Circus news from Denmark 2014

26 December 2014

The circus year 2014 in review

The circus year in review is an annual review published on this website by the end of each year. You can find link to the previous year's reviews at the bottom of the circus news page.

Introduction

The quality of the performances in the Danish circuses was like previous years very high. As well in the 3 large circuses (Circus Arena, Circus Benneweis and Circus Dannebrog) as in the medium sized Circus Baldoni and in the 3 small circuses (Circus Arli, Circus Krone (a Danish circus having the same name as the mighty German circus) and Circus Mascot. In the three large circuses the quality of the program was fully in line with what you can see in leading circuses elsewhere in Europe. And for the other 4 circuses the quality was above what you usually can expect to see in similar circus south of the border between Denmark and Germany.

For the sixth year in row the Danish circuses got competition from DR television’s Big Band’s and the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation’s Circus Summarum. The Summarum-performances are not circus, but children's theatre that takes place in a circus environment.  The producers claim that 2014 was a strong season for Circus Summarum. If you estimate that at least half of the guests in Circus Summarum are visiting Summarum instead of paying a visit to a circus and that a circus ticket incl. refreshments cost no less than 200 DKK it is a total income of around 10 million DKK (1.4 million Euro) which DR television and the Muscular Dystrophy Foundations thanks to DR's massive publicity for Circus Summarum has transferred from the circus industry to Circus Summarum. Such missing amount can be felt in the circus ticket offices! The tent used by Circus Summarum is rented from Circus Arena which due to this is less annoyed with the competition than other circuses. The Summarum tent has 2,350 seats and thus room for more spectators than any circus tent in the Nordic countries.

Unlike other art forms the Danish circuses does not get any sort of public subsidy.

Some municipalities permit circuses to use the local circus lots free of charge. This applies for example in Copenhagen. An excellent example which more municipalities should follow! Unfortunately, in some municipalities the trend is in the opposite direction: the rent for circus lots increases. Also in other respects circuses in Denmark are struggling with rising costs.

The performances in 2014

In January the contemporary circus company Finzi Pasca presented the performance La Verita woven around Salvador Dalí’s backdrop in the Tivoli Concert Hall in Copenhagen.

In late March Cirque du Soleil presented the show Dralion in Herning.

In school’s winter holidays in February CIRCUS KRONE had performances in Aarhus. BENNY SCHUMANN presented a clown festival in the Elsinore City Shopping Centre. CIRCUS MASCOT had performances in in Herning Shopping Centre and Aalborg Shopping Centre. JIMMY ENOCH produced a show called Enoch's Circus Show. In week 7 in Bryggen shopping centre in Vejle and the following week in the Rosengaard centre in Odense. CIRCUS PANIC had performances in Vanløse, Copenhagen. ISABELLA ENOCH presented winter circus in 4 arenas in Jutland. In the West Zealand centre in Slagelse customers could see John Burke's sea lions in a huge basin. The Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, featured a show with the Danish ventriloquist, magician and comedian Peter Nørgaard.

Circus Arena

The largest circus in the Nordic countries CIRCUS ARENA opened their season in Copenhagen on 18 March.

First act in the performance was Duo Moretti in a beautiful tissue- number. They played through love's many facets: separation and union, closeness and devotion.

The show continued with a juggler Rudy Janecek dressed in black. Janacek’s juggling art was not only difficult - 7 clubs in the air for example. But he radiated the quivering intensity which is a big plus for the juggler.

The high-speed juggler Rudy Janecek. Here with 7 clubs

The clown Jimmy Folco now entered the ring for the first time, this year with new gags. In his first run-in he attempted to tame a snake which went very wrong as he was tamed by the snake!

Jidinis - 6 artists in a magic show. There were a lot of magic tricks forming a magic universe.

The clown trio Rampins Clowns did the Busy Bee entrée where two clowns spits water at each other. But why also spit water at the ringside audience?

Alex Micheal was the fly man who walked upside down with his feet in the straps and made wild leaps from one trapeze to another.

Arenas elephants were nicely presented by Circus Arena Crown Prince Patrick Berdino. An act which presented the animals' nature and qualities in a charming way.

Patrick Berdino with Circus Arena’s 3 African elephants

After the interval came a number in flying trapeze: Flying Mendosa. Classic and clean, with the tricks that are expected of a talented troupe: the 3- double somersault and double- crossing.

6 silvery dancing girls put up to Laura Berdino's liberty horses. Riding on horse she presented 8 white Arabian stallions with shiny silver sequins - an evocative liberty act that showed why the round circus ring is a gift for both humans and animals.

Laura Berdino

Jimmy Folco entered the ring as the god Cupid - or was it a fallen angel? With his arrow as a prop he tried speed dating, but it obviously went horribly wrong for him. After him came Rampins Brothers with a classical version of the Risley act.

After this intense discharge of motion and muscle force Jimmy took audience at the heart with a game of musical chairs for children which made kids stars for a day.

And the final act: The Cretu troupe. Springboard Acrobats, 10 in total. The troupe made ​​a 5 man high, a double somersault and a pyramid.

Circus Arena closed the season 9 September in Køge.

As usual Circus Arena put in the beginning of October a performance on tour in Greenland.

As in 2013 Circus Arena kept their winter quarters in Aarslev open during the winter holidays, summer holidays and autumn holidays. Circus Land, as it is called, offered training of circus animals in rehearsal ring, sea lion show, pony rides, playground, museum etc. as well as short performances in Circus Landino.

Circus Benneweis

Friday, March 21 had CIRCUS BENNEWEIS it’s opening performance in Hillerød. "Benneweis excites" was the headline of Lars Henrik Aagaard's review of the show in the Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende.

The first act was the excellent Austrian clown Don Christian, whom the Benneweis audience also met in 2014. Once again, you had to admire the perfect contact Don Christian manages to create with his audience.

His first entrance was an old gag: the conductor entrée where the audience will help by clapping. But Don Christian has added his own personal twist to entrée and the audience cheered.

Next the singing ringmaster Judy Glosted entered the ring. This year she was riding on a beautiful brown Arabian horse. Unfortunately, the horse was injured on 24 March so for the rest of the season the elegant ringmisstres had to go on Shank’s mare when entering the ring for her welcome.

Judy Glosted was followed by Mirek with four large and beautiful camels from the stables of the Swedish Circus Olympia.

The camels were followed by a fast-paced and charming gentleman on the tight wire: Rodriguez Pena Yosvana. In addition to skipping and dancing he also did a backward somersault as well as the much more difficult forward somersault.

Rodriguez Pena Yosvana doing the backward somersault

Then an accordion -playing Don Christian entered the ring and presented with help from a 7-8 year old kid from the audience his version of the entrée with cow bells (glockenspiel). Nice to see a clown who also invites one of the younger generations into the ring. And a clown who is funny himself and don’t need to make a fool of his guest in the ring.

This year's aerial act was Russian Duo Volkov. The act is done in what Sergey Volkov and Natalya Zayko call aerial chains- rings and is called "Power of Love". Their spectacular number ended with some tremendous turnovers where each of them hanging in a ring with their right hands with their bodies was describing circles in the air.

Duo Volkov

Thereafter, Don Christian had a short run-in: the gag with a springboard which breaks as a guest from the audience jumps down on it.

Then there were animal in the ring again: 40 dogs of all breeds presented by Paulo Folco and his family. They began the act by driving into the ring in a small illuminated train. Unbelievable that the Folco’s could keep control of all these animals which appeared from everywhere. Even the St Bernhard dog’s whiskey barrel turned out to have a small dog inside.

The first act after the break was Belgian Martyn Chabry, daughter of the famous clown Totto Chabri. She presented a formidable musical quick change act. In a blistering pace whether she changed clothes, played the xylophone and played on bottles. She did also play the saxophone.

Then there were animals in the ring again. This time the animals I do not recall having seen in a Danish circus: trained ferrets presented in a charming way by the Russian Babushka Anelya Rossl.

Anelya Rossl and one of the ferrets

Next Rafael de Carlos entered in the ring with a breath-taking juggling act with balls: soccer balls, tennis balls and ping pong balls. He is born in Havana, Cuba, and has plenty of talent, charm and charisma and does as his girlfriend Martyn his act with a furious pace which you become quite breathless to look at. And he sometimes even does a backward somersault!

Now it was time for one of Don Christian's best and most beloved entrée: the boxing entrée.

Then we met something as unusual as a male contortionist. Andrey Romanovski could both show goofy gaits and jump rope while standing on his hands with his legs on his shoulders! He also climbed up a tall chimney -like prop which he absolutely incredibly was able to slip through.

Andrey Romanovski climbing up on his chimney. Click here to see more photos from the performance

The performance's last act was 5 young break-dancers, Sick 7 Crew, presenting a great and fast-paced act that had lot of youth and energy.

For the first time for many years there were no elephants in this year's show. Initially Lars Hölscher was as in 2011 and 2012 booked to present his elephants in Circus Benneweis. But there was uncertainty as to whether he could live up to the requirements in the Danish rules relating to the keeping and presentation of animals in circuses. For this reason Diana Benneweis and Lars Hölscher agreed to cancel their contract. As a replacement Diana booked the Hungarian break-dancers.

There was hardly anyone in the audience who missed the elephants in the fine and fast-paced show. The older elephants, which today form the backbone of the world's well over 250 circus elephants, will inevitably slow down the pace of the show, and many elephant act has more the character of showcasing elephants than as performing elephants. Several visitors told Benneweis they really did not like to see elephants in the circus.

Some older circus friends miss the cute baby elephants and naughty elephants in the teen-age which you years ago could meet in circuses. But those days has gone forever. As previously mentioned on this page it is more than 20 years ago since a circus or animal trainer would be allowed to buy a baby elephant. Elephants breed very rare in captivity, neither in circuses or zoos. Most circus elephants are today between 30 and 50 years old, and over a dozen years the last circus elephant will have died or been sent into retirement. Partly for that reason more and more circus has stopped presenting elephants.

Circus Benneweis closed the season in Copenhagen on 14 September.

Circus Mascot

On 26 March the Deleuran family’s CIRCUS MASCOT opened their season at the fairground in Roslev. This year there have been changes in management where Daniel Deleuran had succeeded his father, so that the Executive Board now consists of Daniel and his mother Marianne Deleuran. Jess Deleuran was ringmaster for part of the season, but stopped in June and is today not any longer connected to Circus Mascot. 

From Pentecost and for the rest of the season it was Daniel who presented the show with charm and elegance.

Oleksii Trunov presented a distinguished juggler act: coordinated, executed and conceived with difficult tricks - 7 balls in the air - and the balls rested on the body or walked around the body. The clown Gulio could celebrate his 10th year anniversary with Circus Mascot. And he knows how to renew himself.  He had several run-ins. Enough to learn him to know but not so many that we got tired of him.

Gulio in one of his entrées. Photo: Finn Gervin

Then Marianne and Andreas entered the ring with all their dogs. The dogs did many different tricks and the act was very entertaining.

Tetyana Prymachenko - a beautiful aerial acrobat in aerial ring. It was once again noticeable how much it means when choreography, lighting and artistic abilities go into a higher unity and forms the outline of a mythological figure.

Then perhaps the highlight of the performance: Gereltuya Ganbold - a slender contortionist dressed in a snake costume. Aesthetically and very difficult. And yes, she ended with a doing a Marinelli.

After the break Circus Mascot’s ponies entered the ring. In the beginning of the season it was Jess Deleuran who presented them but later in the season the act was presented by his son Andreas.. He was followed by Husik Gulyamov (Gulio junior) who juggled with glowing hula hoop rings, so the ring was filled with a symphony of colors and color games.

Gulio then entered the ring in with his funny judo entrée involving members from the audience. Daniel Deleuran followed with him with a great chair balancing act before Marianne and Andreas presented a wildlife tableau with a goose, a male goat, a pigeon that climbed a ladder and two football -playing Canadian mini pigs.

Chair balancing by Daniel Deleuran. Photo: Finn Gervin

Gege and Alex did parterre acrobatics before Gulio ended the performance with his car gag where 3 guests from the audience got a hocking drive.

Gege and Alex. Photo: Finn Gervin. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

Circus Mascot closed the season in Breum on 27 September.

Circus Arli

CIRCUS ARLI opened their season in Fløng on 30 March.

Year after year we wonder what the Arli family secret is. They can make something that many other circus directors will envy them. I have lurked at least one of the secrets: The small circus understand how to get the very best out of their artists. It was e.g. noted when you saw the first act, the Czech Wolf- brothers with their comedy trapeze act. I have seen the act before. But it works much better at Arli than the other places where I have seen the brothers. In Arli David Wolf is dressed up as Superman who with “help” from a circus groom fumbles tremendously when he tries to get up in the trapeze.

Before the two Czechs entered the circular stage we have met Alexander Arli who in best show style opened the show with 4 beautiful girls from the Circus Arli ballet.

Alexander Arli and the Circus Arli ballet. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

Superman Wolff was followed by the wizard of Oz aka Martin Arli who conjured pigeons up of nothing and them conjured them to a rabbit. Interrupted several times when he emptied the water jug that never runs out of water.

The next act was also done by members of the Arli: under the title All that jazz Alexander Arli assisted by Ditte Lill did a tremendous act combining juggling and tap dance.

Two times during the performance we met Duo Grajdian from Moldova. First in a poetic adagio acrobatic number, where they were presented as Romeo and Juliet and at the very end of the show with a fast-paced river dance number performed in aerial straps.

The last act before the break was Wolf brothers knockabout table acrobat act. Usually they are doing this act dressed up as Scots. But with usual elegance and ingenuity the Arli family had changed the costumes: the two Wolfs were dressed as Laurel and Hardy.

The first number after the break was the 3 little pigs - 3 performers dressed as pigs.

The pigs were followed by an artist making her debut: the 16 -year-old foot-juggler Adriana Wolf who was presented as the beautiful Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. A nice debut for the pretty young Czech.

Later in the season the audience met another debutant in the ring: The 5 year old Andrea Wolff with a great act in aerial ring. She is the daughter of the Czech artist couple Natali and David Wolf. At the request of the Arli family the little girl only took part in the performances when she felt like it. She was therefore not included in all the performances. For the same reason she was not mentioned in the printed program.

Andrea Wolff

Ditte Lill had throughout the winter been training hard on a new act: Tango in the form of pole - dance. The hard work has been worth as she danced elegantly up and down the pole both with head up and head down. Impressive!

Ditte Lill. Photo Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

What is an Arli - performance without the clowns Martino & Co aka Martin and Alexander Arli? The last few seasons Alexander has been white-faced clown. This year, father and son has opted for something new: They come in the ring as Robin and Hood dressed as the valiant people from the Sherwood Forest. With his arrow Alexander shall hit a balloon which Martin keeps over his head. A new version of the classical gag with balloons. Laughter echoed through the tent.

Robin and Hood and alias Martino & Co. Photo: Ole Simonsen. Click here to see more photos from the show.

The performance's last act was as mentioned above river dance with Duo Grajdian.

Circus Arli closed the season on 25 August in Sengeløse.

Circus Baldoni

CIRCUS BALDONI opened their season in Lyngby on 2 April.

Circus Baldoni’s 2014 performance was one of the best and most successful in Circus Baldoni's history. You understand Thessa and René Moenster’s pride by introducing an act with no Danish circus previously has presented: Ballet on shoulder and head. It is an act where a female artist dance tip toe ballet on her male partner's shoulder and head. It is a discipline that Chinese artists specialize in. Artist agent Jörgen Börsch has found these two pretty young people Guo Zhimin and Zhang Jiaxiang during a visit to China.

Guo Zhimin dancing ballet on the shoulder of Zhang Jiaxiang. Just as two of their countrymen did when they a few years ago got a gold clown in Monte Carlo

Baldoni’s clown Danilo opened the performance with his version of Oleg Popov's famous sunshine entrée where the light is collected in a basket. Later we meet him as a film director, in Clown Andrés reprise as the singing mop "Save my love my darling” and with Danilazen aka Thessa Moenster in a water gag. All well-known clown entrées. But is doesn’t matter when they as here are presented with charm, humor and elegance.

The clown Danilo was back in Circus Baldoni’s ring which is actually a circular stage

After the sunshine entrée and Baldoni’s traditional opening song Stiliana Tomovi presented a fine foot juggling act where she also used hula hoop rings. Then came Tomi and Natalie with quick change followed by a short magic entrée by Danilazen. Heléne Ramer did a nice entrée in tissue. Far better than the many standard acts in the tissue which we often see in circuses. The first part of the performance was completed with Danilo’s filmmaker gag and Tomovis comic dog show including a few large St. Bernard dogs.

After the break Natalie did a hula -hoop entrée and Danillo appeared as the singing floor mop. Next, Heléne Ramer did an elegant number in pole. Li Hao juggled with large porcelain jars before Sasha and Stilana presented a number, which is now a rarity in circus: perch. The act ended with him climbing a ladder while balancing a perch with her ​​on the top on his forehead. Earlier in the act Stiliana did a somersault on a small platform on top of the perch. Luckily enough she uses a lounge while doing this trick although there was not actual need for it. But there is no reason for artists to risk their lives to entertain us

Stiliana, doing a summersault oh the top of the perch

Danilo’s and Danilazeen’s water gag was clearly inspired both by José Michel’s entrée and the entrée which Don Christian dis last year in Circus Benneweis. But what does that matter. Everyone in the tent laughed.

The last number in the performance was as mentioned above the excellent Chinese number with ballet on the shoulder.

The performance's enthusiastic and nasty ringmaster was of course the lion Leonardo (a ventriloquist doll), assisted by Baldoni aka René Moenster.

Leonardo with René. On the bench to the left you can see the Danish Minister of Culture Mrs. Marianne Jelved with two of her grandchildren. Click here to see more photos from this year Baldoni- performance.

The tented season closed on August 17, but was followed by a few weeks of performances in arenas in the Faroe Islands and Iceland.

BALDONI'S CHRISTMAS CIRCUS had four public performances in the fencing hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre during the weekend of 23 and 24th November and in Vordingborg on 30 November.

Circus Dannebrog

CIRCUS DANNEBROG opened the season on 2 April in Vojens.

The last few years Circus Dannebrog have had a theme for their performance. This year is was Dynamic Youth. Circus Dannebrog called the performance a modern show with classic elements.

For several years, Cirkus Dannebrog has had a ballet. This year, they have booked a troupe that can both dance ballet and do beautiful and versatile acrobatics: 5 artists from the Bingo troupe from Ukraine. The 5 artists opened the show with a beautiful and fast paced number with handstand, hand -to-hand and adagio acrobatics.

Three of the artists from the Bingo troupe

Then all artists entered the ring before the director Agnete Louise Enoch welcomed.

The next act was the brothers Said, Karim and Soffien Messoudi with nice and fast paced juggling.

Next artist is this year's clown: Mimi from France. Those who believe that a clown must have red nose are disappointed. Mimi uses no make-up and his costume is a blue boiler suit. But there is much new thinking in his run-ins. In the first a member from the audience assist him in being hoisted up and down in a pulley.

The clown Mimi with his assistant

Then came Jazz Malaika in the ring. The 19- year-old singer acted as mixture of a ringmisstress, a dancer and a singer. Her short intro lead into the performance's horse acts: first, Bernhard Kaselowsky with large and small and then Katja Enoch with five white Arabs.

Katja Enoch

Now is time had come to meet the performance's youngest artists: Antonio and Connor Garcia, respectively 11 and 8 years old. They did handstand with a lot of energy and you could see that they found it wonderful to be in the ring. They had lots of talent that will ensure that the Garcia family also for years to come will be a distinguished artist family.

Next, Mimi did a clown reprise where he spinned around on a small platform. First, by means of a motor which ran out of control. Next, using his assistant from the audiences. He uses the same assistant for all his entrées. And is it an assistant from the audience, not an assistant he has brought along.

Last year, Pablo and Vicky Garcia presented their comic number with an airplane in Circus Benneweis. This year in Circus Dannebrog they did their entrée with a rocket which with tremendous speed circles around under the big top. The act was awarded a bronze clown in Monte Carlo in 2010. For part of the season Vicky was alone in the rocket as Pablo was injured.

After the interval the Bingo troupe was back in the ring with a fast-paced hula -hoop number.

Next, Mimi assisted by Jazz and his assistant from audiences had a short entrée where he both swallows a sword (foldable) and got pounding in his head.

Jazz stayed in the ring and song and danced, while the elephant Ramboline and Bernhard Kaselowsky entered ring. At the end of act Jazz climbed Ramboline and became a singing elephant girl while Ramboline walked from step to step to stage and later rotated on one leg up on a small rotating platform.

Jazz and Ramboline

The 17- year-old Michael Betrian has a bronze clown from this year's Monte Carlo New Generation Festival in his luggage. In a blistering pace he got up to four diabolos in the air at the same time. Impressive! He lives 100% up to the performance’s title Dynamic Youth.

Michael was followed by artists at a somewhat slower pace: 6 Holstein cows, presented by the circus queen Agnete Louise Enoch and Bernhard Kaselowsky. Great to see Agnete Louise back in the ring. And cows can actually do much more than you would think when you see the slow cud chewers shuffle around in the fields.

After a brief run-in with Mimi came the performance's last act: Messoudi - a father and his three young sons. They presented one of the best hand-to- hand acts I have seen for many years. They deserve an invitation to Monte Carlo, where a number of this standard should be awarded with a clown of silver or gold. The Messoudi family’s act was undoubtedly the best acrobat act you in 2014 could see in any Danish circus ring 

The  Messoudis.  Click here to see more photos from the performance

Circus Dannebrog closed the season on 28 September in Gram.

Circus Krone

As the last of the Danish circuses the tiny Circus Krone opened their season Wednesday, April 16 in Them, close to the circus ' winter quarters.

Before the show began the clown Alando walked around in the tent and said hello to his audience while the loudspeakers played some of Regnar Thierry’s welcome speaches from former performances. For those who do not know it: Circus Krone was founded by the late Regnar Thierry who is father of the current circus owner Irene Thierry.

Alando's charming welcome ended up with him cleaning up the ring, where a small toy rabbit teased him by throwing plastic bags around. There were more and more bags, and Alando juggled with them. In the end, a good many plastic bags came down from the tent roof and the music began playing Circus Krone’s overture.

Next Irene Thierry entered the ring and welcomed the audience to Circus Krone’s 30th year anniversary performance under her ownership.

The first artist was the young Robin Ruml with a fine rola bola entrée.

Robin with rola bola

Then Alando had a fine and poetic entrée with his mischievous ponies.

The next act was Natacha Kostareva with a juggler entrée in elegant staging: she started by climbing of a box and juggle glowing balls. Later she juggled with balls of different colours and sizes. Spectacular and innovative.

Antonin Navratil then had a great act in Washington trapeze arising memories of the legendary Sabu. One can understand why some call him king of the air or Mad Tony.

Mad Tony in his Washington Trapeze

After the interval we met once again the talented and versatile Natacha, this time in a spectacular aerial act in a net.

Next came Zdenek Ruml junior in the ring with a fine diabolo number showing plenty of youth, energy and talent.

Then it was time for a classic Krone act: Alando’s entrée with a “dangerous” animal. This year it was a panda. Alando’s contact with the children in the audience is formidable!

Alando with the dangerous panda

The last act in the show was the four members of the Navratil family: mother, father, son and daughter with "footladder balancing”. Lying on his back on a trinka senior balanced different perches and ladders on his feet, while his daughter and his son did perch tricks on top of the props. The impressive number ended with his son doing a pirouette standing on the head on the ladder. See photo.

Navratil family with the impressive final trick: "the pirouette by standing on the head on the ladder”

Circus Krone closed the season on 15 September in Nr. Bjert.

Zirkus Nemo

From 30 April to 13 September the comedian SØREN ØSTERGAARD’s  ZIRKUS NEMO visited a number of cities. In addition to Søren Østergaard the performance featured a number of excellent artists: The Norwegian contortionist Captain Frodo, the Swiss juggler Claudius Specht, the hand-to-hand acrobats Azzario Sisters and Ingo Stiebner with his sea lions Lapi and Lola.

Captain Frodo presents Zirkus Nemo’s family anno 2014: the sea lion trainer Ingo Stiebner (in blue), the beautiful Spanish Azzario Sisters, the juggler Claudius Specht (in black) and the Zirkus orchestra. Plus of course Zirkus director Søren Østergaard in the centre of it all. Press photo from Zirkus Nemo

Circus Trapez

From June 22 to August 3 David Enoch Sosman presented CIRCUS TRAPEZ in a tent in Madsby Playgrounds in Fredericia. The show was produced by his mother Isabella Enoch. The performance run for 45 minutes and presented the dancers Siff Thornberg von Wagner and Ericca Bintu (the singing Siff also had a brief appearance in the aerial ring), the Hungarian Trio Sàrközi with an acrobat and a juggling act, Pipo Sosman with short musical clown run-ins, David Enoch Sosman with his bouncing balls and Karin Houcke with camels and horses.

Pipo Sosman with one of the classic clown instruments: concertina

Karin Houcke with two black Friesian horses

Trio Sárközi. Click here to see more photos from the show,

Other performances

Years ago you could see artistes in many amusement parks. But this is unfortunately history. From 1996 to 2012 you could every year see clown performances at the amusement part Bakken north of Copenhagen with Benny Schumann as producer. But since 2013 Bakken has decided just to have mechanical rides.

During the school’s autumn holidays CIRCUS MASCOT had performances first in Bilka supermarket in Vejle and then in Bytorv Shopping Centre in Horsens. Benny Schumann presented MINI CIRCUS in Glostrup Shopping Centre. CIRCUS ARENA produced a performance for Kolding Shopping Centre. CHARLIE AND BINALTO from Circus 3 appeared in Frederiksberg shopping mall. At the Circus Museum in Hvidovre you met Ingo Stiebner and his sea lions. 

Last weekend in November and the first weekend in December CIRCUS MASCOT presented 35 minutes long performances in the garden centre Plantorama’s different stores.

From 13 to 28 August the Copenhagen International Theatre (KIT) presented a contemporary circus festival in Copenhagen. All performers were from foreign contemporary circus companies. Also elsewhere in the country there was during in the 2nd half of 2014 visits by various foreign contemporary circus companies. Also the Danish TinCanCompany had performances in a number of Danish towns. Common for almost all contemporary circus performances was that that they got money from public funds or was sold to municipalities etc. and in this way publicly supported. They could hardly survive if they like classical circuses only had income from the box office.

26 December 2014

Dear readers - I take pleasure in informing you about Paris' shows and that ... IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS.

Paris is the number one tourist destination worldwide, some will see circus and magic shows.

My wish is to guide you to the best venues.

It is important that young people see that entertainment and having a good time, doesn't necessary come from electronics, but rather from LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.

Zarro Zarro. Photo Ahmed de Comores, ex Mayotte

C ya in Paris - ZARRO ZARRO.

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24 December 2014

Circus Dannebrog 2015. Circus Dannebrog has now published more names of the performers in season 2015.

The seasons clown is Charly Carletto. He comes from Portugal. Charly Carletto has been permanently employed by Spain's largest circus, Circo Mundial, for the last 9 years. It will be his first appearance in Scandinavia. Click here to watch a recording of a performance in Circo Mundial with several excellent artists and run-ins with Charly Carletto.

Truppe Estrella from Cuba consists of six men and two women. They do an act in Russian bar and a horizontal bar act. Estrella is the Spanish word for star and the troupe is among the many artists who in recent years have graduated from the Cuban circus school.

Heidi Mary (Heidi Latva) comes from Finland and presents something which Circus Dannebrog call 'dance trapeze'. She has been a figure skater since she was 7 years old and has participated in many competitions. Now she has transferred her skills from ice skates to roller skates (inliners) and combines it with dance and trapeze and is during her act partly on the podium and partly in the air. In season 2014 she toured with the large Finnish Circus Finlandia. Currently she is performing in the UK at Continental Circus Berlin's Christmas and winter performances in Birmingham and Glasgow. Despite the name, it is an English circus, produced by European Events Corporation. Heidi Mary was born in 1991.

Circus Dannebrog has previously released that the 2015 performance also features Alain Alegria in Washington trapeze, Bernhard Kaselowsky with the elephant Ramboline, Gabi Donnert with liberty horses, Latoy Donnert with camels and Sandor Donnert as a juggler on horseback.

The tittle of the 2015 performance is Showtime! The Enoch family promise a fast-paced circus spectacle with elements from musicals and theatre.

19 December 2014

Marek Benneweis turns 60. On 26 December Marek Benneweis can celebrate his 60^th birthday. The name on his birth certificate is Marek Zielinski. He was born in Poland. He came to Denmark with a trampoline troupe which in 1984 toured with Circus Benneweis and later was part of the performance which Benneweis during the winter of 1985 presented in the Circus Building in Budapest. Here he fell in love with Diana Benneweis who presented liberty horses. In April 1986, the couple was married in the ring in the circus building in Copenhagen with great festivity and media attention. Later they adopted the twins Nadia and Dawid, who today is part of the management of Circus Benneweis. In 1994 Marek left Circus Benneweis and he and Diana was divorced. Several years later he came back to Circus Benneweis and he has now a fine relationship with his former wife. In the recent seasons he has been performance director in Circus Benneweis and the audience meet the always charming and always smiling Marek at einlass (when the audience is let into the tent). During performances, he ensures that everything is handled professionally and safely.

Marek Benneweis

19 December 2014

The large Swedish Circus Scott has sent out the following press release (my translation):

Circus Scott's largest and most lavish summer tour. A thrilling show with some of the circus world's coolest acts. With 6 motorcycles in the globe more riders than in any other globe of death in Europe. Genuine flying trapeze. Including the dangerous and amazing triple somersault from trapeze to catcher! Death-defying tightrope walker at 8 meters height.

In addition:

One of today's most enjoyable clowns / comic MINGO.

Funny & cute dogs

Beautiful horses

A completely new and improved circus park full of new experiences and challenges! All this and much more in an action packed show full of joy and humor!

From May to September, we visit some 20 of the largest cities in Sweden. The tour list is published on our website on 20 January 2015.

Circus Scott in 2015 - "Adrenaline 100%"

Apart from the clown Mingo the names of the performers isn’t mentioned. And 6 motorcycles in the globe of death is one less than Danish Circus Arena promise that the Diorio troupe in 2015 will present in Arena’s ring.

18 December 2014

De geschiedenis van het circusgebouw in Kopenhagen is the title of a five page article in the December issue of the excellent Dutch circus magazine De Piste. It is a translation to Dutch of an article in Danish written by Ole Simonsen about the history of the Circus Building in Copenhagen. The article was brought in Swedish in the November issue of the Swedish circus magazine Cirkuläre Notiser. It will also in an expanded version be published in the forthcoming issue of the Danish Cirkusbladet.

16 December 2014

Jimmy Enoch performs in a Chinese circus. The Danish bicycle acrobat Jimmy Enoch are among the performers when Der Chinesische Staatscircus in the period from 25 December to 6 January 2015 has performances in Regensburg, Germany. The performance is called "NEW GENERATION". Most of the performers are artists from Guangxi Acrobats, but in addition to the Chinese artist you will also meet a the Danish star artist.

Jimmy has recently for 2 weekends presented his glass balancing act in Baldoni's Christmas Circus, just as he has performed at Christmas parties with glass balance on unicycle.

Jimmy Enoch at Baldoni's Christmas Circus. Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein

In several weekends leading up to Christmas, Jimmy has been on tour with Flying Superkids junior. It is the team just before you become a real Flying Superkid. In addition to having responsibility for the entire trip, Jimmy is bus driver, compère and doing his bike act.

In week 7 and 8 2015 Jimmy Enoch produces winter circus performances in Vejle (Bryggen shopping center) and Aalborg (Friis City Center). Both cities are in situated in the Jutland peninsula in Denmark.

15 December 2014

The large Swedish Circus Maximum’s 2015 performance will be called Magic of Circus.

About the performance, they write (my translation):

2015 we will among others present Andres Fjodorv with his amazing pigeons, aerial acrobats from Vietnam and our great illusion show Magic of Las Vegas and Diorio’s cool motorcycles in the globe of death!

You will also meet clowns, acrobats, exotic animals and ponies.

Circus Maximum will open the season on 26 March 2015

14 December 2014

Circus Dannebrog has published two more of the names of the performers in the coming season:

The first is the daredevil from Mexico Alain Alegria in Washington Trapezoid. His act is similar to the act presented by his relative Sabu Alegria the Copenhagen Circus Building in 1990, in Circus Benneweis' tented show in 1992 and in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens in 1996. The Swedes met Sabu in Circus Scott in 1999 and Circus Maximum in 2001. Exactly as Sabu Alain do daring balance tricks on the bar of the trapeze. He has, among other places worked for the modern German circus Flic Flac. Click here to see a video clip from his act Circus Flic Flac.

The Washington-trapeze is named after the first person who did this great act: the American Henry Roland Washington (1838-1882).

The second act which Circus Dannebrog has chosen publish is Bernhard Kaselowsky and his elephant Ramboline. They have been with Circus Dannebrog for several seasons.

In season 2014 Ramboline performed with the performance's ringmistress Jazz Malaika on the back. Also in 2015 it will be Jazz Malaika, who leads the audience through the performance. This time, with the assistance of Siff Thornberg von Wagner, who in 2014 starred in Isabella Enoch’s Circus Trapeze at Madsby playing grounds in Fredericia, Denmark.

13 December 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- one of the most important circuses, CIRQUE ARLETTE GRÜSS, performs in Paris, NOV and DEC.

Arlette Grüss, of the big circus-family  GRÜSS, was an outstanding trapeze artist, she wanted to create her own circus, which turned out to be a great success, this circus is now conducted by her son GILBERT GRÜSS,famous for his original tiger-act and for being an all-round circus-man.

Photo by courtesy of Cirque Arlette Grüss

The program, accompanied by the ten-piece circus orchestra:

GREGORY BELLINI, och ANDRE, hilarious clownns featuring a bunch of gags, surprises and ideas running thru the entire program.

GREGORY BELLINI. Photo by courtesy of Cirque Arlette Grüss

Chinese troupe of 10, performing lassos and saltos  at a brisk pace / JOHN VERNUCCIO having performing cows, pigs and geese right from the farm / intermezzo by BELLINI featuring a hilarious parody on the classical illusion Substitution trunk / LISS MERY & DARIEN, outstanding acrobatics on pole / LAURA-MARIA GRÜSS exhibiting beautiful and  well-trained horses

Laura-Maria Grüss. Photo: Fabrice Vallon, by courtesy of Cirque Arlette Grüss

NATHALIE & ZDENEK SUPKA, elegant, precise and stunning juggling and bouncing white balls /  DOUBLE TRAPEZE FLYING REGIO, sensational indeed / ALFREDO BEAUTOUR mastering his big and skillful five tigers / JULIA & KEVIN GRÜSS in aerial ring, a sublime and moving performance / JOHN VERNUCCIO now presenting four Indian elephants in well-staged tableaux.

Photo by courtesy of Cirque Arlette Grüss

LISS MERY & DARIEN,  particularly swift and stunning bike-act /  RICH METIKU, beautiful and incredibly talented contorsionnist / The Chinese troupe now jumping thru superpositionned hoops.

A quite outstanding show, elegant, appealing, pleasant to watch and very entertaining - which underscores CIRQUE ARLETTE GRÜSS' device: our circus is like no other!

Photo by courtesy of Cirque Arlette Grüss

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.cirque-gruss.com

Venue:  PELOUSE DE REUILLY, big wood-covered park in Paris, having lots of space, enabling Paris to underscore its device:  PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE /  PARIS LOVES CIRCUS .

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

9 December 2014

Visitor record at the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen. 2014 was the hitherto most successful years at the Circus Museum in terms of number of guests. More than 20,000 guests have currently visited the museum, which is an increase of over 8% compared to 2013. In particular, the more than 150 school classes, which have visited the museum, have contributed to the increase.

The museum displays the life of the circus, the family traditions and the different acts you can find in the circus from fleas to elephants and clowns to acrobats. You can experience some of the greatest artists from the variety scene and circus ring such as Charlie Rivel the clown, whose famous guitar is on display, Truxa the magician whose famous mind-reading trick is revealed, Paulina Schumann and many more.

9 December 2014

Both Circus Baldoni, Circus Krone Circus Mascot have a number of sold performances in November and December. As for Circus Mascot 8 performances at the garden center Plantorama’s 8 centers which they visited the last week-end in November and the first weekend in December, performing in two different centers every Saturday and Sunday. The Plantorama-tour ended in Hillerod on December 6, where between 200 and 300 spectators enjoyed the 35-minute long performance.

First act was Husik with hula-hoop which he today master almost at the same level as the "lord of the rings" Anton Monastyrsky. Well done by the young artist, who a few years ago was awarded one of the prices at the festival in Wiesbaden for young artists.

Husik can also juggle with his hula-hoop rings.

Husik was followed his father, the clown Gulio, in an inflatable suit.

The next act was a classic number for Circus Mascot: Marianne Deleuran with her happy dogs. Marianne was assisted by her youngest son Andreas. Just as when the Swedish Henrika Bengtsson enter the ring with dogs you feel the close and trusting relationship between the dogs and their trainer. Great to see happy and playful dogs that are neither frightened nor scared. Marianne tells that Henrika Bengtsson is her role model.

Several hundred spectators enjoyed Marianne Deleuran and her dogs

After a run-in with Gulio who was assisted by both a little girl and an adult male from the audience, Daniel Deleuran presented chairs balance in an elegant and distinctive style. Moreover, it was also Daniel, who presented the show.

Daniel with chairs balancing

The last act was Gulio Kids: Gulio with his son and daughter in an elegant and humorous acrobat act.

Gulio Kids. Click here to see more photos from the show

8 December 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- we enjoy many Christmas circus shows -- CIRQUE BOUGLIONE proudly presents one of its circus productions in NANTERRE, a suburb to Paris.

In a beautifully decorated BIG TOP, maestro VINCENT GUIBERT and his orchestra, thus live music that contributes greatly to the good atmosphere, LAURE BONTAZE as Ringmaster, in France tradionally called Mr LOYAL, introduced DUO RIVOLI, a humorous act featuring five  white poodles which willingly played around  and full of pep showed their tricks.

Duo Rivoli. Photo: JJ Pedrosa, by courtesy of Cirque Bouglione

SAMPION BOUGLIONE JR performed a combined tap-dance-acrobatic-juggling act, using white balls bouncing on a podium, everything well-choreographed / JUAN GUITERREZ  featured big parrots, so called ARA, unbelievable but true what these birds can learn.

Juan Guitierrez. Photo: JJ Pedrosa, by courtesy of Cirque Bouglione

NATALIA EGOROVA-BOUGLIONE offered us a ballet-inspired aerial act in red straps / CESAR DIAS linked the whole program together, using completely new ideas and forward thinking as a clown, performing acrobatics, singing, music and a great number of gags.

VINCENT VIGNAUD, had several entrées, presenting big illusions, and featuring THE SPIRIT CABINET as well, where a spectator was invited into the ring, and  asked to  tie up the female partner with ropes, enter the cabinet wearing his jacket, together with her, --  the cabinet was opened after 15 sec, -- the partner is now wearing the spectator's jacket --  UNDER the tightly tied ropes!

A classic act that, not surprisingly, got the strongest applause!!!

Vincent Vignaud. Photo: JJ Pedrosa, by courtesy of Cirque Bouglione

The elegant ballet, well synchronized, contributed greatly to the success - yes, success it was!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!! 

See more: www.cirquedhiver.com and click at Spectacles” and ”Nanterre”. You can also google “vincent vignaud” -  there is a lot.

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

5 December 2014

Baby, it’s Cold Outside. Neo-burlesque show, seen by Jorgen Lorenzen at Radar, Godsbanen, Aarhus, on 3 December at 20.15.

The intimate theater room is kept in black and dark red colors which call on the mysterious and secretive. The main character is an older, English speaking gentlewoman with a very nice, distinct language. The voice reveals, however, that there is a man behind the drapery. He takes the audience by the hand and leads them through the show - with speak, which sometimes is literary-philosophical, sometimes historic, but first and last permeated by English humor and subtlety. His name is Christian van Schjindel.

Christian van Schjindel. Photo shot during the second part of the show. Photo: Katharina Kuecke, by courtesy of Svalholm

He leads the audience from city to city and from era to era and presents the performers. And the Christmas season is also apparent: there is a pixie girl and Christmas tree ornaments - glass balls and tinsel. There is a Lucia procession with a nun who does not quite live up to the ideal! New Year's Eve is included in the show as he takes of his clothes in a true bath of champagne.

But the evening's highlight is a glimpse from the spiritual world. The Scary Christmas Ghost, also called Grete, get the evening's biggest applause for her quite irresistible part as a ghost why that with great energy and a wheezing, sneering attitude and gesture delights audiences. The ghost’ civil name is Henriette Wisti Skovrup.

The Scary Christmas Ghost. Photo: Alison Haywood, by courtesy of Svalholm

Of genuine artistry we see a male contemporary circus artist, Michiel van Leeuwen Tange, doing handstand combined with aerial straps. The act is superbly choreographed, and music, the costume (or lack of it!) and the setting of sound work excellently together with the artist's work - and form a unified whole that is compelling to the audience, because they sit close to the stage. Click here to see a video clip from his appearance in a former burlesque show.

Michiel Tange van Leeuwen. Photo: Alison Haywood, by courtesy of Svalholm

And then there is a sensation: has it ever before been seen that a woman is holding a red wine bottle stuck with her breasts, and pour wine into glasses without using her hands? Is there genuine virtuosity here? Or is it the ghost from the spirit world who is doing magic? It is Mademoiselle Clodette aka Claudia Gregersen who performs this stunt.

But all happens in Aarhus which with a population of 320,000 is the second largest city in Denmark. The audience – mainly young people - was excited. And Nønne Mai Svalholm from Svalholm announces that there in June 2015 will be a Burlesque festival in the Aarhus. Great, because this is the start of something that can supplement or replace the long line of stand-up comedians and summer revues that have filled the Danish stages for the last generation.

The producer Nynne Mai Svalholm. Photo: Alison Haywood, by courtesy of Svalholm

About the arranger Svalholm: SVALHOLM – Danish Cultural Exchange & Performing Art is a non-profit cultural association based at Godsbanen in Aarhus, Denmark. They create and produce dance performances and art films with Nønne Mai Svalholm as Artistic Director.

4 December 2014

Circus Dannebrog 2015. In coming weeks Circus Dannebrog will present the performers in their 2015-performance at their facebook page. With nearly 10,000 "likes" Circus Dannebrog has more facebook friends than any other Danish circus.

Until now, Circus Dannebrog revealed that the 2015 performance featuring a reunion with the Hungarian horse-Gabi Donnert, who also toured with Circus Dannebrog in 2010. Since then, Gabi and his family have presented their acts in the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack and the Finnish Circus Finlandia. Gabi Donnert and his horse present probably the best and most elegant liberty horse act you can see in any Scandinavian circus ring in 2015.

Gabi Donnert with 3 white and 3 brown Arabs. Photo from Circus Brazil Jack 2013

Together with Gabi Donnert comes his daughter Latoya who will present camels and his son Gabi, who master the difficult art of juggling on horseback.

Sandor Donnert - juggler on horseback

1 December 2014

Pickpocket on the table. In the show Mafia Mia on the Erlwein-Capitol Dinner-Theater in Dresden the Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn and Mrs. Joan present their act on the middle of Godfathers table.

Kenny and Joan Quinn

"Here come photos from the performance where we perform in the middle of Godfathers regular table. It is indeed the first time that we have done our act on the middle of a dining table. But there's a first time for everything," Kenny Quinn writes and continues:" When we that close to the audience, I know that our act is even more impressive. It's also a bit of a challenge to work that way. Not just for us, but also for 3 guests we have up on the "table", as it is a somewhat extracted situation. But it is great fun."

29 November 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- NOW -- the highlight of the Circus-Christmas - season ---- CIRQUE PINDER, direction the family EDELSTEIN -- proudly presents, as far as I can see, the very best circus show geared at the entire family: viz. a show where all ages can enjoy fantastic acrobats, particularly a flying trapeze act of unusual quality, we take down that the two female flyers display a skill that is seldom seen!!

Ringmaster Judicaël Vattier, in France called Monsieur Loyal, guided the audience in a pedagogical way, through the program.

So here we go: exotic animals, a stunning roller-skating duo, an esthetic and appealing juggler, funny clowns, a group of 12 white lions and on top of that - THE WHEEL OF DEATH.

Details: Sandro Montez featuring horses, lamas, donkeys, and camels in an act showing sympathy and complicity between man and animals

Sandro Montez. Photo: Francois  Dehurtevent, by courtesy of Cirque Pinder

José Belten performing with his lit balls and Indian clubs, finale using lit torches, Mickaël Brady featuring Pinder's Indian elephants  SABA and DELHI, The Skating Jasters featuring an roller-skate act elegantly and in a funny way, The Flying Black Street performing a fantastic flying trapeze act, Sophie Edelstein and her five acrobatic dancers and big illusions.

Sophie Edelstein. Photo by courtesy of Cirque Pinder

Frederic Edelstein featuring his 12 white lions, beautifully and pleasantly from start to end, unique in Europe.

Frederic Edelsten and his 13 white lions. Photo: Francois  Dehurtevent, by courtesy of Cirque Pinder

Valeriy on hanging rope ,skillful and precise, Duo Vladimir, handstand, showing strength and precision, the clowns LOS PEPES had several comic entrées, traditional but laugh-getters, they entertained the audience as well during intermission.

Crazy Wilson performing in his WHEEL OF DEATH, a unique performance!!

Crazy Wilson. Photo from performance in German Cirkus Krone

The atmosphere was electric, the audience laughed and clapped, and everything practical was cared for:  wooden floor, red carpets, X-mas decorations, comfy seats, lots of kiosks selling souvenirs, but we would have liked to see and - hear a circus orchestra!!

CIRQUE PINDER is this year celebrating --- 160 years of activity!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.cirquepinder.com

Venue: Bois de Boulogne, Metro: Porte Dorée.

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

27 November 2014

Baldoni's Christmas Circus 2014

Jacob Boas Leitisstein saw the performance on November 22 and writes (my translation):

In keeping with tradition Circus Baldoni presents as the only Danish circus a real Christmas Circus performance running for 2 hours. The performance could be seen in the fencing hall next to the Circus Museum in Hvidovre where there were performances on Saturday 22 November at 15:00 and Sunday 23 November at 11:00 & 15:00. Last chance to see the Christmas performance is on Sunday 30th November at 15:00 Naestved at the old military barracks. The performance began with a welcome by Nisseline, Nis and Santa himself (Thessa Daniella, René Mönster and Daniel Dimitrijevic). Santa Claus would then pick up his broken sleigh in the workshop. Therefore Nisseline and Nis took over and presented the first artist.

First pixie artist in the ring was Evgenijs. He did cigar box juggling starting with 3 boxes. Then he increased the number to 10 boxes and ended up out of having 20 boxes between his hands.

The juggling pixie Evgeniijs. All photos are shot by Jacob Boas Leitisstein

The next pixie artist was presented by Nis and the Christmas pig Anton Antonius (a ventriloquist’s doll). Through the curtain entered Michi Varadi with one of his dogs on a scooter. During the act the dog hopped through hoops and over legs.

Now Nisseline wanted to present a dog in the ring - namely a balloon dog. However, she had to get help from Nis to inflate the balloon.

Now came hula hoop dancing pixie Katerina and showed what she could with her hula hoop rings.

The hula hoop pixie Katerina

The last act before the interval was Varadi's comic plate spinning act. Diana and Michi tried hard to have all plates spinning at the same time and managed of cause by the end of the act to have all 10 plates spinning on sticks.

During the break there was an opportunity to be photographed together with Santa Claus. There was also ample opportunity to buy Christmas goodies in the circus kiosk.

The second part of the performance started out with sing along with Nis and Anton Antonius. Nissseline wanted to join them …

Then Katerina & Evgenijs were back in the ring. This time they did magic and illusions. Katerina came unharmed through the act although Evgenijs stuck quite a number of swords through the box she was sitting in!

Now it was Nis' turn to conjure with bottles. Afterward Nisseline was ready with an act while Nis cheered with from the top of the backstage curtain.

Varadi's Dogs Revy then took over the ring with full speed. The mischievous dogs jumped around in the ring and had even their own wheel of death!

Varadis with their dogs in the wheel of death

At the performances in Hvidovre you met as the last act the fabulous Danish cycling star Jimmy Enoch. You could hardly believe your own eyes when Jimmy continued to stack more and more layers of drinking glasses on his tray and then balanced with them on a unicycle. Every-one in the packed Fencing Hall was impressed when Jimmy ended up balancing 80 glasses!

Jimmy Enoch. Click here to see more of Jacob’s photos from the show.

As usual it was a nice and beautiful Christmas show that Baldoni's Christmas Circus presented again this year.

23 November 2014

On Saturday November 22 Suzanne Berdino (daughter of Benny Berdino of Circus Arena) married in Sonderup Church her longtime boyfriend Daniel Koscik. On the large photo you see from left Suzanne's son Oliver, Daniel's sister, Suzanne's daughter Stephanie, the wedding couple, Suzanne's daughter Charmaine, Anastasja Berdino and the latter's father Jackie Berdino. The little girl in the foreground is the daughter of Daniel's sister. Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds! Photo: Rikke Threms.

23 November 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- LE CIRQUE DE NOEL, direction CHRISTIANE BOUGLIONE, performs as Christmas circus, NOV/DEC in Paris.

An excellent family program: dogs' revue, lamas accompanied by more dogs, aerial act in trapeze and aerial ring, HELENA POLACH featuring her elegant football-juggling act and also in a beautiful and stunning aerial act with straps together with her male partner.

A very funny intermission-clown props the entire program up with his hilarious stunts.

Impossible to get hold of the artists' names, I knew Polach from previous shows elsewhere.

Everyone was in a good mood, the audience consisted of people from various enterprises, having bought tickets.

Venue: out in the BOIS DE BOULOGNE, half an hour's walking from the nearest Metro station Ranelagh, the public arrived in groups in hired buses.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- and there are plenty of lots for circus, thus the city is true to its device: PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE/ PARIS LOVES CIRCUS !!!

See more: www.lecirquedenoel-paris.com

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

21 November 2014

Josephine Wulff Randrup turns 40 on 22 November. Josephine Wulff Randrup was one of the first Danish contemporary circus artists who got success also outside Denmark. She got her training as an artist partly at AFUK (The Academy for Untamed Creativity) in Copenhagen and partly at the Moscow state circus school. For a time she was connected with the Swedish Circus Cikör. Under the name Duo Pelmeni she was together with Rasmus Aitouganov (Rasmus Madsen) among the performers when Lars Rudolfsson in 2002 successfully staged Benny Andersson’s, Tim Rice’s and Bjorn Ulvaeus' musical Chess at the Circus Building in Stockholm. The duo performed their stunning and beautiful trapeze act while the musical’s two main characters Florence and Anatoly song "You and I”.

Later, Josephine Wulff Randrup has been connected to the Malmö City Theatre, where she was featured in the performance The Wizard of Oz. Josephine Wulff Randrup has also been featured in several contemporary circus performances and trained other artists. For the past few years she has several times been producer/director for contemporary circus performances.

Josephine Wulff Randrup and Rasmus Aitouganov. Photo from the contemporary circus performance Roundabout in 2005

17 November 2014

Patrick Berdino with a knock-about table act. In addition to the acts which I mentioned on 27 October Circus Arena will for season 2015 present a humorous knock-about table act with circus owner Benny Berdino's grandson Patrick Berdino and Jhon Rivera. The two have been training on the act during the season 2014. The act was first time presented to the audience when Circus Arena in the beginning of October visited Greenland.

17 November 2014

The photographer Per "Mr. Sputnik "Krogh Petersen has created a photo website about Circus Baldoni. Per writes: "You will see the Circus programs & Circus Posters from when they started. There is not so much text. I believe also that the pictures tell everything. See video clip “the grande finale 2014”, Click here to see Per’s website. Note: It is Per’s own side and not a new official website for Circus Baldoni.

18 November 2014

Helsingborg Christmas Circus in 2014 - a 4-star pleasure. (Judging from the well-known newspaper scale where the maximum is 6 stars).

Seen at the Old Brewery Lot in Helsingborg on 14 November. The performance run for 2 hours incl. ½ hour break.

After last year's success with Christmas circus in Helsingborg, it was obvious that the young enterprising Albin Ganovic again this year would produce a Christmas Circus. The preparations started very well: Where the show last year did not offer international top artists Albin this year signed three star performers: the famous American clown Grandma (Barry Lubin), the quick-change artists Duo Monastyrsky and their son Anton Monastyrsky. Albin also booked a skilled juggler from Brazil, a talented young Swedish acrobat and camels, cattle, alpacas and goats from Circus Olympia.

But up to the premiere there were some difficulties. Albin could not get hold of the tent he originally had planned to use, and rented instead a tent from Danish Circus Baldoni. The Baldoni tent has not a traditional circus ring but a circular stage. This made it impossible to present large animals in the show. Thus, camels and cattle had to be replaced by Circus Olympia's dogs. Shortly before the opening night Helsingborg municipality refused Albin permission to use the centrally located lot the Harbour Square which he used last year and forced thereby the circus away from the city centre to a dull lot located a mile south of downtown. And on the opening night one of Albin Ganovic’ young dancers has to quit due to serious illness.

The relegation from the centre perhaps explains why there were only about half full in the tent when the Helsingborg Christmas Circus opened the season on 14 November. Last year there was full house at the opening performance.

Just as last year there is a theme in the performance which is called Hotel de cirque!

On the back of the stage there is a set with a gingerbread house with several doors (see photo). To get artists at the stage the clown Cito aka Albin Ganovic has get hold of the keys to the doors. But he has no keys. Fortunately, he gets a visit from Grandma, and the lovable old lady has lots of keys. The theme is not quite as thorough as last year, and there is less “Christmas” in the show than in 2013.

The stage with gingerbread house

The show begins with a sort of Charivari where the ballet, a singer, and all the performers apart from Grandma for a short while enter the stage. Cito is missing a key to unlock the first door. But then his Grandma (Barry Lubin) enters the tent and helps him. Cito and Grandma's performance's recurring characters and they have an excellent interplay. Last time I saw Grandma was in 1985 in Big Apple Circus in New York. I was impressed by the friendly and poetic clown character Barry Lubin had created. He is still excellent!

The first act after the clowns were beautiful alpacas and goats from Circus Olympia’s stables presented by Natascha Jarz assisted by her spouse Niklas Bengtsson. An act which 100 % lives up to the Bengtsson family's reputation for presenting fine animal acts. The act ended with Jessica Bengtsson with a cute little pony that walked on its hind legs.

Next, the young Swedish talent David Hammarberg presented a fine handstand entrée

Grandma then came on stage with a water bottle in her hand. She took a sip and spit a squirt out. I feared that it would become one of the unpleasant entrées where a clown spits water on the audience. I cannot stand getting water in my face which have been in someone else mouth! But the lovable Grandma did not as Fumagalli spit water all over the audiences at the ringside chairs. Instead she invited a boy from the audience up on stage and asked him to "spit fire" a popcorn away which as Grandma had placed on her nose (see photo). And then Grandma “spit fires” another popcorns away from the boys nose without hitting anything else than the popcorn!

"Spit Shooting" after a popcorn on Grandma's nose

There are a lot of hula hoop artists in the circus world. Most of them look like "all the others". But Anton Monastyrsky is an exception. Firstly, he is a man, where almost all other hula hoop artists are girls. And second, he masters his hoops with much more elegance than most other hula hoop acrobats.

Very logical Anton was replaced by Grandma and Cito with a hula hoop gag which ended with the Cito with a giant hoop.

After a ballet act the Brazilian juggler Rogério Piva entered the stage. He has a great charisma, but his act would clearly benefit from being shortened a bit! And his female assistant (one of the dancers) should be told that her job is to assist highlightening the artist’s entrée instead of "dancing" so much that she distracts attention from her partner.

During the interval there was pony riding.

After the break the ballet did “ice dancing" and Grandma had an entrée which ended with a water fight with a couple of kids from the audience. Grandma was followed by Henrika Bengtsson with Circus Olympia's dogs. It's always a pleasure to see Henrika and her happy dogs. It some other dog acts the dogs seem frightened and scared. But never in Henrika’s act. She and her dogs love each other!

The dogs were followed by a skipping entrée with the ballet dressed as dogs. Then we saw David Hammarbergs great act in swing trapeze. Cito then had a short but not very impressive entrée with a gentleman from the audience and two children.

Last act in the program was Duo Monastyrsky who the Swedish audience knows from this summer’s Circus Maximum-performance. Their act is one of the very best and most elegant quick-change numbers you can see anywhere.

Monastyrskys final trick where she changes dress while silver shimmer descends. Click here to see more photos from the show.

The show ended with Cito and the other artists saying goodbye to Grandma while snow was falling down.

The performance was accompanied by a four-man pixie orchestra (young musicians with pixy hats).

It's Albin Ganovic himself, who has put the performance on stage. The result is OK, but it would have given the show a "facelift" if he had sought assistance from a more experienced performance director. And maybe it would have pleased the children, if there had been a little more “Christmas theme” in the performance.

16 November 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- here we can attend the best shows, in real Las Vegas class, I take it that it is a good reference.

Now FOLIES BERGERE proudly presents: LOVE CIRCUS - la comédie musicale - a fantastic show based on a little love story, featuring singing, dancing, acrobatics, juggling and a little magical effect, a prediction.

It is rare to see multi-artists, but here it is the case: all of them master dancing, acting, singing, the chorus girls are exceptionally well trained, beautiful and synchronized, the acrobats master the Chinese Pole, straps, handstand acrobatics and dare-devil saltos, aerial ring, trampoline performing really high jumps against an equally high wall, furthermore elegant and poetic juggling, intelligently presented in the context, where the number of Indian clubs are of no importance.

The entire show is featured at a brisk pace and the joy of performing is present and palpable during the whole performance.

FOLIES BERGERE has traditions from the end of the 19th century, the interior decoration is well maintained, very beautifully cared for, the interior alone calls for a visit ...and all the great variety and cabaret artists performed here: Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier ... the list is important.

Thus, we were treated to an exceptionally elegant show: beautiful, well-staged, suitable music, -- it is hilarious, sympathetic, amazing and aweful, and all this in a theatre, rich in traditions, located in the very heart of Paris.

Absolutely worth seeing!!

See more: www.love-circus.fr

Venue: Theatre Folies Bergere, 32 rue Richer, 75009 Paris. Metro: Grands Boulevards.

ESPACE PARIS-PLAINE, community theater and sports-centre, proudly presents LE CIRQUE DES ENCHANTEURS /= THE ENCHANTED CIRCUS/, a circus-show geared at the entire family audience, by and with FRANCK DESMAROUX, accompanied by excellent artists, viz: rope-walker on distended wire, bike-acrobat on a two-wheeler, handstand and head-balance acrobatics, swinging Washington trapeze, aerial ring, comedy and numerous funny surprises.

The entire show is accompanied by a thrilling and suitable music, everything is elegant, appealing, professional - and the artists wear colourful circus-costumes.

The performers: Simone Benedetti, Ivan Do Duc, Fourat Gharbi, Mohammed Gharbi, Jef Odet, Chiara Sicoli, Rafik Thlijani, Marion Verd, Svetlana Zindovic.

Acrobat in Washington trapeze. Photo: Laurie Buquet, by courtesy of Frank Desmaroux

This show sported an unexpected and hilarious finale: a pillow-fight between the performers and the audience, mainly children about 6 years old, - everyone was happy and excited.

After the show, there were activities for the kids, and lemonade and cakes were served - the spirits were high - everything had a logical context - and all and sundry were having a great afternoon!

Success!!See more: http://www.brancion-paris15.asso.fr/word/Journees-Decouvertes-Brancion-2014.pdf

Venue: Espace Paris-Plaine,13 rue du General Guillaumat, 75015  Paris.  Metro: Porte de Verailles.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

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

15 November 2014

Helsingborg Christmas Circus 2014. There is no tradition for Christmas Circuses in the Nordic countries. After several years of success with Cabaret Candy Club in Helsingborg the young enterprising Albin Ganovic tried his luck last year with a Christmas circus in Helsingborg, Sweden. Helsingborg is the centre of an area in the Sound region of about 320,000 inhabitants in north-west Scania, and is Sweden's closest point to Denmark, with the Danish city Elsinore clearly visible on the other side of the Sound about 4 km to the west.

Albin was successful with his Christmas circus in 2013. Thus, the Christmas circus is back again this year with performances until 14 December.

Opening night was 14 November in a tent, which Albin Gananovic has rented from the Danish Circus Baldoni.

The Helsingborg municipality has this year denied Helsingborg Christmas Circus permission to put up his tent at the Harbour Sqare in Central Helsingborg and referred him to use a lot 1 kilometre south of the centre, certainly not as good a location as the Harbour Square lot.

The main stock in this year's show is Albin Ganovic and four of his young musicians and four of his young dancers from Cabaret Candy Club. Along with three international star performers: the clown Grandma, the hula-hoop star Anton Monarstyrsky and the quick-change duo Monarstyrsky and an skilled juggler, a talented Swedish trapeze and handstand artist and lovely alpacas, goats and dogs from Circus Olympia, they have created a fine performance which deserves to get a large audience. The performance will be reviewed when this site is updated 22 November. Until then you can enjoy a few photos below.

The clowns Cito (Albin Ganovic) and Grandma (Barry Lubin)

Alpacas and goats, presented by Natascha Jarz og Niklas Bengtsson

“The lord of the rings” Anton Monastyrsky

The young Swedish super talent David Hammerberg

Duo Monastyrsky – one of the very best quick change acts. Click here to see some more photos from the performance (not ready until 16 November in the evening)

14 November 2014

A magical evening. For the 11th consecutive year, the Danish magician and dealer of magical tricks and equipment Steen Pegani arranged "A magical evening” in Copenhagen. As in recent years, it took place at the New Theatre in Copenhagen. The date was November 10, Martinmas eve.

Once again Pegani presented some star magicians.

From Hungary came Soma, who in 2009 won the "FISM Grand Prix" at the World Championships of magic for his act, based on original ideas, mobile phones, a pay phone, humour and elegant choreography and perfect sound. Click here to see a video of the act.

Soma. Photo: Lise Kokholm

In addition to this number Soma also did elegant manipulation with rope. Between his two entrées Steen Pegani presented his dealer show where he demonstrated some of the tricks which he sells in his shop.

Steen Pegani. Photo: Lise Kokholm

Later in the evening they met the Swedish magician John Houdi. He did a great show with a good mix of magic, ventriloquism and stand-up comedy. Everyone in the room had a great laugh. This also included his two guests on stage, including Trixi from the mind reader couple Trixi and Dixi. At first she was a little worried when her precious finger ring disappeared. Later she was about to break up laughing when John Houdi as ventriloquist took over her voice.

John Houdi. Photo: Lise Kokholm

There was of course also a dealer stand where magicians stood in line to buy new tricks.

The vast majority of the guests were magicians. From professionals as Kim Kenneth, Michael Deutsch, Mr. Plys, Ib "Pierrot" Groth Rasmussen, Henrik Christensen, Kenny Quinn and Rene Moenster to amateurs.

The magician Kim Kenneth and the gentleman thief Kenny Quinn are two of the most successful Danish magicians. They have performed all over Europe. Photo: Lise Kokholm

13 November 2014 

Andrejs Fjodorov to Swedish Circus Maximum. "The lord of the Doves”, the great Latvian artist Andrejs Fjodorov who made his international debut in Danish Circus Arli in 2008, will be among the stars in Swedish Circus Maximum's 2015 performance. Since his debut in Circus Arli he has appeared in a number of leading European circuses and also participated in the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo.

Andrejs Fjodorov in Circus Arli 2008

13 November 2014

The Swedish Circus Skratt whose performances for several years was produced by Danish Circus Arena has for the last couple of years been touring somewhat irregular. As for their spring season in 2014, the program was a bit "thin", although Circus Skratt this year celebrated its 30th anniversary.

It is a tradition for Circus Skratt not to tour in the summer months, and the autumn program is often different from the spring program.

The Swedish Circus magazine Cirkuläre Notiser writes that autumn program which premiered on September 1 was somewhat better than the spring program. All the artists came from the Scholl family who last year toured in Sweden under the name Circus Schollini. In fact Circus Skratt for their autumn season could look as a German family circus using the Skratt name. The orchestra was replaced by pre-recorded music. The show featured liberty horses presented by Marylin and Kimberly Scholl, who later in the show also presented Kalle Scholl’s two elephants. Talina Scholl work in aerial ring and aerial net and Natascha Scholl in tissue. Alfred Scholl juggled, and with together with his brother René he appeared as Scholl Brothers in trampoline. Moreover there was a female clown and a female foot juggler.

The two elephants. Photo from 2013. Photographer: Anders Troedsson.

10 November 2014

On Saturday 8 November there was premiere on a Danish new documentary THE CIRCUS DYNASTY.

It’s a love story between Patrick Berdino, being the heir to the large Danish Circus Arena and Merrylu Casselly. Ever since they were children it was their parents' dream that just those two should get together and continue the largest circus dynasty in the Nordic countries. But the dream is threatened. For it is hard to live up to the circus world’s expectations when you just has turned 20.

As many from the circus world know Patrick and Merrylu ended up breaking their engagement.

The new documentary The Circus Dynasty will be shown in 51 cinemas all over Denmark on November 19th. But already on Saturday, 8 November the documentary had premiere. It was in fact selected as the opening film of the Nordic competition at the documentary film festival CPH: DOX. The gala premiere took place in a circus tent at the circus lot on Bellahoej in Copenhagen. The tent is owned by Jackie and Laura Berdino and has for the last couple of years been used by Danish Zirkus Nemo.

Before the film you could see the French acrobat Aurélie Bernard in aerial ring, accompanied by two musicians, respectively playing saxophone and sousaphone. The performers came from the contemporary circus world, and the act would neither do in Circus Arena or any other circus. It had been more logic before a documentary that takes place in a classic circus to present artists which you can meet in a classic circus.

Artist performance, accompanied by not very melodious music

Festival Director Tine Fischer of CPH:DOX welcomed the audience

After the film the director Anders Riis-Hansen was very well deserved rewarded with a standing ovation. He and several members of the Berdino family: Grandpa Benny Berdino, son Jackie Berdino and grandchildren Patrick and Anastazja Berdino was on stage.

Tribute after the film. From left: Benny Berdino, Anastazja Berdino, Anders Riis-Hansen, Jackie Berdino and Patrick Berdino

The patriarch of the Arena Circus dynasty, Benny Berdino, photographed with director Anders Riis-Hansen after the premiere. Anders Riis-Hansen and his team followed Circus Arena for two seasons. Click here to see more photos from the premiere.

9 November 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS

At different occasions THEATRE LA REINE BLANCHE presents a very entertaining and hilariously funny BURLESQUE SHOW:  BEAUTIES OF BURLESQUE, directed by LOULOU CHAMPAGNE, also creator of GARTER AND GARTER, an enterprise producing - burlesque shows.

During an hour's show we saw a cavalcade of funny, appealing and sexy tableaux, performed by elegant, beautiful and enchanting burlesque strippers, presented by BRIAN SCOTT BAGLEY who in a hilarious way created an excellent contact with the audience, as he made jokes about all and everything -including himself!

Brian Scott Bagley. Photo: Osbern Le Furieux. By courtesy of Garter and Garter

THEATRE LA REINE BLANCHE is a modern one, sporting comfortable red velvet seats, in the very best of theatre traditions.

BEAUTIES OF BURLESQUE is featured elegantly, without any vulgarity, it is easy-going, entertaining, chic and trendy, and really a good specimen of this kind of entertainment, now coming up, backed up by the successful film LA TOURNEE.

A wonderful evening delivered in a positive spirit - absolutely worth seeing!!

Dancers: MARA de NUDEE, MINNIE VALENTINE, LUNA MOKA, LILY DESLYS, MISS GLITTER PAINKILLER, DOMINO BARBEAU, SYDNI DEVERAUX, and MC :  BRIAN SCOTT BAGLEY.

Domino Barbeau. Photo: Osbern Le Furieux. By courtesy of Garter and Garter

See more: http://www.loulouchampagne.com/ - and feel free to google on the other names as well.

Venue: Theatre LA REINE BLANCHE, 2 bis passage Ruelle, 75018 Paris.  Metro: Marx Dormoy.

Theatre BO SAINT-MARTIN proudly presents MAGICAL BURLESQUE, a magical/humorous show by and with  DAVID DECIRON and MIKAEL TAIEB.

This show, indeed both magical and humorous, allows the two artists to feature both new and classical magical effects - a sequence using the well-known RUBY CUBE, reminding me of other effects where square dice change places, and this sketch produces various hilarious situations.

The old classic: THE SPIRIT CABINET, or SPIRIT CABIN, quickly and convincingly performed, produces many gags - the audience's surprise and amazement are  always palpable when the artist, tied up with ropes, suddenly appears wearing a spectator's jacket - and this UNDER THE ROPES!!

David Deciron and Mikael Taieb. Photo by courtesy of David Deciron

A pleasant and sympathetic show, running for one hour, where two somewhat younger artists display good skill and a great joy of performing!

Absolutely worth seeing. See more: www.magicalburlesque.com

Venue: Theatre BO SAINT-MARTIN, 19 Boulevard Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris. Metro:  Republique.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

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

7 November 2014

Baldoni's Christmas Circus in Hvidovre and Naestved. Circus Baldoni is again this year the only Danish circus which presents a Christmas circus performances. The performance runs for approximately 2 hours and can be seen in the Fencing Hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen on 21 and 22 November and on 30 November in Naestved. Furthermore, there are a number of sold performances. 

From the finale in Baldoni's Christmas Circus 2013

In the performance you will meet Thessa and René Moenster as Pixie and Pixie Line and Daniel "Danilo" Dimitrijevic  as Santa Claus. Furthermore you can see Diana and Michi Varadi with their dogs and their comical plate spinning act. Evgenijs and Katerina from Latvia (as far as I know it is their first time in Denmark) present juggling with cigar boxes, hula hoop and illusion. As a Christmas gift to all circus friends Circus Baldoni presents Jimmy Enoch with his formidable glass balance act on unicycle.

Diana and Michi Varadi with one of their dogs. Photo from Circus Baldoni 2010

Jimmy Enoch. Photo shot during a performance 5 April this year in Circus Arli where Jimmy substituted for his good friend Alexander Arli. Now you can meet Jimmy in Baldoni's Christmas Circus. Photo: Per “Mr. Sputnik” Krogh Petersen

7 November 2014

New lot for Helsingborg Christmas Circus. Only 10 days before the premiere, the director Albin Ganovic has been told that he cannot use the lot at the Harbour Square where his Christmas circus put up their tent last year. He has to move to another circus lot, the Old Brewery lot. The Harbour Square is located in the city centre. The Old Brewery lot is about 1 kilometre south of the centre, i.e. not as good a location as the Harbour Square lot. It is sad that the Helsingborg municipality is chasing a circus away from the central part of the city. Unfortunately, it happens regularly in both Denmark and Sweden that circuses are referred to lots with a bad location.

René Moenster of Danish Circus Baldoni and his team went 5 November to Helsingborg to put up the tent.  Helsingborg Christmas Circus has as previously mentioned on this page rented Danish Circus Baldoni’s tent for their performances.

6 November 2014

Circus Mascot back in Summerland Zealand in 2015. From 2002 to 2006 Circus Mascot spent the month of July in the amusement park Summerland Zealand, where they as free attraction had 2-3 daily performances, each performance running for approximately 45 minutes.

Summerland Zealand and Circus Mascot have now agreed once again to invite the park's guests to visit Circus Mascot throughout the month of July 2015.

Summerland Zealand had in 2014 the best season since 1992. 161,858 guests have visited Summerland Zealand which is about 15,000 more than in 2013.

5 November 2014

Contemporary Circus: DONKA at Theatre Republique in Copenhagen. The company behind the acclaimed Dalí-show La Verità is from 13 November to 6 December back with a new poetic dream of an experience. The director behind the acclaimed Dalí-show La Verità presents us with yet another poetic contemporary circus performance streaming with sublime and dreamlike images. This time it is a visual tribute to the great, Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. They present us with sincere passion, a touch of melancholy and a cornucopia of soul soothing images.

Director Daniele Finzi Pasca has always been fascinated by Anton Chekhov who is best known for his indisputable classics: Uncle Vanya, the Seagull, Three Sisters and the Cherry Orchard. Finzi Pasca has gathered the details which affected him most when studying Chekhov´s life and plays, and he uses these as the canvas upon which he and his artists paint a vivid, fluid stream of magical, iconic and dreamlike images in a tribute to one of the truly great masters of classical theatre.

Finzi Pasca weaves fragmented images from Chekhov´s life, thoughts and works into a whole, exemplified by the giggling three sisters who suddenly appear on a trapeze. A duel turns into a face. Flighty crinolines move silently as the ballroom chandelier melts and a bed goes haywire. Rose leaves fall gently. Chekhov´s personal love of fishing and his work as a doctor also pay fragmented visits – both in the guise of the bell (donka) on the fishing rod which chimes when the fish bite or in the shape of run-away beds from a country hospital.

Press photo from Republique. Photographer: Viviana Cangialosi

6 November 2014

Beware of pickpockets in Dresden! This warning is especially important to remember if you are in Dresden, Germany, during the period 20 November 2014 to 11th January 2015.

In this period you can meet the Danish gentleman thief entertainer Kenny Quinn and Mrs Joan in the Dinner Show Mafia Mia in the Erlwein-Capitol Dinner Theater. Fortunately, Kenny is an honest pickpocket whose victims always get stolen goods back.

Kenny Quinn in action. Photo courtesy of the artist

In the show you'll will apart from Kim and Joan meet the rock'n'roll band The Firebirds, the comedians Schlicht & Kümmerling, the singer Eliza, the hand-to-hand acrobats Duo Marton, the contortionist Sharyn Monni who does her tricks inside a giant ball and the Royal de Luxe Show Ballet.

5 November 2014

In connection with a group of Swedish circus friend’s visit on 25 October to Wallman's Dinner Show in the Copenhagen Circus Building Benny Schumann received Swedish Circus Academy’ diploma for meritorious service in the circus culture. Here he is seen with the diploma in his home in Hørsholm. Benny Schumann gave the circus friends a guided trip through the building where he spent a good part of his childhood. The Schumann family’s last season in the building was in 1969. Today the building is used for diner shows with dancers, singers and a few acrobats

3 November 2014

Benny Schumann's clown festival. From 1996 to 2012 the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen presented every year a clown festival produced by Benny Schumann. The last two seasons Bakken has dropped this festival and other artist performances.

Benny Schumann does still want to present good clowns for the Danish audience. This was the case during the winter holidays in Elsinore City Centre. And Saturday, November 1 he presented another clown show in the mall Hvidovre C. In the show starred apart from Benny Schumann himself the clowns Toeffe, Tape and Paliette.

Per "Mr. Sputnik " Krogh Petersen has sent me the photo below from the festival. Click here to see more photos.

From the finale at the clown festival in Hvidovre. Photo: "Mr. Sputnik "Krogh Petersen

2 November 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- now the Christmas circus season is starting up - CIRQUE ALEXIS GRÜSS proudly presents a super-original program, based on some items from the Greek mythology:

PEGASUS, THE WINGED HORSE and ICAROS whom his father DEDALOS had bestowed with wings, to enable him to escape dangerous situations - all this equals a circus program based on horse acts and aerial ones.

Horse acts are the family Grüss' specialties, ALEXIS GRÜSS is the only one who has attained the quality heights of the late ALBERT SCHUMAN, as far as I can see - and remember.

The Grüss are famous for their horse dressage. ® 2014 Photography by K - www.image-k.com, by courtesy of Cirque Alexis Grüss

The aerial acts, THE FARFADAIS is a new-circus troupe. They display a marvelous skill, 4 female acrobats, 4 male ones, featuring spectacular positions within and below various, certainly custom-made structures, being lifted and lowered under the big top.

Maestro SYLVAIN ROLLAND with orchestra and the singer BARBARA NICOLI accompany the program in an appealing way.

For the specially composed X-mas shows, CIRQUE ALEXIS GRÜSS offers last year's program, called SILVIA, sporting a great many different acts.

Absolutely worth seeing - IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.alexis-gruss.com

Venue: Bois de Boulogne.  Metro: Ported 'Auteuil/ Porte de la Muette.

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

31 October 2014

Busy weekend for Benny Schumann. The Danish clown and multi artist Benny Schumann has a busy weekend!

On Friday, October 31 he did his one man show in Asnaes Shopping Centre as part of the centre’s Culture Halloween Night.

Saturday he organizes a clown festival in Hvidovre C. shopping mall in Copenhagen. Apart from Benny himself you can meet the clowns Toeffe, Tape and Paliette.

Sunday at 12 and 14 Benny Schumann present his own one man show in in the mall Sillebroen in Frederikssund.

Benny Schumann. Photo from the clown festival in Elsinore in February 2014

27 October 2014

Circus Arena in 2015.  Circus Arena has published the names of the performers in the performance next year, when the Circus Arena celebrates their 60 year anniversary.

In the advance publicity of the show, they write (my translation):

The wildest, most beautiful and touching 60^th anniversary circus performance ever seen!

Due to the 60^th year anniversary in 2015, Benny Berdino has left the management of the circus ring to Signe Lindkvist and Uffe Holm - and they have put together a performance that would make Freddy Frogface green with envy.

Signe Lindkvist who all children and young at heart love has always had a great love for the circus. This year she enters for the first time a real circus ring. Both as the evening's host and as an artist assisted by the popular hottie Uffe Holm.

(Signe Lindquist is a former host on Danish TV programs for kids. Uffe Holm is a well-known Danish stand-up comedian, known to tell naughty jokes)

Uffe Holm is not only funny, quick and enjoyable. Since he took part in the Danish version of Strictly Come Dancing (Dancing with the stars) he has also proved his show talent.

Take the two unpredictable fellows and add Circus Arena's 60-year experience with classic circus performances. Then you have a very good impression of the 2015 performance.

An anniversary performance packed with all the best from the circus world!

You will see lots of animals - elephants, dogs, horses. And dangerous stunts as the legendary motorcycle act done by the Diorio troupe who a swarm of bees is zipping around the Globe of Death. This time just yet wilder: this year with 7 motorcycles operating simultaneously.

In the circus ring you will also meet a real human cannon ball and a talent unmatched in the 11-year-old OLGA who hangs high under the canvas as if she had never done anything else.

There are magic tricks you cannot possibly comprehend, daredevils, beautiful circus princesses and of course Uffe and Signe, who present the performance in a breakneck speed.

Enjoy the wildest, most beautiful and touching 60^th anniversary circus performance ever seen.

Opening night is at ‘Bellahoj’ in Copenhagen Tuesday 17 March2015 with dress rehearsals from 13 and 15 March. Circus Arena will stay in Copenhagen until 12 April.

The performers in Circus Arena’s 2015 performance are

Hans Ulrick (Hans Ulrik Jensen) - Danish magician. Hans Ulrick is known for magic with pigeons and has in some seasons toured with the small Danish Circus Krone. At the Nordic Magi Congress in Copenhagen earlier this year he was the winner in the category stage magic and received furthermore the Nordic Trophy 2014.

The Danish pigeon magic Hans Ulrik. Photo from Circus Krone 2013

Laura Berdino present in 2015 a new liberty act with purebred Arabian stallions from Circus Arena’s own stable.

The Diorio troupe strikes in 2015 their own record with seven drivers in their dangerous act. They were most recently at the Arena in 2013, when there were six riders in the Globe of Death. A member of the troupe has also a human cannonball act which will open the performance.

Diorios in 2013 when there "only" were 6 riders in the Globe of Death. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The Jose Michels- clowns is perhaps today the circus world's best classical musical clowns. A white clown - José's wife - and two August’s. Their most popular entrée is their water entrée. It is undoubtedly this entrée they will present in Circus Arena,where they also worked in season 2000. In 2010 they toured Denmark with Circus Dannebrog. In 2011, 2012 and 2014 they were at the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack and in 2013 at the Finnish Circus Finlandia.

José Michel clowns with their water entrée. Photo from Circus Brazil Jack 2014

Miguel Ferreri (Michael Ferreri) is presented as "The Spanish world class juggler working in a blazing pace." He has not previously performed in Denmark. He comes from an artist family: his father Miguel Ferreri did an elegant tight wire act in Circus Benneweis in 2007.

The only 11-year-old Olga from Ukraine is working high under the circus dome. She has never before performed in Denmark.

Wolfgang Lauenburger presents his charming dog act. In 2008, the Danes saw him in one of Benny Schumann's autumn performances. In January 2009 he participated in the circus festival in Monte Carlo and got three special awards. Later that year he toured with the Swedish Circus Maximum. In 2010, the Danish circus audiences meet him in Circus Arena. In 2011 he toured again with the Swedish Circus Maximum. In 2015 he is back in Circus Arena.

Wolfgang Lauenburger in Circus Arena in 2010

Jimmy Folco – Arena’s own clown - has been part of the Arena family since he was 12 years old. The first time he was mentioned in the printed program was in 1994.

The Alvertino troupe from Russia presents 10 terrific springboard acrobats. They do among other things a number where they are 6-man high, which is something of a sensation. Several of the troupe's members come from the Cretu troupe whose act closed Circus Arena’s 2014 performance.

It is not published who shall present the elephants. But I wonder if it's Rudi Althoff, who for part of the season in 2014 assisted Patrick Berdino with the elephants?

27 October 2014

Wallmans dinner show in the Circus Building in Copenhagen. A group of Swedish circus friends visited the Circus Building in Copenhagen on Saturday, October 25th. First they got a tour backstage guided by Benny Schumann. Later they saw Wallmans dinner show. Among the guests was Björn Vinberg, who for 39 years was the theatre, show and circus reviewer at the leading Swedish tabloid Expressen. Today Björn has retired. But I persuaded the old reviewer to write me a review of the Wallman performance (my translation from Swedish):

One of Hasse Wallman's big ideas at a happy entrepreneur in the entertainment industry was his Salons: always cosy tavern environments; always singing, dancing and music performed by young, professional talents; Always excellent food served by the same talent.

When he ten years ago took over the lease to the Circus Building in Copenhagen he supplemented his salon entertainment model with three-four circus attractions. - Fairly obvious, Hasse said.

This autumn, Wallmans eleventh season in the building, there have a brand new show. On Saturday October 24th some Danish circus friends and members of the Swedish Circus Academy was among the audience. There was great enthusiasm among the 40-45 circus enthusiasts.

The show is based on pop and rock music which is presented in in tableaux where stars as Stevie Wonder and Beach Boys are honoured. The eleven singers, dancers and waiters are from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Australia. In charge of the music for 13 years in row is Frederik von Wachenfeldt, meaning the tempo, rhythm and VOLUME!

The circus performers (who for obvious reasons do not serve) are the show's counter-points, antitheses and spices. They come from Germany, Brazil and the United States. Philip Tigris, Bruno Boniface and Shaunna Kotka. Trapeze, hoops on the floor, hula hoop in the air, contortion. But, but, but - they work with singers in the background, which is totally crazy! An artist is a solo performer who deserves the audience's undivided attention. Singers are unnecessary! They are only disturbing!

Top: Philip Tigris. Bottom: Shaunna Kotka. Photos John Resborn, by courtesy of Wallmans

The party lasts for a bit more than four hours. The food is surprisingly top-class given the number of guests (800 people!) And the entertainment interspersed in a clever way. The 4 course meal is served by fast running waiters in the time between the tableaux’s. At 10 p.m. when three huge gun barrel rolls in and shoot streamers and silver rain over the audiences most of the audience is standing up and waving their white napkins as if it signals "We surrender, we surrender!"

From the finale. Photo: John Resborn, by courtesy of Wallmans

One of the show's best song and dance stars was serving our table: Malena Tuvung from Nordstaden in Gothenburg. She is as artist who is becoming better and better from tableaux to tableaux. She is the perfect artist for a show like this. She has a beautiful voice and the steps and rhythm of the dance. Look for Malena in the future!

25 October 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS - now the Christmas season - CIRQUE D'HIVER BOUGLIONE proudly presents a marvellous program featuring the very best within the circus speciality - and it all happens in the circus building rich in traditions  and having been meticulously refurbished some years ago.

Thus this program is performed in a dignified environment and in the very best of circus traditions.

Now, we were happy to lean back, enjoying a show accompanied by MAESTRO PIERRE NOUVEAU and his orchestra, presented by Ringmaster MICHEL PALMER and spiced up by the circus ballet THE SALTO DANCERS, perfectly synchronized choreography and elegant costumes.

The clown ROB TORRES led us thru the program with his hilariously funny gags / THE FLYING MENDOCAS, Brazil, featured six passages, whereof one triple salto when blindfolded / DANIEL GOLLA did miracles using a remote-controlled toy aircraft whirling out and about all over the audience, entirely original /TRIO MOMENTI DI PASSIONE, perfect hand-acrobatics where the two female partners supported the male one in his movements on top of them / AMBRA AND YVES elegantly flying and climbing in red tissue.

Ambra & Yves. The Danes saw the couple at Circus Benneweis in 2010. Photo: Dominique Secher. By courtesy of Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione

LES BOGLIONE JUNIORS, big illusions act, / LEOSVEL AND DIOSMANI, Cuba, featuring incredible positions with Chinese pole

Leosvel and Diosmani. They were awarded a silver clown in Monte Carlo in 2013. This summer they toured Sweden with Circus Brazil Jack. Photo: Dominique Secher. By courtesy of Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione

PAT CLARRISON with his performing dogs, clearly eager to perform and hilarious at that

Pat Clarrison. In 2013 he toured with Danish Circus Benneweis and in 2024 with Swedish Circus Maximum. Photo: Dominique Secher. By courtesy of Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione

THE CASSELLY FAMILY featuring four African elephants and a beautiful cavalry, together with advanced acrobatics, quite outstanding

Casselly-familien. Awarded the golden clown in Monte Carlo in 2012. From 2005 to 2012 they toured every summer with Danish Circus Arena. Photo: Dominique Secher. By courtesy of Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione

ALBERTO CAROLI discretely supervised the entire show.

Standing ovation  -  can't be done better !!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue:  Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione, 110 rue Amelot, 750011 Paris.  Metro: Filles de Calvaire.

See more: www.cirquedhiver.com

Editors comment: The Cirque d'hiver ("Winter Circus"), located at 110 rue Amelot, has for more than 160 years been a prominent venue for circuses, exhibitions of dressage, musical concerts, and other events. The theatre was opened by Emperor Napoleon III on 11 December 1852 as the Cirque Napoléon. The theatre was renamed Cirque d'hiver in 1870. Since 1934 it has been the Cirque d'hiver-Bouglione, operated by the Bouglione family.

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

24 October 2014

The quiet circus queen. On Thursday, 30 October Hanne Berdino can celebrate her 70 year birthday. In 1967 she married Benny Berdino, who at that time was “circus prince” in his father’s tiny Circus Arena. When Benny's father passed away in 1976 Benny became owner of Circus Arena, which since then has grown and today is the largest circus in the Nordic countries. While Benny Berdino is known as an outgoing and sociable person with a lot of show, Mrs. Hanne is a quiet person who for many years have preferred to stay in the background and devote herself to the family with two children, Suzanne and Jackie, and six grandchildren.

Hanne Berdino. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

Hanne Berdino comes from an old circus family, the Reinsch family, who especially was known as excellent riders. Three of the family members, Alex, Albert and Arthur were known as the Reinsch Brothers. One of the troupe members was able standing on bareback horse to perform a double backwards somersault from a two man high to an upright position on the following bareback horse. A trick which I believe no one else has been able to accomplish.

Hanne Berdino’s maiden name was Thunø but she was called Reinsch as her mother when Hanne was seven years old married Alex Reinsch. Thus, Hanne grew up at the Reinsch family and got as other artist children an all-round artist training. Through the artistic environment she met Benny and they fell in love and were married. For several years she was part of the performances in Circus Arena, where she presented pigeons and dogs and was one of the magician Tergovas assistants. Hanne left the ring in the mid-1980s and has since then remained in the background, but at the same time been an invaluable support to her husband and children.

Benny and Hanne Berdino photographed during the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2012. Photo Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The birthday is celebrated at the Berdino family’s home in Aarslev where Circus Arena has their winter quarters.

21 October 2014

Circus performances etc. in Denmark during the autumn holidays part II: In Kolding Shopping Center Circus Arena presented a performance as free attraction. Jorgen Lorenzen saw the performance on 18 October at 13 and writes (my translation):

The show started with the Arena song. Bettina Arli acted as ringmisstres. The first act was a classic knockabout table act performed by John Rivera from South America and Patrick Berdino.

This was followed by Sara Sarantini from the Czech Republic in aerial rope - also classic and culminating with rotating head hung.

Martin Arli came in the ring as the clown Martino. In the previous days his son Alexander Arli had been his partner but he had left for other engagements. Thus, Martins wife Bettina was his partner in the classic “hit the balloon entrée” which of cause ended with Marin blowing a water-filled balloon over his own head. The kids were ecstatic.

Martin and Bettina Arli. Mobile phone photo shot by Jorgen Lorenzen

Then came and classic handstand act performed by the 18-year-old Veronika Sarantini – strong and stylish.

Miss Veronika. Mobile phone photo shot by Jorgen Lorenzen

The show ended with 4 Shetland ponies from Arenas stables presented by Patrick Berdino.

The show ran for 35 minutes.

21 October 2014

16th International Circus Festival "City of Latina". At the recently held circus festival the following awards were given:

Gold:

Troupe Galkynysh - Turkmenistan – Cossacks

Vasily Timchenko - Russia - sea lions

Gold to the Galkynysh Troupe. Photo by courtesy of Circus Festival "City of Latina"

Gold to Vasily Timchenko and his sea lions. Photo by courtesy of Circus Festival "City of Latina".

Silver:

Troupe Skokov - Russia - Russian swing

Zehjiang Troupe - China - head to head

Bronze:

Dima & Dima - Ukraine and Russia - hand to hand

Dias Brothers - Portugal – Risley act. Toured Denmark with Circus Dannebrog in 2013

Natalia Egorova Bouglione - Russia - Aerial Straps

Trio Stoian - Romania - Russian bar. Toured Denmark with Circus Benneweis in 2013.

There was also given a number of special awards. Among those an award to Martyn Chabry for the musical quick change acts with the Danes saw earlier this year in Circus Benneweis and to her boyfriend, the football juggler Rafael De Carlos, who also toured with Circus Benneweis this summer.

20 October 2014

The young Swedish juggler Johan Wellton has this autumn his new show GLITCH on its premiere tour in Sweden. On his website he writes:

This is Johan Welltons most advanced and lavish production ever. With special effects, natural phenomenon and the art of engineering he shoots out for a new and unexplored adventure. All inventiveness and experimental curiosity becomes the framework for a story about our dreams, hope and despair. How far are we willing to go to become loved? To understand ourselves? To find context and a meaning in life?

See one of the world’s best jugglers in what may be one of the most advanced and complex shows about something as simple as life itself.

“I want to tell the story about giving a whole life to create a 10 minute long act. What drives a person to such a thing? I want to crash my feel of pure entertainment with a raw, true story from the core of my humanity. And then set the whole thing on  fire.”

Take all you’ve spent your life to achieve in one hand. Then take a big sledge hammer in the other and SET YOURSELF FREE. Nothing is static. Everything is movement. Crush your fine porcelain and crawl out of your shell. We swing. Everything swings. Live life. LET GO.

Johan Wellton. Press Photo from the artist

The performance runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

GLITCH has been well received in the Medias. The leading Swedish tabloid Expressen wrote: “It is totally sensational, mind blowing, and somehow, also really disturbing … Johan Wellton takes all the yellow balls, axes and light bulbs to completely new levels … If you wish to see something you have never seen before, this is your chance. I have never seen anything like it.”

Johan Wellton was awarded a deserved silver Pierrot for his comedic juggling act at the Circus Festival in Budapest in January 2012.

Click here to see a video trailer for Johan Well's new show.

18 October 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS

Theatre LA BOUSSOLE proudly presents TOM LE MAGICIEN - TOM THE MAGICIAN --  a wonderful MAGIC SHOW, conducted at a brisk pace, very colorful, sporting a great number of spectacular  magical effects, beautiful props, and a lot of interaction with children, invited up on stage to help out ...

This show is different from many similar events:  TOM is a multi-artist, mastering the difficult art of shadowgraphy, where a great number of animals come to life on a lighted screen, alive only because of TOM's skillful fingers. TOM plays the clarinet, enters the stage singing and performs, in front of the curtain, a cabaret-act with doves and rabbits, he is smartly dressed in evening attire, thus making an excellent first impression. A short sequence juggling fluorescent Indian clubs is part of the program.

Tom le Magicien

The entire act is elegant, smart, sympathetic and the audience was enchanted, the theatre was full. TOM's performance made me think of the old variety shows, when artists were supposed to produce quality shows and to royally entertain the audience. TOM would have had his prominent place in such a program: elegance, know-how and joy of performing --  BRAVO !!

See more: http://www.billetreduc.com/115674/evt.htm

Venue: Theatre de la Boussole, 29 rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris.  Metro: Gare du Nord.

In the PIGALLE area, we still find a small number of interesting things: THEATRE LA CIBLE proudly presents a number of theatrical sketches, stand-up-comedians and --- magic shows by magic entertainer FRANK BELLEVIE.

FRANK BELLEVIE features three different programs, all geared to the family audience, we see classical magic effects, performed with much laughter and humour, and using a personal approach that appeals to the small fry and their parents alike. FRANK BELLEVIE sports an unpretentious and sympathical presentation including a lot of interaction which fits easily into the intimate atmosphere of theatre LA CIBLE, offering about fifty seats.

Frank Bellevie. Photo by courtesy of Kléber Valérie

LA CIBLE is beautifully and elegantly furnished in the good old theatre-and-cabaret style:

nice colors, comfortable seats and a perfect lighting and PA-system. LA CIBLE is now managed by FRANK BELLEVIE and VALERIE KLEBER.

Photo by courtesy of Kléber Valérie

There isn't much of interest otherwise in this PIGALLE area, formerly full of life, location of numerous cabarets, now all disappeared. A precious pearl, offering good entertainment in elegant surroundings - well worth seeing!!!

See more: www.theatrelacible.fr

Venue: LA CIBLE, 62 bis, rue Pigalle, 75009  Paris.  Metro: Pigalle.

Next week you can read a review of the new performance in Paris’ famous Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione. Photo Dominique Secher. By courtesy of Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!

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

17 October 2014

Circus performances etc. in Denmark during the autumn holidays part I: Here you can read about some of the exciting performances you were able to see during the Danish schoolchildren’s autumn holiday in week 42. When this website next time is updated on 25 October I hope to be able to tell about and bring photos from more performances.

Bytorv Horsens (Horsens shopping mall): "Circus Mascot presented a super mini show with highlights from this summer's tour," Jacob Boas Leitisstein from “Cirkusportalen” writes. Daniel Deleuran was ringmaster. Husik presented the hula hoop entrée for which he was awarded Preis der Wiesbadener Kirchen at the European Youth Circus festival in Wiesbaden two years ago. Marianne and Andreas Deleuran presented Circus Mascot’s dogs. The Gulio Kids did acrobatics. Gulio himself was the clown who bound together the performance.

Circus Mascot dogs were presented by Marianne and Andreas Deleuran. Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein. Click here to see more of Jacob’s photos from the show.

Cirkus Land in Aarslev (Circus Arena’s winter quarter):

Brian Behrendt writes the following about autumn activities in the Circus Land (my translation):

There are every day two different circus performances. In the first you meet kids from the day’s circus school, Charmaine Berdino as elf girl with her horse, Timm Delbosq with white Arabian liberty horses, the juggler Allan Sulc, Suzanne Berdino with her dogs and Circus Arena’s 3 African elephants presented by Rudi Althoff. 

The young juggler Alan Sulc with his bounce juggling. In 2002 he was just 12 years old awarded a gold medal at European Youth Circus Festival in Wiesbaden. In 2004 he got a bronze clown in Monte Carlo and toured later the same year Denmark with Circus Benneweis. Photo: Rikke Threms

In the second show we meet children the day’s  circus school, Arena’s Frisian horses presented by Timm Delbosq, the juggler Allan Sulc, a combined goat and dog act with Stephanie Berdino's animals assisted by my daughter Viktoria and Arena’s elephants presented by Rudi Althoff.

Rudi Althoff with Circus Arena’s elephants. Photo: Rikke Threms

There are every day two different sea lion shows presented by Stephanie Berdino and Emil and with Addie Jepsen as a speaker.

The sea lions were presented by Stephanie Berdino and Emil while Addie Jepsen told about sea lions. Photo: Rikke Threms

In a children's show you can see Suzanne Berdino, Alan Sulc as “Slinky” and Circus Arena’s Pierrot. Allan Sulc also helps in the circus school together with Pierrot, Anastazja Berdino, Victoria and Sara. The circus school has been a smash hit with record attendance by children who want to try circus skills. It has been held in the Circus Land's museum where the old market organ plays while the children rehearsed and their parents looked at the museum.

In addition, there have also been busy times in carousels, Water Balls, pony rides and more. An extra feature is rabbit hoop Thursday and Saturday. A visit is still possible since there's open until Sunday on 19 October. This day Patrick Berdino can celebrate his 23 years birthday. Congratulations!

Circus Arenas managing director Benny Berdino got a short while ago a double coronary artery bypass surgery. Luckily enough everything went well, and Benny expects very soon again to be in top form.

The Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen presented from 11 to 17 October Ingo Stiebner and his sea lions. Not in form of a traditional sea lion show as seen in circuses. Instead Ingo told about his sea lions and demonstrated how he trained them. There was jam-packed at the daily performances in the Fencing Hall and both adults and children enjoyed watching the sea lions and hear Ingo tell about them.

Ingo Stiebner and one of his sea lions. Click here to see a few more photos.

Frederiksberg Centre featured performances by Charlie and Binalto from Circus 3.

The audience (mainly children with parents or grandparents) was excited about the gags done by the two clowns. The performances featured a number of Charlie and Binalto’s well-known and beloved entrées: Binalto’s spit entrée, the photo entrée and last but not least their "trademark": the custard pie entrée. I wonder if the two pranksters have counted how many custard pies which during the years have hit Charlie in his face?

Charlie and Binalto on stage in Frederiksberg Centre. Click here to see more photos.

Charlie and Binalto can in November celebrate their 35th year anniversary as a clown duo.

Glostrup Shopping Centre presented the clown and multi-artist Benny Schumann and clown Florin with his dog Cato. Also in Glostrup the circus performance was seen by an enthusiastic crowd and attracted many customers to the center, which otherwise would not have come.

Benny Schumann gets help from one of the children in the audience. Photo: "Mr. Sputnik" Krogh Petersen.

Florin and his dog Cato. Photo: "Mr. Sputnik "Krogh Petersen. Click here to see more of Per’s photos from the show

Svendborg Bycenter (a shopping mall) presented from 12 to 16 October a show with the entertainer Mr. Plys doing comedy, ventriloquism, magic and making balloon figures.

Mr. Plys on stage in Svendborg Bycenter. Photo: Lise Kokholm

16 October 2014

Statement from the Board of Directors of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque regarding the Federation’s annual photography contest.

The Board of Directors of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque wishes to inform the circus community that, again this year, persons have participated in the Federation’s annual photography contest using false names, addresses and countries.   By submitting their photos, contest participants agreed to abide by the contest rules which explicitly required the submitter to warrant and represent that he or she is the owner of the image and related copyright.   Over the past three years, contest rules also have been flagrantly violated with the submission of photo shopped images and, this year, images that were not taken at actual World Circus Day events.  Verifying compliance with contest rules has become a time-consuming task, draining scarce resources, delaying conclusion of the contest and publication of the calendar, and, sadly, diverting the Federation from its important mission.

In the spring of 2014, persons who previously gave the Federation permission to use a photograph from an earlier contest in a Federation publication filed a copyright infringement complaint with PayPal, thus shutting down the Federation’s on-line Boutique for several weeks.   Since early summer, the Board of Directors, judges, and even the company that prints the calendars, have been continuously harassed with emails and an online campaign that includes defamatory claims against the Federation and its Executive Director.   More disturbing, these persons have accessed the Federation’s contact information and are using this information, without authorization, to harass numerous additional persons associated with the Federation.

As a matter of courtesy to the photo contest winners who complied with contest rules, the Board of Directors have decided to publish the 2015 calendar as planned.   All photographs will be published with photo credits as submitted to the contest.   A limited number of 2015 calendars will be available in the coming days through the Federation website and at various circus events.  With regret and apologies to the many talented photographers who use their cameras in cooperation with the Federation to celebrate and preserve Circus Arts and Culture, the Board regretfully also announces that the annual photography contest has been cancelled for the coming year.

13 October 2014

At the 16th International Circus Festival "City of Latina" to be held October 16 to 20, you can meet several of the artists who have appeared in Denmark in the last few years:

The aerial acrobat Alex Michael from Brazil toured with Circus Arena in 2014. In 2013 he toured with the Swedish Circus Olympia.

Alex Michael Campos. Photo from Circus Olympia 2013

Martyn Chabry presented her musical quick change act in Circus Benneweis in 2014.

Martyn Chabry

Her boyfriend the football juggler Rafael De Carlos toured with Circus Benneweis in 2014.

Rafael De Carlos. Press photo from Circus Benneweis

The three young Dias Brohers were with their Risley act the audience’s favorites in Circus Dannebrog in 2013.

The 3 Dias brothers were audience favorites in Circus Dannebrog 2013. The brothers were at that time 6, 11 and 13 years old. In February this year they won a gold medal at the New Generation Festival in Monte Carlo. Now they hope for an award at the festival in Latina.

Trio Stoian did their great act in Russian bar during the first half of season 2013 in Circus Benneweis. Then they had to stop as a result of an injury. In January this year they got a Silver Pierrot at the Circus Festival in Budapest and later this year the toured with the large Norwegian Circus Arnardo.

Trio Stoian. Photo Rud Kofoed / Ajour press, shot at Circus Benneweis opening performance in Hillerod 22 March 2013.

11 October 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS

The trend featuring BURLESQUE SHOWS is well alive and kicking in Paris - where everything happens ...THEATRE MENILMONTANT proudly presents PIN UP FOLLIES, a cavalcade of burlesque tableaux, starring SUGAR DA MOORE, accompanied by Antoine Cortel and Lola Buttom Line.

A pleasant and appealing show featuring feminine beauty, perfect timing, artistic lighting and performed at a good pace, spiced up by hilarious gags, several magical effects, elegant costumes and an excellent contact with the audience.

Sugar Da Moore. Photo by courtesy of Sugar Da Moore - Press Office. Photo copyright Sophie P.

Theatre MENILMONTANT is located in a popular and modest area, where Maurice Chevalier started his career, 14 years old, in a local cabaret.

The entire show bears the mark of good taste, without any vulgarity - part of the audience were women, I take it to be a reference.

SUGAR DA MOORE runs her own artistic studio where she teaches the art of strip-tease, in an elegant and suggestive way.

Her next shows at Theatre Menilmontant are on 22 and 23 December.

See more: www.sugardamoore.com

Venue: Theatre Menilmontant, 15 rue de Retrait, 75020 Paris.  Metro: Gambetta.

CIRQUE GONTELLIS is one of the rather few small family circus, featuring a program geared to the smallest fry, age bracket 3 thru 7 years.

CIRQUE GONTELLIS features a program that is excellent for the smaller kids: nice, sympathetic and funny.

It certainly does not offer the big sensations, and this is on purpose, they perform in an environment sporting human dimensions, a SMALL TOP, where nothing can scare the children, there  are animals, well-known to them: cats, goats, doves and sometimes - white mice.

The very program consists of foot-juggling by dad SERGE, tightrope, aerial ring and a dove-act by OPHELIE,18,  juggling, lasso and rola-bola by CHRISTIAN, 14, hula-hoop by MARY,6 and furthermore all of them , including mum FABIOLA, take part in a classic clown-entrée, Music is here forbidden or the funny Water Act.

The Gontelli family. Photos by courtesy of the familu

Ophelie Gontelli

The entire enterprise has a social importance, as CIRQUE GONTELLIS play in the smaller parks, called squares, after English model, viz. in Paris in summer and in Marseille and surroundings during winter - which anyhow is not that severe on the Mediterranean coastline.

The public is mainly drawn from the surrounding buildings, which means that everyone easily can come to the circus - nobody is excluded because of a cumbersome transport - in true democratic spirit !

Culturally CIRQUE GONTELLIS continues a long tradition, where generations have performed in the circus - I take it that this phenomenon is as much of  cultural value - as a lot of other events.

Circus probably is the only art where children and their parents enjoy the very same show.

See more: http://cirquegontellis.skyrock.com/

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

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

9 October 2014

On 3 October I listed up the performers for the upcoming show at Helsingborg’s Christmas Circus in Sweden and wrote that there also would be animal acts: horses, alpacas, goats, cattle and camels.

The animals come from the Swedish Circus Olympia and will be presented by Natascha Jarz and the siblings Jessica and Niklas Bengtsson.

Jessica Bengtsson with Circus Olympia's camels. Press photo from Circus Olympia. Photographer Linda Himsel

6 October 2014

The El Duco Award to Rune Klan. In connection with the magic congress Magic Weekend in Lund, Sweden, on October 3 to 5 the Danish magician and stand-up comedian Rune Klan received the honorary award The El Deco Award. It is every year awarded to a person who has made a particularly significant contribution to the world of magic. In addition to the price, which is a golden cup which symbolizes one of the oldest magic tricks – the three shell game – he received a diploma, which motivates the choice. As for Rune Klan the motivation reads (my translation):

"Rune Klan receives the award for through a unique combination of creativity, dexterity, showmanship, humor and craziness to have renewed the form of magic genre entertainment and made ​​it popular in a scale and with a width that no one else before him had done. Rune is not only a great ambassador for the magic, but also a person inspiring other magicians and generously sharing his knowledge, thoughts and ideas which pushes all of us."

6 October 2014

Circus poster exhibition in Holland. From Holland Piet-Hein Out writes

Holland is currently celebrating the ”Year of the Circus” the year was opened on Saturday the 13th of September. During the year several exhibitions and events will take place to promote the circus. One of these exhibitions will be opened by circus owner Arlette Hanson on the 2nd of November at the Dutch Poster Museum in the city of Hoorn. This exhibition was initiated by the Dutch Circus photographer Piet-Hein Out and all posters on display are from his private collection.

The museum presents the exhibition „Komt dat zien! - Circusaffiches van 1825 tot 2014” which roughly translates into ’Step right up! - Circus posters from 1825 to 2014’. The exhibition will run until the 11th of January 2015.

There will be some unique items on display, amongst others, a playbill of Astely’s from 1825, original painted poster designs by Kurt Koberstaedt for the VEB Zentral-Zirkus aka DDR State Circus, several posters by the famous jewish Adolph Friedländer printers from Hamburg as well as many Soviet and American Circus posters from 1930 to 1960. Naturally names as Bertram Mills, Strassburger, Krone, Knie, Sarrasani, Benneweis, Althoff and Schumann can also be found.

The Dutch Poster Museum is located on the street ’Grote Oost 2-4’ in Hoorn. Hoorn station has direct connections to Amsterdam Central station, a ride will take about 30 minutes. From the station you can walk in about 10-15 minutes to the museum. Opening hours can be found on www.affichemuseum.nl. Entrance fee is €3,50 for adults and €2,50 for people over 65.

More on the Dutch Circus year can be found on www.stichtingcircuscultuur.nl or on the website of the Dutch Circusfans Association www.circusvrienden.nl.

4 October 2014

New documentary about circus. On 19 November there is premiere on a Danish new documentary THE CIRCUS DYNASTY. Doxbio writes the following about the film on their website (my translation).

A love story between the heir to the largest circus in the Nordic countries and the daughter of one of the world's best artist families. A film about love, family and duty.

Circus Arena’s Crown Prince, Patrick Berdino have fallen in love with the beautiful circus performer Merrylu Casselly. Ever since they were children it was their parents' dream that just those two should get together and continue the largest circus dynasty in the Nordic countries.

But the dream is threatened. For it is hard to live up to the circus world’s expectations when you just has turned 20. And who knows if the love between the young couple and the families' close relationship can survive when new times come into a world where old traditions and norms prevail.

Director: Anders Riis-Hansen. Producer: Hansen & Pedersen Film and Television. Length: 90 min.

Cliek here to see a teaser for the film. (English subtitles)

4 October 2014

Success for Cabaret Candy Cabaret Club in Helsingborg, Sweden.

"Very talented. A lot of energy. Very much joy. " the Helsingborg Daily’s reporter Goran Holmquist writes about this year’s version of Cabaret Candy Cabaret Club. It is the fifth year in row Albin Ganovic present a cabaret in Helsingborg.

The newspaper continues (My translation): "The Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn, dexterity and elegant, stole both watches, wallets and ties from his “customers”. He got a lot of applause as did the Russian Duo Monastyrsky for their extremely fast quick change act. The dancing juggler Rogerio Piva from Brazil juggled rhythmically with clubs and hats. All of them are seasoned entertainers.“

Cabaret Cabaret Club can be seen in Helsingborg, Sweden, until 25 October.

4 October 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS - THEATRE PALAIS-ROYAL proudly presents an outstanding show, now back on track in Paris, after a tremendous success some months ago: ARTURO BRACHETTI and friends feature COMEDY MAJIK CHO, a funny theme on comedy magic show.

Theatre  PALAIS-ROYAL is one of the many old, beautiful theatres in Paris, rich in traditions, elegantly and traditionally refurbished in red and gold, where many memorable plays have been performed.

ARTURO BRACHETTI is the very master of costume-quick-change - you hardly believe your eyes when he has changed everything: costume, shoes, mask, wig - and that in a couple of seconds. He does have an artistic approach to everything he touches, thus he presents even well-known, magical effects - turned into great art.

Arturo Brachetti. Photo: Paolo  Ranzani. By courtesy of dlarmoyer/talentbox

Friends:

THEO DARI performing his laser show, it is for sure - absolutely unique.

LAURENT BERETTA featuring big illusions, and escaping from strait-jacket while hanging down from a burning rope, under a giant pair of scissors that closes abruptly after 60 seconds.

VIKTOR VINCENT offering a stunning prediction effect.

VINCENT C with hilarious stand-up-comedy magic.

LUCA BONO performing an elegant dove-act, with great skill.

LUCA AND TINO presenting a variety of comedy magic, fine mimicry and joy of performing.

Laurent Beretta. Photo: Christophe Castejon. By courtesy of dlarmoyer/talentbox

ARTURO BRACHETTI closes the show  -- where the grand finale is painting a picture with symbols of Paris, using sand of different colors - this classic art has not been performed for decades, as far as I know. In earlier days, the picture was inclined on a support to show it, now  using the modern technique , we could watch it on a giant screen.

An enchanted evening, 90 minutes, filled up with artistic achievements, humour, thrills and great skill and talent.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

Venue: Theatre PALAIS-ROYAL, 38 rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris.  Metro: Palais-Royal.

See more: www.arturobrachetti.com and google on the other artists' names.

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

3 October 2014

Circus and artist performances during the autumn holidays. The circus season in Denmark run from March to September. However you can during the school children’s autumn holidays in week 42 several places in Denmark see short circus or artist performance.

Copenhagen and Zealand

Glostrup Shopping Centre (Copenhagen suburb): From 13 to 18 October you can meet the clown and multi artist Benny Schumann and the clown Florin with his dog Cato. Monday to Friday 11 & at 15. Saturday at 11 & 14. Free admission

Florin and Cato. Photo from performance in 2011

Frederiksberg Shopping Centre, Copenhagen. You can meet the clown duo Charlie and Binalto from 13 to 18 October. Daily at 11 and 14. Free admission

Charlie and Binalto

The Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen. From Monday 13 October to Friday 17 October you can every day at 11 meet Ingo Stiebner and his two amazing sea lions with a tremendous show. Ingo will also tell about sea lions and how he trains them.

Circus Land in Aarslev (Circus Arena’s winter quarter) opens from 11 to 19 October every day from 10 to 16. In Circus Land you can see lots of circus animals, sea lions in a large pool, circus performances, playground and rides as well as cafeteria and restaurant. There is also a circus school where visitors can train with guidance from professional artists and might end up as the star of one of the daily circus performance.

There are two circus performances and two sea lion shows every day. In the circus performances you will meet children from the circus school and Circus Arena’s animal acts with horses, elephants, goats and dogs. Charmaine Berdino does her hula hoop act. Suzanne Berdino is clown and ringmistress.

In Circus Land you can see Circus Arena’s 3 African elephants. Photo from 2012

Funen

The clown Jody aka the actor Arne Björk presents his show "The smallest circus" in the park at Egeskov castle. Arne Björk writes (my translation):

We have 6 performances every day from 13 October to 19 October in our little red tent with room for 40 spectators. Each performance will run for approximately 15 minutes and there will be different clown entrées in each performance.

On www.detmindstecirkus.dk you can see our latest entrée "Don’t play here” – the classical clown entrée. Here done with my 3 concertinas (where the smallest one only is 5 cm in diameter - and I had it specially made for me in England). My wife Vibse is my partner in this and several other entrées. It is perfectly normal that an artists wife is participating in the acts in the way. Moreover Vibse takes care of ticket sales, popcorn and much more.

Jody heading into his small red tent. Photo by courtesy of Jody

Circus Charivari in Odense. As a start to the autumn holiday 30 adolescents aged 11-17 years from Circus Charivari from Lübeck will visit the youth circus Flik-Flak in Odense. For the last six months the artists have trained diligently and are ready to present an amazing poetic and temperamental circus performance for the whole family called "Circles-zwischen Sturm und Hauch".

There are performance on Saturday 11 ​​October and Sunday 12 October at pm. 14:00 at in Circus Flik-Flak’s building in Odense

Jutland

Kolding Shopping Center. From Monday 13 October to Saturday 18 October Circus Arena will present a performance in Kolding Shopping Center. Daily at 11,13 and 15. It is likely that some of the performers are the same, which is currently is on tour with Circus Arena in Greenland: The artist family Tarantini, the juggler Alan Sulc, Patrick Berdino and John Riviera with a comedy knock abut table act, the fire juggler Antti Suniala and the clowns Martino and co. Free admission.

Bilka Supermarket in Vejle and Horsens Shopping Mall is visited by Circus Mascot. They appear 11 and 12 October in Bilka in Vejle and from 13 to 18 October in the “Bytorv Horsens” in Horsens. There are several performances every day. The performers are the Deleuran family: Marianne and her two sons Andreas and Daniel and the clown Gulio and his family: Tetyana and their two children. Free admission

Marianne Deleuran with one of her many cute little dogs

3 October 2014

Helsingborg Christmas Circus. Albin Ganovic will from 14 November to 14 December present Helsingborg Christmas Circus in Helsingborg in the southern part of Sweden. Albin Ganovic writes (my translation):

Following last year’s success Helsingborg Christmas Circus is back on 14 November  with the show "Hotel de cirque". A door opening performance, in which the audience assist the clown Cito in finding the keys to the circus hotel’s locked doors. Behind the doors are hiding some world class artists such as the juggler Piva from Brazil, Anton with his hula hoop rings, cute little dogs, aerial acrobatics, the hotel's own ballet with glittering dancers and musicians, Magic Quick Change artists and much more. In the midst of the adventure, we also get a visitor from abroad: From New York, Grandma the Clown!  The performance ends up with a large magic Christmas party in the ring!

Let yourself be entertained under the circus dome together with a magi mix of world-class artists.

Helsingborgs Julcirkus: Where dreams become reality!

The performers are:

Grandma the Clown, known from New York's Big Apple Circus.

The clown Cito aka circus owner Albin Ganovic

Anton Monastirsky, by  many called the master of the rings, who is one of the few male hula-hop artists. The Danes saw him in Circus Benneweis in 2005.

David Hammerberg in trapeze. In the just completed season, he toured with the Swedish Circus Olympia.

The juggler Rogerio Piva from Brazil. It is his first visit to Europe. He juggles with sombreros and up to 6 clubs.

Duo Monastirsky from Russia with their quick  change act. In the just completed season they toured with the Swedish Circus Maximum. Anton Monastirsky is the couple’s son.

There are also animals in the performances: horses, alpacas, goats, cattle and camels.

The show is performed in a heated tent at the Harbour Square in Helsingborg, only a few minutes’ walk from the ferry to Elsinore in Denmark. Performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 14 to December 14. Fridays and Saturdays at 18. Sundays at 15.

1 October 2014

Circus Arena in Greenland. Today is opening night for Circus Arena traditional autumn tour to Greenland. It is an anniversary as it is 30 years ago Circus Arena first visited Greenland.

For Circus Arena’s anniversary tour comes from the Czech Republic the versatile artist family Tarantini, who master both acrobatics in the air and on the floor. The 24-year-old juggler Alan Sulc won gold at the European Youth Circus Festival in Wiesbaden in 2002 and was awarded a bronze clown in Monte Carlo in 2004. The Danish audiences know him from Benneweis 2004.

Patrick Berdino and John Riviera have during the summer trained on a comic knock about table act, which gets its world premiere in Greenland.

Fire is always fascinating. From Finland comes the fire-juggler Antti Suniala. Click here to see a video clip from his number.

Finally you can meet the Danish clowns Martino and co. and Pierrot aka Ib Groth Rasmussen.

During the tour Circus Arena will visit Ilulissat (Jacobshavn), Aasiaat (Egedesminde), Maniitsoq (Sukkertoppen), Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg) and Nuuk (Godthaab).

30 September 2014

Photographers Capture Circus Celebrations Around the World

A press release from Fédération Mondiale du Cirque reads:

Dutch coach and choreographer Vincent Michels has been selected as the winner of the Federation Mondiale du Cirque’s 2014 photography contest for his black and white photograph of a young contortionist attired in zebra stripes. A total of 115 images were submitted by photographers from 19 countries for this year’s contest under the theme of “World Circus Day”.

The subject of Mr. Michels’ winning photograph is Li Ling, a student at the private acrobatics school Corpus Acrobatics. The photograph was taken at the World Circus Day celebration hosted by De Leeuw Circus Events in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in April 2014. Mr. Michels chose black and white photography to provide uniformity corresponding to the “black and white zebra world.” The photograph is taken at the beginning of Li Ling’s appearance, after which she moves, step-by-step, to the tabletop for the contortion act.

Mr. Michels will be invited to receive his cash prize and to enjoy a two-night bed and breakfast stay during the 39th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo in January 2014. His winning photograph will be featured on the cover of the Federation’s 2015 wall calendar produced by Fazzini Productions of Italy. Mr Michels’ photograph, as well as the eleven other photographs selected as finalists in this year’s contest, captured the wide variety of World Circus Day events that have taken place around the world in the five years since its inception.

Previous photo contest winner Janeric Dahlin, Sweden, (winner of the 2010 black and white contest) and Giovanni Lagorio, Italy, both photographed professional circus artists performing with classical European circuses. Mr. Dahlin’s photograph features Emilia Donnert partnering with Richard Donnert in a pas de deux act performed during Cirkus Brazil Jack’s World Circus Day celebrations. Mr. Lagorio’s photograph of Victor Dupont’s diablo act was taken during the World Circus Day celebration of Cirque Medrano in Nice, France.

Several professional photographers participated in this year’s contest, capturing the joy circus brings to children, whether as observers or performers. Arul Horizon of India memorialized a special day for disadvantaged children as part of World Circus Day celebrations by Rambo Circus in Maharashtra, India in 2012. Fardin Waezi and Fraidoon Poya, both of Afghanistan, photographed children and teens from Afghanistan demonstrating their juggling skills at 2014 World Circus Day celebrations hosted by the Mobile Mini Circus for Children and Afghan Educational Children’s Circus in Kabul and Herat. The image of Carla Thiele showcases the trust and bonds between the “Simunye” students of the Zip Zap Circus School as they present their World Circus Day “Pyramid of Happiness” in Cape Town, South Africa.

Hobbyist Josef Chovanec, Czech Republic, photographed a circus clown marionette as part of the week-long celebration of Prague’s circus arts and culture, coinciding with World Circus Day. Julie Kycia, United States, photographed a mini-circus performance put on by the members of Circus Fans of America Tent 24 as part of their World Circus Day activities. Amateur photographer and videographer, Omar Vargas Alvarez, Mexico, snapped a shot of “perfect balance” by participants at Flow Fabric Art’s World Circus Day workshops.Artist Juan del Rio, Argentina, photographed young artists trying their hand at creating 3D paper circuses as part of World Circus Day celebrations by Circo del Papel. Hobbyist Merilyn Barrett, United States, photographed clowns representing 12 countries during the World Circus Day celebration of the World Clown Association at their annual convention.

For copyright reasons I cannot show the winning image on this website. You can view it at: http://www.circusfederation.org/

The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque was founded in 2008 under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco and is headquartered in Monte-Carlo. The Federation is a non-profit organization created to promote Circus arts and culture worldwide, to serve as a voice for the Circus community, and to represent Circus interests at the international level.

28 September 2014

On September 17, I mentioned Circus Scott's Christmas Circus in Stockholm. They have now published the names of a few additional performers in this year's Christmas circus:

Meluboys are two young acrobats from Ethiopia doing a Risley act.

Mingo the Clown makes his European debut at Circus Scott. He has earlier appeared on television in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

28 September 2014

Obituary: Hasse Wallman. Swedish Hans Erik Wallman, better known as Hasse Wallman, passed away September 22 following a riding accident on 19 September.

He was born May 1, 1936. In the 1960’ties he arranged concerts in Sweden with names as Beatles and Rolling Stones. For some years he was head of Marketing in Stockholm’s amusement park Gröna Lund.

In 1991 he established Wallmans Salonger in Stockholm. It was the beginning of a successful concept with dinner shows which since 2004 also been presented in the Circus Building in Copenhagen.

On Wednesday 17 Hasse Wallman attended the gala premiere of the new show Freak in the Circus Building in Copenhagen. Hasse Wallman was a fine horseman. On Friday 19 September in the morning he went for a ride. A car scarred his horse which reared. Hasse Wallman was thrown to the earth and the horse fell on top of him. He never woke up after the accident and died peacefully to days later surrounded by his family.

Hasse Wallman became known in Denmark when he in 2003 acquired the Copenhagen Circus Building and introduced his popular Wallmans Dinner Show. He was known as a positive and sprightly person.

Since 2003, more than 825,000 people have visited Wallman in the Copenhagen Circus Building.

Hasse Wallman in front Circus Building in Copenhagen. Photo by courtesy of Wallmans

Hasse Wallman was a member of the Swedish Circus Academy.

The death will not affect the operation of Wallmans, as Hasse Wallman several years ago sold Wallmans to 2E Group AB, which is listed on the First North stock exchange.

Funeral will take place from Värmdö church on Friday October 24.

27 September 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- the entertainment season is starting up --

We are happy to wish YOGANE a big WELCOME BACK - she features her MAGIC SHOW, called MA SORCIERE PREFEREE, the title refers to a well-known TV-series, meaning THE WITCH I PREFER/.

A cute little story gives the pretext to perform a number of magical effects, there is interaction, in a nice and appealing stage setting.

Yogane, being one of very few female magic entertainers, gets a well-deserved success among both children and parents.

Yogana. Photo by courtesy of the artist

At the international theater festival in AVIGNON, Southern France, she had a tangible success, she based some of her publicity on her walking around in the streets, in costume, performing small tricks for children and for - anyone who was interested.

YOGANE is a well-known and popular magic entertainer.

See more: http://www.yogane.fr/

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

19 September 2014

David Skunk turns 60. Tuesday 23 September David Skunk from the tiny Circus Skunk can celebrate his 60 years birthday. The name in the birth certificate is David Ochoa, and he was born in Puerto Rico. For some years in the 1960s and 1970s he lived in California and became a student of music and theatre at College of the Redwoods – Eureka.

In 1977 he became a juggler and the following year also a clown, a rope-walker and a sousaphone player. From 1979 to 1983 he was a street performer and co-founded and toured with "3-Wheel Circus". In 1983 he founded "Circus Skunk" in Portugal. In 1984 he moved to Denmark, where he had met a sweet girl. Since then he has performed in Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Norway and Denmark. He is a juggler, tightrope walker, comedian and clown and performs sometimes together with the female Spanish clown Marta Cabayo. David Skunk lives in Aabybro, Denmark.

David Skunk. Foto: Lise Kokholm

18 September 2014

Judy Glosted stops as ringmistress at Circus Benneweis. By the end of this year’s last performance on Sunday, March 14 in Circus Benneweis Judy Glosted received a large bouquet of roses from Diana Benneweis and was also thanked warmly for the years where she has been ringmisstres.

Judy had earlier in the season told Diana that she after 7 seasons as ringmistress – 2006 to 2008 and 2011 to 2014 - wanted to stop.

Judy Glosted’s mother was a circus performer and appeared as an acrobat and dancer, until she had children. Judy’s father was a musician. The parents never lost their interest in circus, and both Judy and her sister Betty were dragged along when Circus Benneweis visited in Funen. Judy took a business degree and had her first job as a host at a local TV channel TV Aarhus. Later she came to TV-Funen. After that she became marketing manager of Kolding Shopping Centre. As an artist Judy is autodidact. Besides the above jobs she travelled in around in Denmark and entertained with singing and music and cabaret. In 2003, Judy decided to put the uncertainty of nomad life on the shelf and said yes to a job as manager of Schur Conference Centre in Glud at Horsens. But when you have the fascination of the circus in your blood, you don’t refuse an offer from Diana Benneweis - and Judy said yes in 2006. After the 2008 season, she wanted to take a break, but she was back again in 2011.

Many Danes will miss Judy Glosted with her good singing voice, her lovely smile and her beautiful costumes.

Judy Glosted. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

"We will miss Judy and her enthusiasm and high spirits," Diana Benneweis says. However, she understands Judy when she after seven seasons wants to stop the hard life travelling with a touring circus. "I'm her great indebted, for the years she has been with us and I wish her all the best for the future."

Diana Benneweis tells that the program for season 2015 is in place. She will not yet release the names of the performers. But it is a super program, which she is proud of and excited to present to the Danish circus audience. As ringmaster the audience will meet the Danish magician Kim Kenneth, who also was ringmaster in 2009 and 2010. 

Furthermore, the audience will meet one from the young generation in the ring: Diana's daughter Nadia will welcome the audience. I am sure that the audience will appreciate that this task once again is handled by a member of the Benneweis family.

17 September 2014

Circus Scott’s Christmas Circus. Circus Scott has now published the names of the performers in their Christmas Circus which can be seen in Stockholm, Sweden from 20 November to 7 December. From December 21 to 4 January 2015 the show can be seen in Amsterdam using the name Winter Circus Amsterdam.

The performers in year's Christmas show is:

The Chang-li Troupe with equilibristic and aerial acrobatics. It's not the same Chinese troupe which toured with Circus Scott during their summer tour.

Guillome Assire Becar, who rides high school together with a dog and present his comedy horse act which the audience also saw during Circus Scott's summer tour.

Becar being hunted by his horse. Photo: Linda Himsel

Pierre Ginet - pickpocket. About the act Pierre writes: “My act is 10 to 30 minutes long. It is pure comedy, as I play a French that doesn’t know what to do on stage and finally does the only thing he knows from Paris: Pickpocket.”

Fratteli Torres in double wheel of death. They were also with Circus Scott during the  summer tour. A double wheel of death consists of two wheels of death which in opposite directions are running side by side. During the summer tour there was no jumps from wheel to wheel.

Fratteli Torres. Photo: Linda Himsel

Globe-bikers - 6 motorcycles in a globe of death with a diameter of 4.5 meters. Same artists as Fratteli Torres + 2 additional.

Trio Chakakahn high wire. The trio comes from Uzbekistan.

Victor Krachinov - juggler. He is the smaller brother of Semen Krachinov who Danes saw in Circus Benneweis in 2013.

Angelica Helgesson with reindeer. During Circus Scott’s summer tour she presented

Alessio Fochesato’s parrots.

The 8 Scott Dancers

Circus Scott tells that the oblong tent they use has room for 2,000 spectators. That's more than any other circus in the Nordic countries. The performance takes place in one half of the tent, while there is Circus Park (kiosks and circus school for children, etc.) in the other half of the tent. Photo from Malmö, Sweden, 30 August 2014

17 September 2014

Close of circus season 2014. In all Nordic countries the circus season is coming to an end.

In Denmark Circus Arli had this season’s last performance on 25 August. Circus Arena had their last performance on 9 September and Circus Baldoni on 10 September. Circus Benneweis closed the season on 14 September and Danish Circus Krone ended their summer season on 15 September. Circus Mascot will close the summer season on 27 September and Circus Dannebrog on 28 September.

In Norway both Circus Arnardo and Circus Merano have closed their 2014-season.

In Sweden Circus Wictoria closed the season on 7 September and Circus Maximum on 8 September. All of Circus Brazil Jack, Circus Olympia and Circus Scott ended their seasons on 14 September.

Circus Scott will present Christmas Circus in the Swedish capital Stockholm from 21 November to 7 December. Albin Ganovic will from 14 November to 14 December present Helsingborg Christmas Circus in Helsingborg in the southern part of Sweden.

The large Finnish Circus Finlandia is as usual the last Nordic circus to close the season: They are in the Finnish capital Helsinki from 26 September to 2 November and first then their 2014 season is over.

Circus Finlandia at the circus lot in Helsinki. Photo from 2012

14 September 2014

Nonne Mai Svalholm has sent this picture of the cast from the Neo Burlesque show in Aarhus which Jorgen Lorenzen reviewed on this page on 9 September 2014. Photographer: Caroline J. - The performers in the show were: Miss Stella Starlight (drag / hostess), Mademoiselle Loulou (flutist / performer), Nonne Mai Svalholm (dancer / performer), Andreas Constantinou (performer / queer art bitch), Lady Effulgent (dancer), Elise la Reine (comtemporary circus performer), Lea Blue Delmas (singer / dancer) and Em Max (singer / performer).

14 September 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  in fact all the time, with a little less activities summertime - the theatres play, except for Mondays, circus comes to town and there are lots of attractions, well worth seeing and educational at that - geared at the whole family, children and parents.

THEATRE ALAMBIC proudly presents, and this during the main part of the year, a CAVALCADE of different family shows, tales and stories, funny and hilarious theatre plays, all sorts of fun - for the joy of -- all!

Theatre Alambic Comedie. Photo by courtesy of Alambic Comédie

Humour takes a great place - people want to laugh - comical episodes with misunderstandings which at the very end get a Happy Ending, often helped out by the kids present in the room, this is particularly true of the Magic Shows that THEATRE ALAMBIC features.

It is called INTERACTION - children don't want to sit passively watching, they want to play and participate - according the nature of kids.

These MAGIC SHOWS are well worth seeing, although the list may not be exhaustive:

ROSEMONT featuring alternatively balloons, magic, circus-show and mindreading.

CLAIRE performing magic, dancing and ventriloquism, using a perfect technique, rarely seen.

PETER DIN, theatrical magic and ventriloquism with a dog, perfect technique as well.

BASTIEN, comical stunts and magic, well mixed.

GABILOLO, a theatre troupe alternating funny scenes and surprising magic.

Above: Claire, Peter Din and Rosemont

Below: Gabilolo and Bastien

All of these have been previously published, with photo.

POINT OF INTEREST: It is extremely important that even the smaller fry learn and see that LIVE ENTERTAINMENT is far better and more appealing than electronically produced stuff.

ALAMBIC COMEDIE is a rather small local area theatre, offering cultural attractions for an affordable price, and the local inhabitants find it quite near where they live - important!!

See more: www.alambic-comedie.com

Venue: Theatre ALAMBIC COMEDIE, 12 rue Neuve de la Chardonnière, 75018 Paris.  Metro: Simplon.

Theatre de Verdure du Jardin Shakespeare, situated in LE BOIS DE BOULOGNE, a huge park on the outskirts of Paris, proudly presents LES PETITES HORREURS, a tale about two dolls who wake up to life in an attic, where they have been put away, forgotten by all.

Theatre de Verdure means literally The Theatre in the Greenness, and indeed there is an overflowing vegetation, huge and beautiful.

This tale is played by two skilful, female acrobats, mastering acrobatic stunts in tissue, aerial ring and hand acrobatics as well.

Photo: Julien Bonet

Their aerial ring is suspended from a metal pole-structure, of about 10 meters height, they perform a great many acrobatic stunts, some comedy and also some magic, for instance THE SUBSTITUTION TRUNK - which can be seen with pleasure - even today!

Wonderfully created theatrical costumes, they do appear like dolls, a half-mask covering head and upper part of the face down to the mouth - it all makes for interest and theatrical poetry - the audience is spell-bound.

Show 50 minutes.

Aerial acrobats: JULIA DIEHL, MARIE-PIERRE BONET.

Stage setting: MARIE HEMERY, with ideas by BENOIT PUREN, music: DIDIER COMBROUZE.

An entertaining, poetic and wonderful show - well worth seeing!

Venue:Theatre de Verdure, Jardin Shakespeare, Paris, Bois de Boulogne.  Metro: Porte Maillot, then bus 244, get off at bus stop Pre-Catalan, then a short walk.

See more: www.jardinshakespeare.fr

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

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

12 September 2014

Circus and artists at the Faroe Islands. Danish Circus Baldoni has just returned from their annual visit to the Faroe Islands. But on September 19 in the Faroe Islands will be visited by another artist. It's the clown and multi-artist Benny Schumann who on 19 September at 14 & 16 will present his one man show at the shopping mall SMS in Torshavn. It is Benny Schumann’s first visit to the Faroe Islands.

Benny Schumann is son of Albert and Pauline Schumann and grandson of the famous clown Charlie Rivel. He was trained as a horse-trainer, rider and multi-artist in the Schumann Circus, Copenhagen. 1967 saw the premiere of his juggler act with plates and glass bowls. After close of the circus season the same year he left the family circus to go on tour with the juggler act in Europe, the United States, Canada and Africa during the following ten years under the name Ric Benny.

In 1980 Benny Schumann started to perform in Denmark with an artist and clown show in which he performs as juggler, ventriloquist, tightrope walker, magician and clown with music and gags written by himself.

10 September 2014

The largest circus in the Nordic countries Circus Arena closed season 2014 on 9 September in Køge. The last two days of the season the reprise clown Jimmy Folco was replaced by Martin and Bettina Arli from Circus Arli. Jimmy Folco had got a new engagement in Hungary, and circus owner Benny Berdino permitted him to leave a few days before the season closed.

As usual, Circus Arena will in autumn put a special performance on tour on Greenland. This year it will be from 30 September to 6 October.

Circus Land in Circus Arena’s winter quarter is open in during the autumn and winter holidays. Moreover every Friday and Saturday until the end of November you can see the revue show Schou-Tur in Circus Land.

9 September 2014

Neo Burlesque Show. Reviewed by Jorgen Lorenzen. Venue: Godsbanen, Århus, DK, Sept, 05, 2014, at 21:00. Mr. Lorentzen's Danish text freely rendered in English, by ZARRO ZARRO.

It seems that variety and cabaret shows are experiencing a revival: in Copenhagen the Wallman’s are successful with their dinner show in Copenhagen’s circus building. Last weekend Store Vega in Copenhagen presented a variety show and Aarhus Festival sported entertainment in the Moulin Rouge style. Berlin's Wintergarten will soon be performing in Denmark.

Svalholm, located in Aarhus (www.svalholm.dk) features once again a Burlesque show. This time at the Radar live venue in Aarhus. Aarhus is second largest city in Denmark.

The new show is called neo-burlesque, since it goes further than the classic one in which crude nudity never is displayed, the nipples always being covered by sequins or tassels. Crude nudity belongs to the music hall or striptease. And a naked male does not belong to the Burlesque universe. But here they have taken the necessary reservations by calling it neo-burlesque.

But the setting is the same as classic burlesque: darkish, reddish colors, as well as golden and black decorations. The setting is geared to the erotic and the feminine beauty, but never to vulgarity and poor style. And the burlesque features elegant costumes and the performers, mostly queen-size women, make a difference from the rather lean strippers.

Jorgen Lorenzen together with one of the Burlesque dancers

The drag queen Miss Stella Starlight is the leader of the show. Sporting a perfect make-up, and suggestive costumes, this performer mixes humor and a strong stage personality - using interaction while flirting with the patrons, improvising and juggling with the text, everything builds up to a real smasher..... surely ready for an important, international career.

Stella Starlight

Fantastic stunts were the highlights of the show:

A horse turning to a human being, Lulu manipulating a flute in a suggestive way, a singing shaman, the queen-sized Charlotte making balloons explode.... Eventually Elize La Reine, featuring elegant acrobatics in her aerial ring, as well as incredible contortion stunts.

The patrons were delighted, thus confirming that the unexpected revival is understandable and appealing to all adults. Hopefully, variety and cabaret will return - we need them badly.

A personal note: The acts might well be somewhat shortened, for the benefit of all.

The numerous different styles may be hard to digest - as one show can't cover the entire theatrical spectrum. However, the patrons loved the Burlesque Show - they will certainly line up again!!!

9 September 2014

Wintergarten to Aalborg and Randers. Wintergarten is a famous variety theatre in Berlin. The theater was founded in 1884 and was situated at Friedrichstrasse in Berlin's downtown. Between the two world wars Wintergarten was part of the bubbling cultural life that put Berlin on the map as one of the world's leading cultural cities. Names like Flying Codonas, the clowns Grock and Charlie Rivel and the escape artist Houdini has been on the stage. The theater was bombed in 1944, and was not reopened until 1992 at Potsdamer Strasse.

Since its reopening, the Wintergarten has successfully established itself as a modern cabaret- and music hall. They have now also started to send performances on tour.

Last year the citizens in Aalborg could see the show Made in Berlin. Now Wintergarten is back in Denmark with the new show All Night Long which from 17 to 20 September can be seen in Aalborg and on 26 and 27 September in Randers.

In the performance you will meet 8 of Wintergarten’s acrobats, a soul band and soul singers.

The show All Night Long can be seen with or without dining. Click here to see a video teaser from the show.

7 September 2014

Above under the date 9 September you can read Jorgen Lorenzen’s review of the show Neo Burlesque in Aarhus, Denmark

In Malmö, Sweden, there was on 5 September an event called The Burlesque Palace. The producers wrote (my translation):

"Welcome to a night of burlesque! Now we open the doors to the premiere of the Burlesque Palace! Taking inspiration from earlier day’s vaudeville performances we create a universe filled with elements from live music and singing, burlesque, cabaret and circus. At the Tango Palace’s atmospheric premises you get everything you could dream of for a memorable evening: great food, good company, captivating performances and of course the chance to dance all night."

My faithful correspondent in Paris Zarro Zarro has chosen this week to write about Burlesque in Paris.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- always something new and thrilling -- the classic entertainment, known as BURLESQUE - pops up at intervals -- the troupe BURLESQUE BABYLONE, direction JULIE COYNE, had invited, now in June, to a sympathetic and appealing special event, viz. on premises called THE TROIS SALONS /the three saloons/ located in a very old cellar, sporting antique vaults, elegantly refurbished and belonging to a hotel in the prestigious area of SAINT GERMAIN.

Burleque Babylone. Photo: Eric Deniset. By courtesy of Théâtre du Rond-Point

The event was called SOIREE CLOSE, referring to the invitations, given out to some kind of VIP only, I was among the lucky ones, and we saw several burlesque dancers, performed by king-size ladies who with a tongue-in-cheek attitude proved that the rather lean top-models don't have their place everywhere!!

Burleque Babylone. Photo by courtesy of Julie Couine.

There was music and singing, as well as a skillful juggler, performing contact juggling, where balls keep rolling on the artist's body, he also featured a fine diabolo-spinning-act.

Furthermore there were exhibitions of photos and contemporary jewelry, very interesting.

A pleasant atmosphere, a nice welcome and sympathetic people completed the impression of a successful special event.

For your info: The troupes BEAUTIES OF BURLESQUE and NEW BURLESQUE, the latter one known from the film LA TOURNEE, perform at various gigs.

Basically, BURLESQUE is a popular form of entertainment - totally free from offensive details -- it boils down to more or less queen-size women sporting normal, round bodies, performing various strip-tease-acts - we could say that it is a humorous show challenging the lean top-models.

BURLESQUE can be traced back to the American vaudeville, which was a program of various acts, often visual ones, possible with roots in the Wild West Saloons that featured scantily dressed female singers, accompanied by a pianist.

The British MUSIC HALLS remain in this picture, they featured many visual acts, although music and singing belonged to the program.

BURLESQUE was popular in the USA during the first half of the 20th century, the creator of the world famous cabaret CRAZY HORSE, Alain Bernardin, - brought these ideas back home to Paris.

For some years, we have seen in Paris: BURLESQUE BABYLONE, direction JULIE COUINE,

NEW BURLESQUE at the Theatre du Rond-Point, part of their world tour, and now at the Theatre Reine Blanche: BEAUTIES OF BURLESQUE, direction LOULOU CHAMPAGNE.

Photos from Beauties of Burlesque. By courtesy of Garter & Garter

Evènements burlesques

A troupe of about 10 dancers and a male MC, performing a good hour's show of BURLESQUE displaying original ideas, great joy of performing and everything in a good mood.

BURLESQUE means that the artists have a tongue-in-cheek attitude, making fun of themselves as well as an excellent contact with the audience.

Sumptuous costumes and - important - a musical background having a moderate, thus suitable, amount of decibel, the music is a background, but should not kill the visual acts, one of these acts featured some magical effects using light that appeared and vanished.

BURLESQUE is, as I see it, on its way back, offering good and healthy entertainment, without trying to deliver problematic messages - people have enough of that in the medias - going to the theatre -they want a trip into the world of the imagination and the wonderful, they pay their ticket to get that - and they are entitled to get it!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!

You look in L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES to see what is on in Paris, 0.50 cent in all newspapers stalls, headlines: Theatre and Humour & Shows.

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

5 September 2014

Opening night in Copenhagen for Circus Benneweis was Friday evening. You can undoubtedly in next week's issue of the Danish weekly tabloids see photos of some of the many Danish celebrities who were among the visitors. There was full house and strong applause from the audience.

Circus Benneweis opened their season on 21 March in Hilleroed.

Benneweis will stay in Copenhagen until Sunday 14 September. And that ends season 2014 for Circus Benneweis. The artists rush to their next jobs and tent and equipment is taken home to the winter quarters in Dronningmoelle. Season 2015 will begin sometime in the last half of March 2015 and will features a lot of international star performers. Diana Benneweis does not yet want to disclose the names of next year's artists.

Circus Benneweis. Photo from Birkeroed 2 September. Photo: "Mr. Sputnik "Krogh Petersen.

Since the start of the season in Hilleroed there has been a minor change in the performance: The horse which ringmistress Judy Glosted rode during the introduction and which was part of the camel act was injured during a transport between Hilleroed and Frederikssund. The horse is as the camels owned by the Swedish Circus Olympia. The accident was one of these accidents which can happen to anybody and it can neither be blamed Circus Benneweis nor Circus Olympia's groom, who was in charge of transport. Following treatment at The Copenhagen University Hospital for Companion Animals Circus Olympia brought the horse back to their winter quarters in Sweden, where it remains in care.

4 September 2014

Circus Arena 2015. Circus Arena can next year celebrate its 60th year anniversary. To present the show Benny Berdino has booked the popular Danish stand-up comedian Uffe Holm and Signe Lindkvist who many children know from DR Television’s programs for children.

4 September 2014

Sea lions at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen. The museum writes (my translation):

Reserve time during the autumn holidays in week 42 for a visit to the Circus Museum where we offer a world class sea lion show with Ingo Stiebner and his amazing sea lions,

Ingo Stiebner and his charming sea lion act are well known in Denmark: one season with Circus Benneweis, five seasons with Circus Arena and two seasons with Zirkus Nemo.

The requirements that currently apply to the size of sea lions pool will probably mean that the traditional circuses Denmark with their many one day cities in future will refrain from having sea lions in the show. But you can meet the requirements when you have performances in shopping centers etc. and in circuses as Zirkus Nemo which stays at least one week at each lot.

The present Danish regulations for having sea lions on tour with a circus reads (my translation):

Section 35. Sea lions shall during the tour be kept in a covered pool with a water volume of 50 cubic meters and a minimum depth of 1.2 meter. If the pool is used by more than three sea lions at the same time, the volume requirement increases by 15 cubic meters for each additional animal.

Subsection 2. Sea lions must in addition to the pool referred to in subsection 1 have access to a dry area of not less than 25 square meters.

Subsection. 3. The basin referred to in subsection 1 must be available for sea lions within 2 hours of arrival at the destination.

It will be rather costly every day to fill a pool with 50 cubic meters of water. Incl. water treatment levy costs the cost will e.g. in Hvidovre be 2,692 DKK. equivalent to 362 Euro.

4 September 2014

Danish Circus Baldoni has just completed a week's visit to Iceland, where people are not accustomed to seeing a circus. This photo was shot in the city of Blönduós which never before has been visited by a circus. The city is located on the north coast of Iceland and has about 1,000 inhabitants.

The last performance in Iceland was in Neskaupstaður where there was full house. Neskaupstaður is situated on the east coast of Iceland and has about 2,000 inhabitants. The photo shows Heléne Ramer doing her spectacular pole-dance act. Both photos by courtesy of Circus Baldoni.

2 September 2014

Kenny Quinn at Cabaret Candy Club in Helsingborg. 2 October is opening night for this year's edition of Candy Cabaret Club in Helsingborg, Sweden. Amongst the performers is the Danish world class gentleman thief entertainer Kenny Quinn. Last time we saw him in Denmark was in Circus Dannebrog in 2009 and for a few days at the Aarhus Festival in 2012

This year's show at Cabaret Candy Club is called Célebrer 2014. It is the fifth year in row the young producer Albin Ganovic presents Cabaret Candy Club, where he plays the character of the compere Mr. Fritzel. In addition to Kenny Quinn you can in the performance meet the juggler Rogerio Piva from Brazil. It is Rogerio’s first time in Europe.

The audience will also meet the Candy Girls and the Candy Band. There are performances on Thursday, October 2, Friday, October 3, Saturday, October 4, Thursday, October 16, Saturday, October 18, Thursday, October 23, Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 26.

2 September 2014

Circus Scott closes their season in Helsingborg Arena. When the large Swedish Circus Scott ends the season with a visit to Helsingborg from 11 to 14 September it will not use the oblong tent which they have used for the rest of the season. Instead, they move into Helsingborg’s new arena.

In a press release they write (my translation):

When Circus Scott comes to Helsingborg in September this year, it will be a historically unique visit where they move into Helsingborg Arena! It has never been done before but the circus owner Robert Bronett is convinced performing indoor ads a new dimension to the circus.

Helsingborg Arena and Circus Scott presents for the first time a real arena adventure! Experience a truly unique appearance when Cirkus Scott moves from its giant tent and present this year's Circus Adventure in one of Sweden's most modern arenas.

Circus owner Robert Bronett announces Helsingborg is the exception that proves the rule:

- We are often offered to use some of the many fine arenas that have been built here in Sweden in recent years. However, we have always said no as it is difficult to create the intimacy and closeness to the audience that we have in our specially designed giant tent. Helsingborg Arena, however, is the exception that proves the rule and we know that the arena even can bring an add value to our show. When Bertil Alm, events manager at the arena additionally announced that we even would get the chance to cheer on the thousands of marathon runners who will run through the arena before we will give our Saturday show we could not resist his suggestions.

Cirkus Scott moves into the arena with all its exciting world of circus acrobats, parrots, dancers, singers, musicians, horses, dogs, and not least a breezy history where the audience helps us to save Colonel McScotts lost treasure from the pirates’ chasing claws. Together we will do our best to get the roof of Helsingborg Arena to lift!

It is however not the first time for Circus Scott to have indoor performances. In 1973 they opened their season at the Malmo Ice Stadium.

In the United States it is quite common for circus performances to take place in arenas etc. This applies to all performances in the world's largest circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. As well as the so-called Shrine Circus performances which in the winter season is organized by the Shriners. The Shriners are connected to Freemasonry. Also several of Cirque du Soleil's touring performance takes place in arenas.

1 September 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS - THEATRE DE LA GAITE MONTPARNASSE proudly presents until January 2015, the extraordinary magic entertainer ALAIN CHOQUETTE, featuring a program of 90 minutes and which is very much applauded by the audience.

ALAIN CHOQUETTE is well-known in Quebec, Canada where he has performed for about 20 years, he has likewise performed in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, USA, and has a close co-operation with David Copperfield.

ALAIN CHOQUETTE is gifted with an extraordinary personality and succeeds thus in getting a wonderful contact with his audience, his performance is very much based on interaction with his onlookers - and everything works out fine. The program is largely based on card effects, where one follows what is happening on a big screen -everything is quite clear. Furthermore some Prediction stunts - highly amazing, people are stunned.

Alain Choquette

Personally I never liked card tricks and predictions very much - here I got the opportunity to think again -- performed by a master, this is excellent entertainment!!

Grand finale featuring a beautiful SNOWSTORM IN CHINA, where hundreds of butterflies whirl around in the air!

Absolutely worth seeing!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.alainchoquette.ca

Venue: Theatre de la Gaité Montparnasse, 26 rue de la Gaité, 75014 Paris.  Metro: Montparnasse.

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

28 August 2014

A Dane with success in Hungary. Fővárosi Nagycirkusz - the Great Capital Circus - in Budapest is enjoying success with Danish-Italian illusionists Kim Kenneth & Jessica.

Sharing top of the bill, the couple with 2 assistants are heavily advertised on the facade of the circus-building as well as posters and flyers, with horseman Flórián Richter, aerial devil Super Silva and the wild animals of Hans Ludwig Suppmeier.  

Kim Kenneth and Jessica Caveagna

The crowd-pleasing Dane and his partner, Jessica Caveagna, who also performs her flashy gladiator-sword-and-ladder-balance-act, has been booked for a prolongation of the Circus Classicus  show, then under canvas in the Hungarian provinces.

Jessica Caveagna

Last performance in the Circus Building in Budapest is on 31 August. Following this Circus Classicus will visit Kecskemet, Szolnok and Debrecen, where they will close the season on 28 September.

28 August 2014

Small program change in Swedish Circus Brazil Jack. When Cirkus Brazil Jack 31 August is leaving the Swedish capital Stockholm, there will be a small change to the program: The last 14 days of the season the Saabel family is replaced by the Czech Wolff Brothers. The Saabel’s are going to the German Circus Roncalli's new unit, and the Wolff Brothers has just completed a tour with Danish Circus Arli.

For the next 1½ year German Circus Roncalli will have two units:

The blue unit with the performance Time is Honey, which with some changes in the program has been on tour for several years. And the red unit which presents a completely new performance called Salto Vitale.

The red unit with the new performance will until the end of 2015 visit a number of cities that never before have been visited by Circus Roncalli.

Among the performers in Salto Vitale is the Saabel family with three acts: school riding, Siberian huskies and the daughters Kelly and Alexandra with an elegant handstand act.

Salto Vitale has its opening night on 28 August in Gutersloh, Germany. The Saabel family is, however, not part of the performance until September 3. The mother and the two daughters has this year with their dog act and the handstand act toured Sweden with Circus Brazil Jack, but stops after agreement with Carmen Rhodin after Brazil Jack has finished its visit to Stockholm.

Alexandra and Kelly Saabel doing their beautiful handstand act

To replace the three members of the Saabel family Brazil Jack has until end of their season booked the Czech Wolff Brothers, who have just completed a tour in Denmark with Circus Arli. Circus Brazil Jack's 2014 season ends on 14 September.

The Wolff brothers with their excellent comedy trapeze act. They are also doing a knock about table act.

The Danish circus audience knows the Saabel family from Circus Benneweis 2011 and Circus Dannebrog 2013.  At Benneweis it was only Alexandra who did handstand. At Dannebrog it was either Alexandra or Kelly, but never both of them. In Brazil Jack, they have presented their handstand act as a duo with synchronous handstand.

24 August 2014

Circus in Circus Miehe’s old riding school. A German musician Heinrich Miehe and his wife Louise, née Schulz, founded a circus in Denmark in 1884. From 1884 to 1888 they used the name Circus Thyland. From 1889 the name was changed to circus Miehe. Owned by family members this show toured Denmark until 1958. In 1912 Circus Miehe build a riding school in Rold in Jutland and used it as training ring. The old riding school is now part of the Circus Museum in Rold.

By tradition, the small Danish Circus Krone has in August a performance in the old Riding School. It is presented in cooperation with the Circle of friendship of the Rold museum. This year the performance took place on 23 August.

Photos from the performance in the Riding School. The clown Alando, rola bola acrobat Robin Ruml, the panda and Navratil family with footladder balancing. Photos: Corey Bendtsen

Unfortunately, someone had shortly before the show stolen Circus Krone generator which supplies power to the small circus. The performance in the riding school was done with power from the electricity power grid. But the stolen generator is in the rest of the season a hard blow for the small circus, for which it is a smack in the eye to buy or rent a new generator. A new generator cost a bit more than 10,000 Euro. So far, Circus Krone has rented a generator to use for their open performances. As for their sold performances it is the organizers who shall provide power.

Circus Krone’s generator which thieves stole 23 August

As for the Aarhus Festival, where Circus Krone has performances from August 30 to September 6 they will get electricity from a power plant.

24 August 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- now the season is starting up --we recognize many artists -- while we say WELCOME!!!  -- to a number of newcomers.

CHRISTIAN GAMBIN with partner and co-actor CHANTAL CRUAUD open their theatre L'ANTRE MAGIQUE / THE CONJUROR'S DEN / featuring several programs each of about one hour's performance, geared to children, age bracket 3 - 10, and of course their accompanying parents.

interiør fra L'Antre Magique

CHRISTIAN GAMBIN performs hilarious, humorous and interesting magic shows, displaying great artistic qualities, and this continues after about 20 years of success.

Now, CHANTAL CRUAUD has entered the scene as co-playing artist, she is an outstanding actress, dancer and magic entertainer, also performing  as opening act to CHRISTIAN GAMBIN'S magic close up-theater, called GOLDFINGER, where he inserts a story within the range of his close up amazing stunts.

Chantal Cruaud

See more: www.antremagique.fr

Venue: Antre Magique, 50 rue Saint Georges, 75009 Paris.  Metro: Saint-Georges.

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

22 August 2014

Friday night was Circus Dannebrog’s opening night in Copenhagen for this year's show Dynamic Youth, which was enthusiastically received by the audience in the packed tent. The tent is this year put up on a lot at Tømmergravsgade just south of the Copenhagen Mall (‘Fisketorvet’). Circus Dannebrog will stay in Copenhagen until 7 September.

21 August 2014

Today Circus Baldoni began their North Atlantic tour in Vestmanna at the Faroe Islands. This photo was shot shortly before the performance started. Photo: Circus Baldoni

Previous Sunday Circus Baldoni terminated its season in Denmark, in its home-village, Tureby - the "hub of the universe" (!) - now touring at the Faeroe Islands and Iceland, up in the North Atlantic Ocean. In addition to all the artistes poking fun behind the backs of or with the performing acts in the ring, the Tomovi family surprised the colleagues and management by - in the finale - serving champagne to the entire cast in the ring. Photo: Jörgen Börsch

20 August 2014

The Copenhagen Circus Building sold once again. Since 2003 the Copenhagen Circus Building has been used by Swedish owned Walllmans for dinner shows with singers, dancers and a few artists.  In November 2010 the City of Copenhagen offered Circus Building for sale because the city council wanted to sell all properties not used for municipal purposes.  As of 1 June 2011 Wallmans bought through its subsidiary Wallmans CB plc the building for 45.2 million DKK (6.2 million Euro). The acquisition was financed by Wallmans taking out a bank loan of 36.2 million SEK (3.9 million Euro). The residual purchase price was paid out of Wallmans’ own funds.

Now Wallmans has sold the building with a nice profit. The sale has taken place through a sale of all shares in Wallman CB plc to Balder Denmark ApS which is a subsidiary of Balder Fastighets plc in Gothenburg, Sweden. In the share sale agreement the value of the building is set to 70 million DKK (9.4 million Euro) or 25 million DKK (3.4 million Euro) more than the price Wallman paid only three years ago. In the interim report for the first sic month of 2014 Wallmans' owner 2 E Group plc report their profit from the sale of the building to 27.8 million SEK (3 million Euro).

Copenhagen's old circus building has for the second time within a few years got a new owner. Since 1991 The Copenhagen Circus Building has only occasionally been used for the purpose for which it was built in 1886.

In connection with the sale Wallmans have entered into a 20-year lease agreement with Balder Denmark ApS which ensures that 2E Group and Wallman can continue their business in Copenhagen’s old circus building.

Wallmans’ sale of a building they only has owned for three years makes it obvious to consider whether the municipality of Copenhagen got a proper price when they sold the building in 2011. The municipality sold the building without use of a real estate agent which saved them for paying a broker's fees. But it seems not unlikely that a skilled professional real estate agent could have facilitated the sale of the building for a higher price!

16 August 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- THEATRE ALAMBIC proudly presents the excellent magic entertainer and ventriloquist CLAIRE who after many years in Chile has returned to France. CLAIRE features an entirely new show, geared to parents and their children, in the age bracket of 3 to 10.

She is, as far as I know, the only one combining magical effects and ventriloquism, which means that she makes the puppets perform the effects - very surprising and lively!

She sports a classic jester's dress and obtains a super good contact with the small fry, which makes the parents happy.

It is rare today to witness a ventriloquist featuring a perfect technique, however CLAIRE possesses this skill, together with hilarious theatrical effects, she has great success.

CLAIRE uses her other skills: dancing, singing, miming and acting to great advantage in her show.

Theatre ALAMBIC reaches out to a population in a rather modest area, thus performing a social action, offering theatre plays, geared both to adults and children, who can afford the reasonable ticket prices.

Culture is thus available for all!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue: Theatre ALAMBIC, 12 rue Neuve de la Chardonniere, 75018 Paris.  Metro: Simplon.

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

14 August 2014

Circus Scott Christmas Circus. For the third year in a row Robert Bronett and Circus Scott present Christmas circus in Stockholm, Sweden. This year it will be in from 21 November to 7 December. Then the show will as last year continue to Amsterdam where it is presented as Winter Circus Amsterdam.

Robert Bronett promise that approximately 50 musicians, singers, dancers and performers will provide the audience two hours filled with joy, humour and excitement.

Anders Troedsson has told me that you among the performers will meet:

The French horse trainer Guillome Assire Becark, who also tour with Circus Scott during their present summer tour.

Guillome Assire Becark. Photo from Circus Scott's opening night in Växjö in Sweden in May this year. Photographer: Roy Himsel

Frattelli Torres will do 3 acts: globe of death, high wire and wheel of death. During the present summer tour with Circus Scott they appear in the wheel of death.

Mambo no 5 (also known as Mambo Boys) with their act in Russian bar. Until July this year they toured with the Swedish Circus Maximum.

The juggler Jesus Salas. I do not recall having seen him in Scandinavia.

13 August 2014

When the Swedish Circus Maximum on September 8 ends the season the Russian clowns Bobylevs will stop as a duo. Alexej Bobylev and Olesya Bobyleva have appeared together in several Scandinavian circuses: Danish Circus Benneweis in 2007og 2009, Norwegian Circus Merano in 2011 and Swedish Circus Maximum in 2013 and 2014. But now it's over: Alexej Bobylev has decided to go "solo" and will continue to perform without Olesya. Photos shot in Circus Maximum in Trelleborg 9 August 2014.

11 August 2014

Cirkus Minimax. Carl-André Hjelvik from the small Norwegian Cirkus Minimax writes (my translation):

Now this year's summer tour for Circus Minimax is over we are planning for next year's tour. During the autumn and winter we have a number of event jobs etc. In season 2015 we will present a brand new program with new artists and animals.

We are very happy with the season. Cirkus Minimax visited this season even more cities than last year. It's also nice for us to see that many of those who visited us last year came back this year. I am sending with some pictures.

Photos from this year's Minimax-performance

11 August 2014

NEO BURLESQUE SHOW. Jorgen Lorenzen visited the show Burlesque at the Embassy Stage in Aarhus on 7 March this year and was thrilled.

4 and 5 September Svalholm Dance in Aarhus will present a new show called NEO BURLESQUE SHOW. The venue this time is Radar Stage in Aarhus C.

About the new show, they write:

It is sexy, bizarre and seductive! 

- an erotic educational journey

Welcome to an experimental playground where drama, satire and eroticism are paramount. The evening's hostess, the infamous drag Miss Stella Starlight, leads us safely through a pot-pourri of intimate stories on an educational journey back in time. Danish and foreign artists present exclusive acts across genres such as dance, theatre, performance, live music, new circus, poetry and magic.

The performers are: Miss Stella Starlight (drag/ hostess), Mademoiselle Loulou (flutist/ performer), Miss Noon (performer), Miss Peacockcow (transformer/ poet), Lady Effulgent (dancer), Grethe (Bouffon clown), ELISE la REINE (new circus artist), Lea Blue Delmas (singer/ dancer).

The evening's program: approx. 9:00 - 10:30 pm

Doors open at 9:00 pm, unnumbered seats

Act 1: approx. 40 minutes

Intermezzo: meet the artists while the bar is open

Act 2: approx. 30 minutes

The show is not the same as the Paris show Burlesque Babylone, but a Danish show somewhat in the same style.

10 August 2014

Circus Arena’s elephants escaped one again from their paddock. On Saturday, 9 August some residents in Vedbaek nor of Copenhagen got an experience out of the ordinary: Three elephants from Circus Arena escaped from their paddock in Vedbaek where they had base while the circus from 9 to 11 August visited first Lyngby, then BIrkeroed and then Vedbaek. Many Danish circus lots are too small to have room both for the large Circus Arena tent and their stable tents and wagons. Therefore, Circus Arena is in a number of cities to using other lots as base for their animal. The animals is then driven to and from the performances.

In Vedbaek the fence around the paddock was overturned and the three elephants ran out and in each their directions.

The staff at Circus Arena reacted promptly when the elephants ran away and ran after them. However it was not until the elephant trainer arrived they managed to get the elephants back into the paddock. The situation was never dangerous.

Source: several Danish newspapers.

This is the second time within a month that Circus Arena’s elephants escape from their paddock. The last time was July 10 in Rudkobing.

9 August 2014

The tropical holiday centre Lalandia’s head of entertainment Mr. Plys has sent me this photo from one of the summer shows in Lalandia. You can see the hula-hoop star Miss Martina with her ​​and Freddy Anthony's 10 year old daughter Michelle on her shoulder

9 August 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- an international show of highest quality: THE SHAOLIN LEGEND -- a show by and with the Tibetan monks SHAOLIN, extraordinary acrobats, featuring a show of outstanding quality, and obviously inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist religion.

Acrobatics: performing high leaps, saltos, pyramids as well as fakir elements: nailbed, bricks are crushed with a stick while two monks are lying on the nailbed, stick is crushed against a monk's head, glass-plate is pierced with a nail, spears are pressed against a monk's nude chest, and a stunt I never saw before: a monk is lifted by two other ones, is positioned on top of a triangular support having a sharp upper point, the monk is lying with his stomach against this sharp point and - is put in a rotating movement by his fellow monks -  incredible !!

Photo by courtesy of the artist / Theatre Dejazet

This show, having had great success in China, is now playing at THEATRE DEJAZET, on top of it all it is a pleasure to visit this theatre, the oldest one in Paris, dating from 1770, elegantly furnished in red velvet and golden decorations, surely refurbished a number of times.

During 90 minutes we witnessed an original, captivating and fantastic show, slated to remain in everyone's mind for a long time.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.shaolinlegend.com

Venue: Theatre Dejazet, 41 Boulevard du Temple, 75003 Paris.  Metro: Republique.

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

8 August 2014

Circuses in Copenhagen. In the coming weeks you can meet four Danish circuses in Copenhagen and the greater Copenhagen Area.

Circus Arli has put up their tent at the Town Hall Square in Frederiksberg from 9 to 18 August.

The only 5-year-old rising star Andrea Wolff can be seen in some of Circus Arli’s performances. By decision of Lotte Arli the little girl takes only part in a performance if she wants to perform. Thus, she can’t be seen all the performances. For the same reason, she is not listed in the printed program or at Circus Arli's website

Circus Dannebrog will put up their tent at lot on Tommergravsgade, located just south of Fisketorvet (Copenhagen Mall) from 22 August to 7 September.

Messoudi family - a father of three young sons, is one of the top acts in this year’s Dannebrog-performance Dynamic Youth.

Circus Benneweis can be seen at ‘Bellahoej’ from 5 to 14 September.

The aerial act in this year’s Benneweis performance is Russian Duo Volkov

Circus Arena, which opened their season in Copenhagen at ‘Bellahoej’, will from 31 August to 8 September visit a number of Copenhagen suburbs.

Circus Arena’s horses are be presented by the director Benny Berdino’s daughter-in-law Laura Berdino

Guests who want to visit all the three major Danish circuses can do so during the weekend September 5 to 7. Circus Arena is on 5 September in Hvidovre at a lot next to Avedoere station and the following two days at the lot in Dragor at Prince Knud’s Embankment.

Circus Benneweis and Circus Dannebrog is the weekend 5 to 7 September as mentioned above respectively at Bellahoej and the lot at Tommergravsgade. In What’s on you can find further information.

7 August 2014

Circus Baldoni ends their tented season 2014 with a performance on Sunday, August 17 at 14 at their winter quarters at Ulstrup Bygade 12 in Tureby It is a tradition that the season’s very last show is spiced with tricky ideas from the crew and the artists.

And it is not the end of the season as the tour continues with visits to sports centres at the Faroe Islands and Iceland. Circus Baldoni will visit the Faroe Islands from 21 to 24 August and again from 5 to 10 September. Iceland gets a visit from Circus Baldoni from 26 August to 2 September.

The performers at Faroe Islands and Iceland are the same as during the tour in Denmark apart from the Tomovis familys dog act as you are not allowed to bring dogs to Faroe Islands and Iceland.

One of the top acts in this year’s Baldoni-performance is when Chinese Guo Zhimin is dancing ballet on the shoulder of Zhang Jiaxiang. Just as some of their country men did when they some years ago got a gold clown in Monte Carlo.

Circus Arli ends season 2014 August 25 in Sengeløse.

The end of season does however not mean that the Arli family has vacation until season 2015 begins in April next year. Alexander Arli and Ditte Lill will immediately after the end of the season start rehearsals for the revue show Schou-trip 2014 which Fridays and  Saturdays from 19 September to November 29 can been seen in Circus Land in Aarslev at Slagelse (Circus Arena’s winter quarters).

Also Martin and Bettina Arli can look forward to a busy time. They have to start preparing for Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market which you from 15 November to 22 December can see at Kultorvet in central Copenhagen. The initiative is inspired by the Christmas market which German Circus Roncalli for several years have arranged at the Town Hall square in Hamburg,

The other Danish circus will end their season sometime in September.

6 August  2014

Small change of program in Swedish Circus Brazil Jack. Due to problems with one if her hands the juggler Sandra Stipka is for the rest of the season replaced by the juggler Sharon Berousek. The Danish audience met Sharon Berousek in Circus Arena in 2013.

Sharon Berousek in Circus Arena 2013 Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

4 August 2014

Marcel et ses Droles the Femmes - loosely translated Marcel and his crazy bitches - is a French contemporary circus troupe which during August will perform several places in Denmark with the performance Miss Dolly. KIT describes the show as follows: "Miss Dolly is nonchalant circus on the rocks. Literally. The four artists perform crazy aerial acrobatics out in the open air, with just the hard asphalt below them. If something goes wrong, it goes really wrong. Alas, they are hardcore acrobats who are scared of nothing, and their foolhardy contempt of death makes you hold your breath.

The story? Well, most of all it's an errant western with a twist of Monty Python. There's something about a gun, loads of apples, and a missing horse. Or what? Drop the common sense and you may in all confidence surrender to the four fearless artists, their quirky charm and their liberating lack of touch with reality "

The troupe performed on 2 August on the area to the left of the entrance to the culture centre Gjethuset in Frederiksvaerk

It is an outdoor performance. The main props are two poles with aerial cradles. What is mentioned above about the hard asphalt below the performers should not be understood literally, because on top of the asphalt is placed almost one meter thick mats. So if things go wrong noting severe will happen to the artists.

The four artists - a man and three girls – present a performance where they under high cry start by putting trapeze pole no. 2 up. The first pole is raised before the show. One of the girls has a whip which she uses to "tame" the other artists with. At one point she is driving around also with a shopping cart disguised as a horse. Otherwise, the show consists of a series of comic intermezzos and various throws of artists between the catchers in the two aerial cradles. All performed under a lot of bawl. The approximately 30 minute show is quite entertaining and artists are fairly good aerial acrobats. The number of throws without major variations, however, makes the show a bit monotonous.

Photos from the show. Click here to see more pictures. 

When I saw the show Saturday, August 2 front of the culture centre Gjethuset in Frederiksvaerk it had despite very hot weather attracted a few hundred spectators. There was free admission. The troupe can probably as most other contemporary circus troupes only survive thanks to public support including support in form of performances bought by municipal cultural centres etc. The troupe would hardly be able to survive if their income as in the classic circuses only was funded by ticket sale and kiosk sales.

2 August 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- but also elsewhere -- viz. in the surrounding cities of Paris and in the countryside of France, there are rather small circus enterprises on tour, where the entire family perform, put up and take down the small-top, drive the lorries, put up the posters, contact the authorities in the Town Hall to get permission, as well as catering for the kiosk that provides an important part of the income.

Of course, the program offers acts that are seen before, but this is true also for the bigger circus, if everything has to be new and bigger - it becomes an impossible task.

In Arles, a town in the South of France, otherwise well-known for the Dutch painter van Gogh's

pictures from there, and now for an important photo-festival /July thru Sept/ - I saw an excellent representative for these small family circuses: 

LE CIRQUE LOYAL, mother, father with a son and a daugther of five: very elegant costumes, well-kept material and nice props -- an hour's show featuring appealing juggling, rola-rola, handstand acrobatics, magic - performance of the illusion where an artist is locked up in a kind of cabinet, which is stabbed thru by a number of swords, all the same the artist comes out unhurt.

Devil-stick juggling and a classic clown-entrée.

The CIRQUE LOYAL also had a lama and a baboon, although they were under training, they awoke the audience's joy and interest.

Photo: Marie Louise Djomguem

Photos: Elvyre Tchouanche

This CIRQUE LOYAL fulfills an important social need: during summer they visit the seaside resorts, where the scheme is: the families leave the beach about 5 PM / 17:00/, go to their hired place, have a shower, some dinner, a short rest and then--- to the circus, that plays at about 18:00 or 20:00 H, offering a show of about one hour. Opportunity is offered to take photos of and with the animals and artists, the kiosk sells sweets and

often circus-related toys like juggling ball and hula-hoop-rings.

The entire event is really a family party, that everyone can afford as the price of tickets is rather low, thus all have a memorable moment which has an important social side, parents and kids appreciate everything together, there is a conversation after the show and the small children will put questions.

These circuses are run by families who have done so for generations, I take it that this is a cultural phenomenon that we would like to keep well alive and kicking !!

Generations have seen the poster: TONIGHT IN YOUR TOWN - being enchanted by the atmosphere and having experienced a good and memorable evening, together with their children.

A valuable cultural feature - to which we say: LONG LIVE THE CIRCUS!!

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

1 August 2014

New lot for Circus Dannebrog in Copenhagen. For many years Circus Dannebrog used the Copenhagen lot at ‘The Triangle’ next to the entrance to Faelledparken. But construction of a new Metro line has in recent years blocked this lot and it will take several years before it again can be used. Due to this Circus Dannebrog has since 2011 used a lot just south of the shopping mall Fisketorvet (Copenhagen Mall). But the lot is now being built and Circus Dannebrog had to look for other options.

It is not easy in Copenhagen, where there not are many lots not build on of the necessary size. The municipality's official circus lot Bellahoj is not an option for Circus Dannebrog because it in part of the period where Circus Dannebrog visits Copenhagen long time ago was booked by Circus Benneweis.

Now Circus Dannebrog has managed to find a lot at Tommergravsgade, located just south of Fisketorvet (Copenhagen Mall) and almost next to the harbour. The lot is not large but by parking some of the many trucks and caravans a nearby lot there is room for the big top, stables and the equipment necessary for the performance.

Circus Dannebrog has their opening night in Copenhagen on Friday 22 August and will stay at the lot at Tommergravsgade until 7 September. Then they will visit a number of Zealand cities where most of the performances are sold to supermarkets, etc. After Zealand they will head back to the southern part of Jutland where the season ends on 28 September in Gram.

Circus Dannebrog on the lot at ‘Fisketorvet” which they used during the years 2011-2013. This year, they will use a lot to the left of the one you see on the photo.

In What's On you will find details of venues, dates and ticket ordering for Circus Dannebrog and the other Danish circus.

25 July 2014

Circus Trapeze 2014. Circus Trapeze is owned by Isabella Enoch who from 22 June to 3 August has put up the Trapeze tent in Madsby Park in Fredericia. The small 4-pole tent was a few years ago used by Danish Circus Baldoni. Then it was sold to the Circus Museum in Hvidovre and used by, inter alia, Hvidovre’s youth circus Circus Arcus. Now, Isabella Enoch has bought the tent, which is used for her approx. 45 minutes long performance. I visited the show on 22 July.

On a melting hot summer day, there were not many persons in the tent for the 16 o’clock –show. But there had also been a matinee and should also be an evening performance. And both before and after the show was queue for pony and camel riding. Thus, the business concept is probably not totally crazy. You save a lot of money by not having equipment and manpower to move the tent to a new city every day!

At best Isabella Enoch styles there were a few dancers in the show: Siff Thornberg von Wagner and Ericca Bintu. They opened the performance together with Hungarian Trio Sárközi and one of Bernhard Kieslowski’s camels a short opening spec, which was followed by some acrobatics with the Sárközi’s.

Next came a short musical clown run in with Pipo Sosman. Not as white clown, but dressed up as August. He stood or sat during the entire performance in a ring side chair to left of the artist entrance. The reason why he did not come in the ring could be seen after the show: He's after an injury or illness not in top form.

Pipo Sosman with one of the classic clown instruments: concertina

The next act was Isabella Enoch second son David with his bouncing balls. He made ​​his debut with the number in Circus Dannebrog in 2012 and appeared last year with Mr. Plys in the holiday centre Lalandia at Rodby. Throughout the winter, he has participated in several circus festivals and got some awards.

David Sosman with its bouncing balls

Following the bouncing balls Karin Houcke presented first 2 beautiful black Friesians, then four ponies and finally a white Arab. The horses were replaced by a short reprise where Pipo Sosman played on pots.

Karin Houcke with two black Friesian horses

A singing Siff Von Wagner had then a short entrée in aerial ring. Next came a new musical reprise with Pipo Sosman before the performance's main act: Trio Sárközi with their stunning juggling act.

Trio Sárközi. Click here to see more photos from the show,

Next Karin Houcke came in the ring with 5 of Bernhard Kaselowski’s camels before Pipo Sosman closed the performance with yet another musical clown run in.

The quality of show was obviously not on par with what you can see in the 3 large circuses in Denmark. But the program was nice and ticket prices very family friendly. So maybe we again in 2015 can meet Circus Trapeze in Fredericia?

Isabella Enoch herself is not present during the show as she is touring with the Haddy Enoch family’s Circus Dannebrog where she is artistic director and chief financial officer.

25 July 2014

Circus Zalmov 2014. I saw the show on 22 July together with Jorgen Lorenzen. Jorgen writes (my translation):

I wonder if the operating mode for the Danish circus is going to change in years to come? The exorbitant demands for rent of circus lots, rules for deposit and approval of tents, the hopeless weather in the peak season and the many one day cities wear and tear on people and equipment and could make a shift to longer stay at one or more lots interesting.

Circus Zalmov has made ​​this shift and stays for two months at the same lot. Rather than travel to find audience Venzel Zalmov let audience travel to his circus. This it possible in a holiday cottage area where residents continually are replaces by new residents in the may summer cottages at the west coast in Jutland from Blaavand to Sondervig. And this Tuesday evening there was full house in the small tent. .

Circus Zalmov at Houstrup Beach

Tent decor reminds you of the old day’s cabinet of curiosities. There are whimsical props and whimsical devices everywhere - often to play on or with. And then there's the circus owner and his granddaughter - young and old, small and large. Venzel Zalmov together with Maria Ribau creates a spectacle where one comic and subtle flavour and incident follows another. The individual numbers are served in traditional form but the main thread is Maria Ribau's officious movements, added a vibrant mimic.

There are two ponies, which absolutely can’t be order to do much in the summer heat, there are Dutch chickens running on line, there are pigeons which disappear and appears. There is a knife throwing, a magician, a ventriloquist, a bell player, a clown, a musician, a ringmaster - and the director's wife Flora, who must act as prompter when the director forgets. And then there is a canon which the director and his clown partner last winter with at great suffering dragged home from Dannevirke directly to Houstrup Beach. Now it is used - not to shoot sparrows with. But pigeons!  

Venzel Zalmov with one of the ponies

Chickens on line

There are a lot of charm and joy in the performance. Circus Zalmov is certainly worth paying a visit!

The two performers: performance's 2 Cast: Maria Wibau and Venzel Zalmov. Click here to see more photos from the show.

25 July 2014

Circus Minimax 2014. From Norway Thorbjørn K. Flo writes (my translation):

Cirkus Minimax visited for the first time Rognstrand  Camping - Statethelle (Telemark).

A nice experience in an intimate format with great artists. A good concept which there for sure will be room for in Norway. The Dutch artist family Clinch is versatile artists and circus owner Carl-André Hjelvik does rola bola and clowning between the acts. The show run for about 50 minutes followed by 30 minutes circus school for show for kids. The tent was almost full and the atmosphere was great in the summer heat,

Top: Circus Minimax’s tent at Rognstrand Camping. Below: From the performance. Photos: Thorbjorn K. Flo

23 July 2014

Lots of contemporary circus performances. In August you can see a lot of contemporary circus performances in Copenhagen and a number of other locations all around Denmark. With a false start in late July and finale in the first half of September.

Some performances are part of the new circus festival, KIT (Copenhagen International Theatre) every presents every other year. About this year's festival KIT writes:

It’s summer, nearly holidays, and now is the time to plan your August. The programme for the Ny Cirkus Festival 2014 is ready. 13-28 August, Copenhagen is where you should be.

The 2014 festival comprises 8 performances in 8 venues in 16 days. We have handpicked from the newest generation of European artists who give us their bold bids on what contemporary circus has to offer in 2014. And we have lured hit performances up here, so they can finally be experienced in Copenhagen. In tents, on stages, outdoors…

Here come KIT’s presentations of each performance. Several of the performances can before or after the KIT festival be seen elsewhere in Denmark.

CIRQUE AÏTAL (France):  FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

The festival opens with the popular Cirque Aïtal, who are set to melt one heart after another with their dusty circus charm, French amour, volatile Finnish temperament, rock'n'roll road show and overtly skilled acrobatics.

For better or for worse, a performance about relationships, it's so cliché. That is until you meet Victor and Kati. The big powerful Frenchman, who's just as soft as his curls, and the bustling Finn, who's as petite as she's fiery. And their red car, which has a life of its own.

They have brought their own tent. It will be set up in a place with beautiful views across the water. Here they perform their innovative performance about being a circus couple always on the move. Clichés are filtered through a volatile acrobatic energy and crazy ingenuity and turn into funny, unpredictable and moving circus poetry for the whole family.

MARCEL ET SES DRÔLES DE FEMMES (France):  MISS DOLLY

Miss Dolly is nonchalant circus on the rocks. Literally. The four artists perform crazy aerial acrobatics out in the open air, with just the hard asphalt below them. If something goes wrong, it goes really wrong. Alas, they are hardcore acrobats who are scared of nothing, and their foolhardy contempt of death makes you hold your breath.

The story? Well, most of all it's an errant western with a twist of Monty Python. There's something about a gun, loads of apples, and a missing horse. Or what? Drop the common sense and you may in all confidence surrender to the four fearless artists, their quirky charm and their liberating lack of touch with reality..

JEANNE MORDOJ (France): LA POÈME

Do you remember the bearded and charismatic ventriloquist woman who juggles with egg yolks? In 2012 Jeanne Mordoj visited with ‘In Praise of Hairiness’, a performance which impressed audience and critics alike. In the meantime she has shed the beard, but carries on with her exploration of the feminine, the bestial… and eggs.

She's lifted her egg-fascination to a new level, and she perfects it with belly dancing, breast juggling and crushed egg shell galore. The new solo constitutes everything which is fascinating and exotic about Jeanne as an artist.

Jeanne is also a visual artist. She celebrates the feminine and the vibrant with her impulsive and expressive drawings of people. She does the drawings with her eyes closed. In some weird way the sketches resemble the woman in La Poème, so of course the drawings can be seen in the foyer in connection with the performance.

ALEXIS ROUVRE (Belgium): CORDES

It's like Alexis Rouvre is infatuated with rope, wire and string. Navigated by this intoxicating infatuation, he enthusiastically juggles and manipulates his ropes so they all of a sudden turn into a ball, a snake, a girlfriend or a complex web with himself in the centre. But is he the spider or the fly?

His enigmatic and lonely universe balances between enchanting daydream and smoldering nightmare. He dazzles us with his vast ingenuity and short poetic narratives, where ropes are letters and knots are words. Like a mad scientist trapped in the laboratory he goes on and on in his quest for new opportunities and associations, right until the web entraps him and he realises that perhaps, or perhaps not, there's more to life than tying knots.

GALAPIAT (France): RISQUE ZÉRO

As far as Galapiat's six daredevils are concerned, fear is something to be poked fun at. Like a bunch of overexcited youngsters on speed, they're totally out of control. They throw knives, balance with axes, spit out balls, fly headlong through the air, play with fire, are suspended by their hair, all whilst they play the violin, guitar, bass, clarinet. They fear nothing. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn’t.

The two gladiators, the self-absorbed king, the flying clown, the persistent photographer and the company's muse, and only female, are all charged with an impressive Peter Pan energy. Enter super heroes, cowboys and clowns in an almost lethally dangerous challenge of how far one can go.

Reckless artistry, pretentious musicality and moments of fine poetry created this hit performance, which makes the tent pegs tremble, blows the audience away and sends the fear out for the count.

RÉMI LUCHEZ (France): MIETTES

Miettes is back to basics – a return to the essence of contemporary circus, when Rémi Luchez creates art with the simplest of means. He's been busy travelling all over France – on bike – but now he finally plants his poles and his tightrope, made out of steel, under the green trees of the secret Carlsberg garden.

There's only room for a limited number of spectators. It's the extraordinary and exclusive meeting with an artist who insists on being close to his audience in order to give them a rare experience. With the brilliance of the tightrope walker and the fallibility of the clown – the breathtakingly eminence and the irresistibly comical – and with the audience as the main player, he creates a true circus gem. In all its unique simplicity.

OKTOBRE (France): OKTOBRE

A diabolical trapezist, a beastly acrobat and a neurotic magician are Europe's shooting stars in new magic, where reality hides behind a veil of bluff and deception. With David Lynch-like mystery and nightmare logics, all rules are suspended when Oktobre's enigmatic characters flirt with death, madness and with the audience at the barmiest tea party since Alice visited Wonderland.

Yann Frisch, the world champion of magic, makes people and objects vanish just as suddenly as they appear. The black-clad Madonna watches everyone with her intense gaze and like a madwoman she swings herself in the trapeze. With an acrobat's contempt of normality, the page boy twists his body until it's dislocated. The humour is just as pitch-black as the magic, the madness slides out of control, and in the end there isn't much you can do other than letting yourself succumb to being confused and bewitched.

SISTERS (Sweden): CLOCKWORK

Well, they're probably a tad too masculine to be ‘sisters’. Sissies they are not, and with their laid back attitude they manage to get all their tricks to look like they're a piece of cake. The three men from Tisvilde, Bretagne and the Canary Isles unite Nordic muscle mass, Southern charm, and boyish arrogance in a human clockwork, where timing, creativity and musicality set the wheels in motion.

The style is quite simple, but is detonated by highly explosive bursts of energy. Here heads are not something you use for thinking, but for juggling. Limbs are not something permanently attached to the body, but merge with the other bodies. And wheel spin is not about horsepower, but about feeling the whizz from the big German wheel rotating across the floor with all men onboard.

This is the Sisters’ first performance, and with their creative reinterpretation of the circus disciplines they have won great acclaim across Europe as representatives of the next circus generation.

Link to website with further information and ticket ordering: http://www.scenebillet.dk/SBillet/servlet/InetSale.ShowAllShows

Denmark is also visited by other contemporary circus companies than those mentioned above:

As part of the transnational street theatre festival Passage 2014, you can between 29/7-3/8 2014 see some performances in Elsinore:

PELAT WITH JOAN CATALÁ. The show is presented as follows: "A fascinating and beautiful performance that breaks down the boundaries between dance, circus, theatre and performance. Using a high tree trunk and the audience's collective participation in this common ritual, Joan Català creates a poetic work, filled with silence, strength and tension, movement and collective action."

TUMBLE CIRCUS with the performance DEATH OR CIRCUS. It is presented as follows: "Modern life is rubbish! The Circus God Kenneth Fall and the Swedish circus witch Tina Machina are both less qualified but more than eager to share their absurd and diabolical ideas on how the world should be saved! An enthusiastic and high-flying satire of modern life, peppered with classic circus skills. "

CIRCUS KLEZMER. The show is presented as follows: "In a small Eastern European city is hectic activity with juggling, acrobatics and ... Today is indeed a very special day: The day of the great Circus Klezmer Wedding! Circus Klezmer is a magical synthesis of circus disciplines, interesting characters and plot, all accompanied with live klezmer music."

Baltoppen Live in the Copenhagen suburb Ballerup present late August the contemporary circus performance A SIMPLE SPACE with 7 Australian acrobats and 1 drummer.  

Finally, you can in August and September some places in Denmark meet the contemporary circus duo TinCanCompany with their performance CAMPING DELIGHT. The show was reviewed on page on 21 June 2014.

Photos from the show Camping Delight

For all of the contemporary circus performances go that presentation is only possible thanks to the public cultural funds or other sponsorship. The traditional circuses in Denmark do not get similar support and are 100% dependent on revenue from ticket sales and kiosk etc.

22 July 2014

Small program change at Swedish Circus Maximum. The Cuban artists from the troupe Mambo Boys, which perform on Russian bar has due to an injury left Circus Maximum. They are replaced by the Czech jugglers Duo Smaha.

21 July 2014

Azzario Sisters stop. The two Azzario Sisters, which this year is touring Denmark with Zirkus Nemo will following that go first to Circo Hermanos Vazquez in the U.S. and then take part in a Christmas circus in Bau des Circo Price in Madrid. When these engagements are completed they will stop as a duo. Quincy Azzario will continue her career with a solo act with handstand while Katie Azzario will go to the U.S. to her boyfriend the big cat trainer Alexander Lacey. He has the last few years been with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.

Azzario Sisters got a silver clown in Monte Carlo in 2012.

Azzario Sisters. Photo from Circus Finlandia in 2013

18 July 2014

John Lington turns 80. On Saturday, July 19 the President of the Danish Circus Friends' association John Lington can celebrate his 80 year’s birthday. John Lington comes from a family of artists and musicians. His father was the well-known Danish band master Otto Lington. His uncle Charles was bandmaster at Danish Circus Miehe. Another uncle, Franz, was an acrobat. His aunt Ellen was also an acrobat and performed for many years with Edel Brasso in the duo Lington Sisters. She was married first with chimpanzee trainer Viggo Benny and later with the juggler and circus items collector Ølund Barly.

John Lington

Although John had inherited the family's musical genes, he chose a traditional craft training and was trained as a cabinetmaker at Larsen & Christensen, who had their workshop in Copenhagen. John Lington took over the workshop in 1958 and is still active as cabinetmaker and joiner.

John is an excellent saxophonist and practice every week with his swing orchestra which have given many public concerts.

John Lington with the clown Jody

The musical genes have been passed on to the next generation: John's son Michael Lington is an internationally well-known jazz saxophonist, who among other things has played together with Bill Clinton. Michael is now living in California, but come to Denmark in order to celebrate his father's 80th day.

Since 2009, John Lington has been President of the Danish Circus Friends Association. He was one of the founding fathers of the association which at that the time of establishment was called Circle of Barly friends and aimed to establish the circus museum, which today has been established in Hvidovre. John also serves on the board of the museum.

16 July 2014

Elephant Swim in Karrebaeksminde. Jacob Boas Leitisstein from www.cirkusportalen.dk writes (my translation):

"Circus Arena 3 elephant’s crossed the Grasshopper Bridge in Karrebaeksminde on July 15 at 10:00 and then continued to Eno Beach where they went for a swim in the sea. Between the dives the elephants did a few tricks on the beach. Compared to last year, there was actually this year more features in the event. In addition to the elephant swim they were washed by the local Fire Brigade and the elephants also had breakfast on the beach in the form of rolls and bread." Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein

15 July 2014

5 year old girl has her debut in Circus Arli’s ring. The 5 year old Andrea Wolff has just had her debut in Circus Arli with a nice act in aerial ring. She is daughter of the Czech acrobats Natali and David Wolf. In addition to Andrea the couple has 3 children the oldest being 16 and the youngest 1 ½ years old.

Andrea just loves to perform. When you see her in the ring, you would think that she had been performing for a long time. But she actually had her debut in one of the North Zealand beach resorts which Circus Arli visit in July. Of course mama Natali stands beside when she performs. "She is only performing when she want to do so,” Lotte Arli emphasizes . It’s important for Lotte Arli that a 5 year old girl isn’t pressured to do something she doesn’t like. For this reason Andrea can only been seen in some of the performances.

Andrea. Photos taken with smartphone by Lars Simonsen

15 July 2014

Gademix girls to Circus Dannebrog. In addition to being artistic director in Circus Dannebrog Isabella Enoch is among others involved in the youth circus Circus Gademix from Kolding. Gademix is a social drop in-centre for young people aged 10 to 16 years in the southwest part of Kolding. In week 29 and 30, Isabella Enoch has invited 3 girls from Gademix to tour with Circus Dannebrog, where they among other things have the opportunity to train with the employees.

The plan is that the 3 girls will help to plan and set up the performance Circus Gademix will make at the autumn holidays.

14 July 2014

The Nelly Jane Benneweis prize. The Nelly Jane Benneweis Foundation has given a bursary of 50,000 DKK (6,700 Euro) to the young talented Danish ballet dancer Stephanie Chen Gundorph Moeller from the Royal Danish Ballet.

When Nelly Jane Benneweis passed away on 2009 she had no heirs of the body and her property was according to her will used to establish a foundation with a capital of slightly less than 4,000,000 DKK (535,000 Euro). The foundation can provide support for (1) training camps, study tours, etc. for artists with relations Denmark, such as a circus festivals, stay in the circus abroad, etc. (2) persons associated with circus life in general, and (3) persons associated with the ballet, including The association of Friends of the Ballet.

Nelly Jane Benneweis was born in Copenhagen. After she finished school she was offered a job as dancer at the Copenhagen Variety Theatre Lorry. Following this she travelled for several years all over Europe (especially in Germany) working as ballet dancer at cabarets and variety theatres. She toured with the Viko Torriani ballet, the Hoffmeister ballet and the Heinz Erhardt ballet and several other companies. She designed her own costumes and performed first as part of ballet corps, later with two partners and following that as solo dancer.

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

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

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

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

14 July 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- an appealing and interesting summer-season, THEATRE TEMPLE proudly presents an outstanding magical dance - comedy: JULIEN AND THE MARVELOUS, sporting an elegant stage setting, a brisk pace of performing, enormously clever dancers and .. a sequence of big illusions: The tiger-cage but here with the production of a dancer, a nice version of the ZIGZAG-illusion where a dancer loses the middle part of her body / happily retrieved at the end/, The Substitution Trunk where two artists instantly change place in a trunk, the lady cut in two halves -- everything presented in a new and original version, combined with dancing from the fifties.

Photo by courtesy of Julien & the Marvelous

On top of all that - a number of mental effects, totally baffling the audience, they got something to think of on their way home!

An excellent show, one of the best I have seen, and I see a lot of them in Paris:

Youthful enthusiasm, joy of performing, joy of living, and a desire to please the audience -- outstanding!!

The dancing sequences provide the spices, that little extra - that is necessary to get an enthusiastic audience!! 

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: http://www.theatreletemple.com/spe_julien.php

Venue: Theatre TEMPLE, 18 rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75011 Paris.  Metro: Republique.

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

11 July 2014

Circus Arena’s horses and elephants escaped from their paddock. On Thursday 10 July 10 at 17 Circus Arena should have a performance in Rudkobing where the tent was put up in the beach park. As usual, horses and elephants were outdoor in their paddock which in accordance with the Danish rules on the keeping and presentation of animals in circuses etc. was fenced by both an electric fence and a further fence.

Several newspapers report that one of the horses got a shock from the electric fence and became so nervous that it torn up the stakes. After which it and 5 other white Arabian horses run out of the paddock and was joined by the three African elephants. Many visitors on the lot were frightened, but the situation was never dangerous and the animals were quickly captured. During the escape one horse hit at cable between two camping’s and damaged a main artery. The horse had subsequently to be put down. For the rest of the season is there will be one horse less in the ring when Laura Berdino present Circus Arena’s liberty horses.

Laura Berdino photographed at the opening night in Copenhagen on March 19, where she riding on a horse presented 8 white Arabian stallions. Now there is a horse less in act.

After Rudkobing Circus Arena continue their tour to Lolland-Falster and Zealand. Tuesday, July 15, they are Karrebaeksminde. It has been planned that their 3 elephants shall across the small bridge in Karrebaeksminde at 10 and then continue to the beach for a swim. The bridge passage and the elephant swim does usual attract many spectators. It is the first time for Circus Arena own elephants to cross the bridge. In previous seasons, it has been master trainer René Casselly’s elephants, which has been crossed the bridge.

The episode in Rudkobing could mean that elephant swim in Karrebaeksminde has to be abandoned.

11 July 2014

Schumann Horse Show - an aesthetic pleasure. July 9 was the premiere of Schumann Horse Show at Ditlevsdal Bisonfarm at Morud on Funen. The performers this year is the couple Laura and Luis Schumann Torres and Laura's aunt Katja Schumann.

The approx. 30 minute long show is featuring the most elegant horse presentation that you can see this year in Denmark. Circus Arena and Circus Dannebrog has more horses in the ring than the three members of the Schumann family have in their outdoor ring of the bison farm. But the Schumann performance clearly shows that what matters is not the number of horses, but what horses can do and how they are presented.

The entrance fee to the show is cheap: just 40 DKK (6 Euro) for adults and 30 DKK for children. If you love horses and is passing Funen a visit to Schumann Horse Show is must.

Of course there is also a bison in the ring at the Schumann show on the bison farm

Zorro aka Luis Torres Schumann

Laura Schumann Torres

Luis Torres Schumann in his Pendulum

Katja Schumann. Click here to see more photos from the horse show

Until 9 August you can see the show every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 16. The address is Ditlevsdal Bisonfarm, Tokkerodvej 24, 5462 Morud.

11 July 2014

Circuses in the southern part of Sweden. If you are visiting Copenhagen late July or early August it will be easy to pay a Swedish circus a visit.

Cirkus Brazil Jack is in the southern part of Sweden from 29 July to 5 August. In the weekend 2 to 3 August their tent is put up in Sibbarpsfältet in Malmö / Limhamn. It is next to the The Øresund Bridge which is a bridge and a tunnel connecting Copenhagen, Denmark, with Malmo. Sweden.

Among the performers in Circus Brazil Jack 2014 are the silver clown awarded Cuban artists Leosvel & Diosmani, presenting the best act I so far in 2014 have seen in any Scandinavian circus.

Circus Maximum is visiting a number of towns in the southern part of Sweden during the period 26 July to 13 August. Also Circus Maximum put up their tent at Sibbarpsfältet in Malmö / Limhamn where you can see them on the weekend 26-27 July.

Also Circus Olympia comes to the southern part of Sweden in August. Tour list is not yet published.

10 July 2014

Denmark's most beautiful office trailer? For many years, the painter Viggo Salting has made the posters for the tiny Danish Circus Krone. And a few years ago he also decorated the office trailer with some of his glorious clown pictures. Weather and wind are hard for outdoor paintings, so in connection with Circus Krone’s visit to Dalby and Lundeborg Viggo came to the lot and refreshed his paintings.

Viggo Salting in front of the beautiful office trailer. In the door circus owner Irene Thierry

7 July 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- also during the summer season - LA COMPAGNIE LE JOUR DE LA LUNE and Paris' municipality proudly present QUEL CIRQUE !!!  /what a circus/ a joyful circus-comedy by and with YING HENNET, BERNARD ANSEL, BRUNO LANTERI.

This circus-show is performed in the THEATRE DE VERDURE DU JARDIN SHAKESPEARE, a wonderful garden, having an open air stage - the garden in itself is worth seeing!!

Quel Cirque’s performance takes place in an open air stage in a park. Photos: Adèle Ansel

The troupe features acrobatics on textile, /like on the vertical rope/, the textile attached high up in a tall tree, acrobatics on ladder with a magic effect as bonus, oriental plate spinning, juggling with clubs and hats, a wonderful act featuring a couple performing beautiful hand-to-hand acrobatics, magic using the good, old Chinese rings - including many gags and much comedy.

Elegant costumes, we appreciate that - the new circus often treats us to dresses that seem to come from a charity outlet - we deserve better!!

An excellent show, displaying joy of performing and a good contact with the audience.

Absolutely worth seeing!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

Venue: Metro Porte Maillot, then bus 244, get off at bus stop Pre Catelan, and some minutes' walk.

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

4 July 2014

Artists and circus at Orbaek Fair. Orbaek Fair (in Danish: Ørbæk Marled) which calls itself Funen's largest festival is always held in the weekend around the second Saturday in July. The fair will in 2014 be held in the days 11, 12 and 13 July. The fair is every year visited by more than 100,000 persons. Orbaek is situated approx. 10 km south of Nyborg and the Great Belt Bridge connecting Korsor on Zealand and Nyborg on Funen.

This year the fair has two offers for circus interested persons:

THE SCHUMANN'S EQUESTRIAN performance and THE PENDULUM classic horse show is a new and beautiful show presented by the famous Schumann family. With Laura Schumann as a guide, her husband Luis Torres has developed a new and unique way to train and present horses. A training of horses without the use of bridles using some elements of advanced components from classical dressage, while Laura continues the family traditions for presenting liberty horses with a modern twist.

The Schumann’s, Laura and Luis, and special guest star Katja Schumann can be seen on Sunday 13 July with 2 different shows. They will present a classic horse show at 11.00 followed by a Wild West Show at 14.00. As an integral part of both shows Luis Torres will do tricks on a 9 meters tall prop "The Pendulum". This prop is the first of its kind because it is made of wood, specially made to fit into the scenery for the two shows. It has previously been known, inter alia, as the Wheel of death, but Luis Torres has chosen "The Pendulum" as the name of his unique prop.

Each show lasts approx. 30 minutes.

Laura Schumann. Photo from a show in 2013 at Ditlevsdal Bisonfarm. In addition to performing at Orbaek Fair the Schumann’s equestrian performance and the pendulum classic horse show can from 9 July to 9 August every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 16 be seen at Ditlevsdal Bison Farm in Morud north of Odense.

Circus Bella Donna. Again this year there will be a circus for children at Orbaek Fair. Circus Bella Donna will put up their circus tent at the end of the main street in the fair next to the show site. There will be opportunities for children and the young at heart to try out their talents to perform in the circus. They can try many different things, for example walking on stilts, riding unicycles, doing magic tricks and juggling.

The circus tent is open Friday from 12-18, Saturday from 10-18 and Sunday from 10-16. There will be plenty of activity all the time. There will also be some performances during the day.

Circus Bella Donna and Karsten Clown is among entertainment offers at Orbaek Fair.  Photo: "Mr. Sputnik "Krogh Petersen.

2 July 2014

Circus Trapeze is the name of a circus you from June 22 to August 3 can see at Madsby Playground in Fredericia. Jutland. There are daily performances at 16 in big top. The performance runs for approx. 50 minutes. Ticket can be purchased at the circus tent or you can call (+45) 25 14 72 18 between 12 and 16 in order to make ticket reservation. The price is 60 DKK for children and 75 DKK (10 Euro) for adults.

The performers in Circus Trapeze is

The Juggler David Sosman with his bouncing balls

Camels and horses presented by Karin Houcke

Clown run ins with Renardo Spindler. Later in the season he will be replaced by Pipo Sosman

The dancers Siff Thornberg von Wagner and Ericca Bintu

Tempo juggling by Trio Sárközi

Excentric comedy act with Trio Sárközi

David Enoch Sosman. Photo from the Circus Festival in Budapest January 2014

Trio Sárközi. Photo from the Hungarian show at the Circus Festival in Budapest January 2014

A press release writes that the Circus Trapeze is a division of Circus Dannebrog. It's wrong. Circus Trapeze is owned by Isabella Enoch, who is artistic director of Circus Dannebrog. But it does not make Isabella Enoch’s private business a division of Circus Dannebrog.

Madsby Park is an exciting outdoor area, which extends over a large area in the western part of Fredericia right next to Fredericia Railroad Station. The area contains, among other Madsby Playground which offers activities for the entire family. There is free admission to the playground. However, you have to pay for some activities as e.g. the circus.

1 July 2014

Grandma to Helsingborg Christmas Circus. Producer Albert Ganovic says that his partner in the clown entrées in Sweden’s Helsingborg Christmas Circus this year will be the famous clown Grandma aka Barry Lubin. The Christmas Circus will put up their tent at the Habour Square in Helsingborg and there will be performances from 14 November to 14 December. It is the second consecutive year, Albin Ganovic present Christmas circus in Helsingborg.

Barry Mark Lubin was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1952. In 1974 he was admitted to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College and was later employed as a clown with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. His alter ego, Grandma was born on January 1, 1975 in Venice, Florida. Barry enjoyed 5 seasons traveling with Ringling, a three year stand-up comedy stint in San Diego, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York, 25 seasons with New York’s famed one ring circus, Big Apple Circus where he became the “Face of the Big Apple Circus,” and numerous other appearances around the world. Barry was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 2002, and the Sarasota Ring of Fame in 2012, the highest honor in American Circus.

Today he lives with his girlfriend, Ann Hageus in Stockholm, Sweden.

Click here to see a video clip from one of Grandma's entrées.

27 June 2014

Circus Land 2014. Suzanne Berdino has this summer taken over the job as head of the theme park Circus Land. The park is located in Circus Arena's winter quarters in Aarslev close to Slagelse. It is open daily from 11 to 17 during the period July 5 to August 10.

Circus Land has its own circus, Circus Landino, featuring short performances by clowns, acrobats, jugglers, aerial act, horses and funny dogs.

Suzanne Berdino with Arabian horses. Photo from the show in 2012 at Circus Landino

In Circus Land there are many different animals and the cutest baby animals. Among the bay animals are two young sea lions. The youngest was born June 21.

In the circus school visitors can try acrobatics assisted by professional artists.

The park offers also on Funnballz, treasure hunt, maze, mini golf, cinema, moon bounce, a carousel and the Circus City.

The Circus City consists of old circus wagons: a residential wagon, a kitchen wagon and the school wagon circus where the kids went to school.

In Circus Land's giant sea lion pool the sea lions do their very own show, which takes place both on land and in the water.

In Circus Land the sea lions have a larger pool than the sea lions in the Copenhagen Zoo.

In Circus Land's museum you find e.g. some fine model circuses. Furthermore, the photographer Lise Kokholm has put some of her best circus photos on exhibition.

There is a cafeteria and kiosks. Guests are also welcome to bring their picnic basket

Admission: 99 DKK. Children under 90 cm are free. Family discount 4 persons: 299 DKK

26 June 2014

Contemporary circus at museum. On 26 June the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, opened their new exhibition on the Danish contemporary circuses. From Clausen and Petersen's street circus and until today. The exhibition has two legs: first, a small exhibition of props, posters and video clips from contemporary circus performances and an exhibition of photos from the Danish contemporary circus performances in 2014.

Acting director Anja Olsen and curator Janus Clausen photographed in the new exhibition, which Janus Clausen has main credit for having created.

The exhibition photos from # circus consist of a series of photos which the photographer Anders Bergmann took when he in the spring of 2014 followed the everyday life of a number of Danish contemporary circus artists.

In connection with the opening of the exhibition, there were speeches by Hvidovre Mayor Lisa Adelberg, by Anne Sophie Bergmann Steen from AFUK and by acting museum director Anja Olsen. There were also performances by young artists from Hvidovre’s youth circus Circus Arcus and the Danish contemporary circus performers Tuk & Sofie.

Hvidovre’s Mayor Lisa Adelberg welcomed the guests gathered in the fencing hall to the opening of the exhibition about contemporary circus.

Young performers from Circus Arcus

The talented Danish hand-to-hand acrobats Tuk & Sofie

24 June 2014

Wallman season 2014/2015 in the Copenhagen Circus Building will run from August 2014 to June 2015. As usual, they offer a new dinnershow with singers, dancers and artists. It is 10 years since Wallman first presented a dinner show at Cirkus in Copenhagen.

The upcoming show is called Freaks. About the show Wallman writes:

FREAK provides the ultimate cocktail of fantastic musical interpretations, fascinating artistry, comedy and sky-high acrobatics. It’s a magical journey like no other, and it begins already at the entrance!

While enjoying a delicious 4-course meal, you will be entertained with an incredible string of show numbers as our artists perform throughout the entire Circus Hall under the beautiful dome.

FREAK is a show that brings together the generations. We guarantee there will be something for everyone and many classics that you know and love. Discover a spectacular array of musical tributes to some of our time’s greatest artists such as Stevie Wonder, Cher and Justin Timberlake. The party will reach new heights to the tunes of great English pop bands such as Oasis and Blur, and the Circus Hall’s honorary guests will be celebrated to the happy and melodious tones from none other than the Beach Boys.

One of the new stars in the Wallmans ensemble is a German circus performer who has performed all over the world and who – almost literally – can turn himself inside out! You can also look forward to sky-high aerial acrobatics way up under the dome, and not least, an amazing tribute to circus traditions in the company of dark and rather untraditional clowns!

In addition to singers and dancers you will in the show meet 3 circus artists.

The artist, who Wallman present as the new star, is the contortionist Philipp Tigris.

Philipp studied German Literature/History at the Technical University in Berlin, his circus skills are self-taught from the age of seven. His work credits include: German Variety Theatres, Kristall Palast Leipzig, Chameleon Theatre, Berlin, Modern Circus Show LIMBO in Sydney and Adelaide, International Circus Festival in Budapest 2008 and Pomp, Duck & Circumstance in Berlin. This is Philipp’s 1st year at Wallmans. Click here to see a video clip of one of his acts.

The other two circus artists in the upcoming performance were also with Wallman’s in season 2013/14: Bruno Bonifacio, coming from São Paulo, Brazil and Shaunna Kotka, born in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Shaunna Kotka in the 2013/2014-show Sweet Addiction

21 June 2014

Camping Delight. About 200 persons found their way to the Dance Square behind Hillerod Library when TinCanCompany aka the Danish artists Rune Vadstrøm Andersen and Gry Lambertsen on June 21 presented their contemporary circus performance Camping Delight.

The show, which takes place in front of a caravan runs for 45 minutes. The two performers act as a couple who are camping and just has arrived at a new camp site. They lay down artificial grass, set up camping equipment and build fences. They hoist a flag.

Of artistic disciplines the show include e.g. Gry and Rune with pole acrobatics and Rune on slack wire ending with a backward somersault down to a pillow which should look like a small swimming pool. Click here to see more photos from the show. 

I am very doubtful as to whether very many of the spectators were aware that what they had seen was (quote from TinCanCompanys website): “a fast-paced and absurd circus performance, about how bad it can get if  we let the fear of the new and unknown overpower us, seen through the eyes of two absurd normality- imperialist clown characters.

A caravan draws up and two grotesque campers spring out. These stormtroopers then set to work, frantically conquering and colonizing the space around them. – a nation is born.

In Camping Delight TinCanCompany examine how far we can go, as people and as nations, with well-meaning attempts to impose our culture and values on others – before our self-sufficiency and good intentions smack us on the back of the neck like a boomerang.”

But from my point of view it is absolutely OK that the audience experienced the show as pure entertainment and not did perceive the performers as someone who want to teach us something about ourselves or our life.

20 June 2014

Nick Olander turns 70. On Friday, June 27 the Danish Artist Unions former chairman Nick Olander can celebrate his 70 year birthday. Nick was born in Amager (part of Copenhagen). At the end of the Second World War his dad formed the artist group "The Elvardos" (sometimes spelled Elwardos) which immediately after the war began touring in Europe and quickly became a top attraction. It was the starting point for an international career that lasted until the mid-1980s. The troupe performed with various acrobat- and jumping acts specializing in handstand tricks. Nick's father Elle jumped among other things on one hand up and down of a high staircase!

Early Nick got interested in music and piano and for a time was a student of the Danish composer Herman D. Koppel. Nick could undoubtedly have made a successful career as a concert pianist. But he chose a life as an acrobat and was 17 years old when he had his stage debut at the Lido in Paris. Later the Elvardos troupe had a 2-year engagement at the Stardust in Las Vegas. After Las Vegas the troupe which now consisted of Nick's father, Nick and two partners, choose Paris as their domicile. In the following they worked in most of the leading European circuses, including Circus Schumann in Copenhagen in 1966, and at several major stages in the Middle East, just as they for several years performed at the Lido and Folies Bergeres in Paris.

4 Elvardos. Photo from 1960.

In 1975, the family chose to return to Copenhagen. In the 1980ties the troupe which now consisted of Nick and his father, assisted by his mother, scaled down their activities and in 1986 they stopped. The Elvardos family has always been highly regarded among music hall and circus directors and not the least among artists all over the world.

From 1986 to 2006, Nick Olander was chairman of the Danish Artists Union.

Click here to see a video with the Elwardos from the French TV show La Piste aux Etoiles recorded in the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris in 1973.

19 June 2014

Schumann Horse Show 2014. On Wednesday 9 July at 16 there is premiere of the 2014 horse and stunt show which Katja, Laura and Luis Schumann present during the summer at Ditlevsdal Bison farm in Morud north of Odense. The Bison farm is located at a scenic area. The same applies to the outdoor arena where the show can be seen. In addition to magnificent horses the show features a wheel of death act done by Luis Torres Schumann, who previously has worked in a wheel of death together with the world-famous clown and artist Bello Nock.

Laura Schumann is Katja Schumann's niece and performed for some years together with her aunt at the Big Apple Circus in New York. It was there she met Luis, whom she later married.

Laura Schumann Torres. Photo from last year's show. Click here if you want to see more photos from the show in 2013.

17 June 2014

News from the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen.

Exhibitions about of contemporary circus

Thursday 26 June at 15 the Museum opens a new exhibition. The theme is the contemporary circus or cirque noveau as it often is called. The exhibition will be two legged and will consist of a photo exhibition showing the Danish scene and a part that gives you the context for the contemporary circus and also gives you an opportunity for yourself to experience in photos, films and props what contemporary circus is.

In connection with the opening there are speeches by Hvidovre’s Mayor Lisa Adelborg, former minister of cultural affairs Uffe Elbæk and acting museum director Anja Olsen. In addition, there are performances by the Danish contemporary circus artists Tuk & Sofie (Tuk Frederiksen and Sophie Jasmin Sabroe) and kids from Hvidovre’s youth circus Circus Arcus. The museum will offer refreshments. The Exhibition opening will take place in the Fencing Hall and after the speeches you can see the exhibition at the museum.

The Danish acrobats Tuk and Sofie. Photo from Benny Schumann’s Mini Circus shot in October 201 

The Circus Museum’s collection is among the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. It consists of more than 100,000 different artefacts, including many thousands of photos and posters, costumes and props, personal notebooks, programmes and newspaper clippings. The Circus Museum’s collection contains material relating to acrobats, jugglers, animal trainers, clowns, magicians, illusionists, workers, musicians, actors and dancers. While it focuses on Danish artists, the collection also contains quite a lot of international material.

The museum opened in 2001 in the main building of the old barracks called Avedørelejren. Its foundation is the large collection gathered by the juggler Ølund Barly (1917-1999), which consists of more than 110.000 different items ranging from photos to circus props and costumes.

The collection was originally stored in Barly’s apartment, but in 1992 a project took form aimed at digitally registering Barly’s entire collection and having it stored in a safer environment. This work took 10 years, and resulted in one of the largest digitally registered collections in Denmark.

In 1999 the municipality of Hvidovre bought Avedørelejren and wanted to create an attractive area where residential housing was mixed with tourism, creative business and culture. The municipality gained an interest in Barly’s collection and in 2001 the Circus Museum opened in Avedørelejren.

Since 2004 the museum has been run by the municipality of Hvidovre. In 2009 funds from Realdania and Arbejdsmarkedets Feriefond made it possible to expand the museum considerably with the addition of the Fencing Hall. Here the museum can offer circus activities such as performances and workshops, which add a whole new dimension to the museum experience.

The museum is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 to 15.  The address is Hovedporten 6, Avedørelejren, Hvidovre. From central Copenhagen you can take Bus 1A to Avedørelejren right in front of the museum.

15 June 2014

Taste Danish New circuses were the title of a small Danish contemporary circus festival as part of the theatre festival CPH Stage 2014. The idea was that interested should be able to see all the best from the Danish contemporary circus companies. Partly in connection with a number of performances on 13 and 14 June at the Small Stage at Theatre Republique in at Østerfælled Square in Copenhagen, partly by seeing free performances by contemporary circus artist at the amphitheatre at Østerfælled Square.

The Danish contemporary circus festival was lost in the crowd of other events in connection with CPH Stage's many events. And the free performances at Østerfælled Square did not attract many persons. The marketing of the event was not good, and the organizers did not make it easier for themselves by choosing every hour to present at short act and then having an interval for 50 minutes until the next act began. There is not much to do at Østerfælled Square when there are 50 minutes between performances!

It was not crowded at the free performances at Østerfælled Square in Copenhagen

Those who came seemed however to enjoy the acts. However, there were several who wondered why an acrobat who performed with handstand and aerial straps was dressed as a Vietcong partisan with machine gun.

The artist dressed as a partisan in aerial straps

Rune Andersen Vadstrøm from Tincan Company on slack wire. His act was part of the performance Camping Delight

In general, there is a story or a theme is conveyed through traditional circus skills in contemporary circus performances. For example the story in Camping Delight is presented as follows:

Camping Delight is a fast-paced and absurd circus performance, about how bad it can get if we let the fear of the new and unknown overpower us, seen through the eyes of two absurd normality- imperialist clown characters.

A caravan draws up and two grotesque campers spring out. These stormtroopers then set to work, frantically conquering and colonizing the space around them. They lay down artificial grass, set up camping equipment and build fences. They hoist a flag – a nation is born.

In Camping Delight TinCanCompany examine how far we can go, as people and as nations, with well-meaning attempts to impose our culture and values on others – before our self-sufficiency and good intentions smack us on the back of the neck like a boomerang.

Some contemporary circus performances have a social message. But this message is not always easy to understand. Many in the audience look more at the performance as pure entertainment than as something "preaching" a message.

Many contemporary circus performances are exciting, but the artistic level is not always in line with what we find in the classical circus.

Most of the contemporary circus performances receive in contrast to the classical circus some sort economical public support. Either directly or because the performances are purchased by libraries ore municipalities. The performances could hardly be shown without such support. Several newspapers write also more about contemporary circuses than about the classical circus. Maybe some editors tend to perceive circus performances as finer as or more interesting than the classical circus?

11 June 2014

Artists in Lalandia. As in 2012 and 2013 the tropical holiday centre Lalandia in Rødby present apart from Mr Plys Shows in the summer season from 4 July to 11 August also guest artists on the stage.

From Germany come Freddy Anthony and Miss Martina. The couple have visited Lalandia several times, last time in the summer 2012. Now they are back with Freddy Anthony’s honk horn show and Martina’s hula hoop show. From 4 July to 19 August they can be seen every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at the stage at the square. Mr. Plys can be seen every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. All shows start at 20 and lasts approx. 25 minutes. Everyone is welcome. There is free admission.

Freddy Anthony and his honk horn car

Freddy Anthony had his Danish debut in 1978 when he toured with in Circus Schumann. Since then he has toured with Circus Arli, Circus Dannebrog, Circus Krone and Circus Baldoni and been at Røde Kro Theatre in Copenhagen. Miss Martina, who is Freddy Anthony’s spouse, was the first time in Denmark in 2003.

9 June 2014

Prior to season opening Daniel Deleuran replaced his father Jess in the management group of Circus Mascot. Jess continued, however, as the ringmaster. Now generational change is also completed at this point: Since Pentecost, it is Daniel, who has presented the show. He does so elegantly and with great charm.

It was also Jess who when the circus season began presented Circus Mascot’s 4 ponies. But here too, the task has now successfully taken over by the younger generation: The ponies are now presented by Andreas Deleuran. This gives the pony act a “young look”. Along with his mother Marianne Andreas is also responsible for the other animal acts in the show. Click here to see more photos from the show. Circus Mascot's 2014 performance was reviewed on this site on 28 March by Jørgen Lorenzen.

6 June 2014

Open House in Circus Benneweis. It is a tradition for Circus Benneweis to invite to open house when they are visiting Denmark’s second largest city Aarhus. This year's Open House take place on Saturday, June 7 from 11-12. The event is free of charge. You can meet performers and animals in the ring and there is free ice cream from Frisko for the first 300 children. After the open house you can see the performance at 13 or 16. Here, however, you will of cause have to pay for a ticket. Benneweis is at ‘Tangkrogen’ in Aarhus until Sunday 15th June.

Among the performers in this year's Benneweis performance is the Austrian star clown Don Christian. Press photo from Benneweis

4 June 2014

Still possible to present elephants in Norwegian circuses. The Norwegian TV channel NRK writes on their website that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food won’t issue a ban against elephants in circuses.

Also in the future the audience can see elephants in Norwegian circuses. Here is Adriana Folco Althoff with the elephants Sharon and Baba. Photo shot by Thorjbørn Klæbo Flo during a performance earlier this year in Circus Merano

Several Norwegian municipalities, interest groups and political parties have called for a clearer set of rules for circus elephants after several years with a lot of critic from animal right defenders etc.

In April this year Tromsø municipality said no to circus elephants, while the discussion was loudly in Fredrikstad in February when the same issue was discussed.

In Fredrikstad they decided that visiting circuses must document that the elephants are well kept for. A ban was not adopted. Instead the municipality asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to reassess the issue of elephants in circuses.

Now Fredrikstad municipality has received a reply from the Ministry. They write that Norwegian animal welfare legislation requires that all animals are treated in a manner which ensures good welfare.

The Department emphasizes that in Norway there this year only is one circus (Merano), which has elephants in the performance and that Norwegian circus owners have stated that it is just a question of time before the elephants disappear as a result of the elephants' growing age and lack of possibilities to get new circus elephants.

2 June 2014

Circus Scott 2014. I have previously mentioned the performers in this year’s performance in the large Swedish Circus Scott but not given a review of the performance. Such review you can now read below thanks to Jonas Karlsson from Vibono Mirage - Magic Entertainers. (My translation from Swedish).

Circus Scott and the pirates

Reviewed by Jonas Karlsson

On 15th of May Cirkus Scott opened the season in my hometown Växjö and of course I was on the lot. I was actually on the lot even before the premiere and watched of the work on the putting up the tent and the rehearsal process for this year's performance for our fan page on Facebook “A Tribute To Circus Scott”. It is a fantastic job everyone is doing in order to create two hours of excitement and play around the circus ring circus for the audience.

Play? Yes, Cirkus Scott continues this year with their hit the Circus Park where all who dare have the possibility to try out different circus disciplines. There is also a kiosk, hot dogs, pony rides and a carousel. New this year in the park was a wheel of death in miniature which  you can try.

Pirates and circus?

Cirkus Scott and the pirates. Photo: Linda Himsel

When Robert Bronett began this year's tour the performance was characterized by two things: pirates and very good circus. The theme in the performance is a treasure hunt where Robert Bronett has to find the treasure before the pirates. To assist him in the hunt Robert Bronett has Tony Manduca who also is the show's clown.

Robert Bronett and Tony Manduca. Photo: Linda Himsel

When I saw this year’s very first performance not everything was quite as it should be on an opening night. But the performers still did a first class job and the audience loved it. After Robert Bronett’s welcome the performance began with a short movie where the storyline in the show was presented.

In the performance we meet a large troupe from China who did several different acts: Diabolo, Diving Hoops, Trampoline / Chinese pole, Lion Dance, Quick Change with masks, plate spinning and candle pagoda contortion. The troupe is doing a good job with their numbers which all are of high quality.

Quick change with masks. Photo: Linda Himsel

In the performance we also meet Duo Manduca with their comedic acrobatic acts from ano dazumal. Many of us had seen the act before, but the audience would not stop applauding. A world-class act both for the experienced circus visitor and for the rest of the audience.

Duo Manduca. Photo: Linda Himsel

Beautiful animals!

Obviously Cirkus Scott also presents beautiful animals. Although they last year decided not to present "wild" animals such as elephants they present this year horses, dogs and parrots. The French horse master Guillaume Assair Becar presents two acts, a beautiful liberty act and comic act with a horse. The acts are in many ways different from the dressage one is used to see in the circus.

Guillaume Assair Becar. Photo: Linda Himsel

Furthermore, we met Diana Vedyashkina with her trained Dachshunds. An entrée which got both young and elder visitors to smile a bit extra.

Cirkus Scott also offers a brand new act with parrots presented by Swedish Angelica Helgesson. The parrots are trained by the Italian trainer Alessio Fochesato who also owns the birds. A similar number is this year presented in Holland at Circus Herman Renz. Angelica presents the number in pirate style and I think it's nice that they have chosen not as usual with parrot acts to present them running a number of bicycles, cars and roller skates on a table but concentrates on presenting a dressage visible all over the large tent and where the big parrots can fly freely over the audience where you can see that both kids and adults are impressed by these beautiful animals.

Excitement and danger

One of the year's big attractions is the Fratelli Torres and their double wheel of death. It is the first time such act is presented in the Nordic countries and at the premiere it was actually the first time that Torres did the act in front of an audience. Thus, it was a new act which hadn’t found its final form. But after seeing this first performance and knowing what they are aiming for I am sure this will be a real showstopper when it is presented. At the opening night is was almost just at seeing two wheels of death put up next to each other.  Sure it's exciting now but I think it has the potential to be more spectacular.

Fratelli Torres with double wheel of death. Photo: Linda Himsel

Wheelchair Accessible circus

Yes you read right. It is not always easy to go to the circus if you need a wheelchair what my partner does. But Cirkus Scott is wheelchair accessible with hardwood floors throughout the big tent and wheelchair ramp to the toilets, they also have special pricing on tickets for wheelchair and companion.

1 June 2014

Not easy to operate circuses in Denmark. It's not easy to run a circus in Denmark today where you can still feel the impact of the economic crisis. In addition, circuses are met with more and more costly regulatory requirements. For example, requirements to tents following the collapse last year in a tent, which was owned by Circus Arena has cost the whole circus industry a lot of money. Although the collapsed tent wasn’t used for circus!

High rent for circus lots

Most circus lots in Denmark are owned by the local municipality. And some municipalities require excessive rental for unreasonable bad circus lot. In many lots are placed on secondary locations in the city's periphery. Sometimes you have to pay a high deposit before using a lot well in advance of the visit. But the amount is not paid back until several months later.

Competition from Circus Summarum

The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation’s and the leading the channel DR big- band’s kids theatre Circus Summarum, which last year attracted 91,000 visitors is also a tough competitor to the Danish circus. Not at least because of the strong profiling Circus Summarrum gets for free in DR TV, which is at the same time largely fails to mention the Danish circuses. Also for the upcoming season presale of tickets for Cirkus Summarum is terrific despite higher ticket prices than in any Danish circus.

Circus Summarum is not a circus, but a children’s theatre in a circus tent with a lot of the popular stars from DR’s children’s programs as stars in the ring.

If you estimate that at least half of the guests at Circus Summarum visit them instead of a visit to a real circus and a that a circus ticket incl. refreshments cost at least 200 DKK it's a total income of up to 10 million DKK (1.3 million Euro) which DR and the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation has “transferred” from the circus industry to Circus Summarum.

Circus Arena

Recently some of the Danish newspapers reported that Benny Berdino from Circus Arena has been forced to put his operating company in bankruptcy to save the rest of his circus empire. A similar thing happened in 2011. In 2013, Benny Berdino also let the company that was behind a tent tour with the theatre performance People and Robbers in the Cardamom City go bankrupt.

The Berdino family’s circus group is built up with a holding company that owns the equipment and an operating company in charge of daily operations. Last year Benny Berdino established a new operating company which is responsible for operating Circus Arena this year. Thus, Circus Arena is not directly affected directly by the old operating company’s bankruptcy.

In Denmark only contemporary circuses are getting public support. The traditional circuses are not getting anything at all. And the VAT on circus tickets are the highest anywhere in the European Union: 25 %!

1 June 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- many children-and family shows in the afternoon, played in small theatres - which otherwise would stay empty.

COMEDIE TOUR EIFFEL, near the famous monument, proudly presents ANAEL'S MAGIC NIGHT, where ANAEL features an excellent show including magical effects, mime, ventriloquism, humour and lots of fantasy and imagination.

Anael with a classic magic trick: the zombie ball. Photo by courtesy of Anael.

As all magic shows, this is really a theater play, dragging the children into the plot, both those who are invited to mount on stage and those who remain in the audience.

This theatre is quite small, seating 50 persons, which means that the atmosphere remains intimate, the small fry is seated near their parents and - near the performer on stage - thus a very children-friendly situation.

The magical effects are basically classic ones, but featured in a personal and original way.

ANAEL displays a great joy of performing, which in turn goes over to the kids, they were all enthusiastic and attentive during the hour-long performance.

Highly recommended!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.anael-magicien.com

Venue: Comedie Tour Eiffel, 14 rue Desaix, 75015  Paris. Metro: Dupleix.

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

27 May 2014

The large Swedish Circus Scott opened their season on 15 May in Vaxjo, Sweden. The season ends in Helsingborg on 14 September.

This year's performance is called Circus Scott and the pirates

Among the performers this year is the French horse-trainer and horse whisperer Guillome Assire Becark. He toured in 2006 in Sweden with Robert Bronetts horse show Levade Noble Horse Gala.

Guillome Assire Becark. Photo: Roy Himsel

Frattelli Torres presents together with two partners a double wheel of death. That is 2 wheels of deaths put up next to each other. A number of Chinese artists are jumping through hoops and jump from the trampoline to Chinese poles. From China are also comes artists who does balance with candlesticks and a large troupe which juggles with diabolos.

Balancing light. Photo: Roy Himsel

Chinese artists with diabolo juggling. Photo: Roy Himsel

Face off Face on is a number where an artist with extremely speed changes face masks. Members of the Chinese troupe also do the lion dance.

Diana Vedyashkina presents her dachshunds and Duo Manduca does acrobatics as in grandfather's time. Dou Manduca is presented as winners of a silver clown in Monte Carlo. That is not entirely true. Duo Manducas originally consisted of Tony (Antonio Ferreira) and his partner Tino (Tino Frattelini) and they were the ones who got a silver clown in Monte Carlo. Today, the Duo Manducas consist of Tony's son Fabio and his partner Gabor. Manducas has the last few seasons appeared in Circus Scott's Christmas performances.

Finally you can in the performance meet Miss Angelica and her flying parrots.

Miss Angelica and one of her parrots. Photo: Roy Himsel

The performance's ringmaster is Robert Bronett. He is assisted by Tony Manduca.

As in previous years there is a theme in the performance. This year it is The pirates and Circus Scott. Circus Scott writes (my translation):

"It's 200 years ago since McScott buried a magical gold chain, which gets everyone laughing, and now it is up to Robert Bronett lot to locate the gold chain and hold it up to the sun so that the chain recovers its power and the McScott family can continue to spread happiness for another 200 years. – Some pirates are doing everything in their power to stop Robert and Circus Scott artists so that they can seize the treasure"

As in 2012 and 2013 Circus Scott doesn’t play one-day cities. Almost all other circuses in the Scandinavian countries have a lot of one-day cities. Circus Scott use a concept where they usually only have performances on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (in some cities, however, also on Wednesdays) and use the other part of the week to move the tent, which they claim is Europe's largest circus tent. This is because they include the part of the oblong tent, which they use as Circus Park with the possibility of Circus Fun for children and adolescents. The circus part of the tent can according to Circus Scott seat 2,000 persons. In a little more than in the tent, Danish Circus Arena use claiming to be the largest circus in the Nordic countries. But slightly less than the circus tent Circus Arena rents out to the Danish children theatre Circus Summarum can accommodate.

Circus Scott has this year decided not to have sea lions and elephants in the performance. "No one shall need to take an ethical standpoint," Robert Bronett says referring to the fact that there are some who see ethical problems in presentation of elephants and sea lions. He has previously stated that he will miss the elephants and sea lions. But he respects that there is someone who does not think that such kind of animals should be shown in a circus. As for real lions there has for many year been a ban against such acts in all the Nordic countries.

26. maj 2014

Porsgrunn internationale teaterfestival. Porsgrunn Internasjonale Teaterfestival (PIT) is the largest international theatre festival in Norway. This year the festival is arranged for the 20th time, in the week of June 11 – 14. As previous years there are in the program some contemporary circus performances.

The Canadian troupe Les 7 doigts de la main present their performance TRACES!

PIT writes: “Traces is poetic and explosive, humorous and thoughtful. Combining traditional acrobatic forms with street elements such as skateboarding and basketball, mixed in with some theatre and contemporary dance, it surprises, awes and delights at every turn.

Traces takes place in a make-shift shelter, an unknown catastrophe waiting outside the doors of tarp and gaffer tape. In the face of an impending disaster they have determined that creation is the only antidote to destruction. Poetic and explosive, humorous and thoughtful. Combining traditional acrobatic forms with street elements such as skateboarding and basketball, mixed in with some theatre and contemporary dance, it surprises, awes and delights at every turn.”

Another of the visiting troupes is Circus Kathmandu from Nepal. PIT writes:

“Circus Kathmandu (CK) is Nepal’s first and only contemporary circus company. Inspired by mythical Nepali storytelling, it provides a distinct fusion of circus, theatre, dance and cutting edge art forms to create an exciting form of entertainment. CK is comprised of hugely talented young people who have been rescued from human trafficking and other vulnerable situations.

Many of its members have been retrieved from Indian circuses where they were sold as young children. They trained hard as performers, but usually missed out on other education. Without education their options are very limited when they return to Nepal.  CK has given them a platform to express and further develop their hard-earned skills in a safe, supportive and highly creative environment.  It also provides them with solid and enjoyable vocational options.”

You can read more about the program for the festival at http://en.pitfestival.no/  (Language: English) 

26 May 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- all the year around we see interesting and thrilling shows. THEATRE DU ROND- POINT proudly presents, in May and June, a completely original show, based on acrobatic stunts - and the public is free to interpret all of it.

GROUPE ACROBATIC DE TANGER, a troupe consisting of 11 acrobats and 2 musicians, playing traditional drums and some stringed instruments, feature a one-hour-show, performing acrobatics at a brisk pace, the traditional Moroccan human pyramids and the likewise traditional saltos.

The show is called AZIMUT.

Photo from the performance. By courtesy of Théâtre du Rond-Point. Photo Agnes Mellon

LE GROUPE ACROBATIQUE DE TANGER is an initiative by Sanae EL KAMOUNI, in 2003.

This show is a creation by AURELIEN BORY, responsible for the stage-setting and ideas:

he means that ”the acrobatic jump is a tentative to fly, always doomed to fail..."

Furthermore that "the art of Moroccan acrobatics is unique, to my mind the human pyramides represent a tentative to approach heaven ... our acrobatics have a spiritual substance."

This performance is supported by a number of organizations, cultural as well as commercial.

Absolutely worth seeing !!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

Venue: Le Theatre du Rond-Point, 2 Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, 75008 Paris. Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt.

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

21 May 21 2014

Circus Mustang 2014. The German Circus Mustang is again this year on tour in Sweden. It is about 10 years ago since they last visited Sweden, and their reputation was not the very best. Circus Mustang is owned by the Weisheit Family. Martin Lasson Berglund writes (my translation):

Circus Mustang is back in Sweden. This time in smaller size than before. Circus Mustang was written about quite extensively in the media last time when they were in Sweden when inspectors / vets found shortcomings in animal welfare at in several places that the circus visited.

Circus Mustang’s tent. All photos are taken by Martin Lasson Berglund

In 2004 there were too many complaints and grievances which led to the provincial government issuing a ban against animals in Circus Mustang. At that time they traveled with a couple of elephants, many horses and several exotens. Today the stables include a dozen ponies, a couple of larger horses, a camel, a zebra and two llamas.

Photo of some of the animals Circus Mustang has with them during this year's tour in Sweden

Lennart Holmgreen has visited Circus Mustang. Lennart was not impressed by this year's show and writes (my translation):

It was family performance and only half of the seating was put up. Apart from a child audience at the ringside chairs I was alone in the tent. A tiny program despite nearly twenty horses. Clowns and a springboard act doing a triple somersault were fine, but otherwise the performance was weak.

19 July 2014

Humane Society of the United States and co-defendants pay $15.75 million settlement to Feld entertainment ending 14 years of litigation

Feld Entertainment writes:

For more than a decade our company has been engaged in a protracted legal dispute with a number of animal rights organizations over the care of Asian elephants with Ringling Bros. and at the Center for Elephant Conservation. The trail court ruled in our favor, was upheld on appeal and awarded us attorney’s fees. We also initiated our own civil RICO action against the activist groups and their attorneys for the fraudulent and unethical actions they engaged in throughout the proceedings.  Today we announced a record settlement with the Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Welfare Institute and other groups and their attorneys. They have agreed to pay Feld Entertainment $15.75 million to settle all our claims against them. This of course is in addition to our earlier $9.3 Million settlement with the ASPCA, bringing the total amount paid to our company to more than $25 Million. A settlement of this size, coupled with multiple court rulings, clearly demonstrates what we have said all along – we are the experts when it comes to caring for Asian elephants and our animal welfare programs are the best in the world.

“We hope this settlement payment, and the various court decisions that found against these animal rights activists and their attorneys, will deter individuals and organizations from bringing frivolous litigation like this in the future,” said Kenneth Feld, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Feld Entertainment. “This settlement is a significant milestone for our family-owned business and all the dedicated men and women who care for the Ringling Bros. herd of 42 Asian elephants. We look forward to continuing to set the standard for providing world-class care for all our animals and producing high quality, family entertainment.”

In the original ESA lawsuit, Feld Entertainment discovered the animal rights groups and their lawyers had paid over $190,000 to a former circus employee, Tom Rider, to be a “paid plaintiff.” The Court also found that the animal rights groups and their attorneys “sought to conceal the nature, extent and purpose of the payments” during the litigation. Their abuse of the judicial system included the issuance of a false statement under oath by Rider, assisted by his counsel, who the Court found was “the same attorney who was paying him” to participate in the litigation. The Court found in addition to Rider being a “paid plaintiff,” that the lawsuit was “frivolous and vexatious.”

18 July 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- we can visit circus-shows all the year around, though less so during summer:

CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE, founded about 20 years ago by HERVE VALLEE and partner, has been playing at several lots in Paris, also toured Morocco, and now has a more permanent venue at the Porte des Lilas, after having secured a contract with the local municipality /Town Hall/, they feature their performances and - on top of that they offer social activities like workshops where all and sundry get the opportunity to learn various circus skills.

All of it is originally presented, organized and appeals to people.

The programs vary, either performed by artists from CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE or by guest-stars and other circus troupes.

Photo from the performance. By courtesy of Cirque Electrique

The programs are based on a wide variety of acrobatic stunts and juggling of many kinds.

CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE is a good new-circus, viz. without animals, without brilliant costumes and without classical clown-acts, thus more geared at the adult audience than at children. The seating is rather uncomfortable, you sit on raw planks, rather surprising today when even the small family circuses sport acceptably comfortable chairs.

The program I saw was part of CIRQUE OSIGNO, juggling, hula-hoop by a male acrobat, Chinese pole by a female artist, an incredibly skillful male acrobat performing hand-stands and daring jumps. Music by HERVE VALLEE and friends, on several instruments.

CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE is absolutely worth seeing when you visit Paris!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue: Place du Maquis du Vercors, 75020 Paris.  Metro: Porte des Lilas.

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

14 May 2014

Circus Skratt 2014. The Swedish Circus Skratt can this year celebrate its 30 years anniversary as the owner Bo Rönnberg is counting 1984 as the starting year. The first two years the circus was named Circus Skogman. The name was chosen because Bo Rönnberg had booked a popular Swedish singer and actor Thore Skogman as ringmaster. However, in 1986 the name was changed to Skratt, which is the Swedish word for laughter.

Bo Rönnberg has always hired tent and other equipment from other circuses. Since 1994 his partner has been Danish Circus Arena, which provides tent, equipment and artists.

This year the spring season started on 4 May. The spring season will probably close mid-June. The autumn season will begin 21 August. Circus Skratt is never on tour during the summer months. Most performances is sold performances.

The Danish ventriloquist Preben Palsgaard is alternating with director Bo Rönnberg ringmaster. With him Preben Palsgaard has the vulture Calle (a ventriloquist’s doll) and the dog Charlie (a live dog and not just a ventriloquist’s doll).

The dog Charlie during a rehearsal in Circus Skratt. Photo: Preben Palsgaard

Apart from Preben Palsgaard the show features the clown Charlie Rigetti (Karel Kaiser), his sons, Dany Kaiser (juggler) and Patrick Kaiser (aerial straps), the Czech Duo Smaha with a knock about table act and a double - juggling entrée and Patrick Burke with the sea lion Roger.

11 May 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS - LA COMEDIE SAINT-MICHEL proudly presents a MAGIC SHOW, geared at the whole family, featured by PHILIPPE WELLS.

LA COMEDIE SAINT-MICHEL is a local area theatre, having several smaller stages, where different kinds of theatre are performed, including children-and-family shows.

PHILIPPE WELLS is a professional performer who catches the audience's attention, and - important - keeps it that way during the hour-long performance! Elegantly dressed in black and red, he features classical effects, although using a very personal touch, which appeals to all in the audience. He uses exactly the amount of interaction that is needed, some children are invited up on stage to help out, but this is limited which makes the kids understand that all can't participate on stage.

Philppe Wells. Photo by courtesy of the artist

The pace is rather calm, which suits younger children very well, too much yelling and noise, and what I call rock'n roll, make the children disturbed and  their attention disrupted - this was not the case here - this performance has a nice and quiet flow.

The audience was enthralled - and they are sure to return to PHILIPPE WELL'S shows, as well as to others of similar kind.

See more: www.philippe-wells.com/2html

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue: La Comedie Saint-Michel, 95 Boulevard Saint Michel, 75005 Paris.  Metro: Cluny Sorbonne.

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

Zarro Zarro. Photo: Genevieve Boisrame

For once I also think you will see a photo of my faithful Paris correspondent Zarro Zarro . Zarro Zarro, whose civil name is Rolf R. Wollert was born in 1932 and is no longer active as a magician. But sometimes he shows a few magic tricks for children of friends etc. 

Zarro Zarro was born in Sweden but has since 1993 lived in Paris. He took a MA in French and worked for several years a teacher of French in Gothenburg. From 1970 to 1973 he worked as a teacher in Zambia. Then he was for a few years back in Gothenburg, before he in 1975 started working as a teacher in the Ivory Coast, where he was for the next 10 years. Summer vacations from July to September he spent in Paris, where he appeared as a magician together with his daughter Madeleine. Their signature act was THE SPIRIT CABINET. Click here to read Zarro Zarro’s article about the Spirit Cabinet.

9 May 2014

Circus Maximum 2014 - ''Circus when it’s very best”.  Tobias Schött has visited the Swedish Circus Maximum and writes (my translation):

As usual I visited Circus Maximum at the Stockholm lot called “Gärdet”, where the circus as usual starts its Stockholm tour in May. This year's show is called '' Starlight in Circus '' and it is the 32nd season since Circus Maximum was established in 1983. The performers are almost only artists who are new to both the Swedish and Scandinavian circus audience.

The show begins with welcome by director Bengt Källquist and a charivari where all the artists are featured in the ring.

Bent Källqvist and a part of this year's artists. All photos shot by Tobias Schött

Then comes the Romanian springboard acrobats Troupe Alexander, appearing for the first time in Sweden. A classic, action- filled number, with human pyramids to both four and five man high.

Troupe Alexander

We have seen Pat Clarrison with his Hot -Dogs many times before, including in Swedish Circus Brazil Jack and Danish Circus Benneweis. But it’s a funny act where you see that the dogs really like to perform! The clowns Bobylevs are back at Maximum, this year with three different entrées. Just as last year their entrées are fresh, modern and innovative. Their first act is a musical entrée where they play a variety of instruments, including washboard. Next act is Nicolas Wang with an entree in aerial straps. A short but nice act in which the artist show a lot of strength! Circus Maximum’s faithful chief animal trainer Anton Frank then present Maximums exotic animals: camels, zebras and llamas in an elegant and nice animal acts. Bobylevs are then in the ring with their version of the classic story about the worm in the apple. Last number before the interval is the phenomenon Zhang Fan appearing on slack wire. He must be the best artist appearing in a Swedish circus in this season and was awarded the prestigious Golden Clown in Monte- Carlo some years ago. He balances on a ladder and unicycle on the wire and make it look very easy!

Zhang Fan

During the break you can visit Maximums large animal stables, where you among other animals can see the elephants Dunya and Daela. They are not part of the performance as they are training a new act for next season. Dunja is Europe's largest circus elephant, and she is a very impressive sight!

The second part of the performance begins with liberty horses presented by Anton Frank. First, with a black mini pony, then Maximum’s beautiful Frisian stallions and at last another pony. Bobylevs then invites three kids from the audience to a fight with water pistols in the ring. Following them Juan Gutierrez and his wife presents their parrots in a different and joyful act where the parrots fly around freely in the tent at the end of the act.

Juan Gutierrez and his wife

Duo Monastyrsky changed clothes with high speed, always with a smile and a modern touch! As the last act four Cuban guys called Mambo Boys does advanced acrobatics on Russian bar. Of course, even a triple somersault is included. A good way to end a classic circus performance!

Mambo Boys

Finally, I must say that this is Circus Maximums best production for years, a real circus with all the ingredients you would expect!

The 9 piece orchestra led by the faithful bandmaster Krzystof Majewski plays extremely well and help as usually to create a good atmosphere in the tent from start to finish.

6 May 2014

Circus Islands is the name of a new Icelandic circus.

Iceland has previously been visited by various circuses, including the Danish Circuses Arena and Baldoni and the now closed Norwegian circus Agora. But to the best of my knowledge there has never been a local touring circus.

But it looks as if there will one this year. Circus Islands plan to visit 5 cities during the period June 25 to August 24: Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Selfoss and Keflavik.

As I understand it they will offer 3 different performances for different age groups.

If you can understand Icelandic, you can read more on http://sirkus.is/

The text tells that ticket sale will begin on 13 May

Iceland is located at the juncture of the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans and is Europe's second largest island after Great Britain. The country has a population of approximately 325,000 and a total area of 103,000 km2 (40,000 sq mi), which makes it the most sparsely populated country in Europe.

2 May 2014

Norwegian Circus Arnardo 2014. Thorbjørn Klæbo Flo writes (my translation):

Cirkus Arnardo is now 65 years old and is still an important circus. According to the press release Arnardo this year opted out the elephants due to lack of space at the Norwegian circus lots. But the audience will meet ponies, horses, camels and llamas owned and presented by the School family, a Russian artist with house cats and a great dog act. The highlight is in my opinion Duo Urban in a stunning interplay of tango performed in aerial straps. Robi Berousek presents a very good juggler and ladder balancing act. Being the 4 generation of the Arnardo family Luigio Arnardo presents ponies with a twinkle in his eye. Personally I missed the elephants, but the show is certainly entertaining.

Circus Arnardo at Toyen. All photos shot by Thorbjørn Klæbo Flo

Are and Paolina Arnardo does magic. Are’s grandfather, the late circus king Arne Arnardo, was known as a gifted magician.

Svetlana Krachinova with her trained cats

One of the Scholl family’s horses

1 May 2014

Circus Schollini 2014. Soren Kastoft Nielsen has visited the small German family -owned Circus Schollini which this year is touring in Sweden. Soren writes (my translation):

On Easter Monday I saw the small Circus Schollini in Svedala close to Malmo.

Schollini is owned by the German circus family Scholl. The performance takes place in a blue - yellow-colored tent that approx. has the same size as the tent used by Danish Circus Baldoni. Inside the tent is also a kiosk as you often see it in German family circus.

Mobil phone photo from the tent. Photo: Søren Nielsen Kastoft

The show is presented by Peer Jackson, who until last year toured Sweden with his own Circus Madigan. During the performance he is a sympathetic and humorous ringmaster.

The show begins with Schollini’s Arabian liberty stallions presented by the young Kimberley Scholl. The beautiful horses fill the small circus ring. The horses are well trained and do everything you would expect in a classic liberty act. Kimberley Scholl is later returning with high school riding on a beautiful Friesian stallion. Again dressage with all the tricks one can expect in such a number.

The second part of the performance also begins with liberty dressage. This time it's ponies presented by director Haddy Scholl. A great classic liberty act with humorous touches.

The big surprise in this small circus is two large, older Indian elephants. Here, the ring really packed and the small ring reduces the possibility of doing “large” tricks. It is impressive when the two elephants make a pyramid and thus almost fills the entire tent.

Again, a great classic animal act.

From the elephant stable. Photo: Søren Kastoft Nielsen

All in all I was at all impressed with the animal acts in circus Schollini. They were well trained and well-kept and their stables conditions were good and of the same standard you will meet in large circuses.

Among the artists it was especially the young artist Mr. Alfred who impressed me. In the first part of the performance he did juggling and after the interval a great trampoline act with several double somersaults. It is a young man who knows how to sell his tricks!

In addition to Mr. Alfred there was also an aerial act in tissue. An OK act with a final trick where the female artist whit high speed rolls down towards the ring. A classic final trick but rarely seen in such high speed.

In addition a fakir act which last year could be seen in Circus Madigan.

Clown run-ins in this type of circus can often be rather poor. But in Schollini the run-ins were actually quite short and performed with charm and humor by a young female clown. There were no new gags but very well-known routines.

Overall Circus Schollini presented a nice, classic performance where particularly the animal acts impressed.

Circus Schollini is probably the only circus in Sweden which in 2014 has elephants in the performance. Circus Maximum has two elephants on tour but they do not appear in the ring. In the printed program Circus Maximum writes: ”Maximum’s elephants Dunya and Daela are not in the ring this year as we are training them for a new act. Daela might sometime in the season be part of the exoten act. You can see the elephants in our stables”

The Swedish Circus Scott decided last year that they in the future not would have elephants or sea lions in their performances.

In Finland there has for many years been a ban against elephants in circuses. In Norway Circus Arnardo has chosen not to present elephants in season 2014. In Denmark Circus Benneweis took a similar decision after it shortly before season opening turned out that an act they had a contract with hardly complied 100% with the Danish rules on the keeping and presentation of elephants in circuses etc.

30 April 2014

Zirkus Nemo 2014. Zirkus Nemo is a combination of a comedy show (spoken language Danish) and artist performance owned by the popular Danish actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard. Most Danes loves Soren Ostergaard but foreigners will hardly be able to understand him or his typically Danish jokes. The tour starts April 30 in Horsens and will during the season visit eleven Danish cities. There are some very good artists in the program:

·         The Norwegian crazy humour contortionist Captain Frodo also known as “The Incredible Rubberman”. He is son of a famous Norwegian magician known as “The Great Santini”. One of his tricks is passing through a tennis racket.

·         The Swiss juggler Claudius Specht

·         The Azzario Sisters from Spain with their award winning handstand act. The sisters were awarded a Silver Clown at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival in 2012.

·         The two charming sea lions Lapi and Lola with their excellent trainer Ingo Stiebner.

Captain Frodo presents the Zirkus Nemo family anno 2014: Sea lion trainer Ingo Stiebner (in blue) , the beautiful Spanish and super strong Azzario Sisters, the juggler Claudius Specht (in black) and the zirkus orchestra. Plus of course zirkus owner Søren Østergaard in the middle. Press photo from Zirkus Nemo

30 April 2014

The Danish contemporary circus company GLiMT’s new performance Rootless has premiere 20 May at the Copenhagen Music Theater.

"Rootless" is the memory of the place of origin and the life between two worlds. About the great hope that exists in every beginning and every new coincidence.

In a gigantic shawl, suspended between floor and ceiling, in a place between contemporary dance, videoprojections and aerial acrobatics, "Rootless" treats the big hope.

That which happens between the new and the memory of the old and safe.

"Rootless" Camila Sarrazin’s personal travel from the early childhood memories in the past to the new roots she has struck in Denmark, her new place.

16 years ago Camila left Chile and travelled the world, until she six years ago settled in Copenhagen, DK with her husband and child.  In "Rootless" she examines what happens when you lose your connection to your homecountry. How do you connect with your new country, where you maybe feel at home, but still is not a part of you and your memories. Why do you feel as a stranger in your homeland? And how many rootless people are out there?

Premiere at the Copenhagen Music Theater 20 May 2014.

The performance is sponsored by: The Danish Arts Council´s Committee for the Performing Arts, Danmarks Nationalbanks Jubilæumsfond af 1968 and Bikuben-Foundation.

Photos from Rootles. By courtesy of GLiMT. Photographer: Adam Lehn

Click here to see a video teaser from Rootless.

30 April 2014

The World celebrates circus. Press release from The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque.

A record 185 celebrations took place in 47 countries during the month leading up to the Fifth World Circus Day on 19 April 2014. As is customary for circus people, the show went on despite attempts by hackers to bring down the Federation website!

Federation Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco opened the celebrations with a special message disseminated on 20 March 2014, the United Nation’s “International Day of Happiness”. At her request, Piste d’Azur, a circus school located in Nice, France built the first pyramid to create an on-line virtual Pyramid of Happiness. Nearly 50 additional pyramids were published, linking celebrations around the world. The Pyramid of Happiness is a perfect representation of the Circus community, comprising touring circuses, circus museums, circus friends, amateur, youth, and social circus. Featured are both human and animal performers including elephants and tigers.

The Federation offers its congratulations and sincere thanks to those 27 dedicated organisations that have celebrated World Circus Day for five years running: Accademia d'Arte Circense (ltalv), Circus Joseph Ashton (Australia), Baltijos Cirkas (Lithuania), Brian Boswell's Circus (South Africa), Circo Dallas (Portugal), Circo Moira Orfei (ltalv), Circus Brazil Jack (Sweden), Circus Harmony (United States), Circus Museum at Hvidovre (Denmark), Circus Starr (United Kingdom), Cluba Amici del Circo (ltalv), Danske Cirkusvenner (Denmark), Ente Nazionale Circhi (ltalv), CFA Father Edward Sullivan Tent No. 118 (United States), Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo (Monaco), Festival Internazionale del Circo Cittå di Latina (ltalv), CFA Forepaugh-

Lubin Tent No. 2 (United States), Gran Circo Mundial (Spain), Magyar Cirkusz es Variete

KHT /Fovarosi Nagycircusz (MACIVA) (Hungary), Rambo Circus (India), Rigas Cirks (Latvia), Salida Circus (United States), Sirkus Finlandia (Finland), Stardust Circus (Australia), The Swedish Circus Academy (Sweden), Pontifcium Consilium de Spirituali Migrantium atque Itinerantium Cura (Holy See), and the Vietnam Circus Federation (Vietnam). Each of these organisations will be invited to publicize one event on the Federation calendar free of charge.

Special recognition also is due to the Circus Fans of America , which hosted a national event and local events hosted by ten CFA tents: #2, 12, 20, 24, 30, 41, 118, 129, 177, and 178; and the Circus Federation of Australia which actively promoted World Circus Day resulting in a record 22 events in Australia alone!!

The annual photography contest, which this year focuses on World Circus Day, closes on 15 May 2014. To submit photos visit: www.circusfederation.org/photo_contest_upload_form

30 April 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- THEATRE DU ROND-POINT proudly presents an original performance: GOLGOTA, a BARTABAS SHOW, together with ANDRES MARIN, choreographer and flamenco-dancer.

This newly created show is well supported by several musicians, it is produced by THEATRE EQUESTRE ZINGARO - and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, as well as by numerous cultural institutions.

BARTABAS is a master of horsemanship, as well as a creator, combining his equestrian show with music, dancing and comedy. In 1985 he founded his equestrian theatre LE THEATRE EQUESTRE ZINGARO, located in a stable building in Aubervilliers, Paris.

ANDRES MARIN, hailing from a family of dancers in Seville, Spain,   is one of the most talented flamenco-dancers, displaying a personal and dynamic style, much to the taste of his audience.

Photo from the performance.  By courtesy of Théâtre du Rond-Point. Photographer: Nabil Boutros

This performance is presented in a technically seldom seen way on a stage, covered with black, rough sand, a kind of gravel, and sporting a perfect sound and light system.

Length of show: 75 min.

Further actors: Christophe Baska, Adrien Mabire, Marc Woff, all of them musicians, and the comedian Pierre Estorges. Also 4 horses and a donkey!!

Theatre du Rond-Point, salle Renaud-Barrault is decorated in a modern style, sporting 745 seats.

The theatre was full, a Tuesday night when I attended - people in Paris visit the theatre!!

GOLGATA is an entirely visual show - without any speach - thus tourists, speaking no or little French /29 million per annum!!!/ - can enjoy this production.

Absolutely worth seeing!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.bartabas.fr/actualites

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

22 April 2014

Successful World Circus Day. Since 2010 the Danish Circus Friends Association has celebrated World Circus Day in Denmark. It has been done in cooperation with Circus Baldoni and the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen.

Although the day for the event this year fell on Easter Saturday the event was once again a success. The day began with the annual meeting in Danish Circus Friends Association.

From 11 to 12 lots of children got a very special experience when the Circus Museum in cooperation with Circus Baldoni welcomed to Circus Fun in circus Baldoni’s ring. The museums professional circus artist was available to assist the kids. The tent was put up at the square right behind the museum.

Dozens of children enjoyed Circus Fun in the ring of a real circus tent

Upcoming circus stars? The two girls are my granddaughters Ida and Liva

At 11:30 you could hear a lecture by the painter Viggo Salting telling about the years when he, his wife Helle and their three children travelled around with Circus Benneweis in order to get inspiration for their paintings. Viggo could with a twinkle in his eye tell lots of funny anecdotes from the years.

Viggo Salting told with a twinkle in his eyes about the years with Circus Benneweis

At 13 about 150 children and adults saw the poetic clown Jody's glorious show in the Fencing Hall next to the museum. Many circus friends from Copenhagen had not seen Jody since he in 1986 stopped at circus Benneweis. The man behind the clown Jody is the Danish actor Arne Björk.

The clown Jody in the Fencing Hall

At 14 there was gala performance in Circus Baldoni. Their tent was put up on the square ‘Alarmpladsen’ right behind the Circus Museum.

Circus Baldoni on Alarmpladsen

There were almost sold out (a happy director told me that there were more visitors than last year) and a great atmosphere in the tent where everyone was pleased by this year’s show. The children's favourites were definitely the clowns Danilo and Danila. The adults were impressed by, inter alia, the Chinese girl who danced tip toe on her partner's shoulder and head, Heléne in tissue and pole, Tomis and Natalie's lightning-fast quick-change act and Sasha and Stilana’s perch number. Both children and adults chuckled about Tomivi's dog show. The lion Leonardo (a ventriloquist doll) had certainly also his fans!

In Circus Baldoni you met inter alia the foot juggler Stiliana and the hula hoop star Natalie. Lots of girls wished that they could do the same tricks as Natalie...

Circus Arena celebrated World Circus Day in Aarhus, where the audience between 10-12 could see Laura Berdino train with her horses , Patrick Berdino train with Circus Arenas African elephants and meet some of the year's other artists in the ring .

Initiator of the celebration of World Circus Day is Federation Mondial de Cirque. This year the day was celebrated in no less than 44 countries all over the world.

21 April 2014

Obituary: Herbert Bengstsson. Herbert Bengtsson of the Swedish Circus Olympia passed away April 20, 2014 after several years of ill health.

Herbert Bengtsson

This ended a long and successful career as a circus manager, animal trainer and

innovator of circus arts in Sweden. Together with his wife Henrika Herbert established in

1985 the Swedish Circus Olympia, which celebrates its 30th year anniversary in 2014. Herbert Bengtsson was born in 1947. His wife Henrika and their children Jessica and Niklas has due to Herbert’s weak health the later years been in charge of the daily operation of Circus Olympia and will continue to run the circus.

Apart from running a circus in Sweden Circus Olympia owns several groups of beautiful and well trained animals. These animal acts are featured in Circus Olympia´s own programme but also engaged by other circuses all over Europe.

The funeral takes place from Drängsereds church Tuesday 6 May at 15.30

20 April 2014

Circus Dannebrog 2014 - Dynamic Youth. The last few years Circus Dannebrog have had a theme for their performance. In 2012 Amazing Africa, in 2013 The Good Old Days and this year Dynamic Youth.

Circus Dannebrog at the lot at Christmas Moller’s Street in Odense, where they by tradition had invited the press to see their performance Maundy Thursday

Both in 2012 and 2013 Cirkus Dannebrog had success with their themed performances. It will be well deserved the success is repeated this year, where the performance has lots of interesting and innovative elements.

Circus Dannebrog tell that this year's show is a modern show with classic elements. They hope undoubtedly with this year's show not only to attract the traditional family audience, but also young people who are more interested in cool experiences than in traditional circus.

For several years, Cirkus Dannebrog has had a ballet. This year, they have booked a troupe that can both dance ballet and do beautiful and versatile acrobatics: 5 artists from the Bingo troupe from Ukraine. The troupe was awarded a bronze clown in Monte Carlo in 2003. In 2012 they got the Jury’s Special Prize. Today Bingo has several different troupes of acrobats. The 5 artists that you can meet in Circus Dannebrog opens the show with a beautiful and fast paced number with handstand, hand -to-hand and adagio acrobatics.

Three of the artists from the Bingo troupe

Then comes all artists in the ring before the director Agnete Louise Enoch welcome.

The next act is the brothers Said, Karim and Soffien Messoudi with nice and fast paced juggling.

Next artist is this year's clown: Mimi from France. Those who believe that a clown must have red nose are disappointed. Mimi uses no make-up and his costume is a blue boiler suit. But there is much new thinking in his run-ins. In the first a member from the audience assist him in being hoisted up and down in a pulley.

The clown Mimi with his assistant

Then comes Jazz Malaika in the ring. The 19- year-old singer is a mixture of a ringmisstress, a dancer and a singer. And she does it with lots of talent and charisma.

Her short intro leads into the performance's horse acts: first, Bernhard Kaselowsky with large and small and then Katja Enoch with five white Arabs. It's great to see Katja in the ring again. Last year, she stayed in the circus box office. The reason you can see when her husband Abdel during the break proudly is carrying the couple's son, who was born March 31 last year.

Katja Enoch

Now is time has come to see performance's youngest artists: Antonio and Connor Garcia, respectively 11 and 8 years old. They do handstand with a lot of energy and you can see that they find it wonderful to be in the ring. They have lots of talent that will ensure that the Garcia family also for years to come will be a distinguished artist family.

Next, Mimi does a clown reprise where he spins around on a small platform. First, by means of a motor which runs out of control. Next, using his assistant from the audiences. He uses the same assistant for all his entrées. And is it an assistant from the audience, not an assistant he has brought along.

Last year, Pablo and Vicky Garcia presented their comic number with an airplane in Circus Benneweis. This year in Circus Dannebrog they do their entrée with a rocket which with tremendous speed circles around under the big top. The act was awarded a bronze clown in Monte Carlo in 2010. Garcia's and their rocket was also in Circus Dannebrog in 2008 and back in 2001 in Circus Arena. The smaller children prefer probably the act with the airplane while older children and adults are more impressed by the spectacular rocket act.

After the interval the Bingo troupe is back in the ring with a fast-paced hula -hoop number. Hula -hoop acts is often seen in circuses but looks much better when they as here are performed by an entire troupe.

Next, Mimi assisted by Jazz and his assistant from audiences has a short entrée where he both swallows a sword (foldable) and gets pounding in his head.

Jazz stays fortunately the ring and sing and dance, while the elephant Ramboline and Bernhard Kaselowsky enter ring. At the end of act Jazz climb Ramboline and becomes a singing elephant girl while Ramboline walk from step to step to stage and later rotates on one leg up on a small rotating platform .

Jazz and Ramboline

The 17- year-old Michael Betrian has a bronze clown from this year's Monte Carlo New Generation Festival in his luggage. In a blistering pace he has up to four diabolos in the air at the same time. Impressive! He lives 100% up to the performance’s title Dynamic Youth.

Michael is followed by artists at a somewhat slower pace: 6 Holstein cows, presented by the circus queen Agnete Louise Enoch and Bernhard Kaselowsky. Great to see Agnete Louise back in the ring. And cows can actually do much more than you would think when you see the slow cud chewers shuffle around in the fields.

After a brief run-in with Mimi comes the performance's last act: Messoudi - a father and his three young sons. They present one of the best hand-to- hand acts I have seen for many years. They are better than when they were with Dannebrog in 2008, when the youngest sons was only half-grown kids. They deserve an invitation to Monte Carlo, where a number of this standard should be awarded with a clown of silver or gold. The Messoudi family’s act is undoubtedly the best acrobat act we in 2014 can see in a Danish circus ring.

'

Two of Messoudi brothers. Click here to see more photos from the performance

It would be unfair to end the review of the performance without mentioning band master Tino Aeby and his 8 -piece orchestra which masters everything from rock to classical circus music. In addition, Tino is an excellent entertainer.

The Enoch family: mama Solveig and her children Agnete Louise, Isabella, Katja and Dennis can be proud of this year's performance. Isabella has booked the artists and staged the performance.

18 April 2014

The Messoudi family - a father with his three young sons was the last act in Circus Dannebrog's 2014 performance Dynamic Youth. Messoudi's did fabulously number, which ought to bring them an invitation to the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. You can read a review of this year Dannebrog – performance when this website is updated on April 26.

17 April 2014

Danish Circus Krone 2014. As the last of the Danish circuses the tiny Circus Krone opened their season Wednesday, April 16 in Them, close to the circus ' winter quarters.

Circus Krone’s tent in Them. The tent is from 2011 and has a diameter of 22 meters. There is seating for 240 persons.

Before the show began the clown Alando walked around in the tent and said hello to his audience while the loudspeakers played some of Regnar Thierry’s welcome speaches from former performances. For those who do not know it: Circus Krone was founded by the late Regnar Thierry who is father of the current circus owner Irene Thierry.

Alando's charming welcome ended up with him cleaning up the ring, where a small toy rabbit teased him by throwing plastic bags around. There were more and more bags, and Alando juggled with them. In the end, a good many plastic bags came down from the tent roof and the music began playing Circus Krone’s overture.

Next Irene Thierry entered the ring and welcomed the audience to Circus Krone’s 30th year anniversary performance under her ownership. As always in Circus Krone she instructed everyone to say hello to the persons seating next to them and to Irene herself.

The first artist was the young Robin Ruml with a fine rola bola entrée.

Robin with rola bola

Then Alando had a fine and poetic entrée with his mischievous ponies.

The next act was Natacha Kostareva with a juggler entrée in elegant staging: she started by climbing of a box and juggle glowing balls. Later she juggled with balls of different colours and sizes. Spectacular and innovative.

Antonin Navratil then had a great act in Washington trapeze arising memories of the legendary Sabu. One can understand why some call him king of the air or Mad Tony.

Mad Tony in his Washington Trapeze

After the interval we met once again the talented and versatile Natacha, this time in a spectacular aerial act in a net.

Natacha in her aerial act

Next came Zdenek Ruml junior in the ring with a fine diabolo number showing plenty of youth, energy and talent.

Then it was time for a classic Krone act: Alando’s entrée with a “dangerous” animal. This year it was a panda. Alando’s contact with the children in the audience is formidable!

Alando with the dangerous panda

The last act in the show was the four members of the Navratil family: mother, father, son and daughter with "footladder balancing”. Lying on his back on a trinka senior balanced different perches and ladders on his feet, while his daughter and his son did perch tricks on top of the props. The impressive number ended with his son doing a pirouette standing on the head on the ladder. See photo.

Navratil family with the impressive final trick: "the pirouette by standing on the head on the ladder”

Circus Krone audience in Jutland, Funen  and the islands Ærø and Samsø can look forward to the tiny circus’ visit to their town. Zealanders and others must cross the Great Belt if they want to experience the unique atmosphere of the small circus. But the trip is worth the bridge toll!

17 April 2014

The tiny Circus Bella Donna with Karsten Clown and his assistant are among the entertainment opportunities at Easter flea market on Bellahoj, Copenhagen. Photo: "Mr. Sputnik "Krogh Petersen. Click here to see more of Per's photos from Circus Bella Donna.

17 April 2014

Church service in a circus tent. The Swedish Circus Acadamy’s new Schreibstallmeister Hans Lindgren writes:

Hi all Circus Friends!

Saturday, April 26. 12:00, the Swedish Church in Växjö comes to Circus Olympia at the lot at Spetsamossen to make something as unique as a circus church service.

Speakers will be Bishop Jan-Olof Johansson and cathedral curate Leif Adolfsson along with singers from the Cathedral under the direction of Linda Andersson.

The children's choir Prima Vista will be present. Between the various sacred elements you can meet some of the circus performers and animals, including Swedish aerialist David Hammarberg, Thi Thu Hien from China at the slack line and Niklas Bengtsson with his Friesian horses.

Welcome to Växjö, Sweden!

15 April 2014

Flooded circus lots. Circus Dannebrog had to cancel the show April 11 in Padborg as the circus lot after heavy rain was flooded. On 15 April Circus Baldoni had to cancel a performance in Bagsvaerd, because the last days of rain had transformed the circus lot to a swamp.

This is unfortunately many Danish circus lots which are problematic to use if there have been much rain. Municipalities ought to provide circuses with decent lots they can use without paying a rent or fees that are destroying the economy of the circus industry.

13 April 2014

Many visitors to World Circus Day in Sweden. Sweden's Circus Museum in Ingelsträda north of Helsingborg have never had so many visitors that when the Swedish Circus Academy on 12 April celebrated World Circus Day. There were that many guests that it for latecomers not even was possible to get standing room in the room where there was entertainment by various artists. The reason for celebrating the day on 12 April and not 19 April is that swedes by tradition spends Saturday before Easter Day with their families.

Among the performers were the Carling family (Hans "Cooling" Carling, Aina Carling, Max Carling and his daughters Nanna and Petronella, Gerd Carling and Ulf Carling). In addition to playing wonderfully swinging jazz the family is able to present almost an entire acrobat performance: Max can juggle and do balancing, Ulf and Nanna can dance tap dance etc. The Danish audience saw the family at the clown show at Bakken 2011

Left: Max Carling. Right: In connection with the Circus Day the Swedish circus academy awarded Max Carling their honorary prize the Charlie for his hard work for the Swedish Circus Museum. On the photo you can see Max Carling and Circus Academy Director Roy Himsel

Clown Cito (Albin Ganovic) was among the performers

12 April 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- in glittering spring-sun-shine - THEATRE DE LA REINE BLANCHE and MAGIC AND COMPANY proudly present a theatrical plot including lots of action, dancing, comedy, magic with big illusions -- geared at children from 5 years as well as at their parents/ any age .../ since it is important that kids share theatrical experiences with those who are close to them - it calls for discussions and explanations after show.

The story is presented at a brisk pace, and visual enough to allow even non-French children to follow.

The actors clearly enjoy performing, the costumes are elegant, light and sound have been cared for, and there also are some registered sound effects.

The plot: the princess in a little village has had her precious necklace stolen, the village cop and the magician help out finding it - a rather simple story that even the smallest fry can follow, there are stunts and jokes on stage all the time, captivating the audience.

Illusions: Substitution Trunk, immortal as I see it --, Interlude-illusion where a girl goes right through the magician's chest, Cubus-illusion, a variety of the Sword Box or Basket, being pierced with sabres although a girl is seated inside.

The necklace is found inside a kind of "dove castle", usually used for making birds appear, the prop was ingenuously adapted and presented.

HAPPY ENDING!!

Actors: Lucille Bobet, Julia Dorval, Carole Brossais, Laurence Bret, Etienne Bartholomeus, Leo Guillaume, Aliocha Itovich, Lionel Fernandez, playing this story alternating.

I saw: Lucille, Carole, Leo and Aliocha.

The entire ensemble on stage, wearing elegant and epoch-related costumes. Photo by courtesy of Aliocha Itovich

Point of interest: the play is featured in a real theatre, elegantly decorated in red, 200 seats, consequently this play benefits from a nice and pleasant atmosphere.

We are happy that the audience was very pleased - they are the public of tomorrow!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Length of play: one hour.

See more: http://aliochaitovich.wix.com/magic-and-co#!reviews/c9qb

Venue: Theatre de la Reine Blanche, 2 bis Passage Ruelle, 75018  Paris.  Metro: La Chapelle.

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

11 April 2014

World Circus Day. Celebrated on the third Saturday each April, World Circus Day is a special day to celebrate Circus Arts and Culture. This year the date is Saturday 19 April.

In Denmark World Circus Day is celebrated at the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen in cooperation between the museum, Danish Circus Friends Association and Circus Baldoni. Everyone is welcome!

The museum is open from 10 to 15. This day admission is free. The museum displays the life of the circus, the family traditions and the different acts you can find in the circus from fleas to elephants and clowns to acrobats. You can experience some of the greatest artists from the variety scene and circus ring such as Charlie Rivel the clown, whose famous guitar is on display, Truxa the magician whose famous mind-reading trick is revealed, Paulina Schumann and many more.

For a more fun-filled experience the children can try on some of the costumes in the exhibition or you could try our quiz or circus challenge as a family.

From 11 to 12 you can get a very special experience when the Circus Museum in cooperation with Circus Baldoni welcomes you to Circus Fun, where the whole family can try the magic of the circus in circus Baldoni’s ring. The museums professional circus artist is available if you need some coaching. The tent is put up right behind the museum.

At 11:30 you can hear a lecture with the painter Viggo Salting. Viggo Salting will talk about how his long passion for the circus that started when he got the opportunity to travel with Circus Benneweis. (Language: Danish)

At 13 you can see the poetic clown Jody's show, where he will entertain with musical mime and magic acts. Jody has inter alia worked in Circus Benneweis and has his own style that speaks to both children and adults. The man behind the clown is the actor Arne Björk.

Jody

Circus Baldoni has a special World Circus Day performance at 14. Tickets for the performance must be purchased separately from Baldoni. There are special favourable ticket prices: only 130 DKK. Usually the tickets cost up to 210 DKK. The performance runs for approx. 2 hours. Apart from this performance all other activities at the circus day are free of charge.

Amongst the main attractions in this year’s Baldoni-performance are two Chinese acrobats with ballet on the shoulder and head. It is first time such act can be seen Denmark

World Circus Day in Sweden:

The Swedish Circus Academy has due to Easter chosen to celebrate the World Circus Day on Saturday 12 April. It takes place at the Swedish Circus Museum located in Ingelsträde just north of Helsingborg. At 14 there is show with the Carling family, the clown Cito and the magicians Sven Östberg, Caroline Raven and Jozima.

The Swedish Circus Brazil Jack also celebrates World Circus Day. It happens on 19 April in Karlstad, where there is open house in the circus tent at 11. There you can see artists train, try yourself the magic of the circus and see how to circus animals are trained. At 16 there is performance in Circus Brazil Jack.

Click here to see the many other places in the world where the fifth World Circus Day is celebrated.

7 April 2014

Circus Olympia 30 years anniversary performance – an exceptional good show. Martin Lasson Berglund attended the opening night in the Swedish Circus Olympia on 5.april and writes (my translation):

For many years, I have had a tradition to go to Oskarström to see Circus Olympia's season opening performance. It's a nice opportunity to meet friends at the circus and see the season’s first performance.

When entering the tent the regular visitors noticed the new bandstand with beautiful red fabric. It reminded me of the bandstand in German Circus Roncalli and former Circus Barelli’s bandstand.

Up there is the faithful employee Valentin Smirnov and his band. Although it was opening night I noticed no premiere nerves even if the musicians explained to me during the interval that they were a bit nervous as this was first show. New technologies and a lot of new arrangements take time to learn.

The show begins with a nice start where the circus’ new Frisian horses make their entrance while Niklas Bengtsson welcomes all of us in a new and good way. In a beautiful entrée the horses are running around in various combinations to powerful rock / pop music. It was a very strong start of the performance which put the audience in the right mood.

Niklas Bengtsson with Frisian horses.  Press Photo from Circus Olympia. Photo: Linda Himsel

The aerial acrobat David demonstrates his skilful acrobatics in the air both in a solo act and in an oriental inspired act together the circus camels presented by Jessica Bengtsson. David has previously for a couple of seasons toured with the Swedish Circus Wictoria. Most recently we saw him in television in connection with the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest. We have seen Jessica several times before in Circus Olympia’s ring but also in several other circuses. Her calm and knowledge of how to present these ships of the desert makes it a great act.

David Hammerberg and Jessica Bengtsson. Press photo from Circus Olympia. Photo: Linda Himsel

This year's clowns, Puccini and Luisito brought laughter in the tent and worked very well together. It is the duo’s first season in Scandinavia.

Puccini and Luisito. Press photo from Circus Olympia. Photo: Linda Himsel

On slack wire we saw Thi Thu Hien from Vietnam who balanced on a ladder while she did knife balancing. An incredible and impressive balance and agility act done by a small girl.

Biniyam and Remedan from Ethiopia do hand-to- hand acrobatics and show both strength and skill. Two young brothers who still have much to learn but at the premiere did some advanced tricks that impressed me.

Jan Navritil as foot juggler did his fine and classic act. I have seen him several times at various circuses but it's always worth seeing an artist who like Jan who possess routine and skills.

Natascha Jarz presented this year a couple of alpacas in a nice and charming way. Proper lighting and good music and an act of moderate length makes up well in the ring. For next year it would be great to see a tableau with goats, llamas, ponies and pigs. J

No anniversary without the circus dogs presented by Henrika Bengtsson in a brand new entrée which both was fresh and modern. Perfect for an anniversary!

Henrika Bengtsson. Press photo from Circus Olympia. Photo: Linda Himsel

Liina Aunola in vertical rope sways back and forth and I appreciated seeing such a number in this year's performance as such acts are no longer common in circuses.

The performances last act is the crossbow master Martti Peltonen who with his impressive props hits bull's-eye. It is an exciting and dangerous act that fits very well as the last act in the show.

You noticed Circus Olympia's modern appearance this year with a new bandstand, better light and brand new music that is both more modern and "tougher". A concept and idea which I certainly think is going to go home in the Swedish society now that the circus now begins their six -month tour.

Good luck and congratulations to Herbert & Henrika, Niklas & Jessica and Natascha & Viktor, who manages to develop and operate their a circus company ahead in the true spirit of the Bengtsson famlly!

5 April 2014

Circus Rhodin. The small Swedish Circus Rhodin is owned by Diana Rhodin who is daughter of the late Trolle Rhodin. The last 5 seasons Circus Rhodin have been in the amusement park Äventyrslandet in Halmstad throughout the season. But this year Diana Rhodin takes her small circus on tour. She uses the tent which she some years ago bought the Danish Circus Arli.

Circus Rhodin. Danish circus friends will clearly recognize the tent, which through the 2009 season was used by Danish Circus Arli

4 April 2014

Circus Baldoni 2014. Circus Baldoni’s 2014 performance is of the best and most successful in Circus Baldoni's history. Clearly better than last year. You understand Thessa and René Moenster’s pride by introducing an act with no Danish circus previously has presented: Ballet on shoulder and head. It is an act where a female artist dance tip toe ballet on her male partner's shoulder and head. It is a discipline that Chinese artists specialize in. Artist agent Jörgen Börsch has found these two pretty young people Guo Zhimin and Zhang Jiaxiang during a visit to China. Since we some years ago for the first time saw a similar act in Monte Carlo where it was awarded with a Golden Clown we have in the Nordic countries only seen such acts in the Norwegian Circus Merano and the Finnish Circus Finlandia. This year, the Danes - at least those who live at Zealand as Circus Baldoni only tour Zealand – can see two young Chinese artists presenting a dance on the shoulder act in Circus Baldoni.

Guo Zhimin dancing ballet on the shoulder of Zhang Jiaxiang. Just as two of their countrymen did when they a few years ago got a gold clown in Monte Carlo

Last year many missed Baldoni’s usual clown Danilo in the ring. This year he is back. And he is better than ever before. He opens the show with his version of Oleg Popov's famous sunshine entrée where the light is collected in a basket. Later we meet him as a film director, in Clown Andrés reprise as the singing mop "Save my love my darling” (perhaps better known in José Michel's version) and with Danilazen aka Thessa Moenster in a water gag. All well-known clown entrées. But is doesn’t matter when they as here are presented with charm, humor and elegance.

The clown Danilo is back in Circus Baldoni’s ring which is actually a circular stage

After the sunshine entrée and Baldoni’s traditional opening song Stiliana Tomovi presented a fine foot juggling act where she also used hula hoop rings. She was most recently at Baldoni in 2012. Then came Tomi and Natalie with quick change followed by a short magic entrée by Danilazen. The one where she is tied up in a small "tent” with a man and suddenly wears the man's jacket. Heléne Ramer who the Danish audience met in Circus Arli in 2012 and a few times have met in Circus Baldoni Christmas performances did a nice entrée in tissue. Far better than the many standard acts in the tissue which we often see in circuses. The first part of the performance was completed with Danilo’s filmmaker gag and Tomovis comic dog show including a few large St. Bernard dogs. A nice reunion with an act from Baldoni 2012.

After the break Natalie did a hula -hoop entrée and Danillo appeared as the singing floor mop. Next, Heléne Ramer did an elegant number in pole. An act which apparently is “in" this year as both Arli and Baldoni this season present great pole numbers. Li Hao juggled with large porcelain jars before Sasha and Stilana presented a number, which is now a rarity in circus: perch. The act ended with him climbing a ladder while balancing a perch with her ​​on the top on his forehead. Earlier in the act Stiliana did a somersault on a small platform on top of the perch. Luckily enough she uses a lounge while doing this trick although there was not actual need for it. But there is no reason for artists to risk their lives to entertain us. Danilo’s and Danilazeen’s water gag was clearly inspired both by José Michel’s entrée and the entrée which Don Christian dis last year in Circus Benneweis. But what does that matter. Everyone in the tent laughed.

The last number in the performance was as mentioned above the excellent Chinese number with ballet on the shoulder.

The performance's enthusiastic and nasty ringmaster was of course the lion Leonardo (a ventriloquist doll), assisted by Baldoni aka René Moenster.

Leonardo with René. On the bench to the left you can see the Danish Minister of Culture Mrs. Marianne Jelved with two of her grandchildren

Among the guests at the opening night was the Danish Minister of Culture Mrs. Marianne Jelved along with two grandchildren. The Minister is a modest lady who turned down the offered ringside seats and preferred along with her grandchildren to sit on benches just like most of the audience.

The Minister of Culture Marianne Jelved and two of her grandchildren visited Circus Baldoni. Click here to see some photos from this year Baldoni- performance.

4 April 2014

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS - and all the time. THEATRE ALAMBIC COMEDIE proudly presents theatrical entertainment geared at both children and the adult audience.

This theatre is specialized in featuring theatre plays and - not the least - MAGIC SHOWS for the youngest kids, visual shows that appeal to the children's imagination.

I have reported on THEATRE ALAMBIC COMEDIE at various occasions - it may be of interest to have a look at the facade and the audience room - this is a rather small local theatre, thus having a human atmosphere where the small fry feel at home, the lot of it is appealing.

Theatre Alambic Comedie. Photo by courtesy of Alambic Comédie

CATHERINE DEGAY has been producing these plays for about 35 years, played by various actors, the common character is GABILOLO who now introduces his little sister MALOLOTTE. NOW - they are trying their luck as magicians - the result is not always the best one - but there always is a happy ending, as the kids are invited to help out - to everybody's delight!!

The magic effects are very visual and they are supported by music, words and imitations.

I was lucky to see, after many years, how several eggs magically appeared from a kitchen towel - the illusion was perfect and hilarious when GABILOLO cackled like a hen --- the classical ideas still work!

Malotte and Gabilolo. Photo by courtesy of Alambic Comédie

See more:  www.alambic-comedie.com (in French but featuring many photos).

Length of show: 50 min.

Venue: ALAMBIC, 12 rue Neuve de la Chardonniere,  75018  Paris.  Metro: Simplon.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

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

4 April 2014

Jan Allan of Danish Circus Krone turns 60. On Saturday 12th April Jan Allan of the small Danish Circus Krone can celebrate his 60^th year birthday. Jan Allan is born in Copenhagen. At the birth certificate is written Jan Allan Hansen. However, the surname Hansen is almost forgotten and perhaps Jan Allan is best known as the clown Alando. As a young man he left Copenhagen for going to college in Ry, and he has never moved back to his hometown. After high school he joined the Aarhus theatre world. When Irene Thierry in 1984 restarted Circus Krone, who had been out of business for some years, Jan Allan was employed as circus musician and played the violin and keyboard. When a reporter after the opening night was surprised by the fact that Jan Allan only played 4-5 different songs his answer was: "It will be better tomorrow. Then I will have read the user manual for my new keyboard!".

Jan Allan and Irene Thierry

Irene Thierry has always held on to the principle that a circus director should never flirt with someone from the staff. And it didn’t happen the first years although Jan Allan in the off season was working in winter quarters and began training ponies. But despite Irene's principles sweet music arose and Irene and Jan Allan became a couple. When one year the missed a clown Jan Allan began as clown. It soon became crystal clear that he had a natural talent and the right clown mood. And the audience in Circus Krone audience loved - and still love - the naive and somewhat poetic Alando who is far from the boisterous clown type you sometimes meet in other circuses.

Alando

Jan Allan and Irene Thierry were married in 1996. "It was a necessity, because it is difficult to get good clowns," Irene says. And is smiling so affectionate to Jan Allan that anyone can see that it was not just the clown she felt in love with!

The birthday with the round figure is celebrated in Jan Allan and Irene’s home in Them. But there's no time for a big bang of a party: a few days later, on 16 April, Circus Krone begin season 2014. And circus folks are always extremely busy up to a premiere.

2 April 2014

Circus Arli 2014. At the end of this year’s Arli-performance all the artist got an Oscar. It was not awarded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts which does not give awards to "live entertainment". But all the visitors at the opening night agreed that the golden statuettes were well deserved for this year’s performance which is called Hooray for Hollywood.

Year after year we wonder what the Arli family secret is. They can make something that many other circus directors will envy them. I have lurked at least one of the secrets: The small circus understand how to get the very best out of their artists. It is e.g. noted when you see the first act, the Czech Wolf- brothers with their comedy trapeze act. I have seen the act before. But it works much better at Arli than the other places I have seen the brothers. In Arli David Wolf is dressed up as Superman who with “help” from a circus groom fumbles tremendously when he tries to get up in the trapeze.

Before the two Czechs entered the circular stage we have met Alexander Arli who in best show style opened the show with 4 beautiful girls from the Circus Arli ballet. The most beautiful was probably Alexander's own Queen of Hearts, Ditte Lill.

Alexander Arli and the Circus Arli ballet. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

Superman Wolff was followed by the wizard of Oz aka Martin Arli who conjured pigeons up of nothing and them conjured them to a rabbit. Interrupted several times when he emptied the water jug that never runs out of water.

Martin Arli with the water jug that never runs out of water. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The next act was also done by members of the Arli: under the title All that jazz Alexander Arli assisted by Ditte Lill did a tremendous act combining juggling and tap dance. I have the feeling that my dear wife rather would have Alexander than me as dance partner. And not just because he is 40 years younger than me!

Two times during the performance we met Duo Grajdian from Moldova. First in a poetic adagio acrobatic number, where they were presented as Romeo and Juliet and at the very end of the show with a fast-paced river dance number performed in aerial straps.

The last act before the break was Wolf brothers knockabout table acrobat act. Usually they are doing this act dressed up as Scots. But with usual elegance and ingenuity the Arli family had changed the costumes: the two Wolfs were dressed as Laurel and Hardy 

The first number after the break was the 3 little pigs - 3 performers dressed as pigs. It did not make the act less amusing that the visual field of one of the pigs - it was probably the smallest of the Wolf brothers who were inside - was clearly limited.

The pigs were followed by an artist making her debut: the 16 -year-old foot-juggler Adriana Wolf who was presented as the beautiful Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. A nice debut for the pretty young Czech.

Ditte Lill has throughout the winter been training hard on a new act: Tango in the form of pole - dance. The hard work has been worth as she dances elegantly up and down the pole both with head up and head down. Impressive!

Ditte Lill. Photo Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

What is an Arli - performance without the clowns Martino & Co aka Martin and Alexander Arli? The last few seasons Alexander has been white-faced clown. This year, father and son has opted for something new: They come in the ring as Robin and Hood dressed as the valiant people from the Sherwood Forest. With his arrow Alexander shall hit a balloon which Martin keeps over his head. A new version of the classical gag with balloons. Laughter echoed through the tent.

Robin and Hood and alias Martino & Co. Photo: Ole Simonsen. Click here to see more photos from the show.

The performance's last act was as mentioned above river dance with Duo Grajdian. But I can’t end my review without praise to the ringmistress Bettina Arli who dressed in a brand new elegant costume as a film director lead the audience through the show. I do not know how Danish award winning film director Susanne Bier looks when she directs her films. But Bettina's costume as a film director was a perfect fit for the  Arli family’s glorious version of Hooray for Hollywood.

The show is put on stage by the Arli. Ditte Lill was responsible for the elegant choreography.