themselves, doves are produced from nowhere and disappear in a box, where the lateral parts flip down and -- a big cat is standing there!

The illusion known as THE SWORD CABINET: the girl is put into a rather small cabinet, which is transperced with canes and two square tubes - chimney style - allowing the audience to see right through the cabinet. Of course, there is a Happy Ending - the girl steps out of the cabinet - unharmed!

As a Grande Finale the witch is put into a cone-sized cabinet, where her head emerges at the top and the arms - normally - at both sides. Suddenly - her head moves down to the level of her feet, then up again only to find that her arms are at the bottom level - this effect is repeated and creates a very hilarious effect. Then finale with the whole ensemble singing and dancing to a professionally conceived sound-track.

Author: Alexandre Vaz, Songwriter: Marielle Beaulieu. Actors: Marielle Beaulieu, Emmanuel Treffle, Nicolas Godefroy, Emilie Roussaly, Sissi Robiette.

THEATRE MARSOULAN has a comfortable interior, including a good technical installation and a well-sized stage making larger productions possible. The programs include theatre, music and dance - so knowledge of French is not always necessary and the welcoming staff speaks English. Well worth seeing - and -- IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!! 

Venue: 20, rue Marsoulan, 75012 Paris, Métro Nation or Métro Picpus /then a short walk/.

See more: www.theatremarsoulan.com

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

21 April 2010

On 26 April Martin Arli of Danish Circus Arli can celebrate his 50 years birthday. When he was born both his parents Lotte and Søren Arli worked for Danish Circus Moreno. In the following years Martin followed his parents when they worked in circuses in Denmark and abroad with the comical juggling act Lott & Arli. Furthermore Søren worked as white faced clown and Lotte as mind reader under the name Madame Zarina.

In 1965 Lotte and Søren was again touring with Circus Moreno. The main star this season was Charlie Rivel. Martin remembers how he every night sat in the dressing room and watched Charlie painting his face. That’s when Martin decided that he wanted to be a clown.

As many artists Søren and Lotte Arli had a dream about establishing their own circus. In 1971 their dream came through when they opened Circus Arli in a tiny 1-pool big top they had made themselves. The staff consisted of Søren, Lotte and their son Martin (born 1960). The first two seasons was spent in Jutland Mini Zoo in Haustrup.

Søren and Martin Arli in front of the circus in 1971. Photo from the Arli family collection

Since 1973 Circus Arli has toured Zealand with a two pool big top with seating capacity of 220 people. Family members do the acts: Martin and his wife Bettina, their son Alexander (born 1987) assisted by a couple of foreign artist of good standard. The performance is charming and very friendly to children who especially seem to like the clown act Martino & co. However also grown up persons like the special atmosphere in the tiny circus and for many families it has been a tradition for many years every year to visit Circus Arli. They have visitors who started coming with their children and now bring their great grandchildren!

The clown Martino aka Martin Arli 2010

Martin Arli 2010

14 April 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  presently at the THEATRE CLAVEL, proudly presenting THE RENZOS - a very good Music Hall Family Show, featuring two all-round-artists: clowning, comedy, juggling clubs and rings, as well as a routine with the cigar-boxes, slack/swinging rope with more juggling , magic: Three Card Monte with super-size cards on pedestals, where the game is to "find the Queen of Hearts"  and a good version of the Substitution Trunk where the artists  quickly change places although locked in a postal bag and in a wooden crate. Furthermore: music on the trumpet and percussion, an interlude with a trained budgie and a dove. Tap Dancing, hand-to-hand acrobatics, and lots of fun and bits of business which all awoke the audience's interest and enthusiasm.

Les Renzo. Photo by courtesy of the artists

Theatre CLAVEL, about 150 seats, was filled up, groups of children aged 4 - 8, with their attendants. I saw the performance on a Wednesday, when French schoolchildren are off from school,   officially to be able to attend classes of religious knowledge, which French, secular state school does not offer. It should be noted that that the French Republic has no official religion, but on the other hand it guarantees full freedom of religious practice.

Thus - a very visual show with minor elements of talking which all contributed to the lively and enthusiastic reaction of the children, also responding well to offers of interaction.

A professionally recorded sound track accompanied the show-

All in all - an excellent family show !!!

Length of show: a good hour. Venue: Theatre CLAVEL, 3 rue Clavel, Métro: Pyrénées /easy to reach from center of city/-

This write-up should be seen as a continuation of my efforts to spread info about minor theatres in Paris featuring programs well worth seeing !!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

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

9 April 2010

World Circus Day on 17 April 2010. Fédération Mondiale du Cirque and Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco have taken initiative to the first World Circus Day to take place on Saturday, 17 April 2010. Thus, this initiative, which was begun by the European Circus Association two years ago, will become truly global in 2010. World Circus Day is marked in a large number of countries all over the world.

In Denmark it is marked by Danish Circus Friends Association in co-operation with the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen. There will be clown performance, an old artist telling about his life, film and TV clips and open at the museum which has the largest circus collection in the Nordic Countries. Danish Circus Fans Association will have their annual general meeting in connection with the event.

In Sweden World Circus Day is marked by Circus Brazil Jack in Gothenburg and by the Swedish Circus Academy at Swedish Circus Museum in Ingelsträde (Höganäs). Furthermore there will be a photo exhibition from Festival du Cirque Monte Carlo 2010 in Växsjö.

The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, has announced its second annual worldwide circus photo contest that will begin on World Circus Day, Saturday, 17 April 2010.

The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers, as well as circus friends and hobbyists. This year’s contest will focus on color photography and asks competitors to submit photos that answer the question:  What makes a circus a circus?

Like the first contest, the winning photographs will be selected by an international jury of circus historians.  H.S.H. Princess Stephanie will again select the “best of show” photograph.  The winning photos will be published in a 2011 calendar, which will be available in September 2010.

“Last year’s contest was a great success, drawing entries from more than a dozen countries,” said Laura van der Meer, Executive Director of the Federation.  “We want to expand that base this year by kicking off the contest during the festivities and publicity surrounding the first World Circus Day.”

Photographs must be in color and submitted electronically in jpeg format to PhotoContest@circusfederation.org before 30 June 2010 to be eligible for judging. Photographers may submit up to 4 photographs.  Contest entries must be accompanied by an Official Entry Form available at www.circusfederation.org

The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in 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. 

7 April 2010

Tiny Danish Circus Mascot has their opening nights on 8 and 9 April in Roslev. They write:

The entire Denmark’s favourite Family Circus' is again ready to welcome the audience to a new and exciting season. Circuses have many traditions that are totally unbreakable and must be respected. But our slogan “'circus for the entire family' 'obliges us to follow with the times and we have always done our utmost best to do so.

In addition, we have handpicked top artists from different places in Europe. Amongst those MR Rubber Face from Britain aka MR Jeff Kershaw. And the kid’s favourite, the clown Gulio, is still part of our company. And a lot of animals: dogs, goats and horses.

Our 2 sons present advanced balancing, diabolo, juggling and aerial acrobatics and much much more...

You can look forward to at memorable evening!

As something new Circus Mascot begun to published their tour plan 1-2 weeks ahead. Like touring plans for the other Danish circuses you can see it at What's On.

Interior from Circus Mascot, using a two pole tent seating 260 persons

7 April 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  also this year ... LA FOIRE DU TRONE opens on the Pelouse de Reuilly, the big circus area where most X-mas circuses perform.

LA FOIRE DU TRONE is - as you can easily understand - a FUN FAIR, Carnival in American English, it started just before the first millennium in 900- something   ----- and has then proved its value as a popular entertainment ground.

We find here the best of travelling entertainment in France and the tent-holders are happy to remain for two months, April thru May, and to have steady work. However, the general development and modern times have made the small tent-varieties disappear, as well as various illusions like the lady without head... and .all kinds of curios and sensational items presented in a pitch. This year we see for the first time CIRQUE BOLETTI, a French family circus presenting many performing animals: lions, tigers, camels/one hump/, dromedaries/two humps/, lamas, donkeys and ... animals from the farm!.

All members of the family perform: acrobatics in aerial ring and Roman rings, acrobatics on table, chair-balancing, juggling, clowning with a lot of audience particpation and several acts with performing animals, clever and beautiful as they are ...

The accompanying music is recorded, not possible to hire a band, all material and props are freshly painted and in good condition.

The show is very children-friendly, especially towards the smaller ones - and there is pony-riding during the break - a must !!!! Showtime: 1.5 hour.

Like in the wake of football matches, violence has spread also here, after some problems there now is a massive number of police, the public is checked, sometimes frisked, before being allowed entrance, this started in 2009 - apparently necessary to ensure that everybody gets a pleasant experience, a nice afternoon or evening!!

AND - IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

See more: http://www.foiredutrone.com/ -- in French but many nice photos.

Surfing on the Net you may find info in English.

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

6 April 2010

CirkusPrinsessan 2010 (Circus Princess 2010). Last year Robert Bronett re-established the Swedish circus festival CirkusPrinsessan where all the performers are female. This year the festival will move from Stockholm to Gothenburg where it will take place at Liseberg from 3 to 6 June.

Producer Robert Bronett tells: Circus Princess is no ordinary circus! It showcases some of the world’s most talented, hypnotizing and exciting female artists; all here to outperform each other to win the title of Circus Princess 2010! Artists from famous circus families compete side by side with fantastic talent from Circus Schools all over the world . It is an exhibition, where the artists dare to experiment and blend different genres within circus as well as other great art forms. We promise you an exhilarating and exciting show, full of surprises and one that is sure to entertain and enchant you…

Read more at http://cirkusprinsessan.net/

5 April 2010

Circus Zorba is the smallest of the three Norwegian circuses touring in 2010. The Gujord family established Circus Zorba in 1992. Season 2010 begin 7 April in their hometown Kristiansund.

In this year’s performance you will meet:

- Duo Contact with handstand

- Clown Duet with new and funny entrées

- Peter Bors with ladder balancing

- Laszlo Nacsa in arial straps

- 19 year old circus manager Ronja Gujord on horseback in a romantic entrée.

- The 14 year old rubber boy Ludvik (contortion)

 - An animal act with ponies, dogs, goats, house cats, a donkey and a polecat

- The Siberian giant Gouriov juggling with cannon balls

- 14 year old Angelica in swing trapeze

- The Dworaks with Risley/perch act

- Miss Otilia in arial ring

- House cats presented by Hungarian Fatima and Pazo

- Mr. Jumping comical trampoline

Miss Ottilia. Photo from Circus Baldoni 2006

5 April 2010

Circus Wictoria - Circus Olympia - Circus Maximum 2010. Swedish circus fan Martin Lasson Berglund has visited the three circuses mentioned above and writes:

CIRCUS WICTORIA 2010

Circus Wictoria had their opening night on 26 March at Heby close to Uppsala. Circus Wictoria is now owned by Lars Åke and Karin Jonsson and their ambition is to offer a traditional family circus.

This year’s performance is both entertaining and varying. Ivan Tomov from Bulgaria presented his playful dogs. Both small and large St Bernard dogs were in the ring. Stiliana from Belgium did tight wire walking and did something as unusual as walking on wooden blocks. A very god act with pace and elegance. She also had a foot juggling entrée with balls and fire. From Mongolia came the young Uyanga who probably was the top artist in the performance. She shot an arrow from a bow using her foot and wrestled herself in various contortion positions. Uyanga will also be one of the participants in the Swedish version of the TV show Got talent! The animal trainer Jessica Bengtsson presented camels, Arabian stallions, goats, alpacas and a dog. It is the second season she is with Wictoria and all the animals come from Circus Olympia. Jessica presented all animals with charm and elegance and you did not notice it was opening night as all animals know what they was expected to do. This year’s clowns Duo Matvees from Russia present a lot of comical run-ins. They are easy to understand what is good for a sometimes discerning Swedish audience. The live band has this year 4 members which is great as you now also can hear the sound from a trumpet. It is a very nice traditional circus program in classical style. I can certainly recommend a visit during the summer. Circus Wictoria is touring in the Stockholm area.

Uyanga. Photo: Martin Lasson Berglund

If you want to know more about Circus Wictoria visit www.cirkuswictoria.se or send an e-mail to martin@cirkuswictoria.se

CIRCUS OLYMPIA 2010

I would call the performance in Circus Olympia 2010 for at happy and acrobatic performance. The troupe Black Jambo from Kenya offers a wonderful combination of summersaults and play. They are fast and smiling. Duo Axt on bike is also an impressive act. Last year I saw them in Circus Berolina in Germany and now they are in Sweden. Nice props and a very elegant act.  Henrika Bengtsson’s charming dogs are presented in ”small style”  which is good for the act. It’s an act with happy and playful dogs who really want to show the tricks they have learned. Niklas Bengtsson present this season a new animal group with Frisian horses, white camels and a pony. A new and different act which will be even better when the animals have grown a bit. Even Niklas' wife, Natascha presents a new group of goats in a most entertaining way. Also Oleg Sheludyakov in Washington trapeze is impressively. Last, but not least we have Circus Olympia’s fabulous band with conductor Valentin Smirnov who have worked for the circus for many years. He has certainly improved the quality of the music at Olympia and is every year handpicking good musicians from Russia and Ukraine.

Circus Olympia is a family owned business, founded by Herbert and Henrika Bengtsson in 1985. The chapiteau seats 600 and the show feature international artists and a 9 piece live band. The show tours southern Sweden from late March to October. Circus Olympia owns several animal groups which are rented to other European circuses.

Duo Axt. Photo: Martin Lasson Berglund

CIRCUS MAXIMUM 2010

Last year some circus fans was a bit disappointed by Maximum having a ”thin” program without any star performers. This year is different. Maximum 2010 offer a great performance with skilled artist and good animal acts. Anton Frank presents an exoten act with camels, watusi cow, highland cattle, llamas and an Indian zebu. I believe that it is more than 10 years since we last time saw a watusi cow in a Swedish circus ring. Anton presents also Arabian stallions and later elephants from Circus Arenas. Trio Vinicki - Smaha are three gifted jugglers who you enjoy watching. Messoudi I saw first in German Circus Voyage and after that in Circus Dannebrog in Sweden. A strong and very good acrobatic act on high level! Even Garcia in their space rocket we have seen in Denmark. But it is new in Sweden and it is a great act with the artist doing difficult and dangerous tricks in their revolving rocket. In the performance you will also meet the quick-change couple Sudartchikov, Ingo Stiebner with his sealions, the Rossyan clowns and Paulo Kaiser in a rola bola entrée. The conclusion is clear: Maximum 2010 is a great show well worth a visite. Maximum, being the leading Swedish circus, is touring Sweden from north to south. – Click here to see a blog (in Swedish and English) with info and photos from life in Circus Maximum.

Messoudi Acrobats. Photo shot in Circus Dannebrog 2008

3 April 2010

Circus Dannebrog 2010. This year’s performance is called A tribute to Haddy Enoch. Haddy Enoch, being the founder of the present Circus Dannebrog, passed away in November 2009. The artists for season 2010 was booked before he died. Thus, season 2010 can be called the last programme put together by the late master. The performance was as in the later years staged by Isabella Enoch in her well-known music hall style with ballet, light and colourful costumes. Impressive!

The performance began with what Americans would call an ”opening spec” with all the performers entering the ring doing a few tricks. Accompanied by beautiful singing: Aura Guerrero, who we met in the last act in the show, is a very good singer.

First act in the performance was the Moroccan tumblers Casablanca Troupe in a great entrée with lots of human pyramids. It is many year since I have seen a similar act in a Danish circus. Then came Bernhard Kaselowsky in the ring with his camels. After him came Ksenia and Pasha (Pavel Voladas) in tissue (arial silks). Then came a Wild West show with lasso and whip, done by two members of the Veslov-troupe. Very often it is the male partner doing all the tricks in such an entrée. But in the charming act presented by Veslovs also the female partner did a number of tricks.  

It is not easy to get good classical musical clowns. But the Enoch family has once again managed to get some of the very best: The Michels with their great version of the water entrée. Although José Michel has done this entrée for many years he and his two partners is in the same good form as when I saw them first time many years ago. As usual the entrée began and ended with music on saxophones. Last act before the interval was Bernhard Kaselowsky who assisted by his daughter Melanie presented his elephant in a nice routine.

Bernhard Kaselowsky’s elephant. Photo: Lise Kokholm

After the interval you met the magical entrée Black and White presented by Augusto Goncalves and a couple of female assistants. They did several nice tricks, including a face-lifted version of the well-known substitution trunk. Then the Veslovski-family was back – probably dad, mother and daughter – with a roller skate act. Save your love my darling, save your love was a 1982 hit with the duo Renée and Renato. As far as I know it was the Italian lush tenor Renato Pagliari’s only true hit. Many others have mimed to the song. But in my eyes (or ears) no one has done it as good as José Michel who had a great run-in after the roller skates. Then we met Pavel Voladas in horizontal bar in a tango inspired entrée where he got help from the dancer Rikke Dall-Hansen.

Voladas. Photo: Lise Kokholm

Next act was Gabi Donnert with elegant and well-groomed horses that did everything you could expect from a first class liberty act. Last act in then performance was the high wire act Duo Guerreros, twice awarded a silver clown in Monte Carlo and once with the jury’s special prize. You will understand why when you have seen their impressive act where she sings during her tight wire walking! Aura told me after the performance that it was their first time in Denmark. She got the idea of singing during the act 11 years ago when she believed that something new was needed.

Duo Guerreros during the decent. Photo: Lise Kokholm. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

29 March 2010

Circus Arli 2010. Circus Arli is certainly not a large circus. Their tent can only seat approximately 250 persons. But as usual they present a very nice and family friendly performance.

Martin Arli began the performance with the poetic entrée where the clown does his makeup in the ring. An entrée which the Arli’s introduced back in 1978. Thus changed to the clown Martino he welcomed the audience with a song called Long live the Circus.

Then his father Soren Arli welcomed the audience and turned over the mike to his daughter in law Bettina Arli who as usual did a great job as ringmistress.

First act in the show was the juggler Rius (Darius) with a nice juggling entrée with footballs. Then came Kristaps who dressed as pirates had a magical entrée.

Kristaps

The Martino had a run-in assisted by two kids from the audience. In Circus Arli you are always looking forward to the act presented by the very talented Alexander Arli. Every year he presents something new. This year is was a fine tap-dancing entrée which also included juggling.

Then Darius came back, this time with a fine ladder balancing act in which he was assisted by his female partner.

For many years the goat Bukke was a star in Circus Arli’s performances. By the mind during the years there was probably more than one Bukke. Due to the tradition it is quite natural to celebrate the tiny circus’ season number 40 with a goat act- this time with 3 goats, skilfully presented by Martin Arli. He was followed by Gogol in what is called a miniput entrée (see photo),

Gogol

Most dog acts in a circus are done by poodles which seems easy to train. However Missina master to train dachshunds which are much more difficult to train. She did a charming entrée and you could feel that also the dogs were enjoying the performance. In an Arli performance you will always meet the clowns Martino & Co. – Martin and Alexander Arli assisted by Bettina. This year they started playing music. Later in the act Alexander did glockenspiel and Martin plaid jazz on hunk horns fastened to his costume. Then came the well-known balloon shooting gag. The act ended with music – Martin playing trombone and Alaxander trumpet. After the clowns came Ina Sopova with an elegant foot juggling act in which she wears boots with high heels. The closing of the performance was as poetic as the beginning when Martin made his clown makeup: Martin entered the stage with a doll that first song What a wonderful world and then When the saints go marching in while all the performers entered the stage to get their well-deserved applause.

What a wonderful world. Martino and his doll. Click here to see more photos from the performance. 

25 March 2010

Circus Brazil Jack 2010. The Rhodin family is one of the oldest circus families in Sweden. The first Circus Brazil Jack was established 111 years ago by Brazil Jack aka Carl Max Alexander Rhodin. The present Circus Brazil Jack is owned by his grandson Trolle Rhodin JR and Trolle’s wife Carmen. They are always presenting a fine and traditional circus performance. Opening night this year was on 24 March at Malmö in the southern part of Sweden.

Main star this season is the wonderful run-in-clown Francesco. Francesco (Francis Brunaud) was born in Paris, France in 1950. He was graduated as a clown at Ecole Nationale du Cirque (today the Académie Fratellini) in 1978. Francesco made his professional debut as a "reprise" clown at Cirque Jean Richard, and has since then worked for leading circuses in Europe and USA. He has also a couple of times participated in the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. In Denmark we saw him last time in 2005 at Circus Benneweis. The Swedish audience met him at Circus Scott in 2000. And now he is back in Sweden with Circus Brazil Jack where you can see a number of his most beloved run-ins.

Other performers are Daniel with ladder balancing and juggling, Pat Harrison (sometimes called Pat Clarrison) with his hot dogs (a dog entrée he has taken over from his father Pete Harrison) and the Dragomir troupe with hand voltige, Russian bar and teeterboard (up to 5 men high). 6 ponies are presented by German Yvonne Lübben (daughter of the clown Lubino). 37 years old Yvonne is also riding high school on a beautiful black Frisian horse.

Circus Brazil Jack has an excellent 6 pieces bank from Ukraine.

Yvonne Lübben. Photo by courtesy of Circus Brazil Jack

Francesco. Click here to see more photos from the performance

24 March2010

Massy International Circus Festival at MOVIE THEATERS.  Massy International Circus Festival is coming out in various 3D movie theatres on MAY 26th, 2010. It will be first launched in France in about 200 3D movie theatres before getting out in the rest of Europe. The teaser can presently be seen in 3D movie theatres just before "Alice in Wonderland" of Tim Burton. A very nice operation that will promote Massy International Circus Festival worldwide as being "The Circus Festival that you should NOT miss"!

Click here to watch the teaser.

20 March 2010

Circus Baldoni is a Danish medium size circus without any connection to German Circus Baldoni. Their 2010-performance begins with the young clown Danilo entering the stage (Circus Baldoni use a stage instead of a traditional circus ring) with a basket in which he collects light as Oleg Popov did in one of his famous entrées. Then the entire corps of artists enter the stage and sings Circus Baldoni’s welcome song (a tradition in Circus Baldoni). Then comes the Yuan Guosheng-troupe with ”jumper-spring” e.g. jumps where the artist has some sort of springs on their foots (see photo below). The troupe’s agent Jörgen Börsch tells that it is first time such an act is presented outside China.

Yuan Guosheng-truppen

After a short run-in with the clowns Danilo and Danila comes Miguel Peris with a slinky-entrée. During the later years many artist has presented such an act. Miguel Peris version of the act is among the very best such acts.

Circus owner René Mønster appeared years ago as a magician and presented spectacular illusions at e.g. Circus Arena. In the later years he has mainly been seen as ventriloquist and René and his ventriloquist doll Leonardo the lion are among the children’s favourites in Circus Baldoni where the jointly acts as ringmasters. Following Miguel Peris entrée René and Leonardo presented the Hungarian Varadi-family with a nice and funny plate spinning act.   After them came Alicia Peris with a charming lasso-entrée. Then you met Danilo and Danila who dressed as Indians did the well-known knife thrower gag with a member of the audience as assistant. Last act before the interval was two female members of the Guosheng-troupe: Guan Huifang and Li Ling. They presented a spectacular balancing act which also proved their skills as contortionists.

Guan Huifang and Li Ling

First act after the interval was bungee-jump performed by the 4 male members of the Guosheng-troupe.  Bungee-jump acts are usually only seen in larger circuses. E.g. Circus Arena has this year such an act in their show. Then Danilo entered the stage with a run-in in which two members of the audience should act as singers while he was painting them(at least that was what they believed!) He was followed by the young juggler Nandor Varadi who can juggle with clubs as well as balls as well as rings. He can manage to juggle with no less than 7 clubs and 9 rings. After him came his parents Diana and Michi Varadi with a charming act with 5 happy poodles and a tiny Chihuahua.

Then Danilo and Danila entered the stage as Mr Hokus and Miss Focus in a comical magician entrée. Last act before the Grand Finale was Duo Peris with a roller skate act with all the tricks you will expect from at first rate act. -  Music is plaid by a two pieces band (drums and keyboard/electrical clarinet).

With this year’s performance Baldoni owners Thessa and René Mønster has once again proven that they can present a nice and family friendly performance.

René Mønster and Leonardo. Click her for link to more photos from the performance.

20 March 2010

 IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --- here is another among the many small theatres presenting a MAGIC SHOW for children and their parents - it’s fun, captivating and educational. ESPACE LA COMEDIA proudly presents MAGIC SHOW ALCHIMIE FEERIQUE / A FAIRY TALE WITH ALCHEMY/ featuring magic entertainer SEBASTIEN GAYOU and partner.

The entire show is based on the children's active participation and interaction - the magic effects are used only as a pretext to create an hour's entertainment for the whole family, where the impossible suddenly becomes reality and where dreams come true.

When the curtain rises we see a lot of theatrical and magic props - this awakes interest and surprise - the question that comes to mind is " what  is going to happen with all these mystic and intriguing things ??

SEBASTIEN GAYOU reaches out to his audience, the success is there and everybody applauds, to the rhythm of the recorded music in the finale. The show is 50 minutes, perfect for a young audience whose attention span is short.

Point of interest: France has an old and well established tradition for going to the theatre - this goes back to the medieval plays, performed in the churches and later on on the place in front of these churches - this tradition was strengthened by the classic plays by authors Molière, Racine and Corneille -- up to this day both Paris and the rest of France have a thriving theatre life. This goes for the smaller theatres as well - people bring their offspring to the theatre !!!

Venue: ESPACE LA COMEDIA, 6 Impasse Lamier, Metro: Philippe Augute.

See more: www.magicsebpro.com

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

Sébastien GAYOU

20 March 2010

ECA press release: Ombudsman Criticizes Commission’s handling of Austrian Case:

Legality or Illegality of Circus Animal Ban Not Established

Finding in favour of the European Circus Association, the European Ombudsman last

week issued a formal decision that the European Commission committed mal-administration in connection

with its decision to close its infringement action against Austria. The Commission had initiated legal proceedings against Austria in 2005 on the basis of its conclusion that Austria’s ban on non-domesticated animals in the circus violated the European Treaty’s provision guaranteeing European citizens the right of freedom of movement to provide services throughout the European Community. The Commission later terminated the case for “political” reasons.

According to the European Ombudsman: “The statement used by the Commission in order to justify its political stance in the present case, that is, that “animal welfare issues are better left to Member States” appears to be tantamount to acknowledging that, in all matters concerning animal welfare, the Commission is ready to abdicate from its role as

Guardian of the Treaties. Such a statement does not comply with the duty to provide correct, clear and understandable reasons to justify the exercise of the Commission’s discretionary powers to close an inquiry on an infringement complaint. This was an instance of mal-administration.”

The Commission’s decision to abandon the case for political reasons has been misinterpreted by some Member States and local authorities as indicating that such a ban is legal. On the contrary, the Ombudsman’s decision highlighted the fact that the Commission’s choice to close the case was not premised on “whether the Austrian law was in conformity with the Treaty or not” but, instead, on political considerations. Accordingly, the Commission’s closure of the case is unrelated to the question of whether such a ban violates European law.

The European Circus Association and its members are content with the Ombudsman’s criticism of the Commission and will continue with legal action against Austria in national court challenging the legality of the ban under both European Community and Austrian law.

19 March 2010

Circus Benneweis 2010. Circus Benneweis had a very strong program in 2009. Everybody wondered; could they do it once again? After the opening night in Hillerod on 17 March we know the answer: yes, they could! Diana Benneweis and her team have even produced a performance being better than last year! There were standing ovations after the performance. Also the top name in the performance, Chinese Cong Tian was greeted with standing ovations after his act. Something I never before have experienced in a Danish circus but only in Monte Carlo. By the mind Cong Tian was awarded a silver clown in Monte Carlo some years ago.

Before the performance started a cleaning lady, Frau Schmidt, began to sweep the ring clean. However, ringmaster Kim Kenneth managed to get the sour cleaning lady out of the ring and wanted then to introduce the first act in the performance. However he was interrupted when a carrier brought a large package into the ring. The carrier was this year’s run-in clown Don Christian. Inside the parcel you found one of the young artists from Art Allé Ensemble, which then entered the ring. The 12 person large troupe has members in the age between 12 and 22 (one member is 38 years old). They present a wonderful and funny children super show with include a combination of all sorts of acrobatics. A great start for the performance!

Art Allé Ensemble. Photo: Circus Benneweis/Arne and Vibeke Maj Magnussen

Many clowns are playing music on bells, assisted by members of the audience. This goes also for Don Christian in his first run-in. But instead of using members of the audience sitting at first row he invited a lad into the ring and asked him to use a large gong fastened to Don Chritian's bottom while Don himself was playing music on the bells.

Then came the evening’s arial act: the couple Yves and Ambra with tango, singing (he sings) and arial silks (tissue) with a spectacular final effect. Next act was a reunion with one of the stars from last year’s performance: Rosi Hochegger with a beautiful knapstrupper horse in a sort of high school riding without a rider. Following this act it was once again time for sweeping the ring. The circus grooms was assisted by the huffy Frau Schmidt. Then we met 3 young artists from the Art Allé-troupe with fine and funny acrobatics. Following them Don Christian had another run-in, his main entrée: a boxing ring routine where he was assisted by 5 volunteers from the audience. Last act before the interval was the brothers Christian and Alex Gärtner with their 2 Indian elephants presented in a very sympatric way. No doubt that the two brothers take very good care of their two large friends.

First act after the interval was the well-known clown entrée where 3 buckets is used for the clown version of the three shell game and where the clown’s head comes up under different buckets. At Benneweis it was of cause ringmaster and magician Kim Kenneth who moved the buckets and Don Christian who was under the buckets. Following this run-in came the act which probably is the best any Danish circus will present during season 2010: Chinese Cong Tian at slack wire. You will often see new wave circus acrobats performing at slack wire and also Daniel Deleuran of tiny Circus Mascot has such an act. But Cong Tian's act is far better than any other slack wire act I ever have seen. He can not only walk at the wire and make somersaults. He can also walk on his hands and ride a large monocycle. At mentioned above he was awarded by standing ovations. Very well deserved!

Cong Tian. Photo: Circus Benneweis/Arne and Vibeke Maj Magnussen

After him came Yves Nicols with a juggling entrée with footballs etc. Before next act Kim Kenneth has a magic run-in where he managed to change the colour of the water in a bowl, to put powder in the bowl, stir the water and get the powder up completely dry. And then to get the water in the bowl to change back to ordinary water colour. Later he had another run in where he managed to get different colours of fruit syrup and water out of a bag with pop corn. Then the sour cleaning lady Frau Schmidt once again entered the ring and wanted to sweep it. I could now be seen that she is partner in the formidable comical bike act Farellos, where the couple amongst other things on their unicycle jumps up and down of a staircase. She could also stand up at her partners head. An outstanding act! Then we once again met Rosi Hochegger with at new dog entrée she has trained during the winter. It was a very charming act. No doubts that Rosi loves her dogs and that they loves their ”mother”. Last act in the performance was a speedy and funny skipping act done by the Art Allé ensemble.

The audience have reason to look forward to this year’s Benneweis performance. Also the reviews in the newspapers have been very positive.

Farellos. Photos: Circus Benneweis/Arne and Vibeke Maj Magnussen. Click here to see more photos from the performance. (Slide show will not be completed on 21 March)

18 March 2010

Circus Arena 2010. Jørgen Lorenzen writes:

The Arena performance follows the tradition from the later years: spectacular acts in a large scale show. And Arena keeps the tradition for having something from the world of fairs: in old days fairs presented a wall of death. Now the wall has been changed to a globe: Diorios are back at Circus Arena, now with 6 riders.

Then we have the run-in clown Jimmi Folco in an entrée reminding one of the funny kitchen in Tivoli. A lot of chinas are smashed – he is assisted by 4 persons from the audience.

By the mind Jimmi Folco has developed in a positive way. He began his carrier as a clown many years ago as an a bit timed August with his parents and should perform together with his sister Pauline also being a shy person. But today he has learned it and knows the clown's trade. He is also able to get out of the ring before the act becomes too long.

First act in the performance is Laura Berdino, wife of Jackie Berdino, with 8 liberty horses. She is received by the audience with warm.

Laura Berdino. Photo: Circus Arena/Christian Warrer

The circus owner Benny Berdino welcomes the audience before Roby Berousek present his juggling act. Jimmy Folco comes in first time with the puppet that is changed to his own son. I believe the idea for this entrée comes from Bonbon.

Then came Sailors - 5 Chinese bungee jumpers. And then an act certainly worth seeing: Merrylu Casselly one woman pas de deux! Surprising and new because it also include quick changes and hula hoop on horseback.

Max Veldy present his comical drunken main routine on trampoline. But not as good as in earlier days Ray Dondy and Don Martinez.

Great news is a new Danish exoten act. Patrick Berdino present horses, zebras, and lamas before first part of the performance is closed with Diorios in their globe of death.

Diorios – 6 crossmotorbikes in high speed in the globe

Second part of the performance is lead off by Chinese Sailors with their main act: jumps through hoops from a Russian swing very high up in the air. Next Konstantin Mouraviev in very good form in his awarded comical entrée in German wheel (Rhönrad). Also Wolfgang Lauenburger has been awarded at the Monte Carlo-festival. Easy to understand why. His 9 dogs – I believe all of them are Heinz 57’s, at least they are of different breeds – pleases everyone from the front row to the back row. You could wish that persons being against animals in circus would see his dogs and their tricks. It is a play and not many commands are used.

 René Casselly has the last act in the performance with his 4 elephants. But before him came a fabulous arial act: Trio Woznievsky, where a man works as catcher for his two female partners. The act is outstanding.

Merrylu Casselly and two of the elephants. Photo: Circus Arena/Christian Warrer

18 March 2010

Swedish Circus Olympia opens their season in Oskarström on 27 March at 15. This year’s performers are the Hungarian acrobat Erzsebet Axt. The clown Frenkis from Czech Republic. He was also with Circus Olympia in 1987, 1988 and 2009. In Washington trapeze you will met Oleg Sheludyakov from Ukraine. As always you will meet Henrika Bengtsson with her charming dogs. Her and circus owner Herbert Bengtsson’s son Niklas Bengtsson will present Circus Olympia’s 2 white Siberian camels together with Frisian horses. From Kenay comes the Black Jambo-troupe. From England come the bike acrobats Duo Axt.  Natascha Jarz will present 7 goats and a horse. Katarina & Oleg Sheludyakov presents arial acrobatics in perch and trapeze. Frenkis & Rosita will have a musical clown entrée. Niklas Bengtsson will present Circus Olympia’s large tinker horses and small Shetland ponies. As usual Circus Olympia has a large band: 8 musicians. Bandmaster is Valentin Smirnov.

The clowns Frenkis and Rosita. Photo from Circus Olympia 2009

14 March 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  we visit an interesting museum, not often found by foreign tourists: LE MUSEE DE LA MAGIE ET DES CURIOSITES. Creator, manager and owner: GEORGE PROUST.

This museum displays magic items, old conjuring props, puppets and automatons /"living dolls"/, and is of interest also for the wide, general public, including children: we see unusual things, surprising creations and old props from the golden days of magic in the 19th century. There is a collection of posters, announcing the shows of the old stars of magic. In a shop you can buy simple magic tricks which everyone can learn to perform and for those who might wish to go further - there is a school of magic where more elaborate tricks can be learnt.

Maybe the best part of all this is the MAGIC SHOW, performed by skilled and entertaining magic artists, it lasts 15 - 20 minutes and is featured more or less non-stop.

Thus this is the ideal way of having a nice afternoon - for the whole family!!!

Museum open WED-SAT-SUN from 2 PM - 7 PM /14.00 - 19.00/.

Tickets Euro 12, reduced fare Euro 9.

Venue: 11, rue Saint Paul, Metro Saint Paul /centrally located near the Hotel de Ville which is not a hotel but the TOWNHALL of Paris/. 

See more: www.museedelamagie.com

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

12 March 2010

Circus Arli 2010. Season 2010 will be season no 40 for the tiny Danish Circus Arli. They have for the season bought a new tent from Italian Scola Teloni.

In the performance you will amongst others meet:

Marvellous football juggler: Rius

Entertaining pirate magic: Kristaf

Funny Lilliput’s: Gogol

Outstanding ladder balance: Darius

Funny musical clowns: Martino & Co

Elegant tap dancing Alexander Arli

Wonderful dogs: Missina

Incredible balancing goats: Bettina Arli

World class foot juggler: Ina Sopova

Miss Missina with her happy dogs. All photos by courtesy of Circus Arli

Kristaf with pirate magic

Circus Arli will open the season 27 and 28 March at Fløng.

Alexander Arli – this year with elegant tap-dancing

11 March 2010

Thorbjørn Klæbo Flo has sent me the photos shown below from Norwegian Circus Merano’s 2010-performance.

Circus Merano at the circus lot in Frederikstad 4 March. All photos taken and copyright by Thorbjørn Klæbo Flo.

The opening parade

Amadeo Folco with two elephants and two horses at dress rehearsal on 5 March

Don Christian with Jan Navratil’s daughter as assistant

Miguel Ferreri during dress rehearsal 5 March

Debut for the young juggler Mike Ferreri

Malvina & Sychevs in arial straps

Circus Merano’s band during rehearsal on 4 March

10 March 2010

Swedish Circus Brazil Jack was established 111 years ago in 1899. Season opening this year will take place in Malmö on 24 March at 19. Circus Brazil Jack has not yet releases the names of the performers. But there will be beautiful horses, skilled acrobats, talented jugglers, funny clowns, wonderful dogs and a large live circus band. Circus Brazil Jack will stay in Malmö until 28 March.

Circus Brazil Jack at Heden in Gotenburg. Photo from 2009

10 March 2010

World Circus Day. The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, today announced the inaugural World Circus Day on Saturday, April 17, 2010.  World Circus Day is designated as a special day for circuses and circus fans around the world to create and attend circus-related festive events in celebration of Circus as part of our worldwide cultural heritage.

“The first World Circus Day is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate circus,” said President Urs Pilz.  “We are encouraging circus owners, circus artists and circus friends all over the world to observe World Circus Day 2010, and to make it a day for the world to remember.”

Circuses and supporters are asked to register their events and celebrations at the Federation’s website at www.circusfederation.org. Presently, events have been registered to take place in Belarus, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, The Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States of America.  Additional events are being planned in Hungary, Mexico, Russia and other countries.

“The circus is truly ubiquitous and is found in forms throughout the world,” said Laura van der Meer, Executive Director of the Federation.  “World Circus Day was created to recognize and honor the important contributions that circuses have made to performing arts and culture.  We are using an online map of the world to link these circus festivities into a worldwide celebration, but also to provide information to circus friends, enthusiasts and families to locate events in their countries,” she said.

9 March 2010

Photos of tent and equipment. ”Now there are again circuses on the Danish roads,” Per Krogh Petersen writes. Per has visited Circus Arena at Bellahøj, Circus Benneweis in Hillerød and Cirkus Baldoni in Lyngby taken photos for his website.

Click here for link to Arena-photos

Click here for link to Benneweis-photos

Click here for links to Baldoni-photos

8 March 2010

Norsk Cirkusforum will continue. The Norwegian Circus Fans Association is called Norsk Cirkusforum. The association was established in 1985 and has today 77 members. After having served as board members for many years the existing board Øivind R. Larsen, Herman Berthelsen, Britta Bergersen and Bjørn Aulstad wanted to retire and had suggested to dissolve the association unless someone else was willing to serve their duty as board members. At the annual meeting in Oslo on 4 March there were candidates enough to get a new board appointed. New chairman of the Norwegian fans is Tom Bloch-Nakkerud. The other board members are Geir Støre, Yvonne Støre and Lazlo Szabo. The new board has appointed Herman Berthelsen and Øivind Larsen who had served for 25 years in the old board honorary members of the association.

5 March 2010

Looking forward to the circus season. Every circus fan is looking forward to season opening in just a week. Today CirCus Arena began to put up their tent at the Bellahoj circus lot in Copenhagen. First dress rehearsal is next Friday 12 March. The official opening night is on Tuesday 16 March. CirCus Baldoni first performance open for the audience is on Sunday 14 March at in Lyngby (Copenhagen suburb). The official opening night is on Thursday 18 March. CirCus BENNEWEIS’ dress rehearsal on 16 March in Hillerod is at usual a sold performance. Opening night is the following day Wednesday 17March. CirCus Dannebrog has their first performance on Friday 26 March in Vojens. Official season opening is 1 April in Odense. CirCus Arli has dress rehearsal in Flong (Copenhagen suburb) Saturday 27 March. Official season opening is the following day 28 March. CirCus Krone has its opening night mid April. So far I don’t know the opening night for CirCus Mascot. Usually it is late March or early April.

In Norway Cirkus Merano had their opening night today 5 March at Frederikstad. Cirkus ArnaRdo will start their tour later in March. The last Norwegian circus, Cirkus Zorba, does usually begin their season in April.

In Sweden CirCus Wictoria will begin their season on 26 March in Heby. CirCus Olympia has their opening night on 27 March in Oskarström. CirCus Maximum will begin their season on 31 March at Älvsered. CirCus Skratt has opening night on 16 April at Grästorp. So far I don’t know the exact opening night for CirCus Brazil Jack-Most likely it will be 25 March at Malmö.

The long and cold winter in the Nordic countries give some problems for the circus owners. Several of them are a bit nervous for how the circus lots will be. If it still is freezing it is not easy to get the pegs down. And if it is thaw the lots can be very muddy.

Today’s temperatures in the Nordic countries: Copenhagen (Denmark): day 0, night minus 8. Oslo (Norway) day minus 5, night minus 15. Stockholm (Sweden) day minus 4, night minus 18.

4 March 2010

Kim Benneweis to Circus Brazil Jack. Last year did Kim Benneweis present liberty horses owned by Danish Circus Arena in Circus Skratt in Sweden. The Skratt performance is produced by Benny Berdino of Circus Arena. Later Kim Benneweis stopped working for Benny Berdino and for some month he has worked as truck driver. For the coming season he will work for Swedish Circus Brazil Jack which is owned by Trolle and Carmen Rhodin. Circus Brazil Jack usually has its season’s opening in Malmö late March.

2 March 2010

Circus at Slaraffenland (“land of milk and honey”) could be seen in week 8 in Fyns Congress Centre in Odense. The performance was produced by Isabella Enoch. The indoor amusement park Slaraffenland is mainly for kids and there was more than full house to all performances. You met Bernhard Kaselowsky with his elephant, camels and horses, Winnetou (Henry Fröchte) with foot juggling and plate spinning, his and Katja Enoch’s daughter Nathalie with hula hoop, the young Swedish clown Cito (Albin Ganovic) and Thurano Sisters alias Johnjohn and Marjolein Thurano's two daughters Conny and Kirsten Thur. The two girls are 13 and 14 years old. They did an act together where they juggled with scarves and a James Bond-girl act on tight wire. Furthermore Conny did an act in arial silks (tissue) while Kirsten was playing the saxophone. Good to see that the late Konrad Thurano’s grandchildren have taken up the families great traditions as acrobats.  Konrad’s son Johnjohn who for many years was his father’s partner stopped his carrier as tight wire artist after his father’s death in 2008 and has now taken up his old plate spinning act. Johnjohn is born in 1946. On his birth certificate is written Johnannes Thur. Johnjohn Thurano is his stage name.

Thurano Sisters. Photo: Linny Lindegaard. Click here to se some more photos from the performance.

2 March 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -- but the tourism statistics tell us that the average tourist spends only about four days here - which means that visitors only have time to see the main attractions, like The Louvre Museum, The Eiffel Tower and THE LIDO SHOW, maybe ... However, there are many small but interesting theatres, featuring thrilling, funny and cultural programs - and you don't need to understand French everywhere.

As you might have seen, I keep informing about those places.

Under the headline Circus news, January 3rd,  I brought a write-up on THEATRE DE LA VIEILLE GRILLE, now featuring an exciting, appealing and entertaining program : MELIES CABARET MAGIQUE - cinema, magic, theatre and music.

Due to the great success, this program has now been prolonged, and more artists have been booked: four magic entertainers alternate:viz SYLVAIN SOLUSTRI /mentioned Jan 3/, PAUL MAZ with a mime-inspired program à la Marcel Marceau, ABDUL ALAFREZ presenting his original and funny magic,  using lots of interaction with the audience, which gives him a great success.

Paul Maz

Abdul Alafrez

ANAËL is a young magic entertainer, moving elegantly and having a good contact with his audience, we saw an incredible way of making a real  bottle of champagne appear from a balloon. ANAËL featured a real surprise for the GRANDE FINALE: a piece of music, secretely chosen by a spectator, was suddenly played by the rest of the troupe on accordeon, bugle and piano. A really strong finale with the entire troupe on stage !!

Anaël. Photo: © Jean-Pierre Berman

We see about 20 short film-sequences, often related to magic and we don't forget that MELIES ran the Magic Theatre SALON FANTASTIQUE, after the era of ROBERT HOUDIN.

The special effects remind us that Melies was a real fore-runner, well ahead of his time.

L. BERMAN and ANNE QUESEMAND has taken care of explanatory texts, theatrical setting and sound effects, they offer us live music like at the glorious time of the silent cinema, playing the accordeon and the bugle, together with SAMUEL ZUCCA, accordeon.

The original music is by LAURENT GRYNSZPAN, he accompanies the films together with BETSY SCHLESINGER, playing four-handed. Sometimes FERNANDO ALBINARRATE alternates on the piano.

A wonderful evening -- a full two-hours program -- and  -   IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  !!!

Venue: 1 rue du Puits de l'Ermite /small street off Rue Monge, where the Grand Mosque is situated/. Metro: Place Monge.

See more: site http://vieillegrille.fr

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

1 March 2010

Norwegian Circus Agora declared bankruptcy. The Norwegian Circus Agora, which after for 20 years to have toured as a traditional circus with animals last year unsuccessfully tried to launch themselves as a circus without animals was on 25 February declared bankrupt by the court in Bergen. The owner Jan Ketil Smørdal believes that it was the idea about a circus without animals which killed his circus. “Without economical support from the Government you can just forget to run a circus without animals," he said to a Norwegian newspaper. He has now decided to take a year off, but hope to come back again in 2011.

It is the third time that Circus Agora ends up in a bankruptcy court. First time was in 1991 and next time in 2008. So it's probably not just their attempt to run an animal-free circus that is the cause another economic collapse. However, it is probably true that many of those who are against animals in circuses, could not even dream about going to the circus. Not even it there were no animals in the show!

26 February 

Circus Benneweis 2010. Circus Benneweis will have their opening night in Hillerod on Wednesday 17 March. As last year the magician Kim Kenneth known as the Dane in the fast lane will be ringmaster. Between the circus acts he will present some magic acts and the performance will end with a magical finale.

Kim Kenneth

In the performance you will met a couple who became very popular with the Benneweis audience in 2009: Rosi Hochegger and her husband Roger Mettin with their fantastic horses and dogs.

Roger Mettin as juggler on horseback

It it first time in Denmark for the young Russian artists from Art Allé ensemble. They were one of the top acts in Swedish Circus Maximum in 2009. All members of the troupe are between 10 and 25 years old and the present a great acrobatic show. They will open and close the performance. It is also first time in Denmark for the run-in clown Don Christian. When Don Christian enters the ring just anything can happen. It is rare that two performances are alike for the Austrian clown who is known for using members of the audience in his show. He had his debut as a clown with the large Dutch Circus Herman Renz. In the Nordic countries he has entertained the audience in Norwegian Circus Merano and Swedish Circus Maximum. One more “first time in Denmark” is Chinese Cong Tian at slack wire. For several years he was member of the Dalian troupe and was together with the troupe awarded a silver clown in Monte Carlo in 1999. Cong Tian has also worked at Circus Knie in Switzerland, at Circus Carré in Amsterdam and in New York’s Big Apple Circus. Now it is time for the Danish audience to meet this top acrobat. Christian and Alex Gärtner and their two Indian elephants were with Benneweis in season 2007 and 2008.

The Gärtner-brothers with one of the elephants

It is first time in Denmark for Yves and Ambra. He is fifth generation of a well-known artist family from Spain. In 2006 he married Ambra Faggioni who also is an acrobat. Together they have created a fabulous arial tango in tissue. They will even sing high up under the big top. Furthermore Yves has an entrée as juggler. They come from an engagement at Benidorm Palace in Spain. The Farellos (Ralf Lindner and Jacqueline Marchan) were at Benneweis in 2005 and was that season the audience’s favourites. Also the newspapers called them the top act in a top class performance. As in 2009 Diana Benneweis has persuaded the actor and director Jan Hertz to stage the performance.

24 February 2010

Circus Arnardo is the oldest circus in Norway, this year having season no 62. The owner Arild Arnado has just released the 2010 program:

Araz Hamzayev – contortionist. Marco Moressa – juggler. Elvis Errani´s three elephants. The Balders - Clowns. Krenzola Jr'´animal revue. Duo Glavatskiy – arial cradle / Fangstuhl. Duo Eccentric – parterre acrobats. Reinaldo Monteiro – rola bola. Priscilla – hula hoop. Zeudy – foot juggler. In addition circus owner Arild Arnardo, his daughter the circus princess Helen Arnardo and Are Arnardo & Paolina´s magic illusions. Furthermore there will be a perch act.

Duo Eccentric. All photos by courtesy of Circus Arnardo

Araz - the rubber man from Azerbajdzjan – could in 2008 be seen in Swedish Circus Brazil Jack. Impressive to se how he could bend himself and turn his arms 360 degrees! The high speed juggler Marco Moressa performed at Circus Dannebrog in Denmark in 2007 and 2008. He is married with Priscilla Errani. The Errani family with their elephants were with Circus Dannebrog in 2007 and 2008 and were in January 2009 awarded a well deserved bonze clown in Monte Carlo. The musical clowns Christian, Engelbert and Sidney Balder had great success at Circus Dannebrog in 2008 and 2009. Jochen Krenzola’s animal revue which he took over from his master Wolfgang Krenzola has several times worked in Denmark, last time in 2004 in Circus Arena. Due Glavatskies with their charming arial cradle act have spent two seasons with Circus Dannebrog, last time in 2006. Priscilla Errani worked as her brother the elephant trainer Elvis Errani in Circus Dannebrog in 2007 and 2008. The same goes for the foot juggler Zeudy Errani who uses a motorbike as trinka in her spectacular act. Reinaldo Monteiro was former members of the troupe The Gaspers, which in 2008 could be seen at Circus Benneweis in Denmark.  

Araz, the rubber man.

The Arnardo family.

24 February 2010

The large Swedish Circus Maximum will begin the season on 31 March. This year’s performance is called Bravissimo and as usual circus owner Bengt Källquist is ringmaster. In the performance you will meet Circus Maximum’s own Arabian liberty horses presented by Anton Frank. Trio Vinicki – Smaha should be high-speed jugglers, Pavel Kaiser will present a high speed rola bola entrée. The brothers Yann and Hector Rossyan are classical musical clowns. They were awarded a bronze clown at the circus festival in Monte Carlo in January this year. They toured also with Circus Maximum in 2002, 2003 and 2005. Season 2004 was spent in Denmark with Circus Arena.

Yann and Hector Rossyan together with Bengt Källquist. Photo from 2005

The sealion trainer Ingo Stiebner is well-know in the Nordic countries for his charming act. He worked for Circus Maximum in 2001 and 2005 and has spent no less that 5 seasons in Denmark with Circus Arena: 2000, 2003, 2003, 2007 and 2008. In 1998 he toured with Danish Circus Benneweis. Victoria and Pablo Garcia was as the Rossyans awarded a bronze clown at this year’s Monte Carlo festival for their arial rocket act. The Danish audience could meet them in Circus Dannebrog in 2008 and in Circus Arena in 2001. Anton Frank will present Circus Maximum’s eksoten. Messoudi Acrobats – father and three sons – will present a great handstand act. Thee were the audience’s favourites when the performed in Danish Circus Dannebrog in 2008. Sudartchikovi will present their quick-change entrée. They worked also for Circus Maximum in 2001. Last act in the performance will be three African elephants, presented by Anton Frank. The elephants belong to Benny Berdino of Danish Circus Arena and were also with Maximum in 2009.

Messoudi Acrobats. Photo from Circus Dannebrog 2008

21 February 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  ---  CIRQUE NATIONAL ALEXIS GRÜSS performs every year from end OCT thru beginning of March, presenting an exceptionally elegant program, artistic, original and really good worthwhile entertainment  for all of us.

The main interest is THE HORSE, featured in various ways, many races, original presentations and one can feel the degree of confidence and trust that reigns between ALEXIS GRÜSS and his horses.

This year the theme is PAMPA, inspired by a journey to Argentina to buy some Falabella horses, really the smallest ones in the world. This South-American theme is thoroughly respected, latina music, costumes and settings - everything is genuine and we enjoyed ALEXIS GRÜSS' elegant work with his horses - I dare say that he is the only one who has reached the high level displayed by Albert and Max SCHUMANN - those of us who had the privilege of seeing them will surely never forget their achievements.

STEPHAN GRÜSS juggles seven Indian clubs in a setting with other jugglers, we saw original clown entrées, in one of them water fountains squirted high up in the air from a plastic carpet laid on the ring, entirely new as I see it - aerial act on a rope in the style of trapeze by NATHALIE GRÜSS, and a scene from an Argentine tango bar, where the guests indulged in dancing tango, in a sensual and elegant way, at the same time acts with unicycle and juggling were featured.

LAURE GRÜSS performed with a big, Indian elephant, we saw lamas and other exotic animals, GYPSY GRÜSS with horses and dogs, very stylish and high class -- and grande finale with LA POSTE, where STEPHAN GRÜSS, standing on two horses, gets seventeen stallions in between these horses, ending up with a giant carousel, like a round-about, in the ring.

This is circus at its very best - artistic, original, sympathetic and -- entertaining.

This is why people go to the circus - to get a moment of pleasure.

The entire program was featured by the Grüss family, as far as I could see, there were no other artists booked.

Venue: Bois de Boulogne, Metro LA MUETTE, then a 15 min walk.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  !!!

See more: www.alexis-gruss.com

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

19 February 2010

Circus during the winter holidays. As earlier mentioned several shopping centres etc.  offered short circus performances as free attraction in week 7 where most of the Danish school children have winter holiday.

At the Ballerup Centre you could meet Circus Landino with Finn Bendixen as ringmaster. First act was David with a handstand entrée. Next came the young Danish run-in clown Tobyas with a nice mimic entrée. Miss Natali did a nice hula-hoop entrée. You could not se that she only four month ago became a mother! She had the baby at her arm during the Grand Finale. Tobyas did a comic magician entrée. Last act was then comical cascadeurs Wolf Brothers (one of the being the handstand acrobat David). The two talented artists can from 5 March be seen at Circus Merano in Norway.

Wolf Brothers. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

At the shopping centre in Elsinore you could meet Benny Schumann’s Mini Circus. Per Krogh Petersen visited the show and writes: Benny Schumann Show is a really nice gift 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 (winter show 2010) Benny Schumann & Pat Clarrison's dogshow

Click at http://www.realshowtime.com/benny-schumann/ to see Per’s photos.

Even at the West Zealand Centre in Slagelse you coul meet Benny Schumann’s Mini Circus. It was planned that the performers should have been John Burke with sealions, Thurano Sisters at tight wire and the clown Florin with his dog Cato. The two first mentioned act turned up but Florin had to cancel his engagement with short notice. In stead of him the audience could Monday meet Clown Tapé and the rest of the week Denmark’s best ventriloquist Preben Palsgaard.

Thurano Sisters

Preben Palsgaard

John Burke. All photos from Slagelse taken by Brian ”Briano” Behrendt and mrs Rikke.

All the performance mentioned can be seen until 20 February.

In Jutland Circus Mascot has presented circus in Herning during week 7. In some cities the winter holiday is in week 8 and not in week 7. Due to this you can in week 8 see winter circus in Aalborg and Odense.

19 February 2010

Swedish Circus Wictoria will start season 2010 on 26 March. The owners Lars Åke and Karin Jonsson writes:

We wish everyone a warm welcome to a new season with Circus Wictoria!

An international classic circus program when it is best!

We proudly presents:

• Duo Tomovi with dogs, Bulgaria

• Miss Ottilia in tissue- Mexico

• Stilian on tight wire/foot juggling - Belgium

• Duo Matveeva classic clowns-Russia

• Fatime Horva'th with cats-Hungary

• Jessica Bengtsson with Arab stallions, alpacas & goats and camels, Sweden

• Mr. Jumping - comical trampoline from Hungary

• Leszek Kosiol and his orchestra (for this season expanded!) - Poland

Season opening 26 March at 18.00 in HEBY

For more information visit us at www.cirkuswictoria.se

For questions about the circus, do not hesitate to contact us at martin@cirkuswictoria.se
We look forward to your visit!

The Danish audience has met Mr. Jumping (Peytchev Plamen Metodiev) in Danish Circus Baldoni in 2006. There you could also meet his partner Fatime who at that time presented a nice hula-hoop entrée. Since she and Peytchev has made a fine act with trained cats. The couple has also for two seasons performed at Swedish Circus Olympia which tours in another part of Sweden than Circus Wictoria. - Jessica Bengtsson is the daughter of circus owners Herbert and Henrika Bengtsson of Circus Olympia. She is a gifted horse trainer.

Mr. Jumping. Photo from Circus Baldoni 2006

19 February 2010

The Balders to Circus Arnardo in Norway. The talented clown brothers The Balders from Germany toured in 2008 and 2009 with Circus Dannebrog in Denmark. For the coming season they have signed a contract with Circus Arnardo in Norway. The three brothers Christian (white-faced clown), Engelbert and Sidney are looking forward to meet the Norwegian audience. Before the opening night they are trying to learn to say some of their lines in Norwegian. The three brothers became very popular in Denmark and prove that you also in the younger generation can find talented musical clowns. Circus Arnardo plans to open the season in the middle of March, however a bit dependent on the weather situation. This winter has been extremely cold in the northern part of Europe. Circus owner Aril Arnado has permitted me to tell about The Balders but asked me to wait a couple of weeks before the rest of his program is disclosed.

The Balders at Circus Dannebrog 2009. Photo: Rud Kofoed

15 February 2010

Circus Arena’s exoten. On 9 February I wrote that Circus Arena’s dromedaries, zebras and alpacas were trained by Suzanne Berdino. It was a mistake. Suzanne has presented the animals abroad. But they are as most other Arena owned animals trained by Tim Delbosq.

14 February 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --- but NOW also in DUBAI /United Arab Emirates UAE/ -- within the framework of the DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL , the STATE CITY OF DUBAI proudly presents THE CHINESE CIRCUS and THE RUSSIAN SEAL AND DOLPHIN SHOW.

The event takes place in a big nicely decorated hall with excellent stage equipment, lighting and smoke-machine ...and a good MC presenting in English only.

The hall contains a half-moon-shaped swimming pool with one stage at the rear and one at the front of pool. On the rear stage a very funny act,  featuring performing seals, specialists in doing hand-stance ....and a very good and friendly contact between the female trainer and the seals - the audience containing many children enjoyed it !!

Then the CINESE CIRCUS, in fact four female artists and a male comic: performing on and above the front stage they offered an elegant act with a girl in tissues, a contorsionist with glass-balance, an acrobat showing handstance on a pedestal, and  a young girl performing as an antipodist juggling parasols with both feet and hands.

In between these acts a comic features the clown-trick where he walks on hands and feet, having two dummies on his back, thus giving the impression that the two "dolls" are dancing.

The Russian seals and dolphins trainers: ALIXANDER ZANIN, OLEXIY MOROSOV, MARIA ZIRCHENKO, KATERYNA STRACHENKO. It has to be understood that the spelling of these names are a transcription from Russian alphabet.

Thus: excellent circus acts, and an amazing dolphin show closing the program - incredible and impressive that dolphins can be taught all these spectacular tricks, throwing balls between each other, jumping thru rings and towing a canoe...

By the way, dolphins are mammals, not fish - just in case you didn't know it.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---  but NOW in DUBAI -- worth knowing and worth seeing !!!

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

Chinese contortionist with glasses. Photo by courtesy of Dubai Dolphinarium. Dubai Dolphinarium is hosting the Chinese Circus in sync with its regular Dolphin & Seal shows. The Circus will perform daily from 1st Feb to 31st March at 6 pm - Monday to Saturday with an additional 3 pm show on Friday (No shows on Sunday)

The photos uses 7 February in connection with the mentioning of the Dubai Shopping Festival was taken by IMADEL DUBAI UAE /United Arab Emirates

12 February 2010

Dennie Enoch of Circus Dannebrog can celebrate his 55 year’s birthday Sunday 14 February. His friends are welcome to open house the evening before the birthday from 7. p.m. at his home Sölvgade 3, Mölby, DK-6560 Sommersted.

Dennie Enoch as the circus audience knows him

12 February 2010

Norwegian Circus Merano is as usual the first of the Scandinavian circuses to open the season. Opening night 2010 will be in Frederikstad on 5 March and as usual with a strong program:

On tight wire you will meet Miguel Ferreri from Spain. The Danish audience could enjoy his performance in Circus Benneweis in 2007. Miguel is able to do a backwards as well as a forward salto on the wire.

Miguel Ferreri. Photo from Circus Benneweis 2007

6 beautiful white Andalusia liberty horses are presented by Rüdiger Probst. In 2009 he toured with Circus Brazil Jack in Sweden.

14 year old Mike Ferreri will have his debut in the ring with a juggling entrée.

Wolf Brothers from the Czech Republic can be seen with a comedy cascadeurs act and a hand stand act.

Jan Navratil will show his excellent foot juggling entrée. In 2009 he toured with Circus Benneweis in Denmark and in 2008 with Circus Maximum in Sweden.

Jan Navratil. Photo from Circus Benneweis 2009

Lyudmilla Sergeeva presents an act with poodles and acrobatics. She is doing the acrobatics and her 7 poodles the comedy part of the act. Lyudmilla is educated at the Moscow Circus School.

The couple Malvina/Sychev perform i arial straps. The Russian couple has only once before been in Europe: last year when the participated in a festival in Germany. And was awarded the gold medal!

6 Alexanders from Romania is a teeterboard troupe. The can manage 4 man high. Dressed as old boy performers they are also part in the opening act in the performance.

Amedeo Folco will present his 2 Indian elephants Gilula (37 years old) and Sharon (36 years old). Mainly he does only use his hand and his voice when he is giving command to the elephants. The whip and the elephant stick are left on the ground. The elephants have belonged to the Folco family since they were babies.

This year's clowns are the fabulous Russian Bobylevs, who had great success in Circus Benneweis in season 2009. Due to other engagements they can not take part of the performance the first weeks in the season. In stead the Merano audience will meet an old friend: the Austrian clown Don Christian. He will leave mid March as he from season opening 17 March and for the rest of the season works as run-in clown in Circus Benneweis in Denmark.

Bobylevs with their famous ping pong entrée. Photo from Circus Benneweis 2009

11 February 2010

Circus Baldoni 2010. The 2010 performance in the medium sized Danish Circus Baldoni has the following performers:

First part

Overture

Baldoni´s welcome song (a tradition in Circus Baldoni)

Acrobats on stilts: Yuan Guosheng Troupe

The Baldoni clowns: Danilo and Danila (Daniel Dim and Thessa Mönster)

Crazy Pipe: Miguel Peris

René Mönster and Leonardo the lion (a ventriloquist’s doll) in liberty dressage

Plate spinning from Hungary: Varadi

Lasso: Alicia Peris

Danilo and Danila

Bungee-Jump performed by GUO Zhisen, NIU Zhenhui, WANG Huijie and GUAN Huifang

Alicia Peris. Photo from Swedish Circus Olympia 2009

Second part

Contortion: Guan Huifang & Li Ling from China

Danilo on slack wire

Juggling: Nandor Petruska

Leonardo and René

Varadi´s dog show

Magicians: Mr. Hokus and Miss Fokus (René and Thessa Mönster)

Roller skate act: Duo Peris

Le Grand Finale

Guan Huifang & Li Ling. Photo by courtesy of Circus Baldoni.

Duo Peris. Photo from Swedish Circus Olympia 2006

Circus Baldoni have in several seasons had talented Chinese acrobats in their performances. The clown Danillo has been with Circus Baldoni since 2008. Duo Peris (Michael and Alicia Peris) has spent several seasons with Swedish Circus Olympia, last time in 2009. The Varadi-family (Diana and Michi and their grown up son Nandor) toured with Circus Baldoni in 2008 and has earlier worked for Irene Thierry’s dog and pony show Circus Krone.

10 February 2010

Clown Cito to Odense. Isabella Enoch has engaged the young Swedish clown Cito aka Albin Ganovic to be part of the circus performances in week 8 in Slaraffenland in Odense Congress Centre. Albin toured last year with Swedish Circus Madigan and are also known for his involvement in the Swedish youth circus Circus Villekulla.

Cito in front of Circus Madigan. Photo from 2009

9 February 2010

Zebras in Circus Arena. In Circus Arena’s stables you can find a group of so-called exoten: dromedaries, zebras and alpacas. Although a zebras looks like a horse in a pyjama it is by nature quit different from horses and not easy to train. However, Suzanne Berdino has trained the zebras as well as the dromedaries and the alpacas. They are however not going with Suzanne to Swedish Circus Skratt at is it the intention that her nephew Patrick Berdino shall present them in Circus Arena.

9 February 2010

New Norwegian rules for animals in circuses in the pipeline. Mattilsynet who is the administrator of the Norwegian animal welfare legislation published shortly before Christmas draft rules re animals in circuses. If the final version of the rules are as the draft Norwegian circuses will not any longer be aloud to present elephants or sealions. For some years licence to sealion acts has not been given in Norway but good elephants acts has still be able to get the necessary permissions.

But according to the new draft rules the Norwegian audience has to wave goodbye to elephants. In a transitional period of 5 years it will be possible for circuses who in 2009 and previous seasons has presented elephant acts to apply for permission to present Asian elephants as part of their performance. Two of the four Norwegian circuses have presented elephants in 2009 and previous seasons: Circus Arnardo and Circus Merano.

Argumentation in the statement of reasons for the new rules is very weak and contains a lot of misleading information. In the listing of Norwegian circuses they have even forgot one – rather embarrassing in a county with only 4 circuses! And despite the fact that Cirque de Soleil visited Norway in the autumn 2009 and Danish Circus Arena toured Norway in 2008 you can read that it is many years since a foreign circus last time visited Norway! When speaking about animals and how they are treated in circus it is quite obvious that none of those who have prepared the draft for new regulation has any knowledge on circuses. When similar rules a couple of years ago were considered in Denmark the circus owners was invited to have one representative in the commission considering the matter. And the outcome was rules after which it subject to certain conditions re stables etc. being fulfilled still is possible to present elephants and sealions in a Danish circus.

Hopefully for the Norwegian circuses and the Norwegian audience the draft for new rules will be reconsidered. The population of circus elephants will anyhow die out within 10-15 years as no circus or animal trainer can purchase new (young) elephants. At least for that time elephant performances should be permitted. And by the mind: why should in Norway only Asian elephants be permitted?

8 February 2010

Accident for Alexia Casselly. This winter has René and Alexia Casselly who many Danes know from Danish Circus Arena performed at Spanish Gran Circo Mundial. During a morning performance Saturday 30 January Alexia had a bad accident. During a part of the elephant entrée where the male elephant Mambo was carrying Alexia the elephant slipped in and is head hit the floor. One of its tusks hit the 40 year old Alexia in her foot and she was taken to the hospital with an open wound. As far as I know nothing was broken or crushed and Alexia is now discharged from the hospital and back at Gran Circo Mundial, however with her foot in a bandage. The male elephant Mambo is born in 1983 and has belonged to the Casselly family since 1985. It is an African bush elephant. Casselly owns 3 other elephants, all of them females: Nada, born 1983, Kimba, born1989 and Tonga, born 1990. René Casselly (Kaselowsky) is German and Alexia comes from Belgium.

The couple and their elephants can in the coming season be seen at Circus Arena in Denmark.

Alexia Casselly

7 February 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   ---  but NOW also in DUBAI -- THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL SHOPPING FESTIVAL  -- Headline: SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP !!!

Visiting my daughter Madeleine and her husband Imad, I found many interesting events: a multi-cultural market where you could buy goods from the whole world, even Swedish glassware, Swedish steel-knives and reindeer skin from Northern Sweden - anything goes ... there was a big fun fair with merry-go-rounds, water slides, funny games and raffles ... and on top of that, as I see it, outdoor stages featuring top entertainment CIRCUS ACTS:

THE WALL KINGS, a troupe of four acrobats from Hungary, doing their stunts on a large, round trampoline and -- from there bouncing up against a kind of theatrical house front, a wall with open windows, where they landed, jumped thru or re-bounced down to the trampoline. I have for sure seen a lot of acts, but this was completely new to me - I found it very original. The audience was breath-taken and applauded wildly

Manager of the troupe: GHASSAN JALAL

See more: ghassanjalal@eastandwestentertainment.com

Wall Kings

On a smaller stage, near an artificially made canal, we saw WILD STYLE CREW, another troupe of four acrobats from Manilla, The Philippines, they were announced as rope-spinners - in fact they featured a combination of break dance, hip hop and rope-spinning, very appealing and not often seen, I was impressed by daring saltos on and under the spinning ropes. Stunning acrobatics, joy of performing, physical strength, precision and an excellent contact with the audience. BRAVO !!!

Contact: bboys_gm@yahoo.com

Wild Style Crew

On the same stage we saw EBONY ARTS TROUPE FROM KENYA, featuring traditional African dances but in a modern setting and choreography, thus appealing to the audience of today, the six dancers were accompanied by four MASTER DRUMMERS producing the real African atmosphere. The star-solo-artist was an elegant and smiling contortionist Anita Kyalo, balancing cups and calebasses on thin sticks in the most difficult contortion-positions. A very appealing presentation, featuring originality / during my 13 years in Zambia and Ivory Coast I never saw anything that good/, youthful enthusiasm, technical skill and on the whole a high quality entertainment. The audience applauded willingly and enthusiastically - and the GEORGE MUTUNGA TROUPE is really worth seeing !!

Contact: ebonyarts05@gmail.com

Ebony Arts troupe with Anita Kyalo

Further entertainment: in the DEIRA district, a somewhat older area in Dubai, street performers entertained the passers-by: we saw jugglers, unicyclists, clowns, magicians and dancers. They were all Russians and since I didn't find anyone speaking English I couldn't get more information, but the street went very lively thanks to these street performers.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  ---- BUT NOW IN DUBAI !!!

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

4 February 2010

Circus in Odense in week 8. In week 8 there will be a circus performance in Odense Congress Centre as part of the indoor amusement park Slaraffenland. The performance is produced by Isabella Enoch (daughter of the late Haddy Enoch). Ringmistress will be Isabella herself. Bernhard Kaselowsky presents his elephant and his camels and the horses he took over after Haddy Enoch. Henry Fröchte, aka Winnetou, present a foot juggling entrée and a plate spinning act. Thurano Sisters (John John Thuranos two daughters Connie and Kirsten Thur) performs in tissue and with a tight wire act. Moreover, Isabella’s "girls" Rebecca, Melanie, Connie and Kirsten take part of the show. There will also be a clown entrée, where I do not know the name of the performer(s).

In week 7 also audiences on Zealand Zealanders can meet Thurano Sisters. They will be ringmistresses at Benny Schumann's Mini Circus at the West Zealand Centre in Slagelse and perform with their tight wire entrée. The other performers are as previously mentioned John Burke with sealions and the clown Florin with his dog Cato.

3 February 2010

Fédération Mondiale du Cirque Press Release -  Preservation Seminar in Budapest a Great Success -  St Petersburg, Ringling Museum and Cirque du Soleil Find Common Ground

More than fifty participants from the museum and circus communities learned about the goals and challenges of public, private and circus organisations collecting, holding and exhibiting circus memorabilia and artifacts. The seminar was hosted by MACIVA, the organizer of the 8th International Circus Festival of Budapest, the European Circus Association and the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque. The meeting constituted the first event in the next phase of the Federation’s Preservation Project, which began with a Roundtable in Monaco in 2009 to explore the role the Federation could play in supporting the preservation of circus history. Mr. László Varjasi, General Director of MACIVA, opened the meeting by presenting a new book concerning the 120-year history of the Capital Circus of Budapest, published for its Jubilee celebrations.

Mr. Douwe Schulte, a private collector, described his extensive collection and discussed the challenges he had faced and continues to face in making the collection available to the public through the establishment of a documentation centre or other public exhibition. Presenting on behalf of his co-author, Ms. Debbie Walk, curator of the Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota, Florida, Mr. Rodney Huey familiarised participants with the circus collections at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin and the Ringling Circus Museum, the two preeminent collections in the United States. Mr. Huey described both financial challenges in keeping circus museums open and donations enabling the growth of exhibition, storage and conservation spaces dedicated to circus history.

The first circus museum in the world, the Museum of Circus Art in St Petersburg. Russia, was presented by its director, Catharina Shaina. Ms Shaina described not only extensive collections and resources made available to the academic community but also the living role of the museum in inspiring artists by studying the past. Cirque du Soleil’s Sylvie Francois, head of Global Citizenship Service, described Cirque’s collection and housing of its own history and artifacts. Ms Francois provided information about Cirque’s collecting policy and the challenges that were arising related to growth of the company, cost and structure.

While the presenters from private, public and circus collections described unique aspirations and difficulties, financial issues were at the heart of challenges faced by all types of collections. A number of participants identified the need for support for individuals and small organizations with significant collections but limited access to the museums and preservation experts. Equally challenging for all concerned is the issue of space: while the specialists advised private collectors and circuses to preserve everything possible, storage and exhibition space permits only a fraction of the things that are historically or otherwise significant to be selected for collections. Another common theme concerned the disposition of large collections by private collectors in cases where the collector did not have family members interesting in maintaining them. Discussions suggested that public museums faced problems in reaching agreements with private collectors to exhibit only selected items of a collection; equally, private collectors often wish to maintain the integrity of their collection and to perpetuate it. On the other hand, one of the participants provided a positive example in which numerous collectors united to create a shared documentation center in Italy.

The seminar concluded with the announcement of a major professional meeting to be held in Montreal from 16-19 June 2010 that would enable detailed exploration of some of the issues and themes identified in Budapest. Hosted by Cirque du Soleil and En Piste in partnership with the Federation, the meeting will be entitled “Preserving our Memory: The Importance of Circus Artifacts.” Further information about the professional meeting in Montreal and copies of all of the presentations in Budapest will be available shortly at www.circusfederation.org under “Projects.”

Photo from the seminar

2 February 2010

Circus Dannebrog 2010. The Enoch family has permitted me to disclose the exciting program they will presents in the coming season. Season 2010 begin in Vojens on 25 March.

Duo Guerrero (Werner & Aura Guerrero) will present their high wire act. I remember the act from the Monte Carlo Festival in 2007. Several fine tricks, some with the female partner as the ”under man”. She was singing during the entire act! Very well deserved the duo received The jury’s special award. Werner & Aura has worked together since 1982.

A rare sight: a high wire act with the man on the shoulders of the female. Photo from Circus Festival in Monte Carlo 2007

Voledas will present their horizontal bar act. Also this act took part of the Monte Carlo Festival in 2007. However, the composition of the troupe has changed since 2007. At the 8th International Circus Festival of Budapest in January this year the troupe had only two members: Pavel & Anastasia Voladas. Pavel was awarded a Bronze Pie.

Horses will be presented by Gabi Donnert who the Swedish audiences for several years could meet in Circus Brazil Jack. His act is among the very best liberty acts presented in a Scandinavian circus ring.

Gabi Donnert with his horses. Photo from Circus Brazil Jack 2006

Veslovskis Family performs with a roller skate act and a cowboy / western act. Click here to see a youtube clip from the act.

One of the female members of the troupe Ksenia Veslovskaya performs with hula hoop and perhaps also in tissue.

Bernhard Kaselowsky will present his camels and his elephant. In season 2009 he worked for in Circus Benneweis. Earlier he was for several seasons with Circus Dannebrog.

The Moroccan Casablanca Troupe performs with jumps and pyramids.

Augusto Gonçalves present a magic illusion act.

This year’s clowns are The Michels. José Michel and his partners are among the very best musical clowns, and their version of the classic water entrée is second to none. Way back in 1987 the troupe toured with Circus Benneweis. In 2000 they toured with Circus Arena, in 2004 with Swedish Circus Maximum and in 2009 with the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack.

José Michels. Photo from Circus Brazil Jack 2009

Usually Circus Dannebrog will always present the Enoch family’s bike act The Haddies. I asked Jimmy Enoch if this tradition would be broken. "I do not quite know. All of us are for the time being very busy so we have unfortunately not trained very much“, was his reply.  But let's see. I would still not be surprised to see one or more family member as The Haddies.

As you might remember circus owner Haddy Enoch passed away last autumn. The circus is now owned by his widow Solveig Enoch. In running the circus she is supported by her and Haddy’s 4 children Dennie, Agnete Louise, Isabella and Katja.

2 February 2010

World Circus Day 2010. The Danish Circus Fans Association and the Circus Museum in Hvidovre have decided to participate in the World Circus Day to be held Saturday the 17th April. In Danish the event is called “Store Cirkusdag” and has been allowed to use the logo of the World Circus Day.

The program is not yet ready, but there will be various activities at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre. The fans and the museum hope among other things to present artist performances, lectures in the form of a former artists' report on his life and showing of old television films and cinema films. Of course the museum will be open that day. The Danish Circus Fans Association will also hold their annual general meeting that day. Details on Store Cirkusdag will follow later.

World Circus Day will also be celebrated in several other countries around the world.

In Sweden, the Circus Academy will have open house from 11 to 15 at Sweden's Circus Museum in Inhelsträde north of Helsingborg. "Various activities with artist and magicians. Program is not yet ready”, Roy Himsel of the Swedish Circus Academy tells and add: “In Växjö my daughter Linda and I will exhibit photos from this year’s Monte Carlo festival and some information about circuses."

In addition, Swedish Circus Brazil Jack will participate in the World Circus Day 15, 16, 17 and 18 April 2010 with Open Doors days and lottery for members of the audience to win circus props. Brazil Jack will at that time be at Circusplace Heden in Gothenburg

1 February 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  often we find a small, but nevertheless interesting  afternoon show, featured in one of the many small theatres, which otherwise would remain empty at these hours.

NOW: Theatre ALAMBIC presents SIMPLEMENT MAGIQUE /Simply Magic/ by and with JEROME SAULOUP, a young French magic entertainer with a one-man-show for children and their parents.

A lot of Audience Participation and Interaction is used, a number of children are invited up onto stage to help out --  and this creates interest and sympathy among the audience - as they identify with the child on stage.

A program well adapted to children, presented in French but I take it that even children who don't understand French would enjoy the show since it is very visual: goldfish and doves appear as by --- magic !!!

People clearly liked the show and JEROME SAULOUP held their interest during the whole show - not easy with a number of small children.

Point of interest: the show is presented in a real theatre, which gives it a proper framework - very important for any show.

Furthermore: these shows in Paris are unique and they refer back to a theatrical tradition, and this since the days of Molière, 17th century.

Venue: Theatre Alambic, 12, rue Neuve de la Chardonniere, Paris, Metro: Simplon.

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

29 January 2010

The largest circus in Denmark, Circus Arena, has now published their 2010 program. In the press material they write:

"Circus Arena 2010 performance is based on the traditional circus, the round ring, the great animal acts with horses and elephants - and then rush straight into the present time on the backs of 6 motorbikes. Here is world class artistry with a high humour factor. We promise our audience top entertainment for all generations - in short circus for the entire family. "

The performers are the motorbike troupe Diorio in their Globe of Death. The Brazilian stuntmen use the same globe as in the 2008 season, but are making a new record attempt with 6 riders in the globe. Diorio also toured with Circus Arena in 2002, 2005 and 2008.

René and Alexia Caselly presents their African elephants. The couple has been working for Circus Arena since 2005.

The reprise clown Jimmy Folco is called a wonderful Italian world clown. He was last time with Circus Arena in 2008.

Wolfgang Lauenburg presents his dogs revue, which is one of the market's best dog acts. Last year he toured with Swedish Circus Maximum. In Denmark performed in the autumn 2008 in Benny Schumann's Mini Circus.

Konstantin Mouraview presents his comical entrée on German Wheel. The audience in Circus Arena audiences saw him in back 2001 when he did not do his comic entrée but a more traditional act using German wheel. But  Danes could see his comical entrée in 2004 at Soren Ostergaard's Tivoli Variety and later the same year at the clown festival at Bakken.

Max Veldy presents his comic entrée as a drunken man on the trampoline. The Danes met him first time in 1993 at Circus Benneweis. In 2003 he appeared with Charley Kaye at the Red Inn Theatre in Copenhagen and in 2004 at the Tivoli Gardens.

The Chinese Sailors presents an act using a Russian swing and is called world class Chinese artists.

The 3 Wozniewski shows air acrobatics with style and class. A troupe of the same name was with Circus Arena in 1999. Since then the troupe and the act might have changed.

Circus Arenas liberty horses will be presented by Patrick Berdino and Laura Staaling Berdino. Circus owner Benny Berdino’s daughter Suzanne Berdino is not with the show as she in 2010 will tour with Swedish Circus Skratt whose performance is produced by the Berdino family.

Wolfgang Lauenbuerger with his dogs. Photo: Circus Arena’s press service

27 January 2010

UNESCO addresses Circus Directors Federation Plans for 2010. In a press release Fédération Mondiale du Cirque writes:

The head of UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Mme Cecile Duvelle, addressed more than 80 circus directors and owners and representatives at a private luncheon offered by the Federation under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco in partnership with the Monegasque Société des Bains de Mer.  Following a brief presentation concerning circus as “culture for the millions,” Mme Duvelle outlined the goals of the Convention and underlined the cultural role of circus.   Mme Duvelle also attended a competition show of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo.

During the meeting, Federation representatives reviewed achievements in the Federation’s first full year of operation and agreed on goals and activities for 2010. The Preservation Project will remain the focus of activities including a major professional meeting on preservation of circus history and artifacts to be held 16-19 June 2010 in Montreal.  In addition, the Federation will coordinate and support the first World Circus Day to be held 17 April 2010.  More than a dozen countries already have expressed their enthusiasm and intend to participate in this global celebration.

Another significant decision taken by the Federation at its meetings in Monaco was to admit a new member representing circus interests within Asia. An announcement identifying the new member will be made later in 2010 in conjunction with an important circus event. 

The popular photography contest held in 2009 will be offered again in 2010.  Best of show winners for the 2009 contest Ron Mikkenie of the Netherlands and Janeric Dahlin of Sweden were recognized for their outstanding color and black/white circus photographs depicting performing animals and circus performance, respectively. Twenty-four winning photos were published in 2010 calendars, and Mikkenie and Dahlin received framed copies of their winning entries signed by H.S.H. Princess Stephanie.

The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Monte-Carlo.  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. 

27 January 2010

The contemporary circus performance Two Faces is called a dance performance with elements of contemporary circus. The performers are Camila Sarrazin and Lars Gregersen from Teatro GLIMT. Teatro GLIMT has its roots in street theatre. But in 2005 the artistic need arose for exploring the more refined intense atmosphere that one can find in an indoor theatre. Teatro Glimt was formed by Camila Sarrazin and Lars Gregersen in the summer of 2002. The show can be in the coming months be seen a number of places at Zealand. Further info at http://www.glimt.info/

Two Faces is also not the only new wave circus performances during the spring. 19 and 20 February the Swedish juggler and performer, Samuel Gustavsson performs at The Copenhagen Music Theatre with his own visual juggling poem Night FOR One. Samuel Gustavsson is a mover and educated circus artist, specialized in juggling and object manipulation. After he graduated 1998 from circus school in Sweden, he was ask to join the newcircus company Circus Cirkör and has since then toured numerous of their shows around the globe. In 2003 he did his first performance with the Danish choreographer Kitt Johnson and the dance company X-act. Along the engagements in companies he has also worked as a freelancer, doing acts and appearances at galas, TV, festivals and film. In 2006 he staged and produced his first full solo performance Night For One. Parallel to his own stageworks and engagements for other companies he has also teaches and giving workshops in juggling and movement at circus schools around Europe.

26 January 2010

More about circus performances at shopping malls etc in week 7 and week 8. On 22 January I mentioned the performances in Ballerup Centret, Elsinore Shopping Mall, the West Zealand Shopping Centre, Odense Congress Centre and at Mega Furniture, Odense.

Here is some additional performance: Circus Krone (the Danish dog and pony show and not the mighty German circus) will give performance at the Gellerup Stage at Aarhus from 13 to 18 February. Guest artist this year is the Swedish bike acrobat Malte Knapp. Malte Knapp is born and raised in Sweden’s smallest community Bjurholm. Malte is today one of Sweden’s most known circus performers with his unicycle act. Malte Knapp has performed in 28 different countries, has participated in more than 50 Swedish and international TV-shows, and performed for celebrities like the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian Royal families. Circus Krone’s performance can also been seen on 20 February in Odense at Circus Flik-Flak (Denmark’s leading youth circus).

Malte Knapp ride the smallest bike in the world

Circus Mascot can be seen at the HerningCentret in week 7 and at Aalborg Storcenter in week 8. Apart from members of the Deleuran family (which owns Circus  Mascot) you can meet the clown Don Carlos (Mogens Koelmeyer).

Don Carlos

It should also be mentioned that Arena Circusland at Aarslev, Slagelse is open for visitors from 13 to 28 February.

Further info in What's On.

23 January 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  always something new within the circus field  --  NOW: NATIONAL CIRCUS ART SCHOOL OF TUNIS and BALAGAN INTERNATIONAL, proudly present SARKHA -- a circus show combining dance, circus and theatre.

LAURENCE LEVASSEUR, director and choreographer, invites us to see 9 young Tunisian artists in a sensitive and poetic show.

Venue: National Circus Art School, Rosny-sous-Bois, near Paris /accessible by RER-train/.

Dates: 31st Jan at 20.30 and 1st Feb, at 19.30.

Contact in Paris: BALAGAN INTERNATIONAL, organizes also LE SALON MONDIAL DU CIRQUE, covered on www.circus-dk.dk - , April 2009.

Contact: Mariana Alexeeva - email: balagancoordination@club-internet.fr

Website: www.balagan-international.info

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

22 January 2010

Freddi Steckel 60 year old. On 29 January the talented Danish comedy cascadeur Freddi Steckel can celebrate his 60 years birthday. He was born in Elsinore on 29 January 1950. His parents were circus owner Frederik Schmidt of Circus Schmidt Brothers and his Norwegian wife Dina. Frederik Schmidt was also known as the clown Gugele. Frederik run until 1952 his circus jointly with his brother Arnold. Then Frederik left the circus and worked for three seasons at Norwegian Circus Empress. Following this he worked for many years as a clown in several circuses assisted by his wife and their 4 children Randi, Freddi, Jacki and Heidi. The 4 children did also have their very own act called 4 Steckels. During the years Freddi changed his act and his is now the only of Frederik and Dina’s  children who still are active as an acrobat with his world class comedy cascadeur act Steckel’s. In 2002 he toured with Circus Merano in Norway. In 2003 he toured with Swedish Circus Maximum and had during the season no less than three female partners! The reason was that the first partner Lene Vittrup had other engagements during part of the season. In 2004 he toured with Danish Circus Dannebrog where Isabella Enoch was his partner. In 2008 and 2009 he has toured in Denmark with Circus Baldoni having co-owner Thessa Moenster as partner. During his many years as acrobat Freddi has also worked at Circus Krone in the Munich Building, at Bosswell-Wilke in South Africa, at Hansa Theatre in Hamburg, at Circus Finlandia in Finland, at the TV-show Le Plus Grand Cabaret and several other places all over the world.

Freddi Steckel with Thessa Moenster in his arms. Photo from Circus Baldoni 2008

22 January 2010

Several shopping centres etc. will present circus performances as free attraction when the Danish school children have a week of in week 7 or week 8. One of the places is the Ballerup Shopping Mall where Finn Bendixen in week 7 will present Circus Landino with some Czech artists we haven’t seen before in Denmark: a juggler on a staircase, a girl with hula hoop and the cascadeurs Wolf Brothers. Furthermore the young Danish comedian and magician Tobias.

Other places where you can see circus performances in week 7 are in the Elsinore Shopping Mall and at the West Zealand Centre in Slagelse. Both centres present Benny Schumann’s mini circus. In Elsinore with Benny Schumann & Pat Clarrison’s dog show and in Slagelse with John Burke and his two sealions and the clown Florin with his dog Cato.

Further info in What's On.

Wolf Brothers can in week 7 be seen at Circus Landino in Ballerup Shopping Centre. Ballerup is a Copenhagen suburb

20 January 2010

Press Release from ECA: Communication about Animals in the Circus Arts

During the 34th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, the European Circus Association (ECA) organized its Symposium for the 8th time. On 15 and 16 January 2010, the members from many EU states discussed about the topic “Communicating about animals in the circus arts”.

In a keynote presentation, the English scientist Dr Marthe Kiley-Worthington underlined that in her opinion circuses with animals have a future if they do some rethinking. The animals should be given even more enrichment activities and the audience must get more information. It is important to focus upon the interaction between man and animal. The circus has an enormous chance to be the ambassador of the animals and to convey this idea to the public. In an open and lively discussion, animal trainers, PR experts and Dr. Kiley-Worthington exchanged their various experiences with animals in the circus.

Media-trainer Jeff Jouett (USA) introduced various strategies to successfully communicate with the media, government officials, politicians and the public about the positive role of animals in the classical circus. In a training situation with animal trainers and circus specialists, he suggested some important key messages:

1) Circus animals are well-loved and well-cared for.

2) Circus animals are trained with affection and respect.

3) Circus animals inspire and educate.

4) Public support for circus animals and circus culture is overwhelming.

In a role-playing session, PR and communications strategist Rodney Huey (USA) acted as a reporter conducting a “live interview.” The audience was asked to evaluate the answers given by some participants.

Many exhibitors had registered for the Circus Business Exhibition, among them leading manufacturers of circus tents, seating facilities and masts, printers, a costume designer etc.

For the Silent Auction, circuses, collectors and organizations had donated many historical items.

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.

Princess Stephanie at the Circus Business Exhibition

19 January 2010

Monte Carlo 2010. Down here you will find the results of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte - Carlo. Several of the winners has in the later years performed in Danish circuses: Les Flying Michaels (Circus Dannebrog 2006 and 2009), Garcias (Circus Arena 2001 and Circus Dannebrog 2008), Rossyanns (Circus Arena 2004 and Swedish Circus Maximum 2002, 2003 and 2005), Sonny Frankello (Circus Dannebrog 1981 and 1993, Circus Benneweis 1996-1998, Tivoli 1999, Circus Arena 2002-2004, Swedish Circus Maximum 2000) and Andrejs Fjodorovs (Circus Arli 2008).

CLOWN D´OR

Martin Lacey Jr. - Présentation de Fauves

Troupe de Shandong - Numéro d´Icariens

CLOWN D´ARGENT

Les Flying Michaels – Trapèze volant

Les Anges du Cirque du Soleil

Troupe Eshimbekov – Djiguites

Petra et Roland Duss / Présentation d´Otaries

CLOWN BRONZE

Les Garcia – Duo Aérien

Les Rossyanns – Clown Musicaux

Sonni Frankello - Présentation d´Eléphants

The Blue Sky Girls - Contorsions

PRIX SPECIAL DU JURY: Troupe Chernievsky - Numéro de bascule

COUPE DE S.A.S. LA PRINCESSE ANTOINETTE (au plus jeune artiste du Festival): Acro Trio

PRIX PUBLIC: Les Anges du Cirque du Soleil

PRIX SPECIAL DE EUROPEAN CIRCUS ASSOCIATION: Andrejs Fjodorovs / Présentation de pigeons

The CIRCUSFANS ITALIA offers many photos from this years festival:

- The photos of consignation of Clowns to the winners

- The photos of SHOW A made by Antonio Vanoli

- The photos of SHOW B made by Antonio Vanoli 

- The photos of SHOW A made by Maurizio Colombo

- The photos of SHOW B made by Maurizio Colombo

3 January 2010

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS - always something of interest - visual and/or musical shows.

NOW: THEATRE DE LA VIEILLE GRILLE proudly presents a unique show called MELIES CABARET MAGIQUE, about GEORGES MELIES, a pioneer within the cinematography, today mostly forgotten, also in France.

GEORGE MELIES was a magic entertainer as well -  and he performed at and took the direction of Robert Houdin's SALON FANTASTIQUE in Paris. He developed the technical side of the film art which he enriched by adding hundreds of ideas, and - important - he was the very first one to create and use what we today call SPECIAL EFFECTS, obtaining a quality well matching what we see today.

The show features a number of films, accompanied by two pianists, exactly as during the days of silent film. .In between the films, the French magic entertainer and actor SYLVAIN SOLUSTRI performed classic magic effects with lots of humour and in costume from that time - a very strong point, The audience roared with laughter - a response proving that magic is - also - entertainment for adults !!! Grande finale featuring music: piano, two accordeons and bugle-horn - a show well worth seeing and of a culturally high standing !!

THEATRE DE LA VIEILLE GRILLE-

1, rue du Puits-de-l'Ermite, Metro: Place Monge.

SYLVAIN SOLUSTRI

Here comes a survey of other MAGIC SHOWS, thus rather visual programs - good news for those who didn't take French at school ...

Here we go: DROLE DE MAGIE  /FUNNY MAGIC/  - by and with LES JUMEAUX, meaning  "the twins", their names are CLAUDE and LAURENT MAMOU, presenting a very funny and entertaining magic show.

They feature a particularly good version of THE SPIRIT CABIN, an old-timer that still holds water since the time of Brothers Davenport.

Venue:Theatre CLAVEL, 3, rue Clavel, Metro:Pyrenees.

CHRISTIAN GAMBIN still features his various programs of magic and balloon-sculpturing, mostly for parents with small kids. In the evening, he produces his one-man-shows, combining singing, acting and magic.

Venue: Theatre Antre Magique, 50, rue Saint-Georges, Metro: Saint-Georges.

Theatre ALHAMBRA, Magic Show TOUT EST ECRIT  /Everything is written/  three magic entertainers featuring a very good show, here one has to understand some French, though.

It is difficult to produce an intersting, appealing and funny show without any feminine element, but they succeed in doing so.

Venue: 21, rue Yves Toudic, Metro: Republique.

While visiting Paris - have a good look in L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES, Euro 0.35 in all news-stalls - you will find excellent shows and thus alternatives to the LIDO, which of course is also worth seeing !

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

1 January 2010

Birthdays with a round figure in 2010. Several persons from the Danish world of artist and circus owners can celebrate a birthday with a round figure 2010. On 29 January the comical cascadeur Freddi Steckel can celebrate his 60 years birthday. On 26 April Martin Arli of Circus Arli can celebrate his 50 years birthday. On 22 May his father Soren Arli can celebrate his 75 years birthday. On 21 June Jess Deleuran of Circus Mascot can celebrate his 60 years birthday.

1 January 2010

This website had 34.737 hits in 2009. The counter can be seen at the bottom of the opening page. Ordinary the news section and the section with circus routes are updated every Saturday.

Since this website was established in August 2001 my son Lars has been my webmaster. But it might change. As you can see my grandchild Sebastian (2 years old) is very interested in working with at PC!

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