Circus news from Denmark 2015

25 December 2015

The circus year 2015 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.

For the seventh 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 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 2015

In school’s winter holidays in February CIRCUS KRONE had performances in Aarhus. BENNY SCHUMANN presented his mini circus 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 Friis City Center in Aalborg. ISABELLA ENOCH presented winter circus in 9 arenas in Jutland. The Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, featured a show with the Skating Ernestos.

Circus Arena

The largest circus in the Nordic countries Circus Arena could this year celebrate their 60 year anniversary. They opened their season in Copenhagen on 17 March.

This year they tried to get new customers into the tent by having Signe Lindkvist and Uffe Holm (a popular host from Danish TV programs for children, respectively a stand-up comedian) as leading characters in the performance. Arena has previously used popular comedians etc. as draw. And now it was Signe and Uffe, who had put the performance on stage and participated in it with gags, reprises, small skits and a story about a dog who would like to join the circus. And, of course, a lot of words, as one of the hosts were a stand-up comedian.

Some found that it was nice with a new type of circus host. Others believed that Signe and Uffe spent too much time talking and completely forgot that a ringmaster’s primary task is to highlight the performers and not to promote himself.

The two hosts Signe Lindkvist and Uffe Holm. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The show began with bang as the human cannon ball Carlitos Ugalde was shot from his canon and landing in a net in the other side of the tent. Arena takes its roots serious: it was on the fairgrounds, it began - with human cannonballs and the wall of death. Therefore, Arena always has one or more acts from yesteryear.

The high speed juggler Michael Ferreri was a gifted juggler with the quivering dynamics and the fast drive that characterizes the real juggler. He could hold nine juggling balls in the air.

Then Uffe and Signe had a skit about the little dog which would like to join the circus, but wasn't admitted. And then Laura Berdino presented a very beautiful liberty horse act. Where do you today meet 12 horses? This could be seen here - 6 white and 6 brown Arabs. Following Laura Signe Lindkvist entered the ring dressed as a horse / pony - accompanied by Patrick Berdino and 12 ponies.

Laura Berdino presented six brown and six white Arabian horses. Here she is seen with the white Arabs

Next came an aerial act - solo trapeze, performed by Ekaterina Karmashova. Among the difficult tricks was a 3-double pirouette before she grabbed trapeze bar with her legs.

Lindkvist and Holm had then an interlude where they were dressed as dancing, padded aliens / monsters / fable characters with face and rear.

And then came Wolfgang Lauenburger with his award winning dog act with 9 dogs of different sizes and breeds. But nice because he only use a few props. The dogs are dancing, trilling, running, rolling, standing in bridge, building pyramids, almost without receiving commands. Due to an engagement elsewhere Wolfgang Lauenburger had to leave before the end of the season. For the last few weeks he was replaced by Suzanne Berdino’s nice dog act.

The first part of the performance ended with a trip to the fairgrounds. Diorios globe of death is a direct descendant of the barrel-shaped Wall of death which as elder people remembers from fairs etc. Here the atmosphere back, although with lack of smell of burnt fuel. Incredibly that seven riders can swirl around that way.

The Diorio troupe with seven riders in Globe of death (4 at the top part and 3 in the bottom part) were among the attractions in Circus Arena 2015.

Second part of the performance began with Jhon Rivera and Patrick Berdino doing a classical knockabout table act. Patrick proved that he is a well-trained, versatile artist who can be used in many contexts - at a high level.

Uffe Holm set the stage for the next issue, which was Alvertino troupe. A fine teeterboard act with 10 artists who did a 5 man high and finally a 6 man high - with a public invitation from Uffe Holm: "If they can do it just go berserk."

The Alvertino troupe did a 6 man high. Several of the troupe's artists were members at the Cretu troupe which toured with Circus Arena in 2014

And no circus without clowns. Jose Michel and his two partners made their entrée where a restaurant visit is interrupted and ends up in the splashing with water. The act has been in Denmark many times before, but it was fun. Unfortunately the clown trio’s saxophone playing part of the act had been deleted by request from Uffe and Signe. Too bad!

And then time had come to elephants. Rudi Althoff presented Arena’s three elephants in a quiet, sympathetic act where the elephants showed their agility, despite their heavy weight, and their ability to work together.

Then it was almost time to break up. But before that the tiny dog Monty was allowed to travel with the circus. All ended well as in a fairy tale and even to the tune of the Danish composer Sebastian's song popular You are not alone.

The final act was the Danish magician Hans Ulrik, who made his debut in a large circus. He conjured up pigeons out of soap bubbles and out of the air.

Circus Arena ended the season on September 6 in Charlottenlund.

An episode in Karrebaeksminde July 10 gave the Circus Arena mention in press and TV which they probably would rather have been rid of:

For many years it has been an attraction when the elephants from the Circus Arena cross the Grasshopper Bridge in Karrebaeksminde and later take a swim in Karrebaeksminde bay. The event took this year place on a Saturday and attracted more spectators than usual. People surged forward and ran in front of and behind the 3 elephants Lara, Jenny and Jungla as if they were toys. It irritated the elephant Jungla so much that she kicked at a car which was somewhat damaged. No persons were hurt. The incident gave rise to renewed debate about whether it is justifiable to have elephants in a circus or not.

More positive for Circus Arena is was that Benny's grandson Patrick was participating in the Danish version of ‘Strictly come Dancing’. The expectations to the young acrobat were very high. He and his family were a little disappointed when he and his partner only got a 6^th place.

Also positive for the family was that the first criminal court in Naestved and later the High Court dismissed Jackie Berdino of criminal responsibility due to a collapse in June 2013 of a tent which Circus Arena had rented out to a company event in Kalundborg. Tge Prosecutor claimed that Jackie Berdino "for profit of serious playfulness or similarly ruthless had posed an immediate danger to anyone's life or limb." But the judges didn’t agree.

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

As previous years 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 sea lion show, wild-west-show, pony rides, playground, museum etc. as well as short performances in Circus Landino.

Circus Arli

Circus Arli opened their season in Fløng on 30 March.

This year was season no 45 where the Arli family invited the audience into their small tent which can seat 220 persons. And it was the 35th time in row that season opening took place at the Mill Hill in the Copenhagen suburb Floeng.

The multi-talented Alexander Arli opened the show with the well-known entrée where the audience shall applaud. One clap from the left side of the tent and two claps from the right side. Next Martin Arli entered the ring and song a welcome song while all the artists entered the ring, including the circus bear Micha. Actually the ring in Circus Arli is a stage.

First artist act was Romanian Miss Mirela with elegant aerial acrobatics in a net.

 "We have caught a super herring," as Martin Arli said. In Danish a super herring means a luscious girl.

A herring in a the net - Miss Mirela

Next the bear Micha entered in the ring and stole Martins honey jar and revealed his magic trick with the three scarves.

Multi-talented Alexander Arli does every year a new trick. This year he was a firefighter who should rescue a cat hanging on a tiny platform high in the circus dome. The cat was a doll so animal lovers have no reason to worry. Of cause Alexander couldn’t reach the cat and brought some boards and a drawing into the ring. The boards were assembled to a table which Alexander could stand on. Some of the boards were later removed without collapse of the table!

Alexander Arli in his act with the boards

A beloved part in an Arli-performance is Martin Arli's magic. The number was presented by Bettina Arli with a funny scarf on her head. The explanation came, however: after having conjured a lot of flowers Martin spirit Bettina’s head away! Luckily enough she got it back. The magical entrée continued in ultraviolet light, where Martin teared off a thread in bits and pieces until it magically became whole again. The entrée ended with the trick with the scarf, which turns into an egg. Where Martin first revealed the secret of the trick and then turned the egg into a glass so one could understands that his revelation only was half the truth. The audience cheered.

The last act before the break was elegant rola-bola balance with Italian David Robert. Unbelievable that he without tumbling down could keep the balance on the many cylinders and balls!

David Robert

After the break Catalin came on stage juggling with balls. Both in the air and by bouncing them into the floor. He ended up in a blistering speed to have 7 balls in the air at the same time.

Mr. Gallingani alias David Robert then had a funny entrée where he dressed as a pizza delivery guy did plate spinning. Finally there were 8 plates rotating.

Circus Arli has their own clowns: Martino & co. This year, they changed their name to Martino and Alejandro, and Alexander had as in 2013 taken over his grandfather Soren Arli's role as a white faced clown. After a musical introduction they did the famous mirror entrée which is my favourite classic clown entrée. At least when it is performed with so much charm and elegance, as in the Circus Arli! Circus Arli was this year the only circus in Denmark which offered classic musical clowns.

Martino and Alejandro - glorious musical clowns

The performance's last act was a talented trapeze duo, Duo Alerim (Miss Mirela and Catalin). They showed great and daring casts - nice that a thick mattress was placed underneath them on stage. They worked, however, very safe and did not need the mattress.

Duo Alerim. To see more photos from the show: Click here

Circus Arli closed the season on 25 August in Sengeløse.

Circus Baldoni

Circus Baldoni opened their season in Lyngby on 25 March.

 “Always make sure that the last act in the performance is a strong act” has for many years been common practice in the circus industry. And Circus Baldoni follows this principle. The last act in the 2015 performance was Abu Brothers (called Abada Boys in the printed program) who presented an outstanding good Risley act. The act aroused fond memories about the Fratelli Errani’s golden clown awarded Risley Act! Great that René Moenster had been able to find those two young Ethiopians.

By tradition it was the clown Danilo who opened this year's show. This year dressed as a groom who while sweeping the ring (in Baldoni a stage) was disturbing Hélène Ramer who played the synthesizer. Danilo ended up dressing up in his clown costume in the ring.

After Baldoni’s traditional opening song Duo Khulan entered the ring with a handstand act performed on a specially designed pedestal, see photo.

Duo Khulan

The two female artists from Mongolia were followed by Russian Katerina Markevich in an act with a small dog.

Then we meet the versatile Danish / Swiss acrobat Hélène Ramer in an inventive entrée in a rope ladder. The act ends with her head down playing concertina.

Then you meet René Moenster and Danilo in the classical gag with the dishes. The entrée where Danilo after smashing a lot of dishes in his mouth catches a bullet from René’s revolver.

The clown entrée was followed a diabolo act where Anton Tarbeev got help both from his spouse Katarina and their son Anton Jr. Senior ended up sitting on a unicycle and catching diobolos which he threw up on top of the other diabolos which he balanced on his head.

Anton Tarbeev. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The first act after the break was a reunion with Duo Khulan. This time they were dressed as cats and did spectacular contortion act.

They were followed by a new entrée with "tiny Danilo", who looked just like a mini version of Danilo! You meet him as Elvis and many other rock stars.

Tiny Danilo. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

Next Katarina was back with a nice foot juggling act where she juggled with scarves. After the scarves Hélène Ramer was back. This time with an entrée in cloud swing. A welcome change from the inevitable tissue-acts.

The Spaghetti-gag where the clown invites a fine lady into the restaurant is probably created by Toni Alexis. At Baldoni you see it in a nice and funny version with Danilo, who is joined by his girlfriend Cindy and makes sure that she gets both champagne and spaghetti - elsewhere than on the plate and the glass! The audience cheered when Cindy at last threw a pie in the head of Danilo.

You got pie! Danilo and Cindy is also in the private life is a couple

And then came as the final act: the two brothers from Ethiopia with their Risley act. The eldest brother is 20 and the younger brother a little younger. Their skill and pace is impressive, and they are also happy, smiling and charming. Can they keep their style they are raising stars which you in a few years will be able to meet in the large circuses.

Abu Brothers (Ababa Boys). Click here to see more photos from the show.

The tented season closed in Tureby on 15 August, but was followed by a few weeks of performances in arenas in the Faroe Islands and Iceland.

BALDONI'S CHRISTMAS CIRCUS had in November and December performances in six different arenas on Zealand, including in the fencing hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre. A shortened version of the performance was all the Sundays of Advent shown presented in Ishøj Shopping Centre. In addition, they produced under the name CIRCUS PIXIE FUN a number of performances for kindergartens etc.

Circus Benneweis

Friday 20 March Circus Benneweis had its season opening performance in Hillerød.

"Very beautiful, musical, masterful and memorable" wrote Frederiksborg County Newspaper about this year’s Benneweis performance which they gave 5 stars. So did the leading Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende and Rud Kofoed from Ajour Press.

Among the audience at the opening night in Hillerod on 20 March, it was agreed that it was the best Benneweis performance for many years. Many, also some circus owners, believe that it even was the best 2015 performance in any Nordic circus. There was a lot of praise both to the young managment duo Nadia and Dawid Benneweis, as well as to their mother Diana, who had helped booking the artist for this year's show. Diana was chairman of Circus Benneweis plc but had from this season handed over the daily management to her twins. By the end of the season Diana Benneweis withdraw from the board leaving the old circus to the young generation.

Benneweis presented a classic circus performance but with much innovation. Partly because the classic clowns have been replaced by two young modern clowns and Steve and Jones. For example, their musical entrée proves that it isn’t a “must” for musical clowns to start the act playing "Over the Rainbow" from the seating. Especially the younger half of the audience was enthusiastic about Steve and Jones.

The show featured 4 trumps: the fabulous diabolo juggler David Confal, the dog and horse trainer Rosi Hochegger, Duo Vanegas in the wheel of death and Cong Tian on slack wire. All acts in the absolute world class.

Cong Tian - the world's best on the slack wire

The show was opened by the trumpet and saxophone playing Jones Caveagna. Then followed a small sketch where Nadia Benneweis was in the office and phoned around and booked artists before welcoming the audience.

Nadia Benneweis and the performance's enthusiastic ringmaster Kim Kenneth. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The first number was 6 beautiful tinker horses from Swedish Circus Olympia's stables, presented by Ingrid Silva. Wonderful to see the big beautiful horses in the ring without any sort of harness!

Then came an entrée with Steve and Jones, where Steve showed what a smartphone can be used for. Bu the end of the entrée through dating app, where his brother Jones was more successful in making a date with a beautiful girl than Steve! The children squealed with delight!

Steve Caveagna

The clowns were followed by David Confal with the best diabolo act I ever have seen! At one time he mastered 2 diabolos with each hand, and he ended up by having 4 diabolos in the air. No doubt that David has a great future ahead of him.

David Confal - masterfully diabolo act. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

It was many years since we last time saw parrots in a Danish circus. But at the Circus Festival in Budapest in 2014 Diana Benneweis met the couple Franco and Adel who along with their 6 Ara macaws and 3 Sun parrots presented a great act. All talk about the circus parrots probably having clipped wings had to be silenced when first the sun parrots and later two of Ara macaws took a flight in the tent.

Costin Pity Bellu presented the number in comical trampoline, which in January earned him a special prize at the festival in Monte Carlo. His entrée with the flying broom is probably the best comic trampoline act you anywhere can see today.

Costin Pity Bellu

After Costins blazing entrée Steve & Jones were back in the ring. This time with an acrobat act which was disturbed by Steve’s mobile.

The last act before the interval was Rosi Hochegger and her dogs. Lovely happy and playful dogs. Completely understandable that number got her a silver clown in Monte Carlo in 2014.

After a short musical entrée with Jones Duo Vanagas entered the ring with their wheel of death. I have never seen anyone enter the wheel of death wheel in such a cool a way as Alejandro Vanegas. And the jumps on the outside of the wheel are incredible. He even did a couple of somersaults, i.e. a stunt which the legendary Crazy Wilson until now has been the only one who regularly performed. Duo Vanegas master also backward walking on the outside of the wheel death. I have never seen others do so. Today they are the Kings of the wheel of death!

Duo Vanegas. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

At the circus festival in Budapest in 2014 you saw Franco Olivera’s act Macho Gaucho - a raving lunatic gaucho flirting wildly to the right and left. He was this year part of Benneweis performance. Excellent!

The Argentine cowboy was followed by Rosi Hochegger and her horse Scout. The interaction between the two is absolutely fantastic. Rosi has taken over the number after her famous father Tony Hochegger. But as Don Stacey wrote after last year's Monte Carlo festival Rosi's version is today even better than her fathers.

Rosi Hochegger and Scout

The performance's ringmaster Kim Kenneth assisted by his girlfriend Jessica and the artist girls Ingrid and Crissy presented his elegant illusion act where Jessica in a magic way disappears in boxes and are brought back again and are chained in a cabin which Kim is driving through on his motorbike. One can easily understand why he is called the Dane in the fast lane!

Kim Kenneth - the Dane in the fast lane. Click here to see more photos from this year's Benneweis performance

Then came Steve & Jones' music entrée. Jones started playing saxophone and was disturbed by Steve, who would much rather play loudly on his ghetto blaster than listening to Jones saxophone. Of cause they ended up playing together. The entrée proved that you can easily make a classic musical clown entrée up to date.

The performance's last act was Chinese Cong (pronounced Song) Tian on slack wire. Many Danes remember the number from Benneweis 2010 where Cong Tian as the first artist ever in a Danish circus was greeted with standing ovations. The same was the case at the opening night in Hillerod. The many contemporary circus artists who believe they are stars on the slack line, has a lot to learn before they just approximately reach Cong Tian's level! And he is even 56 years old.

The performance was put on stage by Kim Kenneth, who has a great deal of the honour for making it the best Benneweis performance for several years. The artists were booked by Diana Benneweis and her advisor. But presenting the acts in an elegant way and make it a fast and smoothly running performance is also important. Kim is a master of doing so.

By the end of Circus Benneweis’ last performance in Køge on Saturday 2 May 2 there was a bad accident. The performance's last act was the fabulous slack wire acrobat Cong Tian. He ends his act by rotating around the wire with high speed. During this trick the wire broke and he landed head first in the ring. He was immediately taken to hospital. Cong Tian could leave the hospital after a few days but the doctors advised him to take a long break before again starting to perform. For the many who since then have asked how the sympathetic Cong Tian is doing there are good news: After a 6-month break, he is again back on the wire. Currently, he appears at the Palazzo Colombino Basel, where the crowd greeted him with a standing ovation. "Now I can come back to stage work again I am very lucky. I believe that Good exists. So I have to say thanks Good," Cong Tian writes on facebook.

As a replacement for Cong Tian Circus Benneweis booked the English aerial artist Robert Foxall who made a great act in aerial straps.

Another accident, although unnoticed by most of the audience, was that one of the Tinker horses became ill and had to be euthanized. So at the end of the season there were only five horses Tinker in the Tinker entrée.

Circus Benneweis closed the season in Copenhagen on 30 August

In September Circus Benneweis offered their winter quarters Hulerødgaard in Dronningmølle for sale. Dronningmølle is a small seaside hamlet in North Zealand,

The Benneweis family bought Hulerødgaard in 1938. When the Benneweis family acquired Hulerødgaard the circus had lots of animals and a year-round staff to care for them. Since 1996 Benneweis has not had their own animals, but instead engaged foreign artists with animal acts. Since then part the property has been used as storage space for the circus equipment out of season, while other parts, such as the old stables and training ring, has been empty or used as storage rooms.

Dawid and Nadia Benneweis intend to continue to run Circus Benneweis but want to make certain changes in the concept. Thus, the sale of the old winter quarters will not mean that the world's oldest circus, established in 1887, will close. However it is likely that Circus Benneweis will take a break in 2016 and not be on tour until 2017.

Circus Dannebrog

Circus Dannebrog opened the season on 26 March in Vojens.

"Showtime" was the name of Circus Dannebrog’s 2015 performance. And it certainly was showtime when children and adults meet for almost 2½ hours of good and genuine circus entertainment in Circus Dannebrog’s red and white tent.

After an opening where a number of the artists came in the ring on roller skates and in colorful costumes, the Finnish trapeze- skate star Heidi Mary was lifted into the air. She has a past as a figure skater, but has now changed to inline skates and presented a number in which she combined trapeze, dance and skating.

She was followed by this year's clown, Charly Carletto from Spain. In most of his entrées which clearly are inspired by the famous David Larible, he invites one or more spectators into the ring. However he is not intrusive and treats his guest with respect. He has not as some other reprise clown the bad habit to try to make his guest ridiculous. His first gag was the well-known gag with catching an imaginary ball in a paper bag.

Charly Carletto is the performance's recurring character

Next the Estrella troupe entered the ring. Six men and two women from Cuba. In their first act they did some formidable leaps from a Russian swing from which artist was thrown meters high in the air and landed on a thick mattress which was lifted up by other artists.

Then it was time again for Charly Carletto. This time with the well-known boxing entrée where he, with the help of 6 persons from audiences made a boxing match, which of course ended up with Charly getting knocked out.

There are circuses, which had more of larger horses in the ring than Dannebrog har this year. But if you love classic liberty horses, you could nowhere in Scandinavia find a better and more elegant act than the one with Gabi Donnert and 6 beautiful Arabs: three white and three brown.

Gabi Donnert - the most elegant liberty act you could see in any Scandinavian circus in 2015

After a short run-in with Charly Carletto time had come to the performance's top act: Alain Alegria in Washington trapeze. He did dangerous balance tricks in the trapeze. Both when it was at rest and when it swung either side to side or forward and backward. He has taken over the act from his uncle Sabu Alegria.

The daredevil Alan Alegria, here balancing on a chair

After the break followed in the best Isabella Enoch style a parade (what Americans would call a "spec"), i.e. a spectacular number with several different elements: A short clown run-in. A few camels with turbaned Arabs. A little girl with a hula-hoop ring. Human pyramid builders. A fire-breathing fakir. And at last a magic carpet on which a singing Jazz Malaika was flying in company with an Arab prince, while Gabi Donnert presented 6 beautiful camels.

Camels and a flying carpet

The entrée was followed by an act with the elephant Ramboline, which, like last year worked together with Jazz Malaika. The elephant act was followed by an oriental tableau where Charly Carletto as snake charmer got a tiny girl up of a basket. After that she did some tricks in a low-hanging trapeze.

Next came Gabi Donnert’s talented young son Sandor in the ring. He mastered the difficult art of juggling standing on the back of a galloping horse. He was the best juggler on horseback act I have seen for many years. Bravo!

Sandor Donnert - perhaps todays the circus world’s best juggler on horseback

After Sandor great act the prop gang started to build up the equipment to be used for the Estrella-troupe’s main act. The layout was complicated and took some time. In the "perfect world" the equipment should be build up during the break and the act should be the first act after the interval. However Charly Carletto did some gags while the ring was occupied by the prop gang and no spectators felt bored.

The Estrella troupe's act is a vertical bar act combined with aerial cradles and offers plenty of jumps and swings. Very spectacular!

The Estrella troupe. By courtesy of Circus Dannebrog. To see more photos from the show: Click here

The performance's last act was Charly Carletto with movie entrée. The one where he with the help from four persons from the audiences is shooting a movie with a wife and her lover who is surprised by the jealous husband.

In addition to the artists mentioned above, there is good reason to praise both the pretty and well-singing Jazz Malaika who just as in 2014 was ringmistress as Tino Aeby's well playing band.

In August, it appeared that there were problems with Danish working permissions to the Estrella troupe which had to be taken out of the performance. They were replaced by the 4-man large Soloman Wolf family, who did nice acts with formation juggling and ladder balancing.

Circus Dannebrog closed the season on 27 September in Gram.

Circus Krone

The tiny Danish Circus Krone opened their season on 19 April in Silkeborg

Irene Thierry has never had ambitions about making her small circus the largest circus in the Nordic countries. Or about presenting better artists than any other circus. She will much rather make her small circus to Denmark’s most friendly circus which with family-friendly ticket prices and presenting a performance for the entire family. A performance where they also is exploiting the proximity to the audience which you can’t get in a large circus.

The clown Alando in Circus Krone’s ring

This year the performance was made by two artist families plus Irene Thierry and her spouse Jan "Alando" Allan.

The first artist couple was Nedyalko and Veselka. Nedyalko did cube-juggling and Veselka presented first a handstand / contortion act and next a hula hoop act. In the hula hoop act she was assisted by the couples young daughter Yana.

Nedyalko with elegant cube juggling

Dressed as a white cat Veselka has a fine hula hoop entrée

The second artist couple was Hélène and David aka Duo Kom'Ça. Hélène worked in tissue, David in aerial straps. Together they did a floor acrobat act.

Duo Kom'Ça

The performance's recurring person was the clown Alando. First, with his mischievous ponies and later with "dangerous" animals: a penguin and as something new in Circus Krone a giraffe. (Both the penguin and the giraffe are dolls with a person inside). The performance ended with one of Irene and Alando's most beloved clown entrées: First Alando walked around in the tent and disturbed everyone and had to borrow a ticket from one on the audience when Irene demanded to see his ticket. Later he entered the ring and he and Irene did their "solo concert for two" on xylophone.

Irene and Alando with their solo concert for two. To see more photos from the show: Click here

Circus Krone closed the season on 14 September.

Circus Mascot

On 1 April the Deleuran family’s Circus Mascot opened their season in their home city Roslev on at terrible windy and muddy lot. But it was sunshine, and on muddy lot you could see Circus Mascot’s tent as a beautiful yellow and red flower. The title of this year's show was: Just for fun. And fun it was - and in between the fun you saw some strong circus acts.

The clown Gulio was the recurring character. He is remarkable, because every year he creates entrées which are entirely his own. He presents them with joy and the spark of madness which every good clown needs. Moreover, he has a fine ability to capture reactions from the audience and using them and return them, so there will be a ping-pong that eventually ends in a cordial, friendly atmosphere. His last entrée this year was, however, an entrée he has borrowed from other clowns: the one where a street photographer will shot a film about a proposal and where selected persons from the audience play the different characters. It is often seen in these years, but Gulio manages to shorten it down to 5 minutes so it isn’t a long draw out.

Gulio

His son Husik was this year diabolo juggler. Last year it was the hula hoop rings, but he is also good in handling the diabolos.

And then there is the multi-artist Daniel. Also he renews himself - and as the skilled artist, he is, he is able to perform the different disciplines at an amazing level. This year he balanced on a slack wire. And what a quality! He juggled with 4 rings while he was standing on one leg. He sat on a chair, balancing on the line. He standed up from a lying position without using his hands. And he put a scarf on the line, and lying on his knees, he picked it up with his mouth. What more could you want in that discipline? 

Daniel Deleuran

And he continued with a demanding juggling entrée together with the clown Gulio. They worked with 6 balls and 8 clubs.

Marianne and Andreas Deleuran presented 11 dogs. There was probably since last year some replacement in the big bunch of dogs. But the number was living, agile and speedy. One trick followed another. And there were many tricks.
Andreas presented furthermore four ponies before you meet a cavalcade of funny animals. You met Alfred and Luna, two Canadian dwarf pigs which try their luck as soccer players. The goose Baldrik was promenading in the ring before the mountain goats Kurt and Erika showed their skills to climb obstacles and balance.

Andreas Deleuran with ponies

Tetyana did an act in tissue. The act was aesthetic and beautiful also because it was so focused on the choreography. This applied to the entire performance where the color scheme is black, yellow and red. Tetyanas act is classic, but here performed with strength and energy.

Oneil performed a powerful act in aerial straps, and his second act was also powerful: Disguised as the horrifying gladiator Ratokules he did a handstand act. Difficult, and it requireed a lot of physical strength. Combined with a strong ability to keep the balance even in difficult body postures.

Gladiator Ratokules

Circus Mascot closed the season in Glyngøre on 26 September.

Zirkus Nemo

From April 29 to September 12 the actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard visited a number of cities with his Zirkus Nemo which he called Denmark's only circus for adults. And the audience at the popular performances looks more like the traditional theatre audience than as the family audience you meet in other circuses. And it does not bother this audience segment that ticket prices are at the level of what a ticket costs in a theatre. Both audiences and critics were enthusiastic about the performance and enjoyed meeting Baker Jorgen, The Smash man, Tim Kim and the Tim Marble Man, all aka Nemo's owner Soren Ostergaard. As co-hosts had Soren Ostergaard the circus princesses Tina Gylling Mortensen and Sigrid Husjord. Additionally, we met a number of god artists: the phenomenal Finnish bird magician Marko Karvo, the Ukrainian acrobat troupe Crazy Flight, the female trapeze artists Duo Trapeze and the charming bicycle and poles artists Duo Lyd.

Other performances

Years ago you could see artistes in many amusement parks. But this is unfortunately history. However, all Sundays during the season you meet the clowns Charlie and Binalto at the amusement part Bakken north of Copenhagen.

During the school’s autumn holidays CIRCUS MASCOT had performances first in Bilka supermarket in Vejle and then in Bytorv Shopping Centre in Horsens. 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 could see the contemporary circus performance the little circusgiant with Joel Degerfeldt.

25 December 2015

Circus on TV is not as good as "the real thing". But especially in the winter season better than nothing. In the coming weeks Swedish television broadcasts two of the performances in the Swedish circuses:

On New Year's Eve at 20 SVT1 broadcast 60 minutes extracts from Circus Olympia's performance from 2015. It is repeated on SVT1 the 1 January at 06:25 and on SVT2 3 January at 12:05.

1 January at 19 SVT2 broadcast 60 minutes extracts from Circus Maximum 2015. It is repeated by SVT2 on 4 January at 15 and 6 January at 16.05.

Andrejs Fjodorovs was one of the performers in Circus Maximums 2015. He had his international debut in Danish Circus Arli in 2008. Photo: Tobias Schött

Years ago both Danish channel DR and Danish channel TV2 send several circus programs: Extracts from the performances in e.g. Circus Arena and Circus Benneweis, transmission from the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo and various documentaries on both big and small circuses. But times have changed. The only “circus” performance which DR this year broadcasts is Circus Summarum which isn’t circus, but children's theatre taking place in a circus environment. It can be seen on 31 December at 18:05 on DR Ramasjang.

23 December 2015

The excellent Danish bike acrobat Jimmy Enoch is among the participants in the upcoming edition of Danish channel TV2’s program “Denmark has talent” which will be send first time 26 December at 20. The program is inspired by the American Got Talent, which aim to find the best amateur talent in the categories of song, dance, comedy etc. In the Danish version, however, you will also meet professional performers such as Jimmy.

In addition to performing in circuses at in Denmark and abroad as well as with the Flying Superkids Jimmy has appeared as cycling mosquito in the children’s theatre performance Egon The Cycling Mosquito.

22 December 2015

Dancing with the stars in Circus Arena. On facebook Circus Arena writes (my translation): "Patrick Berdino invite his Stricly come Dancing-friends James Sampson and Sara Maria Franch-Mærkedahl in the ring when the circus season 2016 kicks off with a bang of a performance. The trio unites showbiz, musical events and circus traditions. We look forward to see you to "Strictly come circus." There's opening night on March 16 at Bellahøj in Copenhagen and from April we are touring Denmark."

According to the tabloid Ekstra Bladet it is the intention that Patrick and Sarah Maria will present the program, while James Sampson primarily will sing. Director Benny Berdino will just welcome the audience and not at previous years be ringmaster.

Sara Maria Franch-Mærkedahl won the Danish version of Strictly come Dancing in 2014, and James Sampson ended this year in 5th place, one position better than Patrick Berdino.

Neither James Sampson or Sara Maria Franch-Mærkedahl have any artistic background. James is a singer and Sara Maria an announcer of the weather forecast in TV2. After her success in Strictly come Dancing in 2014 she has also been host for programs relating to Strictly come Dancing.

Sara's father Seid Mærkedahl Cuchillo has a background as an artist. But it was long before he met Sara's mother. Seid comes from Iran from a small town Racht, located outside of Tehran. As a child Seid became interest in acrobatics and began an apprenticeship with artist troupe Iran Boys which at that time was world famous. Later Seid and his partner Mustafa formed the artist duo Two Wasyrs. They performed in 51 countries worldwide and were working in the variety theatre Lorry in Copenhagen in 1969. They also performed several times at the variety theatre Valencia in Copenhagen.

20 December 2015

Christmas Circus Cabaret at AFUK. ”The last weekend before Christmas, some of the finest international artists gathers at AFUK to give you an impressive, high-flying, eccentric and enthusiastic show to ease you into the traditional celebrations ahead.., ..," read the press release for the 50 minutes long spectacle at Copenhagen’s contemporary circus school AFUK.

Big words which the performance not quite live up to although the artist duo Tuk & Sofie had several good acts 

In the show, which was presented four times over the weekend 19/20 December you met four young artists with connections to AFUK.

The four artists featured were during the welcome wearing dressing gowns, wigs and as for one of the performer’s party glasses. The first act was a female acrobat with a kind of cloud swing without much swing. She did not have the same charisma as the Mexican cloud swing-king Antonio Ramirez who the Danes many years ago met first with Benneweis in the Copenhagen Circus Building and later in Circus Arena. Or the same talent and skill as Finnish Liina Aunloa who inter alia, has appeared at Ringling. But today's artist was wearing a (artificial) beard.

From the welcome

Following a short dance act with all four performers we saw a comical knife throwing entrée before Tuk & Sofie had a fine act in trapeze with they almost used as aerial cradle. Previously I had only seen them doing floor acrobatics. But the aerial act is god and could with some adjustments easily do well in one of the large circuses.

 Tuk & Sofie

One of the other artists had then a nice act in a low-hanging aerial ring, after which another artist in leopard costume showed a combination of handstand and contortion.

Artist in aerial ring

Leopard Woman

Tuk would then climb up in the trapeze, but could not reach it. Two of the female artists stacked then dozens of mattresses on top of each other, and Tuk made then a forward somersault and grabbed the trapeze bar with his feet. Amazing! The act ended with Sofie climbing up on the mattresses and on her back taking the "fainted" Tuk down.

A very short version of Tuk & Sofie’s floor acrobatic entrée went into a fine number with Sofie in swing trapeze. Among her tricks were both hanging in her feet and a somersault followed by grabbing the trapeze bar with her feet.  Great - and dangerous. However, for safety reasons she used a lunge, which however not came to use.

As the last act in the performance the 4 performers danced wearing wigs, while "I just called to say I love you" boomed out of the speakers.

All in all a nice performance which was worth the admission price of 50 DKK (7 Euro). But some of the children who saw the show were a little disappointed by the fact is not had much to do with Christmas. And in the press release is was perhaps a little too boldly to promise "some of the finest international artists". But of course, what can you expect to get for just 7 Euro?

17 December 2015

Jackie Berdino not guilty. On 30 April the criminal court in Holbaek acquitted Jackie Berdino in a case regarding a collapse in June 2013 of a tent owned by Circus Arena. Jackie Berdino was accused of failing to ensure that the tent was properly anchored to the ground. Seven people were slightly injured in connection with the collapse.

The Prosecution appealed the case to the High Court where court hearing took place this week. And the decision from the 3 judges in the High Court was the same as in the criminal court in Holbaek: Not guilty.

The court based the acquittal on the fact that the tent and other equipment were in good condition, and that it was put up by staff with extensive experience in putting up tents. Jackie Berdino acted normally and could not know in advance that there was a risk that the tent could collapse.

Thus, the case finally settled. Although Jackie Berdino was acquitted, the collapse has had serious consequences for the whole circus industry in Denmark and led to stricter requirements for tent safety with considerable cost for all circuses which want to tour Denmark.

16 December 2015

Circus Baldoni 2016.  Circus Baldoni writes (my translation): "In 2016, it is our season no 15. As it is a small anniversary, we have put our energies to present the best performance so far. We have booked some brand new acts which we never before have shown. E.g. the strongman Hercules who grabs a cannonball flying through the air. Where space permits, he is also run over by a car. We also have fantastic aerial acrobats, jugglers, balancing artists and of course the clown Danilo and the lion Leonardo who will come up with new gags ".

The Danish clown Danilo (Daniel Dimitrijevic) has sine 2009 worked for Circus Baldoni

16 December 2015

Asylum homes in a circus tent. Robert Bronett from the Swedish Circus Scott has applied for permission to put up tents and shanties at Estö sports ground in Nynäshamn south of Stockholm. The intention is to house asylum applicants.

The Swedish Migration Agency is as a result of the refugee crisis in lack of accommodation for asylum applicants. Therefore the have started to use municipal sports centers, and they have also called for tents that can be used in winter as a temporary accommodation option. This is why Robert Bronett want to set up a winter insulated tents and shanties on the sport ground until April 2016.

Nynäshamns municipality welcomes according to the local newspaper Nynäshamns Posten the initiative, which could provide beds for 57 persons, mainly families. The current tent is 16x24 meters with space for kitchen, dining room, toilets and washing facilities. Outside the tent will be set up shanties to sleep in.

15 December 2015

Circus Arena 2016. Circus Arena has now published the names of some of performers in the upcoming show. They write (my translation): "In September our three beautiful elephants trained by Rudi Althoff attended Cyrk Korona's circus festival in Poland. Both the audience and the judges were excited. Yes, actually our act was honored with both a gold medal and the audience award. A very great honor. Among the other award winners at the circus festival was also Circus Arena's world famous clown Jimmy Folco, who returns to our circus in 2016, and Trio Creation. Trio Creation is doing a handstand act out of the ordinary, presented by Sofia, Daria and Valeria, who also was honored with a gold medal. We are happy to present them in the ring in 2016 for our performance 'Strictly come circus.’ "

Cyrk Korona is the leading circus in Poland. They were in September this year the organizer of the VI Festival Talentów Warsaw Bemowo 2015. Bemowo is a district in Warsaw.

Jimmy Folco's Danish debut as run-in clown was at Circus Dannebrog in 1994. Previously he and his family had been with both Circus Arena and Circus Dannebrog. Season 2016 will be his 10th season as “house clown” in Circus Arena. Season 2015 he spent with Circus Arnardo in Norway, where his sister is married to the junior director. Previously he has also appeared in Europe's largest circus, the German Circus Krone. There you can also see him from 25 December to 31 January 2016, when he is part of the first winter program in the circus building in Munich "Moon Landing in der Manege".

Jimmy Folco is part of the performance "Moon Landing in der Manege" which is Circus Krone's first winter program. In the coming season, you can see him in the Danish Circus Arena.

Rudi Althoff also presented the elephants in Circus Arena in season 2015.

Rudi Alfhoff with Circus Arena’s 3 African elephants. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press. Circus Arena and Circus Dannebrog are the only two Nordic circuses which still have elephants in the performance.

14 December 2015

Circus Maximum 2016 – corrections.  A few corrections to the list of performers I published on this website dated 9 December: the aerial daredevil act is not done by Super Silva, but by Flabson (Francleib Rodrigues), who does a similar act. He has, among other circuces toured with Ringling's Gold Unit. Click here to see a video with his act.

Laura Urunova presents in Circus Maximum not only her fine number with poodles, but also her number as a juggler on horseback. In my review of her act in Norwegian Circus Arnardo in the summer, I wrote: "She worked elegant and very safe. First with juggling balls (up to 5) and then with clubs (up to 5). And finally with five large rings. Rare to meet a juggler on horseback, who never is losing a ball or a club. For this act and the act with dogs Laura was awarded bronze at this year's junior festival in Monte Carlo."

Laura Urunova - nice and safe juggling on horseback

Circus Maximum has sold their two elephants: 47-year-old Asian elephant Dunja and 28-year-old African elephant Daela. The first belonged to circus owner Bengt Källquist, the second to the chief animal trainer Anton Frank. The last few years the elephants have been on tour with Circus Maximum but have not been part of the performance, only of the visit to stables. Now they are sold at a wildlife park in Belgium. Thus it is completely finished with circus elephants in Sweden.

13 December 2015

Circus in Ishoj Shopping Center. All Sundays of Advent Ishoj Shopping Centre has featured humorous Christmas circus with Circus Baldoni. In the approximately 30 minute long performances you met Pixie (René Moenster), Pixie Line (Cindy Binau) and the Tabeev family. The latter presented their diabolo entrée and mama Katarina’s act with a poodle. The last performances are the fourth Sunday of Advent, 20 December at 14 and 16. The performances have been well attended and have probably got several customers to visit Ishøj Shopping Centre, rather than one of the many other shopping centers in Copenhagen’s west / south coast district.

To the left Anton Tabeev and Mrs. Katarina with diabolo. To the right: Katarina and her poodle

The Christmas Pig Anton Antonius with Pixie aka René Moenster

13 December 2015

The Swedish Circus Museum. Today the Swedish Circus Academy opened the new exhibition in Sweden's only circus museum, which has rooms on the 1st floor in the old school in Ingelsträda about 20 kilometers north of Helsingborg.

Head of culture Anneli Sjöborg and town clerk Peter Kovacs from Höganäs

Municipality opens the new exhibition.

At the exhibition, you can among other things see one of the Swedish High school rider Don Bertinos elegant costumes. Don Bertino appeared for several seasons in the at that time medium sized Danish Circus Arena, most recently in 1986. He has also appeared in the Swedish Zoo Circus, Circus Scala, Circus Möller and Circus Maximum and in the Norwegian Circus Arnardo

This bike was used by the famous vagabond clown Joe Jackson JR. As part of the act the bike fell apart and Joe then picked it wrong. Joe Jackson JR was several seasons with the Swedish Circus Scott.

After the tour of the museum there was entertainment with the Carling Family (the brothers Max and Ulf Carling and Max's daughters Nanna, Petronella and Linnea) and lectures by foreign correspondent and author Staffan Heimersson about circus experiences in far countries.

Among the performers were Max Carling who both masters tightrope, chair balancing, unicycle, acrobatics and as at the photo juggling. Max too plays clarinet and tenor sax. The Danish audience can meet him in Week 7, when he appears in Benny Schumann's Mini Circus in Elsinore Town Center.

Many from the world of circus had made their way to the event: Trolle and Carmen Rhodin from Circus Brazil Jack (accompanied by Trolle’s cousin Tony), Henrika Bengtsson and Natasha Jarz from Circus Olympia and Tino Rivero from Circus Maximum. The Danish table knock-about acrobat Freddi Steckel had also made his way to the Swedish circus museum. The Danish circus friends were represented by the Deputy Chairman Ole Simonsen.

Carmen Rhodin from Circus Brazil Jack gave the museum the costume she used in season 1991. To see more photos from the exhibition and opening events: click here

11 December 2015

The Danish painter Helle Abildgaard turns 60 on Monday 14 December. She was born in Aarhus, but settled in Kerteminde together with her spouse the painter Viggo Salting. A lot of her paintings are from the world of clowns and acrobats, based in inspiration from several seasons when she and Viggo Salting travelled with Circus Benneweis. The inspiration in circus evolved among others to a meeting with the late mime artist Marcel Marceau, who Helle Abildgaard draw several sketches of in the small Théâtre Antoine in Paris.

Helle Abildgaard

9 December 2015

The large Swedish Circus Maximum calls their 2016 performance of "Amazing Circus".

The performers are:

Anton Frank with horses and exotics

The Urunov family with High School riding, dogs and quick change

Duo Vanegas - wheel of death

Duo Pulsadas - hand-to-hand, hand-to-head and head-to-head balance

Los Hermanos Rodriguez from El Salvador – Risley act

Super Silva - aerial act

Francesco - clown

The skilled and sympathetic Anton Frank has for many years been chief animal trainer at Circus Maximum.

Ruslan and Elena Urunov presented their elegant act with High School riding together with dogs in Circus Benneweis in 2003 and the Norwegian circus Arnado in 2015. A charming puddle act with puddles of all sizes was in Norway presented by their daughter Laura, who also is a skilled juggler on horseback.

Ruslan and Elena Urunov with stylish High School riding. Photo shot in Circus Arnardo in April this year

The kings of the wheel of death Duo Vanegas was also at Circus Maximum in 2013. When they toured Denmark with Circus Benneweis in 2015 their act was even better than in 2013 and it is today the circus world best wheel of death act. Thus, the Swedish audiences can look forward to the reunion with Alejandro and Michael Vanegas.

Duo Vanegas in Circus Benneweis. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The aerial daredevil Super Silva was one of top acts in Circus Dannebrog in 2012. He received a Silver Pierrot for his act at the Circus Festival in Budapest in 2014. He is doing acrobatic stunts between 2 trapezes and walking upside down under a bar which holds the trapezes.

Super Silva at Circus Dannebrog in 2012

The lovable and poetic clown Francesco (Francis Brunaud) was for several seasons with Circus Benneweis, most recently in 2005. In 2010 and 2013 he toured with the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack. He has also appeared numerous times in New York's famous Big Apple Circus.

Francesco. Photo from Circus Brazil Jack 2013

If you can see Swedish television: chanel SVT2 does on Friday, 1 January 2016 at 19:00 broadcast one hour summary from the 2015-performance in Circus Maximum. It will be retransmitted at SVT1 Monday, 4 January 2016 at 04:15.

9 December 2015

Christmas Circus Cabaret at AFUK in Copenhagen. “The last weekend before Christmas, some of the finest international artists gathers at AFUK to give you an impressive, high-flying, eccentric and enthusiastic show to ease you into the traditional celebrations ahead…” (Quote from press release)

There are performances Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20, both days at 14 and 20. Tickets cost 50 DKK. The performances last about 1 hour.

The address is Enghavevej 82 B, Copenhagen.

AFUK is a shortening for the Academy for Untamed Creativity. It consists of three different programs at three independent schools: A production school, a one day high school and a circus training school. Connected with AFUK is AMoC (the Academy for Contemporary Circus) which run a 3-year education for contemporary circus artists.

9 December 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- in spite of the serious terror attacks recently - we want LIFE TO WIN - and thus continue all activities --   CIRQUE BOUGLIONE plays until March, offering a wonderful program -- in fact just a visit to the circus building, inside and outside, is well worth doing, the entire place has been professionally refurbished, conveying an idea of this historic site. 

Program:  Maestro PIERRE NOUVEAU with his orchestra, including 2 female musicians, violin and cello, -  original -  then presentation by Ringmaster MICHEL PALMER and the clowns DAVID LARIBLE AND ALBERTO CAROLI.

THE SALTO DANCERS, beautiful and well synchronized ballet, this ballet has become the hallmark of Bouglione.

HANS SUPPMEIER, presenting his 4 impressive tigers, an image of friendship and respect between man and animal.

Hans Suppmeier and his tigers. All photos by courtesy of Cirque d'Hiver Bouglione 

RAFAEL DE CARLO, juggler performing at a brisk pace, a favorite of the audience.

Rafael de Carlos. The Danish circus audience met him in Circus Benneweis in 2014.

LES ANASTASINI, featuring risley acrobatic stunts - youth, beauty and precision.

SHIRLEY LARIBLE, performing beautifully in straps, grace and elegance.

REGINE BOUGLIONE rides the HAUTE ECOLE elegantly.

After intermission:  SALTO DANCERS - then flying trapeze, LE VOL DES DAMES /flying ladies/,

3 women who perform the classic flying trapeze act, invented by Jules Leotard, in 1859, in this very circus building.

JUAN GUTIERREZ surprises us by letting his Ara-parrots do their show, nice and colorful.

Jean Gutierrez. The Swedish audience met him in Circus Maximum in 2014

LES OLYMPOS, hand to hand acrobatics, strength and beauty combined.

From China, HOHOTE TROUPE, juggling bowls while riding high monocycles /giraffes/.

Troupe Hohote

CLOWN DAVID LARIBLE deserves a special mention - never before did I see a clown who interprets human feelings in such a masterly way -- BRAVO - and his success is well deserved!!

The king of clowns David Larible

FINALE with musicians, SALTO DANCERS and the entire troupe.

See more: www.cirquedhiver.com

Venue:  Cirque d'Hiver,110 rue AMELOT, 75011  Paris.  Metro: Filles de Calvaire / you see the circus building when leaving the Metro/.

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

4 December 2015

Flying Superkids at Østre Gasværk Theatre in Copenhagen. The talented jumping gymnasts from Flying Superkids are usually in the summer on tour in their tent. In the winter season the have performances in various sports centres. In January 2016, you have the opportunity to see the young super talents in Østerbro’s old gasworks’ beautiful domed building which is shaped almost as a slightly smaller version of the Copenhagen Circus Building. There are performances in the days from 8 to 10 January.

On 19 and 20 December 2015 the Flying Superkids takes a trip to Holland and join the Univé Gym Gala in the Amsterdam suburb Almere, where they are the main attraction. During the winter holidays they have shows in Norway in Langhus (February 12), Skien (February 14), Arendal (February 15th) and Tønsberg (February 17).

Flying Superkids is the main attraction at the upcoming festival in Almere, which do to this will be titled Flying Superstars.

Flying Superkids is a truly unique show from the Kingdom of Denmark. An elite team of performers from the gymnastic club and non-profit organization “Gymnastikgården” (aka “The gymnastic farm”). 

Founded in 1967, it started out with a traditional gymnastics-sports team, but through the years Flying Superkids has evolved into an internationally renowned show ensemble.

The show has now visited 35 countries and is seen by over 100.000 people live yearly.

The show is a high tempo mix of acrobatics, gymnastics, dancing, singing, comedy, tumbling and of course twists, double & triple summersaults on trampolines and other crazy equipment. A beautiful light design and a uniquely composed soundtrack support the various choreographies.

It is demanding to be a Flying Superkid, and only very few talented kids achieve the skills necessary to become a member of the ensemble.

The kids are not chosen through auditions, but are hand picked among the 400 members of the gymnastic club, "Gymnastikgården". They are not allowed to train more than 7½ hours per week in the gym, however they must complete a program of strength and flexibility exercises at home.

All of the children come from the area around Aarhus - the second largest city in Denmark - where the kids attend ordinary Danish public schools. The unique Danish school system offers the possibility for the kids to travel often – also on school days. When Flying Superkids are on tour, a teacher comes along to help with their school work.

The Superkids team consists of 50 children in the ages between 7 and 20, and they take turns to be among the 20-30 kids, who go on tour.

4 December 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- unfortunately also terrorist attacks against theaters, cafés and places where people gather for entertainment; these attacks mean a loss of audience for many public places, also for circus. From earlier experience, we know however that a back to normal situation will occur, even if it takes several months, the atmosphere in town is not geared to entertainment.

CIRQUE ARLETTE GRÜSS performs rather well under these circumstances, offering an original program  - which was the aim when ARLETTE GRÜSS, famous trapeze artist, together with her husband GEORGIKA KOBANN, leopard tamer and son GILBERT  started the circus 30 years ago - so jubilee this year!!

Program under the elegant BIG TOP, sporting an excellent lighting, a live 11-piece band from MOLDAVIA and presented by KEVIN SAGAU:

CHARI VARI with the entire troupe,

ANTONIO ZATTA, with ara-parrots in a colorful act,

MATHIEU, clowning in between the acts, together with BELLINI, a multi-artist using comedy and magic, displaying a great joy of performing,

ALEXANDRO HURTADO, laser man,

6 acrobats with a fast acrobatic display on bars, no name in the printed program,

TAMARA KHURCHUDOVA performing beautifully in solo trapeze,

LAURA-MARIA GRÜSS presenting well-kept and precise horses,

ALEX MICHAEL, acrobatic stunts between 2 trapezes, and performing as a spiderman, walking upside down under a bar that holds the trapezes - very original, today seldom seen.

Alex Michael. He toured with Swedish Circus Olympia in 2013 and with Danish Circus Arena in 2014. All photos by courtesy of Cirque Arlette Gruss

EMMANUEL FARINA with 4 lions, whereof one white and 2 beautiful tigers - a display of confidence between man and animal - very nice and sympathetic,

Emmanuel Farina with his tigers and lions

JOHN VERNUCCIO and MEDHI, 4 Indian elephants and girls in a traditional style,

ADELE FAME, beauty and grace in straps - her costume is excellent and underlines her stunts.

Adele Fame in aerial straps. The talent as aerial acrobat does not come from strangers: she is daughter of Tamara Khurchudova who also is one of the performers

GLOBE OF SPEED, 9 bikers from Columbia racing in the big metal globe - amazing,

FMX RIDERS, jumping OVER the globe!!

FMX riders – motor bikers both in and over the globe

A wonderful program --  and .....   IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue: Bois de Bologne, Metro: Porte d'Orée.

See more: www.cirque-gruss.com

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

1 December 2015

Curious about Stockholm University of the Arts DOCH?

DOCH writes:

DECEMBER 14TH AT 1 PM DOCH WELCOMES YOU TO THIS YEAR'S OPEN HOUSE!

Come and watch dance classes in various genres and circus training in different disciplines. This year we are open until 7 pm and you have the opportunity to visit us after work or school.

Other activities during the day are an excerpt from this year's Dance Festival, a music workshop on music to dance and circus, a presentation of the educational programmes and our mingle where you meet with teachers and students happy to answer your questions.

This year we also offer "try it on-classes" in jazz dance, street, modern and contemporary dance, folk dance and ballet where both lecturers and students of DOCH will teach, so please bring change of clothes!

DOCH's main building is located on Brinellvägen 58 and the Circus Hall on Brinellvägen 34 at KTH Campus. The nearest metro is Tekniska högskolan.

27 November 2015

Circus Brazil Jack 2016. When the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack in March opens season 2016 in Malmo, you can meet a world class artist: German / Austrian Rosi Hochegger. The Danish audience saw her excellent entrées with dogs and her horse Scout in Circus Benneweis in 2015. For the acts she was awarded a silver clown in Monte Carlo in 2014. Last time Rosi was with Circus Brazil Jack in 2011. She told me this summer that she looked forward to be back at Carmen and Trolle Rhodin's circus. And as her participation now is mentioned at Circus Brazil Jacks facebook page, I do no longer need to keep it confidential.

Rosi Hochegger and Scout. Photo from Circus Brazil Jack 2011

Rosi Hochegger with one of her dogs, photographed just before the season's last performance in Circus Benneweis 2015

Circus Brazil Jack has not yet released the name of the other performers in the upcoming show. The opening date is not yet published.

27 November 2015

Circus Arena resells tent. A few years ago Circus Arena bought a tent with a diameter of 45 meters from the Swiss Circus Salto Natale. They have never used the tent which has been in storage at their winter quarter in Aaslev. Now the tent is resold to the German One World Winter Circus, which gives performances in Cologne from 19 December to 6 January 2016. The tent can seat 1,900 persons.

One World Winter Circus is a brand new circus with Dutch Ilja, Katja and Willem Smitt as owners. They has previously produced Christmas circus in The Hague.

26 November 2015

Obituary: Ingeborg Rhodin. Ingeborg Rhodin’s daughter Diana Rhodin write on facebook that her mother quietly passed away on Thursday 19 November. Ingeborg Rhodin was born in 1929 and was thus 86 years. She came from the famous circus family Gautier. In her younger days, she was an excellent rider. In 1954 she married Sweden's internationally most well-known circus person Trolle Rhodin, who at that time had his own circus, Zoo Circus, and later became artistic director at Ringling. Trolle Rhodin passed away in 1997. Ingeborg and Trolle Rhodin had 3 children: Trolle Jr., Carlo and Diana. The three siblings was previously co-owners of the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack, which today is run by Trolle Jr. and his wife Carmen Rhodin.

Funeral service will take place on 3 December at Holy cross chapel at Fosie churchyard in Malmö, Sweden.

Ingeborg Rhodin

The Swedish Circus Academy has sent me this obituaries (my translation)

A Circus Queen has left us

On 19 November Ingeborg Rhodin, Malmö passed away at the age of 86 years.
She was born into the ancient circus family Gautier and became "Europe's leading female horse rider" as it was stated at the Ringling’s posters. She was an artist of the 5th generation.

Ingeborg Gautier came in 1944 with the family's horses to Sweden and joined Trolle Rhodins Zoo Circus. In 1954 she married Trolle Rhodin and they got the children Diana, Carlo and Trolle Jr.

On the photo you can see Ingeborg Rhodin at the thoroughbred Lipizzaner Baby.

We send our warm thoughts to the family Rhodin in this sorrowful moment.

Ingeborg Rhodin at the lippizan horse Baby. Photo from Swedish Circus Academy's collection

25 November 2015

As previously mentioned on this page the Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn was awarded Truxa's Memorial Scholarship 2015. The formal presentation of the scholarship took place at Danish Artist Union on 25 November. On the photo you can see Kenny Quinn together with the artist association's chairman Lena Brostrøm.

22 November 2015

Baldoni's Christmas Circus 2016. Take

• Some nice artists, who, without being world stars, is doing nice acts

• a young clown couple who in addition to having right clown spirit also has the right Christmas spirit

• a lot of Christmas pixie costumes

• some tunes from the CD Most wanted Christmas hits

and let an experienced manager mix it all together.

Then you have Baldoni's Christmas Circus, which’s 2015-version had its premiere at the Circus Museum’ fencing hall on Saturday 21 November. There was full house and the audience was very satisfied with the performance. As an additional feature team Baldoni had ensured that it began to snow outside during the show, so the Christmas spirit also continued outside the fencing hall.

The performance's recurring figures were Pixie and Pixie Line (Daniel "Danilo" Dimitrijevic and his girlfriend Cindy). In the belief that Santa was delayed, they welcomed the audience, Nis wearing an inflatable Santa suit. It irritated the real Santa Claus (circus owner René Monster), who entered the ring on a segboard. However, Santa had quickly to leave as there were problems with the toy factory etc. So he left it to Pixie and Pixie Line to host the show..

Pixie, Pixie Line and Santa Claus on segboard.

Pixie conjured (the trick with 3 rings) and song, whilePixie Line tried to interrupt his singing by putting balls in his mouth.

The first artist was Katarina Markevich with the same foot juggling entrée with scarves, which she did the summer edition of Circus Baldoni. She was followed by Pixie with the Christmas pig Anton Antonius (a ventriloquist’s doll), who were terrified when Nis told him that you in Denmark is eating roast pork on Christmas Eve.

Next came the juggler Eduard Janacek. He juggled first with rings and then with clubs. Then came a brief interlude in which his and Mrs. Maria’s son juggled with balls. Then Eduard was back with hat juggling before he again grabbed the clubs. The act ended with cigar boxes. The entrée, where the juggler keeps more and more cigar boxes in his hands. After the obligatory drop - a part of the act - he ended up with 16 cigar boxes between his hands.

Eduard Janacek with cigar boxes 

Then he handed over the ring over to Mrs. Maria, who did acrobatics in a moon. Not as you often see in a hanging moon, but in a moon set on a tripod.

The girl in the moon - Maria Janacek

Then we met Natalje Tomilova with a nice act with two poodles.

After a short "musical" interlude with Pixie Katarina Markevich entered the ring with hula hoop.

Pixie Line and Pixie gave each other presents, before Eduard Janacek presented his rola bola act. First, he jumped on a board and roll up the stairs. Then he put his board on a ball and turned around, before using glass building three layers on top of his board and on top of it juggling with three clubs. The next trick was a gag, where he crawled through the ring before he ended the act with on his hands to go down the stairs.

Eduard Janacek

Next was Natalje Tomilova back in the ring with a handstand / contortion act.

Pixia was then lead singer of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer". All the kids and a good part of the adult song along. Click here to see a short video clip.

The performance's last act was the Tarbeev family with their diabolo-entrée with we also saw in the summer edition of Circus Baldoni. New was the couple's son with mother Katarina juggling with hats. As usual, the final trick was papa Anton’s trick where he sitting on a high mono bike sheds one diabolo after the other on his head. Also here with an ingenious mishap before he finally balanced 4 diabolos on his head.

Tabeev family with diabolo

In the finale we met all the performers and their assistants in Christmas costumes. As mentioned a nice Christmas show. "We will come back next year," my granddaughter promised Father Christmas (René Moenster) when we left the show..

To see more photos click here

To see Jacob Boas Leitisstein’s photos from the show: click here

20 November 2015

Circus Nissesjov (Pixie Fun) in Ishøj Shopping Center. Every Sunday in Advent, you can as free attraction meet one of Circus Nissesjov’s units in Ishoj Shopping Center. Ishoj is a Copenhagen suburb. The performers are the Tarbeev family (Katerina Markevich and Anton Tarbeev) who during the summer season toured Denmark with Circus Baldoni.

The Juggling Pixie Katerina Markevich. Photo from Baldoni's Christmas Circus 2013

Circus Nissesjov which is owned by Rene Moenster of Circus Baldoni, has two more units. All Nissejov-performances are sold performances, often with kindergartens etc. as purchasers.

18 November 2015

Hans Christian Andersen Christmas market. On Saturday 14 November the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas market at Kultorvet in Copenhagen opened. It is Bettina and Martin Arli of the small Danish Circus Arli, who for the second year in a row organizes this Christmas market in the centrally located square which every day is passed by 38,000 people on their way to and from work. On the market you can buy Glühwein from Bettina Arli, mulled wine from Alexander Arli, batter cakes from Patrick Berdino, Christmas decorations from Susanne Breuning (well-known Danish actress) and much more. There is also a carousel and a mini train. The market is up to and including 22 December open every day from 11 to 19.

The opening was marked by a pixie band which of course played The Pixie Parade March, and by Hand Christian Andersen and Santa Claus arriving in the vintage car which the popular Danish actor Dirch Passer many years ago used in the Christmas movie "The veterinarian’s foster children". The beautiful dummies are created by Tiina Myllykangas. Inside the dummies are hers and Lasse "Bonbon" Nørager’s two children Joakim and Julia. (Danish Bonbon and his Finish wife Tiina is a well-known clown couple which have performed over most of Europe including in Monte Carlo in 2007).

Martin Arli opens this year's Christmas market

H. C. Andersen and Father Christmas arrive. Click here to see a short video clip with the pixie band as well as some additional photos.

17 November 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- as usual each year -- several circus-productions perform in Paris in NOV and DEC - and ...PARIS LOVES CIRCUS.

The biggest one and the most original is CIRQUE ALEXIS GRÜSS, where ALEXIS GRÜSS and his wife GIPSY, of the BOUGLIONE family, have abandoned the old concept of traditional circus, after having used exactly this trademark for years.

They now proclaim that this show is geared mainly to people who love theatre, opera and cabaret, i.e. an adult audience.

The first part of the show features advanced horse acts, combined with equally advanced juggling, most of it performed on horseback.

Photos by courtesy of Cirque Alexis Gruss

We recognized the quality and joy of performing we always find at CIRQUE ALEXIS GRÜSS, a give-and-take between performer and horses, displaying mutual respect.

After intermission the audience sees LES FARFADAIS, 8 aerial acrobats, featuring brilliantly in several different props, in amazing figures, even in and above a water-pool.

Everything is highly original, great importance has been given to fantastic costumes and the music, directed by maestro SYLVAIN ROLLAND and his 8 outstanding musicians - accompany beautifully the entire show.

Absolutely unique -thus well worth seeing - in Paris, until March.

Virtuosos horsemen and aerial artists gathered for a unique performance between heavens and earth.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.alexis-gruss.com

Venue: Bois de Bologne / you will inform yourselves re:  exact location/.

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

10 November 2015

Baldoni’s Christmas Circus 2015. For several years Baldoni's Christmas Circus has only been presented during a single weekend. The venue has been the Fencing Hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, where they this year open the season in the weekend 21st / 22nd November. But this year Baldoni’s Christmas Circus will also visit a number of other cities on Zealand: on 25 November they are in Kalundborg, on 28 November in Naestved, on 2 December in Rødovre, on 3 December in Slagelse and on 17 December in Nykøbing F.

In the performance you will as always meet the Christmas pig Anton Antonius (a ventriloquist’s doll), Pixie and Pixieline and Santa himself. Among the performing artists are Katerina Markevich and Anton Tarbeev with foot juggling, an act with a dog and a diabolo entrée. The couple were part of Circus Baldoni's 2015 performance and toured with Circus Arli in 2013, just as they performed at Baldoni's Christmas Circus in 2013.

Flying diabolos. Katarina Markevich and Anton Tarbeev. Photo from Baldoni's Christmas Circus 2013.

Eduardo and Maria from the Czech Republic will do acrobatics an aerial moon, rola bola and juggling.

If you as a visitor to the summer editions of Circus Baldoni wonder what has become of the talking lion Leonardo, you get the explanation here: Leonardo is every year on Christmas holiday and replaced by the Christmas pig Anton Antonius.

Pixie aka Daniel Dimitrijevic (also known as clowns Danilo) and the Christmas pig Anton Antonius

In addition to presenting 2 hours Christmas circus Circus Baldoni has also 3 units on tour to institutions, etc. with shorter performances under the name Circus Nissesjov (Pixie Fun). In the first unit the performers are Katerina Markevich and Anton Tarbeev, in the second Eduardo and Maria and in the third Jevgenijs Tomilov and his wife Natalje. The Tomilov couple is not included in Baldoni's Christmas Circus, but only in Circus Nissesjov.

In Skagen, Circus Krone has a single public Christmas show. It is November 22, where they perform in the culture centre Kappelborg. Among the performers are the clown Alando and the musical entertainer Henning Amstrup. Circus owner Irene Thierry is ringmistress and guides the audience safely through the show, all spiced with lots of heart-warming Christmas music, directed by Marc Thierry.

Several of the small circus and Benny Schumann has a number of sold Christmas performances.

10 November 2015

"Crazy about Circus - people, animals and sensations" is the title of Circus Arena’s 2016 show. The show will be presented by Benny Berdino’s grandson Patrick Berdino. There's premiere at Bellahoj in Copenhagen on Wednesday 16 March 2+16. Circus Arena will stay at Bellahoj until Sunday 10 April 2016.

The names of the performers are not yet published.

The subtitle "people, animals and sensations" is often used by German circus ("Menschen, Tiere, Sensationen"). The term derives perhaps from the title of a German film from 1938, recorded in the Circus Sarrasani in Dresden.

9 November 2015

Truxas Memorial Award to Kenny Quinn. Every year on the late magician Truxa's birthday on 7 November a memorial scholarship instituted by Truxa is awarded to notable artists and performers from Denmark and Sweden.

Truxa (Erik Kurt Bang, 1919-1996) was one of the most famous magicians in all Scandinavia.

This year the award is given to the Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn. The Danish Artist Union, which administers the scholarship, wanted to hand over the award to Kenny in connection with the event A magical night on 3 November. However, it was not possible because Kenny Quinn appeared in Stuttgart in Circus Corty Althoff. This engagement is now over, and the formal award ceremony will take place in the near future.

Kenny Quinn in action. Notice how he diverts the client's attention, while his hand is going down in the client’s pocket. Later he stole also the client’s clock and glasses ... Photo from Circus Arnardo’s performance in Oslo on April 26 this year 

The Danish Artist Union writes (my translation):

Kenny Quinn through his entire developed his ability to get close to the audience and put his hands into their pockets. In the guise of a well-dressed gentleman thief he steals from his audience watches, belt, wallets, cell phones and tie, while with great psychological experience and diversion technique, politely conversing through the surprising and entertaining gentleman thefts.

Kenny Quinn is a very experienced artist who throughout his career has been able to develop his act to fit the scenes and audiences across Europe. Danish Artist Union’s President, Lena Brostrom who is on the board behind the scholarship, is highlighting his high professional standards and elegant form of entertainment:

"It takes a strong talent and determination to be executive entertainer on the European stages and not least to be able to continue to renew himself in a long career. This Kenny Quinn masters and I am very pleased that we can honor Kenny's unique artistic craftsmanship."

Kenny Quinn got only 17-year apprenticeship as a show-pickpocket with the legendary Danish artist, Gentleman Jack. Since 1985 Kenny has worked as a professional pickpocket in circus and vaudeville scenes across Europe.

From December 19 to January 6, Kenny Quinn performs in Ravensburger Weihnachtscircus. From 9 January 2016 until the beginning of November 2016, he tours with Circus Vegas in Ireland and Scotland.

2 November 2015

Patrick Berdino voted out of Strictly comes dancing. As mentioned on this website on Patrick Berdino of Circus Arena has this autumn taken part in the Danish version of the popular TV show Strictly comes dancing.

At the show on 30 October 6 couples was left. Among those Patrick Berdino and his partner Jenna Bagge (a professional dancer). The danced the Waltz. Patrick is probably better at Latin dances than at a classical dance. The jury gave them the evenings lowest score and following the result of the viewers' votes they and another couple had to participate in dance off.

After that viewers had voted about the dance off, the couple is out of the competition and must therefore be content with having achieved a 6th place. But when you see how talented the dancers in the competition are to be number 6 is not a bad result.

Jenna Bagge and Patrick Berdino. Partners in Strictly comes dancing, but not in private life

30 October 2015

Halloween circus in Odense. On Sunday 1 November at 13:30 Odense's youth circus Circus Flik-Flak present Halloween circus for the entire family. The show features floating skeletons, amazing magic witches and lots of acrobats, jugglers etc.. A new and exciting performance where the performance's theme is Halloween with inspiration taken from the circus world.

26 October 2015

17^th International Circus Festival "City of Latina". At the just concluded circus festival the following prizes was awarded:

Gold:

Xinjiang Acrobatic Troupe - China - Acrobats

There was gold for the Chinese Xinjiang troupe

Silver:

Aleksandr Batuev - Russia - contortion

Duo Sky Angels - Uzbekistan - tissue

Bronze:

Evgeny Vasilenko - Russia - slack wire

Leo & Ursula - Spain – roller skates

Alyona Pavlova - Russia - aerial hoop

Troupe Lebedkov - Russia - Russian bar

There were also a number of special awards. Among others a special award to the clown Charlie Carletto (Carlos Alberto Peres), who the Danes met this summer in Circus Dannebrog, where they probably also can meet him in the coming season.

Charlie Carletto in Circus Dannebrog in season 2015. The likeable clown will probably be back in Circus Dannebrog in 2016

The city of Latina is situated 40 km. southeast of Rome and has about 115,000 residents. Although the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo is the world’s most prestigious circus festival with the festivals in Budapest and Massy on a second place, the circus festival in Latina has a good reputation and is regarded as one of the good festivals. Today there are a myriad of other circus festivals. Some of good quality and others where there is almost an abuse of the word festival.

25 October 2015

Obludarium. Some contemporary circus performance can only be seen in the greater Copenhagen area. But sometimes such shows also visit the provinces. As part of the Festival of Wonders Jysk Music Theatre in Silkeborg present from 6 to 8 November the performance Obludarium with the Forman Brothers Theatre from Czech Republic.

The theatre writes:

Obludarium is a unique circus performance, combining marionettes, masks, dance and live music. In all there are 15 artistes on stage in the theatres own beautiful theatre building, built especially for this production.

The show is a sort of new circus with an old-fashioned atmosphere. A bit like watching an old movie with monsters and oddities like the bearded woman, the strongest man in the world, and so on.

The show moves gracefully between moments of slapstick humor and pure poetry. There are wonderful costumes, beautiful music and many surprises.

Experience dance, puppet manipulation and mask theatre done in ways you have probably never seen.

Festival of Wonder has previously presented this wonderful show. We are asked again and again to bring it back to Silkeborg. Here is your chance to see it - maybe your last chance.

To see a short video clip from the show: click here

To see a longer clip, which also shows the structure of the portable building, the show use: click here

Festival of Wonder is a puppet theatre festival for children and adults, which are held every second year in November. In the performance Obludarium you meet both puppets and live performers.

25 October 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  THEATRE CLAVEL proudly presents BENOIT ROSEMONT, magic entertainer, mentalist and  balloon artist  featuring a one hour long kids' - and family show,  making the children scream for joy and making the parents happy when they see that their offspring  is happy !Kids don't applaud spontaneously  - life has to be learnt !

BENOIT ROSEMONT is elegantly dressed in black trousers, black shoes, red waistcoat, white shirt and butterfly. The program is full of funny happenings, it is colorful, interesting for the age-group, full of surprises and performed at a brisk pace, but slowly enough to allow the smaller fry to follow. Interaction when a few kids are invited up on stage - makes for a good mood and a sympathetic atmosphere among the audience.

Benoit Rosemont and a girl from the audience. By courtesy of the artist

Points of interest: the small ones are here offered LIVE ENTERTAINMENT - and they thus see that this is a lot better than electronic features - they see a live artist on stage and they can communicate with him.

An excellent show, well worth seeing!!

See more: searching on the Internet: BENOIT ROSEMONT - you will find a lot.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue:  Theatre CLAVEL, 3 rue Clavel, 75019 Paris.  Metro: Pyrénées.

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

22 October 2015

Christmas Circus in Helsinki. While there this year neither will be Christmas circus in the Swedish city Helsingborg or in the Swedish capital Stockholm, it seems that the Finns can see a Christmas Circus in the Finnish capital Helsinki. It is a new Finnish circus, Circus Tähti (Tähti means star), which will have performances in Helsinki from 9 to 13 December. The circus director is the magician Samir (Samir Abdelmeguid). Among the performers are the clown professor Bluffo, the ventriloquist and knife thrower Ari Lauanne, the diabolo juggler Aaro Kontio, the only 12-year-old trapeze star Sara Tolpo, Sampo the clown and the magician Samir with his partner Frida.

In Malmö in the southern part of Sweden you can in November and December see a show called Christmas Super Circus 2015 at the at the venue “Slagthuset” (the slaughterhouse). It is a nightclub show which apart from the name has nothing to do with a circus. However, there is a juggler and a magician in the show.

In Denmark, Baldoni's Christmas Circus has a number of performances in November and December.

22 October 2015

Jimmy Enoch spends all of December with circus producer Elmar Kretz in Ravensburger Weinachtcircus. Jimmy tells (my translation): "I have the full responsibility for putting his tent properly up, prepared for the performance and after the last performance to take it down again ant get it to the winter quarters. I also have the task of overlooking the staff during the process of cleaning up the big top for the two shows running every day. I believe the tent can seat 2,000 people. In addition, I make my glass balance act ". As previously mentioned on this page also the Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn are among the performers at Ravensburger Weinachtcircus.

Jimmy with his glass balancing act

22 October 2015

Circus Baldoni was not active during the autumn holiday. For they are busy getting ready for their Christmas circuses: Circus Pixie Fun, appearing with presold performances for institutions, etc. as well as Baldoni's Christmas Circus, which will have performances in different cities on selected days in November and December, including performances at the fencing hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, on 21 and 22nd November. In February Baldoni will go to the Faroe Islands with a magic show. There will also be a few performances on Zealand. Read more at www.trylleriogmagi.dk

During the winter holiday in week 8 Circus Baldoni will produce a performance for a shopping centre in the Copenhagen suburb Ishoej. The summer season starts in mid-March. "This is our 15th season, so we are aiming to put together a performance that will surpass everything we have shown before," circus owner René Moenster promises.

20 October 2015

Zirkus Nemo 2016. Zirkus Nemo is a mixture of a circus and a comedian show, owned by the popular Danish actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard, calling his show “Denmark's only Zirkus for adults!”

Season 2016 will last two weeks longer than season 2015 with opening day in Horsens on 20 April and closing day on 17 September in Odense.

Among the performers will apart from Soren Ostergaard himself be the crazy and hilarious rubber man Captain Frodo. Captain Frodo also appeared in Zirkus Nemo in 2014. His real name is Frodo Sandven. He was born in 1976 in Haugesund in Norway but lives today in Australia. He is the son of a Norwegian magician Finn Sandven with the artist name Santini.

The Norwegian rubber man Captain Frodo

19 October 2015

A visit to Circusland during the autumn holidays. Circusland at Circus Arena's winter quarters at Aarslev had as usual open during the autumn holidays and park manager Suzanne Berdino are quite satisfied with numbers of visitors. As during the summer holidays the theme was Wild West with Indians and cowboys.

Circusland's strength is the many shows and activities - throughout the day, something happens every half hour.

At the entrance to the Circus Land you was during the autumn holidays welcomed by the chief Talking Waterfalls (Brian Behrendt) who throughout the day on an excellent manner served as barker for the various activities in Circusland.

My granddaughter Ida who is 7 years old started the day with pony ride. Then we saw the sea lion show where Stephanie Berdino with help of the experienced sea lion trainer Addie Jepsen presented two sea lions in the giant pool, which is said to be larger than pool the sea lions have in Copenhagen Zoo.

Stephanie dances with a sea lion. Maybe she wants just like her cousin Patrick is doing this autumn to participate in Strictly comes Dancing? Or is it the sea lion which want to take part in Strictly comes Dancing in 2016?

Next, Ida attended the outdoor circus school where Brian together Oliver Berdino and Preben Palsgaard helped the visiting children who wanted to try to make some circus tricks. For weather-related reasons, it would be an advantage if the circus school at least during the autumn and winter periods was an indoor activity. Particularly interested children were invited to participate in the afternoon's performance at Circus Landino. My granddaughter Ida joined immediately!

Next event was a Western Show, which usually takes place outdoors, but for weather-related reasons moved indoors. When Ida and I saw the show it was presented by Preben Palsgaard and Brian. Other days it was presented by Suzanne Berdino. The show which ran for approximately 20 minutes featured Indian riding with Brian on the beautiful tinker stallion Lord Wellington and Stephanie and Charmaine Berdino on two Arabian horses. Next came the sheriff Preben Palsgaard in the ring with a show with whip and lasso. The kids enjoyed it, although Preben’s performance perhaps not quite was on par with what I have seen at rodeos in the United States. Then Stephanie Berdino (some days her mother Suzanne) presented two ponies before Charmaine Berdino ended the show with school riding.

Chief "Talking Waterfall" aka Brian Behrendt and the sisters Charmaine and Stephanie Berdino was part of western show

A little later there was kids show in the playground area. The performers were Charmaine Berdino and Preben Palsgaard. First with an illusion (the one where the girl gets tied and come into a cabinet with a gentleman dressed with a jacket and soon after is coming out, still tied but with the jacket on). Next, hula hoop with Charmaine before Preben finished the show with a ventriloquist act which proved that he by far is Denmark's best ventriloquist.

Preben Palsgaard spellbound children during children's show

Next activity was the about 30-minute long show at Circus Landino. Ida and another invited child swung with hula hoop ring before Circus Arena’s chef animal trainer Tim Delobosq presented 6 beautiful white Arabian horses. Circus Arena’s Pierrot Ib Groth Rasmussen had a short magic entrée - the one with the duck which pick up the right card. Next Suzanne Berdino, who also was ringmaster, came in the ring with five dogs who in a car were driven into the ring by her husband Daniel. Also one of Suzanne's daughters helped during the act. Next act was Suzanne's son Oliver, who has developed to be a talented juggler with charisma. Despite a few drops it was a fine act where you are looking forward to follow the young talents future development. The summer of 2015 Oliver spent with in the small Norwegian Circus Minimax. Then he visited Iceland and the Faroe Islands with Circus Baldoni. In early October he was on Greenland with Circus Arena. The circus performance at Circus Landino ended with camels and llamas presented by Tim Delbosq. Circus Arena bought these animals a few years ago and they are still being trained by the skilled chief animal trainer.

Tim Delbosq with 6 beautiful white Arabian horses. Click here to see more photos from Circusland.

Later in the day it was again pony rides in the training ring, sea lion show in the pool and children show in the playground area.

Circusland offered no performing elephants during the autumn holiday as Circus  Arenas 3 elephants currently are in Italy. The elephant act was recently awarded one of the awards at VI MIEDZYNARODOWY Festiwal Talentów Cyrku Korona in Poland.

Circusland’s playground offers Funn Balls, swing boats, a small train, a children's carousel and a few moon bounces.

Also Jacob Boas Leitisstein of the website Cirkusportalen visited Circus Land during the autumn holiday and shot some outdoor photos. To see Jacobs photos: click here

18 October 2015

The Danish Open Air Museum's Historical Fair during the autumn holidays presented a number of old-fashioned amusements: swing boats, skittle alley etc. as well as stalls selling food and drink. Furthermore, there was in the morning a short performance with the clown Joye. In the afternoon you met the actor Peter Aude with magical entertainment.

To the left: the clown Joye. To the right: Peter Aude as the conjuring entertainer.

Peter Aude and Morten Eisner at the fairground

18 October 2015

Dated 13 October you could read Jorgen Lorenzen review of Circus Arena's autumn show in Kolding Shopping Centre. Finn Stendevad has sent me these photos from the show.

18 October 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   ---   here you find a PREVIEW of coming events, based on previous experience.

PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE / PARIS LOVES CIRCUS/ means that many circus productions find their way to Paris, which probably has more circus events than any other city in Europe.

Thus:

CIRQUE PINDER, the best family circus in traditional style. In Paris from 6 November to 24 January 2016. Venue (circus lot): Pelouse de Reuilly. Website: www.cirquepinder.com

CIRQUE BOUGLIONE in the Paris circus building CIRQUE D'HIVER and another production in NANTERRE, near Paris, possibly even other productions. Performances in Cirque d’Hiver from 19 October to 6 March 2016 and with a different program in Parc André Malraux at Nanterre from 28 November to 13 December. Website: www.cirquedhiver.com

CIRQUE ALEXIS GRÜSS  which presents marvellous horse acts. In Paris from

17 October 2015 to 6 March 2016. Venue: 16 Porte de Passy. Free shuttlebus service from metro station "Porte Auteuil" to the circus lot. Website: www.alexis-gruss.com

CIRQUE ARLETTE GRÜSS, very original but having kept the traditions. In Paris from 20. November to 12. December. Venue: Pelouse de Reuilly - Bois de Vincennes 75012 Paris. Website: http://www.cirque-gruss.com

CIRQUE CHRISTIANE BOUGLIONE, traditional X-mas circus. In Paris from 14 November to 13 December. Venue: Porte de Passy. Website: www.lecirquedenoel-paris.com

CIRQUE GONTELLI, program geared to the smaller kids, can be seen before they go to Marseille, where the weather is more friendly to circus. See the review on this page dated 4 October 2015. Website http://les-gontellis.e-monsite.com/

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL with the performance Amaluna. In Paris from 5 November to 13  December. Venue: Plaine de Jeux de Bagatelle. Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/amaluna/default.aspx

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

This survey is not exhaustive, write up on all circus events will appear as I see them.

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

14 October 2015

“The little Circusgiant” is the title of a contemporary circus performance which the visitors to the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, can see during the Danish schoolchildren’s autumn holidays in week 42. It's a one-man show with the Swedish artist Joel Degerfeldt. He is a tall guy, but he tells he actually comes from the land of giants where everyone is much taller than him. His cyr wheel is in fact one of the giant’s hula-hoop ring!

Joel Degerfeldt with his cyr wheel

Curator Mikkel Knudsen from the Circus Museum says that The little Circusgiant is one of the few of the contemporary circus performances he has seen which also is suitable for children. And there was no doubt that the approximately 100 children in the age from 5 to 9 years who Tuesday saw the performance were captured by story Joel told and the way in which it was told. In the show you saw in addition to the tricks in cyr wheel also some acrobatics and diabolo juggling. A nice performance. However I would have preferred if the artist had used a more colorful costume than a faded, green polo T-shirt and a pair of khaki shorts. And something more exciting than the grey dress - his big brother's pajama top - he used during the final part of the act.

The children enjoyed when the diabolo got stuck in Joel's stomach

Joel Degerfeldt with diabolos

From the 12th to the 16th October every day from 12.30-14pm the visitors could also join the Circus Fun. Here they could try out everything from juggling to trapeze assisted by the

incomparable Line Vittrup, whose work with the children is one of the museum's major attractions.

Circus Fun in the museum's fencing hall. The girl at the front is my 7-year-old granddaughter Ida

13 October 2015

Circus Arena in Kolding Shopping Center. Jørgen Lorenzen saw the performance on 12 October at 15 and writes:

In Kolding Shopping Center everything is set up to create a true Tivoli and circus atmosphere. At the Cinema Square you found Nordic Tivoli Park's beautiful, classic children merry-go-round. And on Centre Square there was real circus. Circus Arena presented a 45 minutes long performance with strong acts.

After Circus Arena’s signature tune Bettina Arli welcome the audience. The first act was Laura Berdino 4 ponies. Laura Berdino had a warm and safe charisma, and her costume was closely aligned with the horses' colors.

The bounce-juggler Catalin, who this summer toured Denmark with Circus Arli, juggled with up to seven balls before Miss Amy came in the ring with a hula hoop act. With a physical brawn and an impressive drive and a direct appeal to the audience she did an act you will remember.

Miss Amy. Smartphone photo shot by Jorgen Lorenzen

Then came the clowns Martin and Alejandro in the ring with a hypnotist-entrée. Alejandro / Alexander burned through with a little hoarse and staccato-like voice and facial expression and an aura, which is close to madness. The real clown got to be right on the edge: the madness must not break through, because then the number won’t work.

Then came Mr. David entering the ring as a drunken spectator who had gone wrong. But it turned out that he was sober when he realized where he was, and so he turned to a genuine rola-bola artist. David is not the same bola-bola-artist, David Robert, who this year was on tour with Circus Arli, but Bulgarian David Kovatchev, who along with Miss Amy in the summer season toured with the Norwegian Circus Arnardo with an act in Washington -trapeze.

Finally came the final number from this year’s Arli-performance; Duo Alerim - in double trapeze. Definitely one of the strongest acts in the now-completed Danish circus season, and once again you could enjoy a beautiful, highly detailed combination of strength and grace, movement and static positions. A very strong circus act.

Duo Alerim. Top: smartphone photo taken in Kolding by Jorgen Lorenzen. Bottom photo from Circus Arli 2015 performance

When Bettina Arli said goodbye all the expectations of a real circus experience were fully met.

13 October 2015

Circus Mascot in Horsens. Jørgen Lorenzen saw the performance at Bytorv Horsens shopping mall on 12 October at 11 and writes:

The clown Gulio warmed up the audience. With a fine facial expressions and simple artistic effects he gave rise to lots of laughter. E.g. when he could not find the exit and therefore needs children into the ring to help him.

And when the atmosphere is warm and energized, Daniel Deleuran welcomed the audience. The first number is a slinky doll (aka Gulio) which is followed by Husik. Husik enter the ring dressed as a spaceman or org and as a superman he throws around with planets and celestial bodies - which soon turns out to be diabolo props, just as he throws his orc costume and become an artist. He has up to three diabolos in the air at a time.

Gulio now enter the ring as a strong man to lift a cannonball of 100 kilos. The heavy ball found to be made of papier maché, and inside it there is a small dog. The children cheered!

Gulio and the dog. Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein

Then follow Marianne and Andrea’s with Circus Mascots dog revue. 7 dogs wagging of well-being jumps, runs, rolls and jump in, under, around and over a lot of props: cylinders, rings, walls and even a seesaw. And one dog can solve math problems, another can pat a cake, and a third gives high five to Andreas.

Marianne and Andres Deleuran with the dogs. Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein

The show ends with Daniel and Gulio / Ulmas’ beautiful and stylish formation juggling. This act is perfect for the ring because it uses the entire ring and the straight horizontal and vertical movements are in fine interplay with the shape of the circus ring. And the artistic level was high: 8 balls and 8 clubs.

When Daniel said goodbye, the performance had lasted 30 minutes.

Daniel and Gulio with formation juggling. Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein. To see more of Jacobs photos: click here

12 October 2015

Circus Big - the tiny big circus. Finn Stendevad saw the show Monday 12 October in Esbjerg Shopping Mall and writes:

Mr. Big aka Benjamin Breith got the idea about his circus when he worked at a private school and taught music and sports. First as a busker show. He bought his first tent in 2004. At one point Thomas Larsen aka clown Knud joined Benjamin Breith. Thomas was schooled as actor so they complemented each other. They got some experience as volunteer leaders in children's clubs in different churches. Besides making shows for children they organize also teambuilding courses etc.

Every day during the autumn holidays, they are from 12 to 14 in Esbjerg Shopping Mall. First with a workshop for the children. There is a new activity every day.

Workshop with Circus Big. Photo: Finn Stendevad

Every day from 13.30 to 14, they have a small circus show, as part of their "spooky" Halloween show. They appear first as jugglers with balls and finally with balls of yarn with spiky matches in. They make a little magic with a toy that comes in a box in which you put plates through and divide it into three, that is the lady who gets sawn in miniature, magic with the three ropes which turns into one and vice versa. Then the gag with the fork that is stuck in the head of the other person who has blanket over his head. Finally, an act with diabolo. Next, a boy was invited up to stand on a mat with nails. Now they made balloon animals and the boy is rewarded with such on. As encore Knud place a rubber glove on his head and blows it finally sharply up, then it flies away behind them.

A nice little performance that fits perfect to a shopping center.

Performance at Circus Big. Photo: Finn Stendevad

7 October 2015

Contemporary circus performances during the autumn holiday. In addition to the circus and artistic performances which was mentioned on this page on 2 October you can during the autumn holiday in week 42 see two so-called contemporary circus performances in Denmark.

Tuesday 13 October at 16 you can at theatre Galaksen in the Copenhagen suburb Værløse see the one-man show the Pianist. Thursday 15 October at 11 you can see the performance in Slagelse Concert Hall. The Pianist is a contemporary solo circus performance centred on, in, under and around that most magnificent of instruments, the grand piano. The Pianist mixes highly skilled physical comedy with a refined contemporary circus-theatre attitude. A snooty pianist’s attempts to woo his audience degenerate into a series of disasters that are laugh-out-loud funny.

Thomas Mockton in the role as the pianist. Press photo. Click here to see video teaser for the show

14 and 15 October respectively at 20 and 14 you can see the show Moving BodyArt with Cirque Arte Diem at theatre Baltoppen in the Copenhagen suburb Ballerup. Seven international performers present a flying, live musical and visually stunning contemporary circus and dance show. Arte Diem is a Nordic dance and contemporary circus company, based in Kristianstad and Stockholm. The driving forces are Danish Naja Calmann-Hinke and her Finnish husband Timo Lattu. Naja Calmann-Hinke writes:

"We make an aesthetic crossover between dance, circus and live music and orchestra and tours currently in Denmark, Sweden and Finland with our performance Moving BodyArt. Nearest reference is Cirque Du Soleil, but on a much smaller scale, and with our own style. The name Cirque front Arte Diem has arisen because it just leaning more towards the type of Cirque in e.g. Canada, France, etc. rather than Nordic contemporary circus. "

Photos provided by Arte Diem. Photographer: Håkan Larsson. Click here to see a video clip from the performance.

Naja Calmann-Hinke is originally a physiotherapist. During a trip to Thailand, she met the Finnish acrobat Timo Lattu. They fall in love and Timo persuaded Naja to try her luck as an acrobat. First they worked on a cruise ship and later several places in Europe. Today

Timo is the Producing Artistic Director of Arté Diem and Naja is the Director of Marketing and Development. Wednesday and Thursday in the autumn holiday, you can meet the couple in Baltoppen along with 5 other artists and dancers.

7 October 2015

Obituary: Vivi Schmidt Christgau. On 30 September 30 former artist and circus owner Vivi Schmidt Christgau passed away at the nursing home Strandgaarden in Haarby. She was 83 years old. Funeral took place on Wednesday 7 October from Verninge Church.

As daughter of Louis Schmidt who initially was co-owner of Danish Circus Schmidt  Bros. and from 1937 to 1960 owner of the large Danish Circus Louis, it was not surprising that she got a life in and with the circus. She started performing with tap dancing and music. Later she presented trick riding. In season 1950 she presented sea lions and established soon herself as a talented sea lion trainer. She also presented flame riding, liberty horses and was riding par force. In the years 1957-59 Vivi Schmidt presented her 6 sea lions at Ringling in USA. After Circus Louis closed by the end of season 1960 she worked abroad. However, her dream was to establish her own circus, and assisted by her husband Erik Christgau Circus Vivi Schmidt was established in 1963. The tent was a brand new 6 pole tent with room for about 1,200 people and the equipment was new and modern. The performances were always of good quality. Her sea lions were not part of the performance due to a ban on presentation of wild animals in circuses, which entered into force in Denmark as of 1 January 1963. Instead the sea lion act toured with circuses abroad. However in 1966, Vivi Schmidt succeeded in persuading the Danish Minister of Justice to permit that she could take her beloved sea lions on tour with Circus Vivi in Denmark.

Vivi with her sea lions. Photo reproduced from the printed program for 1966

Circus Vivi stopped touring by the end of 1967. Helped by her assistant and niece Addie Jepsen Vivi presented for a few seasons her sea lions in other circuses. Later Addie took over the act which however still was presented as Vivi’s sea lions.

Vivi Schmidt. Private Photo by courtesy of Erik Christgau

4 October 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- CIRQUE GONTELLIS -- a small family circus, touring Marseille and suburban areas during winter, the climate being rather mild, and in Paris with suburbs in summer, offering a program geared at the small fry, 3 - 6 years, and their parents, they often play in the small squares of English type that exist in many areas in Paris. This is of cultural importance, making the children see that LIVE ENTERTAINMENT is a good alternative to electronic happenings.

The GONTELLIS FAMILY does all the pertaining work themselves: putting up the small top, included a wooden floor, dismantling everything after show, transporting, contacting LA MAIRIE /Townhall/ to get permit to play, putting up and taking down posters.

The program:
Daddy SERGE: footjuggling, trick cyclist, clown, magician, he also presents animals /goat, cats, white mice/,

Mum: FABIOLA: MC and clown,

Daughter OPHELIE, 18, tight wire, aerial ring, queen of doves, hula hoop,

Son CHRISTIAN, 15, rola bola, juggling, spinning plates, clown,

Daughter MARY, 11, acrobatics, hula hoop,

Son GAETAN, 6, in training …

The Gontelli family: Serge, Christian, Fabiola, Ophelie, Nary og Gaetan

From the performance

Show: 60 minutes.

The road is not always straight for the GONTELLIS:  the weather is not always friendly, the TOWNHALL is not always generous allotting space for the show, sometimes mischievous youngsters damage the tent overnight.

This show is a cultural offer, coming to all -- a very nice and sympathetic program, very much enjoyable even - without children - provided one is interested in circus atmosphere and a good and healthy entertainment.

You will frequently find GONTELLIS in L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES, in all news-stalls, € 0,70, headline:  pour les jeunes = for the youngsters.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: http://les-gontellis.e-monsite.com/

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

2 October 2015

Circuses etc. during the autumn holiday. True to tradition, you can several places in Denmark see the circus or artist performances during the school children’s autumn holiday in week 42.

In the Copenhagen area, you can see:

Clown Show with Charlie & Binalto from Circus 3, making fun and jokes at the stage in Frederiksberg Shopping Centre. From Saturday 10 October to Sunday 18 October every day at 11 and 24. Free admission.

Charlie and Binalto on the stage in Frederiksberg shopping centre. Photo from October 2014

The contemporary circus performance The Little Circus Giant with the artist Joel Degerfeldt. Location: The Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen. 12^th to16th October every day at 11.

Joel Dergerfelt with his cyr wheel

Bloody Mary Dance Show, which is a mixture of dance, drama, parkour and stage fight. Among the performers is Alexander Arli in the role of the butler, alternating with the actor Jesper Hagelskær Paasch. Location: The Open Air Stage in Tivoli. 9 October to 1 November daily at 18, 19.30 and 21.

Outside the metropolitan area, you can at Zealand visit

Circusland with circus performances etc. Circusland in Circus Arena’s winter quarters is open from 10 to 18 October, daily from 10 to 16. A press release writes (my translation):

The autumn holidays are approaching and this year Circusland in Slagelse opens with more experiences and more fun than ever before. There's something for the whole family. Now you can feel the atmosphere of the Wild West. You can meet cowboys and Indians - yes, even a real Indian chief has moved into Circusland, where you can also dig gold, bake twist bread on a stick (weather permitting), participate in horseshoe throwing and much, much more.

Indians in Circusland. Press photo from Circusland

For the autumn holiday 2015 Circusland has teamed with local line dancers and square dancers who will make guest appearances on the following dates: 11^th October, 13th October, 16th October and 18th October.

We also have the popular Circus School, where children can be taught everything from driving on mono wheel bicycles, tightrope walking, balance balls to juggling and diabolo. The children in the circus school can try all the different circus disciplines under the guidance of our artists.

Both before and after the circus school the whole family can explore the rest of Circusland, where there awaits a wealth of experiences and exciting activities: During the day there will be a sea lion show, western show, children show, circus performance and the opportunity to see the Arena Circus Museum, the Circus City and all the animals that live in Circusland.

Circusland's cafeteria serves all day delicious meals for both large and small. In addition, we also have Mexican pancakes and much more in our Mexican Café.

After paying the entrance fee, all the shows, rides and parking is free. Entre 99 DKK.

In Jutland, you can see

Circus Mascot. 10 and 11 October: Bilka Supermarket in Vejle. Several performances each day.  12 to 17 October: Bytorv Horsens. Monday to Friday at 11, 13 and 15. Saturday at 11 and 13.

In the ring, you will see the clown Gulio, his son Husik and from the Deleuran family Daniel, Andreas and Marianne. And then of course all the playful dogs. Free admission.

Circus Mascot’s dogs are presented by Marianne and Andreas Deleuran. Photo from Bytorv Horsens in October 2014 Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein.

Circus Arena visits Kolding Shopping Center. From Monday 12 October to Saturday. 17 October. Performances every day at 11, 13 and 15. Among the performers are the clowns Martino & co. (Martin and Bettina Arli). Free admission.

Martin and Bettina Arli. Smartphone photo shot by Jørgen Lorenzen from the show in Kolding Shopping Centre last autumn.

30 September 2015

Cirkusfabrikken (The Circus Factory), Lindum, 26 September at 14.30. Jørgen Lorenzen saw the performance and writes (my translation):

Salling Circus Kids was performing in Circus Charlie's tent, which is put up at the Circus Factory in Lindum. The show was part of a nationwide Enthusiasts Festival, which took place from 23 to 27 September.

Before the show there was open house at the Circus factory’s administration residence, the old dairy manager’s residence which just has been renovated and now is in excellent condition.

Cirkusfabrikken (The Circus Factory) is situated in an old diary in Lindum close to Roslev in the northern part of Jutland

The passionate enthusiast at the Circus Factory in Lindum and the surrounding area is Einar Trie. With an untiring drive and never resting engagement he is the hub of the factory which is a cultural meeting place, and a place which is used by hundreds of volunteers, children as well as adults. And the recurring theme is the circus.

Einar Trie, former owner of Circus Charlie, now the leader of the activities at the Circus Factory. Circus Charlie toured from 1988 until 2007.

The performance was attended by a couple of hundred people. It was children and young people who performed. With drive and desire to perform they presented an hour of genuine circus without nervousness and fright. Many of the circus disciplines were demonstrated at an astonishing high level. One felt clearly that Einar has managed to get professional instructors to the Circus factory, so the performance was clearly above the amateur level. Einar has good contacts with circus and circus schools in Russia and the Baltic countries, and he can get skilled instructors to Denmark. It was good old-fashioned circus.

In particular, I noted a skilled juggler juggling with hats and several excellent aerialists in tissue, vertical rope and trapeze. They may be ready for a professional career, and several of them will during the winter participate in circus festivals in Eastern Europe.

Jørgen Lorenzen smartphone photos from the show

The Circus Factory and Salling Circus Kids were about a year ago on tour in the United States visiting Chicago and Kentucky. See more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-3dFdyEFQY

28 September 2015

Circus Benneweis winter quarters in Dronningmølle offered for sale. Benneweis long-time winter quarters Hulerødgaard in Dronningmølle is offered for sale. Dronningmølle is a small seaside hamlet in North Zealand, situated about 60 kilometres north of Copenhagen.  The Dronningmølle bay stretches in a gentle curve between Hornbæk and Gilleleje, giving room to a wonderful beach. The name Dronningmølle, The Queen’s Mill, originates from a watermill built in 1588 on a site owned by Queen Sofie, the wife of King Frederik II.

The Benneweis family bought Hulerødgaard in 1938. Before that they had rented winter quarter at the horse stud Hillerødsholm in Hillerød.

Hulerødgaard, photo taken probably sometimes in 1960’ies (see the car). Photo from Carl P. Kraft's collection at the Royal Library in Copenhagen

When the Benneweis family acquired Hulerødgaard the circus had lots of animals and a year-round staff to care for them. Since 1996 Benneweis has not had their own animals, but instead engaged foreign artists with animal acts. Since then part the property has been used as storage space for the circus equipment out of season, while other parts, such as the old stables and training ring, has been empty or used as storage rooms.

Hulerødgaard seen from Hulerødvej

The property is now offered for sale. The price is 7.5 million DKK (1 million Euro). You can see more, including a lot of photos, at the real estate agent’s website.

Hulerødgaard seen from Munkerup Strandvej

Dawid and Nadia Benneweis intend to continue to run Circus Benneweis. Thus, the sale of the old winter quarters does not mean that the world's oldest circus, established in 1887, will close.

27 September 2015

The photographer Per Krogh Petersen ("Mr. Sputnik") sent me the photos below of Benny Schumann performing Friday, September 25 in the evening in Elsinore Town Centre as part of the local culture night.

Benny Schumann in Elsinore Town Centre. Photo: Per Krogh Petersen

25 September 2015

End of the Danish circus season 2015. Most of the Danish circuses have already closed the season. The last two circuses will do it during the weekend: On Saturday, 16 September Circus Mascot will have the seasons last tented performance. And on Sunday Circus Dannebrog will end season 2015. The Danish circus season 2015 began when Circus Arena had dress rehearsal on 13 March 2015.

All the circus tents are now taken to each circus’ winter quarters until season 2016 starts in March 2016. Some circuses are active with indoor performances in shopping centres etc. during the autumn holidays, up to Christmas and during the winter holidays.

The Diorio troupe with seven riders in the globe was all through the season the audience's favourite act in the Circus Arena. Circus Arena opened as the first Danish circus season in 2015 on 13 March.

Throughout the season the aerial daredevil Alan Alegria has been the audience's favourite act in Circus Dannebrog. Dannebrog ends as the last of the Danish circuses season 2015 on September 27.

In What’s on you can find a list of circus and artist performances during the autumn holidays in week 42.

24 September 2015

When Circus Arena in October visits Greenland, it is with international top artists and Benny Berdino as ringmaster.

In the circus ring the Greenlanders can see a magic act with the Danish magician Hans Ulrik. They can follow acrobats in their aerial acts. The can admire a circus princess in hula hoop rings and laugh at the comic rola bola acrobat David Kovatchev from Bulgaria. Also from Bulgaria comes Viktor Nikolov with a fire-act. The Danish super juggler, Oliver Berdino, is the fourth generation in Circus Arena and will now for the first time present talent in Greenland. By tradition the Greenlanders will also meet the Danish clowns Martino & co. and Circus Arena’s Pierrot.

It seems likely that the aerial acrobats are Duo Kovatchevi: David Kovatchev and his partner Sandra. They have during season performed in the Norwegian Circus Arnado.

Circus Arena is visiting Sisimiut, Nuuk, Maniitsoq, Aasiaat and Ilulissat in the beginning  of October.

It is likely that the Danish audience can meet one or more of the above mentioned artists in the show, which Circus Arena in week 42 produce for the Kolding Shopping Centre.

23 September 2015

Do you like circus music? Please find below links to some video clips that Stig Vognsen shot in Naestved and Soro earlier this year in Circus Benneweis with Bogdan Szalachic’s orchestra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSFe5I2D54A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKlukZ2iHJ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4TE0GRgIiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-nyD1oY6lI

Usually a circus band is something you only see in the background, as in this photo of the trampoline comedians king Costin in the air in front of Bogdan Szalachics orchestra. Bogdan has for many years been bandmaster at Circus Benneweis. Together with his five talented musicians playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums and bass / keyboard, he has helped to create the perfect circus atmosphere. Bogdan himself plays the keyboard (synthesizer)

Did you know that a circus has to pay fees to KODA and Gramex for the use of music? And it's not small amounts! In a tent with room for between 200 and 999 persons the price for a season is 58,183.53 DKK (7,800 Euro) if you only use live music, and 69,092.94 DKK  (9,275 Euro) if both live and recorded music is used. The higher fee is payable even if you just use recorded music just for one act. For the two Danish circuses, which has more than 999 seats, the fees are even higher: 138,186.87 DKK (18,550 Euro) if you like Circus Benneweis did this year used recorded music for one act and 168,085.88 DKK (22,665 Euro)  for Circus Arena, which only used live music, but had room for more than 1,500 spectators. It is not considered as recorded music when an orchestra as in Circus Arena playing in top of recordings with the orchestra members themselves.

The prices are calculated by the number of seats, not by the number of spectators!

22 September 2015

Katja Schumann circus farm in Løkken. There were about 100 visitors, mostly from the local area, for the performance on 20 September where Katja Schumann assisted by Laura and Luis Schumann Torres and Benny Schumann inaugurated the new and beautiful ring at her circus farm in Løkken. Løkken is the epitome of a North Jutland beach town on the west coast.

Cirkusgaarden (the circus farm) in Løkken. Photo of the sign: Erling Bøgh. Photo of the farm: Jens Chr. Sørensen

"Katja’s circus farm is very well situated, just 2 km from Løkken and close to the road. The farm is as you have seen in pictures and television clips a ruin, but I was very surprised to see how charming and indeed almost beautifully the circus area with circus ring and seating for the spectator in the old hall was built, reminding me of the Lorensberg circus building in Gothenburg, "Benny Schumann writes (my translation). He continues:" Our improvised performance lasting approximately 40 min. was very well received, so it will have a positive effect on Katya's plans with rebuilding of this ruin to a unique circus place with lots of genuine circus soul."

Photo of the spectator seating area seen from the ring. Photo: Jens Chr. Sørensen

Katja Schumann together with her niece Laura's daughter Natalia. Photo: Erling Bøgh

Laura Schumann Torres in the ring at the Circus farm. Photo: Erling Bøgh

21 September 2015

Well attendance to Circus Dannebrog in Copenhagen. Agnete Louise Enoch and Dennie Enoch tell that this year's visit to Copenhagen in terms of attendance has been the best for several seasons. They were a bit nervous about having to use a lot in the City Park in Ørestad in the outskirts of Copenhagen and knowing that they were the last of the three large Danish circuses that visited Copenhagen. But the number of visitors was much better than they had expected partly due to many local guests, i.e. guests from Amager. Amager is a Danish island in the Øresund. The Danish capital, Copenhagen, is partly situated on Amager, which is connected to the much larger island of Zealand by five bridges. Amager also has a connection across the Øresund to Sweden, the Øresund Bridge.

Jacob Boas Leitisstein from Cirkusportalen shot this beautiful photo of Circus Dannebrog on the lot in the city park in Ørestad. To see more of Jacobs photos from Dannebrog's visit to Copenhagen: click here

19 September 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- always something new and thrilling  --  Theatre LE GRAND POINT VIRGULE  proudly presents a comic/burlesque show, created and animated by FABIEN OLICARD - he opens the stage by performing some original and amazing mental stunts, and he leaves the stage to the stand-up-comedians, among them YVETTE LEGLAIRE, a very funny female comedian, who performs with a seldom seen enthusiasm.

Fabien Olicard. All photos by courtesy of Benoît Rosemont

Yvette Leglaire

BENOIT ROSEMONT features his amazing mnemo-memory act:  On stage there is a school-blackboard, a spectator is invited up on stage and asked to address the audience, asking them to shout their name. The blackboard is fitted with numbers, running from 1 to 20 -  the spectator on stage writes these names against the numbers. Obvious that BENOIT ROSEMONT  never had a chance to  learn those names, being spelled out from random spectators. Nevertheless,  BENOIT ROSEMONT recites each and every name correctly, without a single miss. Astounding ,amazing and -- good entertainment !!

Benoît Rosemont

The theatre  LE GRAND POINT VIRGULE specializes in comedy and burlesque, it is a modern theatre refurbished in black, sporting  430 red velvet seats, all sold out, the afternoon when I was there.

People in Paris go to the theatre, all kinds, including circus - an old theatre-tradition  does survive since MOLIERE'S days,  thus it is still alive and kicking !!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.fabienolicard.fr/

www.legrandpointvirgule.com/

www.benoitrosemont.com

Venue: Le Grand Point Virgule, 8 bis rue de L'Arrivée, 75015  Paris.  Metro: Montparnasse.

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

18 September 2015

Good reviews of the new Wallman show in Copenhagen’s Circus building. The newspapers reviewers have welcomed Walmans new dinner-show Music Box, which premiered at the Circus Building on 16 September. The newspaper Børsen gave the show 6 stars, Frederiksborg Amts Avis newspaper 5½ star and BT and Ekstra Bladet each 4 stars. BT writes among other things (my translation): "This year’s Wallman show is the best and most intense to date." Frederiksborg Amts Avis writes (my translation): "This is the dinnershow of the year. With “show” underlined”. Most of the performers are young dancers and singers. But there are also three circus artists: the Swedish couple Anna Netterlid and Jimmy Anderson and the Ukrainian handstand artist Oleksiy Khilya. Also the artist are praised in reviews. The dinnerhow can be seen until June 2016.

"The Swedish couples bath entrée with its bold mix of sex, Miss wet t-shirt and acrobatics and the h ... of a lot of water - all seating nearby gets a poncho – is a sexy and deeply original water pantomime," BT wrote (my translation) about Anna Netterlid’s and Jimmy Andersson's act. Press photos from Wallmans. Photographer: top photo Jesper Blæsild, bottom photo John Resborn

Oleksiy Khilya. Press photo from Wallmans. Photographer: John Resborn

17 September 2015

Circus Arena in Greenland. As usual Circus Arena sends in the end of September / beginning of October a performance on tour in sport arenas in a number of towns on Greenland. This year it is 31 years since Circus Arena first time visited Greenland.

Circusland in Circus Arena's winter quarters are open during the Danish schoolchildren’s autumn holiday in week 42. As in previous years Circus Arena produces the same week a circus performance for Kolding Shopping Centre.

15 September 2015

Kim Kenneth and Kenny Quinn to Ireland and Scotland. In 2016 both the illusionist Kim Kenneth and gentleman thief Kenny Quinn will tour Ireland and Scotland with Circus Vegas. In addition to presenting his magic act Kim Kenneth will put the performance on stage and be ringmaster, just as he was in Circus Benneweis this year. He girlfriend Jessica will in addition to assisting in the magic act present her own sword balancing act. The Irish / English circus is owned by John and Stephen Courtney. The last few seasons, they have toured in northern part of England and in Scotland. Kim Kenneth and Jessica have previously toured with Circus Vegas and have always been very happy to be with them. Kim tells that Circus Vegas has booked a strong show in 2016. The season lasts from 9 January to the first week of November.

The magician Kim Kenneth and the gentleman thief Kenny Quinn are two of the Danes who have been most successful in circuses also outside Denmark. Now they shall for the first time appear in the same show. Photo: Lise Kokholm

13 September 2015

Obituary: Bruno Stutz. A whole generation of Danes remember the wonderful and warm-hearted clowns Chicky & co. Chicky (Eugen Altenburger) died in 2013. On Friday 11 September his partner, the white-faced clown Bruno Stutz peacefully passed away. He was 77 years old. From 1957 to 2004 he worked together with Chicky, often with entrées where also Bruno's wife Patricia de Jonghe was in the ring. In Denmark Chicky & Co. appeared first time in circus Moreno in 1961. In 1964 they were with Circus Schumann in the Copenhagen Circus Building. In the years from 1971 to 1995 they were nine seasons with Circus Benneweis (8 seasons in the tent and one season in the Copenhagen Circus Building). The two wonderful clowns will be remembered by everyone who has been lucky enough to see them.

Patricia, Chicky and Bruno in Circus Benneweis 1989. Photo: Nelly Jane Benneweis

Bruno Stutz had for some years bee ill with cancer. Following his wishes, the memorial service will take place intimately. On Facebook, Bruno’s wife Patricia (Paty) writes:

On Friday 11 September my be-loved husband Bruno Chicky's peacefully passed away.

Following Bruno's wishes, the memorial service will take place intimately, with his close family only and there are to be no flowers.

Many of you knew Bruno as a great artist, a generous warm-hearted and loyal friend. A fine artist and a great clown, not only happy and laughing in a circus ring but also a bundle of fun in real life!

His desire was to be remembered as such and he would have loved that all his friends, wherever they are, have a glass of champagne to his memory!

He will be deeply missed not only by me and our son Serge, his daughter in law Katrina, his grand-children Tatiana and Lilly-Belle, his mother Rosa, his sister Erica, his brother in law Jacques, his nephew Jerome, his cousins Natascha and Bruno but also by his friends and fans...

If you want to express your sympathy, you can do this on FB page Chicky's CLowns.

I already thank you for all your warm messages and sympathy. Love Paty

Chicky and Bruno. Photo: Nelly Jane Benneweis

One of the trio's most famous entrances was the broken mirror entrée. Click here to see a short video clip from this number.

Bruno and Patricia's son, Serge, worked for several years under the stage name Serge Percelly as a juggler with tennis rackets. He was excellent! The Danes saw him in Circus Benneweis in 1984 and 1989 and in Tivoli in 2001. The Swedes saw him in Circus Maximum in 2004. Shortly after he stopped his juggling carrier due to problems with his shoulder and moved with together with his Australian-born wife to Australia. He teaches today young artists juggling at GWS Academy and Creative Kats in Kurrajong. His spouse Katrina's is principal and dance instructor at the academy.

13 September 2015

Showtime at Vallensbaek harbour. Saturday, September 12, there was Showtime at Vallensbaek harbour. Among the performers was the street circus Circus Panic. The photographer couple Per and Anette Krogh Petersen saw their performance and writes: Cirkus Panik. They make a SHOW you simply must see. Circus Panik is a small family circus with fun and joy in the driving seat. Cirkus Panik Show. You can only be in a good mood.

Circus Panik show at Vallensbaek harbour. Photo: Mr Sputnik Krogh Petersen. To view Per's Gallery 2015 + Video from the show: click here.

12 September 2015

After the first round of the Danish version of Strictly Come Dancing the circus acrobat Patrick Berdino and Jenna Bagge is ranked as number 6 with 10 points, which is exactly half of what the winning couple James Sampson and Mie Moltke got. There are 12 pairs in the competition. In the next round on 18 September one of the pairs will have to leave the competition and so on until the finale.

10 September 2015

Patrick Berdino in the Danish version of Strictly come dancing. All celebrity dancers have been unveiled and among the dancers for the upcoming season which will begin on 10 September are the circus artist Patrick Berdino. On TV2's website he is presented as follows (my translation):

Another upcoming dance star is Patrick Berdino. The 23-year-old son of Circus Arena’s director Benny Berdino.

- I can’t dance, it is something completely new for me and I think it will be difficult. But I'm going to just bite the bullet and train as much as I can to be as good as possible. I look forward to it all, and I have only heard positive things about on 'Strictly come dancing’ from Uffe Holm, who participated in the program some years ago and who travels with the circus this summer, Patrick Berdino says to TV2.

However, Patrick is not son of Benny Berdino but Benny's grandson. Patrick’s parents are Jackie Berdino and his former spouse Lucy. As dance partner Patrick Berdino gets the professional dancer Jenna Bagge. She was in season 2014 partner with the rapper Uno. The pair was knocked out in the fourth round. Patrick and Jenna hopes to do better this year!

I wonder if Patrick will tumble Jenna Bagge in the same way as he in the circus has done it with John River? Photo Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

9 September 2015

The Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn and Mrs Joan have had a successful tour with the Norwegian Circus Arnardo, which today ends the season in Vaasbygd in the southern part of Norway. Arnardo has had its best season for several years. Maybe partly because the other large Norwegian Circus, Circus Merano, didn’t tour in 2015. The Norwegian audiences have been thrilled by Kenny elegant pickpocket act, which has also received significant coverage in the Norwegian medias.

Kenny Quinn in action. Notice how he diverts the gentleman’s attention, while his hand is going down in the gentleman’s pocket. Later he stole also the gentleman’s watch and glasses ... Photo Circus from Circus Arnardo’s performance in Oslo on April 26

From October 24 to November 8 Kenny Quinn is among the stars in Circus Corty Althoff in Stuttgart. It is the producer Elmar Kretz who revives Circus Corty Alfhoff, which has been dormant for some years. Among the other performers is the juggler Eddy Carello, known from several seasons in Danish Circus Dannebrog.

Later, Kenny Quinn will star in Ravensburger Weihnachtscirkus, which is also produced by Elmar Kretz and partly has the same performers as at the circus performance in Stuttgart.

9 September 2015

Today Circus Baldoni ends their tour on the Faroe Islands. There has just been a public election in the Faroe Islands, and as the photo shows the Faroese put up many more posters for candidates than we are used to! The bottom photo is from a performance in Torshavn.

9 September 2015

Circus Skratt. On 25 August I mentioned the Swedish Circus Skratt, which in recent years has toured very irregularly. An article in the Swedish circus magazine Cirkuläre Notiser no. 4/2015 states that Circus Skratt after some cancelled performances started their spring tour on May 17 in Halmstad. Manuella Scholl and Peer Jackson from Circus Madigan were daily managers and the tent was Circus Madigans two pole tent. The tent has room for 700 people or about half as many as in the old Skratt tent. The spring tour lasted until midsummer. An autumn began in August and is scheduled to end late September or early October. Circus Skratt’s cooperation partner is also for the autumn tour Circus Madigan.

8 September 2015

The small Norwegian Circus Minimax completed their tented season on Saturday, 5 September at Rovde in Vanylven municipality. Carl-André Hjelvik writes: "As you see in the attached photo shot with my cell phone the last show was well visited. It is the clown Gugge you can see at the photo before the performance began. Now we are planning for season 2016 and our 5 years anniversary. We look forward to a great season! “

Gugge in the ring at the last tented show in Circus Minimax 2015

7 September 2015

End of season for Circus Arena. On 6 September Circus Arena had this year's last performance. There was the premiere on March 17 in Copenhagen.

Circus Arena at the lot next to Charlottenlund Forth. Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein. To see more of Jacobs photos from the last show: click here

Normally it is circus owner Benny Berdino who as ringmaster with enthusiasm presents the performers. Due to Circus Arena’s 60th anniversary Benny Berdino had this year left over the tasks to the stand-up comedian Uffe Holm and the former children TV host Signe Lindkvist. They had also put the performance on stage.

This year's hosts Signe Lindkvist and Uffe Holm

A ringmaster’s task is usually to present and highlight the performing artists. Uffe Holm and Signe, however, chose to give themselves a more prominent role with dialogues, which replaced the performance's usual reprice clown Jimmy Folco and required that some of the artist entrées was shortened a bit.

Many like the modified concept. However, there were also fans who felt that there was too much Uffe and too little circus. They can look forward to once again meeting Benny or his grandson Patrick in the role of elegant ringmasters. So far as I know it is as it will be in 2016.

This year the audience favourites were the seven members of the Diorio troupe with their globe of death. Impressive with seven riders in the globe at one time, although the number made it necessary to “run in circles" and not cross each other's paths as is possible with less riders in the globe.

A Diorio rider entering the globe

This year’s clowns were the famous José Michel clowns with their water entrée which however, by the request of Uffe was shortened a bit to give more time for Uffe and Signe.

Lots of splashing of water in the Michel clowns famous entrée. The musical part of the entrée was scrapped by request of Uffe Holm and Signe Lindkvist.

True to tradition, it was Benny Berdinos daughter-in-law Laura, who presented beautiful liberty horses. Circus Arena’s 3 elephants were presented by Rudy Althoff.

Activist protest against elephants in circuses does not seem to make much of an impression on the Danish circus audience. And it is not true when activists claim that circus elephants isn’t doing fine or not treated well. That said, it is probably more fun to be an elephant in an African game preserve than in a zoo or a circus. Until the wildlife elephant at too young an age falls for a bullet from a poaches gun ...

Michael Ferreri proved that he is a skilled juggler. For the second consecutive year the Albertino troupe aka the Cretu troupe performed with springboard and did 6 men high. Hans Ulrik conjured pigeons out of soap bubbles. Wolfgang Lauenburger presented his dog act which in the season's final weeks was replaced by Suzanne Berdino & Co.'s dogs. Circus Arena’s Crown Prince Patrick Berdino did along with Jhon Rhider a knockabout table act. Finally there was a Russian trapeze star.

The Albertino-troupe’s final trick is 6 man high

At the premiere in March Benny Berdino said that he hoped that his 60th anniversary program would mean that Circus Arena would struck its 10 years old record for number of visitors during the season.

It didn’t end up quite like that. Times have changed and it's not easy to get people into the tent, even if the performance you are presenting are of top quality. The circus is in fierce competition with many other forms of entertainment which just like circus aims to get a family audience. There is also lots of electronic entertainment which some kids seems to prefer for a ticket to the circus.

In many families, the parents is today from a generation where the not themselves as children were taken to the circus. Therefore it is not natural for them to invite their kids to the circus. And many can’t understand that it is impossible to show quality circus to ticket prices at the same price level as for a cinema ticket.

6 September 2015

Charlie & Binalto at Bakken. Thousands of children have throughout the summer enjoyed that they on Sunday could see the clowns Charlie and Binalto at the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen.

The photographer Per "Mr. Sputnik "Krog Petersen photographed their last show on Bakken on 30 August 30. To view Per's photos and a video recording of the entire show, click here.

5 September 2015

The photographer Per "Mr. Sputnik" Krogh Petersen has sent me these photos from Schumann Horse Show on 5 September 5 at then riding grounds in Hørsholm. As the umbrellas on the photos shows show the weather was not quite with the organizers!

Benny Schumann

Laura Schumann Torres

Luis Schumann Torres

6 September 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  the whole year around --  ANTRE MAGIQUE /the magic den/, direction CHRISTIAN GAMBIN with back up by CHANTAL CRUAUD, proudly present a large choice of theatrical events, but nevertheless geared towards the family audience, particularly those who have very young children.

ANTRE MAGIQUE is a small theatre, tastefully decorated with magical symbols, posters and having a comfortable seating, in gold and red. The PA system and lighting are  perfect,  making the visitors getting  into the rightly pleasant mood, thus ready to enjoy the various shows. The repertoire offers various MAGIC SHOWS, where the small fry are invited up on stage, interaction is here an absolute MUST. They are treated to comedy, clowning and music, CHRISTIAN GAMBIN plays the accordion and the guitar.

An important attraction is his BALLOON SHOW, where the kids get a balloon upon leaving the show.

Inside L'Antre Magique

For the adult audience, CHRISTIAN GAMBIN features A CLOSE UP SHOW, using mainly cards and coins, the effects are woven into a plot, according to a pre-set scenario, giving a nice theatrical impression.

Christian Gambin (the great Gambini. By courtesy of Christian Gambin

For the adult audience, as well, ANTRE MAGIQUE features legitimate theatre plays, often classic ones, starring the Parisian actress, CHANTAL CRUAUD, a well-known personality on stage - she  also participates in the theatre plays for children,  with grace and beauty and is a  great asset to each play. To please those who would like to try being on stage, ANTRE MAGIQUE offers workshops and some kind of professional training, preparing interested people to make their way to the stage.

It is important that here,  the children get their first impression and experience of LIVE THEATRE   and ENTERTAINMENT - this little theatre is a pearl and a water-hole for  all in Paris !!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: http://www.antremagique.eu/fr/accueil

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

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

3 September 2015

Circus Dannebrog in Copenhagen. As the last of Denmark’s three large circuses Circus Dannebrog had their Copenhagen opening on Wednesday 2 September. The season started on 26 March in Vojens in the southern part of Jutland.

A lot of development is going on in Copenhagen and due to this it was not possible for Circus Dannebrog to use the lots close to the Copenhagen Mall which they have used for a number of seasons. Instead, they have put up their tent in the park in Ørestad next to the Bella Center Copenhagen. Ørestad is an area which extends more than 5 kilometres from the outskirts of the Copenhagen city centre to the edge of Copenhagen Airport. Bella Center Copenhagen is Scandinavia's largest congress- and exhibition centre. The center has its own metro station.

The audience saw a great performance that deserves a large audience during the 2½ weeks, Circus Dannebrog stays in Copenhagen. The top act which completed the show was the aerial daredevil Alain Alegria presenting a dangerous act in Washington trapeze. Just like his Uncle Sabu did when he performed in in Denmark in the early 1990s.

Alain Alegria

As an audience favourite he got tough competition from the sympathetic clown Charly Carletto. His main entrée, the movie entrée, has been seen before, but seldom done with so much charm and warmth as in Charly Carletto’s version.

Charly Carletto

Circus Dannebrog has always horses in the performances. For several seasons they have been presented by the chief animal trainer Bernhard Kaselowsky. But this year Circus Dannebrog has booked the elegant Gabi Donnert, who presents the best liberty act you can see in any Scandinavian circus ring. He brings his son Sandor Donnert, who is an excellent juggler on horseback. Sandor did not lose any clubs or balls. The vast majority of other jugglers on horseback have one or more drops.

Sandor Donnert

Gabi has also his daughter Latoya with him. In addition to helping her father with the liberty act she presents a pony and together with Bernhard Kaselowsky camels. Bernhard himself presents together with the singer Jazz Malaika his elephant Rambo Line.

8-year-old Veronica, who Isabella Enoch has trained, does a fine trapeze act. She has good chances to become as excellent in a swing trapeze as Isabella was in her days as a trapeze star.

Veronica is the daughter of Circus Dannebrog’s tent master

For the first 4½ month of the season Circus Dannebrog has presented the Cuban Estrella troupe. But since the middle of August they has been replaced the four-man large Soloman Wolf family, who show great formation act and ladder balancing.

Solomon Wolf family

Circus Dannebrog will stay in Copenhagen until 20 September. Then they head towards their winter quarters in southern part of Jutland, where they end the season on 27 September in Gram.

30 August 2015

Small change in program in Circus Dannebrog. In many circuses there are changes in the program close to end of the season, e.g. because artists have to leave for their next job. Also in Dannebrog, there has been one change: the talented Czech Solomon Wolf Family has replaced the Cuban Estralla troupe. The Wolf Family has two numbers: 4 person juggling and a juggling act of freestanding ladders.

Solomon Wolf family with ladder balance. Photo: Lise Kokholm

Dannebrog visits Copenhagen from 2 to 20 September, where they are located in the City Park in Ørestad, just a few minutes’ walk from the subway station at the Bella Center.

1 September 2015

Dubal’s festival for youth circuses. Mette Iversen Alberg has sent me these photos of children at the youth circus festival on 29 and 30 August which Circus Arcus from the Copenhagen suburb Hvidovre hosted.

Photos: Mette Iversen Alberg

Jacob Boas Leitisstein from Cirkusportalen.dk visited the festival Saturday morning. Jacob writes:

I visited the performance at 10.00 at the Circus Festival in Hvidovre. The featured children were from Salling Circus Kids and Circus Kæphøj.

Click here for links to Jacob’s photos.

30 August 2015

End of season and generational change in Circus Benneweis. There were standing ovations when ringmaster Kim Kenneth Sunday afternoon at the end of this year’s last Benneweis performance on behalf of Diana, Dawid and Nadia Benneweis thanked the artists for doing great job during the season. He wished on behalf of the Benneweis family the artists all the best in the future. I'm sure that all visitors will agree to this wish. Shortly after the show was over, the first artists left for their next job, and tent workers began for the last time this year to take down the tent down and pack the equipment, which was taken to the winter quarters in Dronningmølle.

The late Nelly Jane Benneweis loved to see the performance from one of the rear rows. I chose to see the last 2015 performance in the same way. To see my photos and video clips from the last performance click here.

By the end of season 2015, Diana Benneweis has withdrawn from circus life and left the future operation of Benneweis to her twins Nadia and Dawid.

30 August 2015

Martin Burton from the large English Zippos Circus was in the days 28 to 31 August in Copenhagen together with Don Stacey, who together with the late Nelly Jane Benneweis has been member of the jury in many circus and writes for many artist-and circus magazines. Friday evening they visited the Circus Arena in Naerum and Saturday afternoon Circus Benneweis on Bellahoj. Sunday they went to see Circus Dannebrog in Jyllinge. The photo shows Martin Burton (far right) in conversation with Don Stacey (center) and the Benneweis ringmaster Kim Kenneth

28 August 2015

Circus Festival for youth circuses. Friday 28 August and Saturday 29 August the Danish association of children and youth circuses DUBAL organize a festival in Avedørelejren next to the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen. Circus Arcus from Hvidovre hosts the festival and the Circus Museum delivers a large part of the equipment such as a circus tents and indoor training facilities in the Fencing Hall. Both days there are public access from 10 to 16, where you can see training and performances.

I hope when this page next time is updated on Saturday 5 September to have some photos from the festival.

28 August 2015

Schumann horse show. Saturday, 5 September at 15:30 you can see Schumann's horse show with Benny Schumann and Laura and Luis Schumann Torres on at the Riding Ground in Hoersholm north of Copenhagen. There is free admission to the event, which is part of Hoersholm Culture Day 2015.

Benny Schumann with Laura and Luis Schumann Torres. The little girl is Laura and Luis’ daughter Adriana. Photo from summer's The Medicine Show at Ditlevsdal Bisonfarm

The following day, Sunday, 6 September Benny Schumann present his own show at Brogaarden in Hoersholm. Also here is there is free admission to the performances at 11 and 13.

26 August 2015

During the Danish Summer holidays the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, had close to 2,500 visitors, which is a new visitor record. Not least the offer for Circus Fun was welcomed in a summer where the weather was definitely not beach weather. At Circus Fun juggling, trapeze and tight rope is just some of the activities, that are available and the museums circus artist is present to help you getting started.

26 August 2015

Circus Baldoni has until September 9 performances in the sport centers etc. on Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Above a photo from the show 21 August in Husavik, a small town on the northern part of Iceland. Below a photo take before einlass for the show 26 August 26 in Neskaupstaður, which is a city on the eastern side of the Iceland

25 August 2015

Season closing. Circus Arli and Circus Baldoni have already closed this year’s tented tour. Benneweis has the last performance on Sunday, August 30. A week later Circus Arena will close the season. Zirkus Nemo ends the season on September 12th. Circus Krone tented season ends Sept. 14, Circus Mascot’s September 26 and Circus Dannebrog’s on September 27. Circus Baldoni, Circus Krone and Circus Mascot are also active during the winter season with performances in shopping centers and / or Christmas performances for kindergartens etc. Circus Arena use to produce an autumn spectacle of Kolding Shopping Center in week 42 which is holiday week for the Danish school children.

7 out of the 8 Danish circuses aim to attract a family audience, i.e. parents and grandparents with children / grandchildren. The last one, Søren Østergaard’s Zirkus Nemo is mainly for adults and is not recommended for children under 10 years. Ticket prices are as in a theatre and higher than in the other circus: from 290 to 440 DKK (40 to 60 Euros) with slightly increased prices on Friday and Saturday. The season has shown that audiences are willing to pay these prices to see the comedian Søren Østergaard and his artists.

Also in the neighboring countries the season is coming to an end. In Norway Circus Arnardo closes the season on 9 September. The other large Norwegian circus, Circus Merano, has not been on tour this year. It is not known if Cirkus Merano will be on tour in 2016.

In Sweden Circus Maximum closes the season in Gothenburg on 6 September. The same day Circus Wictoria closes the season in Enkoping. Circus Brazil Jack ends their season on 8 September, Circus Olympia on 13 September and Circus Scott on 20 September.

True to tradition, the large Finnish Circus Finlandia is the Nordic circus which has the latest closing day: 1 November in Helsinki.

The last few years there has been Christmas circus both in Helsingborg, Sweden and Stockholm, Sweden. But at least in Helsingborg promoter Albin Ganovic has given up to produce a Christmas circus. It is also doubtful whether Circus Scott will produce a Christmas Circus in Stockholm or not.

24 August 2015

With today's performance in Sengeløse Circus Arli closed season 2015. "We would like to thank the audience and our artists and technical staff for the overwhelming support. We will be back again at the end of March 2016 with our 46th tour on Danish roads, " the small circus writes on their website (my translation). Sengeløse was city no. 96 on this year's tour, which started on March 28. Since then, Circus Arli has had more than 150 performances.

The close of season does not mean that the family Arli has vacation for the next six months. From 15 November to 22 December they arrange HC Andersen Christmas Market at Kultorvet in Copenhagen. You can read more on http://www.julemarked.co/

Jacob Boas Leitisstein from Circusportalen visited last week Circus Arli at Frederiksberg town hall square and took some good photos. Click here to see more of them.

22 August 2015

The painter Pia Ville has made a new website on www.piaville.dk. She was for many years one half of the successful magicians Lee Pee Ville.

25 August 2015

The English animal trainer Carlos McManus, who among other things presented elephants, camels and horses in a number of leading circus, has passed away. In the Scandinavian countries we met him in 2002 in the Circus Maximum, where he presented camels. He was also for a time chief animal trainer for Circus Maximum.

22 August 2015

The floating table. Kim Kenneth invites at every Benneweis-performance a boy or a girl in the ring to assist him the floating table. Last Saturday the lucky person was my magic interested grandson Sebastian on (almost) eight years. Click here to see short video clip from Sebastian’s circus debut.

The floating table is developed by Dirk Losander, probably after an idea from Tommy Wonder. It is a solid wooden table that when the magician wants it begins to float in a very incredible way. It can be shown with the audience all around and a spectator can even keep on the tablecloth while it floats!

Here, it Kim Kenneth brother-in-law, the clown Steve Caveagna, who helps with the floating table

21 August 2015

René Moenster turns 50. Sunday, August 23 director René Moenster of Circus Baldoni can celebrate his 50 years birthday. After leaving school René Moenster got an apprenticeship in a municipality. He had however a dream of becoming a professional magician. Due to this he took after the apprenticeship job at Circus Arena. He stayed with Arena from 1986 to 1994 and worked partly as assistant manager and also a couple of seasons as a magician under the stage name Ron Marvin. However, he would rather have his own show and in 1995 he established a children's theater and in 1998 the touring The Circus Theatre. The Circus Theatre was an innovation within circus and theater. The two types were combined and combined with musical and there was a storyline in the performance. Originally, the performances were more a children's theater than circus, although with several circus acts included. But later there were more and more circus elements in the performances.

René Moenster. Photo by courtesy René Moenster

After the summer tour in 2001 René Moenster changed his concept and the name of his show became Circus Baldoni. Since then Circus Baldoni, which today can be called a medium-sized business, has toured Zealand every summer season. When the season ends in August Circus Baldoni continues the tour a few weeks performing in arenas in the Faroe Islands and Iceland. René Moenster is for this reason on Iceland on his birthday.

Director and ringmaster Baldoni aka René Moenster. Photo: Lise Kokholm

In November and December René Moenster produces under the name Circus Nissejov performances for kindergartens etc. An attempt in the years 2006 to 2008 to establish a Danish Christmas circus was not a commercial success. However, Circus Baldoni has in the recent years in a single weekend in November produced a Christmas circus in the fencing hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre with artist from the two sections of Circus Nissesjov.

21 August 2015

Circus Benneweis on Bellahoj. True to tradition Circus Benneweis ends the season in Copenhagen at the circus lot at Bellahoj. Friday evening an enthusiastic audience saw the Copenhagen opening of this year's performance.

Circus Benneweis at the Bellahoj lot

"Tremendous good  ... the level is extremely high," Frederiksborg County newspaper wrote about the performance after the premiere in Hilleroed in March.  A visit to the performance proved that is still is one of the best circus performances presented in Denmark in the recent years.

Ringmaster Kim Kenneth is competent and elegant. It is also him who has put the performance on stage and ensured that it is an elegant and fast moving show. His own great magic act where he is assisted by his girlfriend Jessica and two others concludes this year's show.

Kim Kenneth's famous trick where he chains Jessica in a cage and then run across the cage on a motorcycle

Kim Kenneth and his magical crew

That magic act ends the performance is a change compared to the beginning of the season, where the final act in the performance was the outstanding Chinese slack wire acrobat Cong Tian. Unfortunately, Cong had an accident in May, which forced him to several months break. The replacement act - the talented British aerial acrobat Robert Foxall - fits better into the show when placed in the middle of second part of the performance.

The talented British aerial acrobat Robert Foxall has replaced injured Cong Tian

Diana Benneweis found this year’s clowns, the brothers Steve and Jones Caveagna, at the Circus Festival in Budapest in January 2014. The two brothers have created some wonderful and original modern clown entrées in which they among other things are using mobile phones, apps, etc. They are super musical and have also a modern musical clown entrée. The applause shows that the Danish audience has taken the two brothers to their hearts.

Steve and Jones prove that clowns don’t need to have red noses to be funny. Here Steve shows his brother the dating app. It works better when Jones sees a beautiful girl than when Steve will date Ingrid Silva! The two girls are in the private life Jones and Steve’s girlfriends.

In 2013, the Swedish Circus Olympia presented young diabolo-juggler David Confal who some Swedish circus friends called the best they had ever seen. I persuaded Diana Benneweis to join me to a visit to Circus Olympia. After seeing the act she offered David a contract. He had already engagement in 2014, so it was not until this year the Danish audience could meet the young super talent in Denmark. And I believe that almost everyone will agree with the Swedish circus friends and find that he is the best diabolo juggler they ever have seen.

To the left: At the beginning of the performances the artist makes a few tricks everywhere in the tent. To the right: 3 diabolos high up under the big top. David can also manage to have 4 diabolos in the air. The photos were shot during a performance in Greve on August 18

The contract with Rosi Hochegger was written in 2013 after Diana Benneweis had seen her acts in the Swedish Circus Maximum and found that they were even better than when Rosi toured with Benneweis in 2009 and 2010. As a true artist Rosi works every day to make her acts better and better. When the contract was signed, she had five dogs in her dog act. Now there are 9 dogs, and she continually strives to teach them new tricks. And taking a walk at the lot everyone can see that Rosi provided her dogs and horses with excellent living conditions. Although she only uses the horse Scout in the performance she has brought a couple of other horses, so Scout doesn’t feel lonely!

Rosi Hochegger and Scout. The training of Scout is so outstanding that you sometimes believes that it is the Scout who has trained Rosi and not vice versa. Photo shot during the performance in Greve on August 18.

Such beautiful and large pens had Rosi Hocheggers horses at the circus lot in Greve.

Diana Benneweis' visit to Circus Maximum resulted also in a two other contracts: with trampoline comedian Costin Bellu and with the wheel of death artists Duo Vanegas. Also, these three artists has developed and improved their acts since they were booked. Costin Bellus comic entrée as the confused circus worker who ends in the trampoline is the best comic trampoline number you can see anywhere today. In 2013 Alejandro Vanagas did "only" wild leaps on the outside of the death wheel. Since then he has trained, so he is now one out of only three artists in the world who makes somersaults on the outside of the wheel. Fantastic! And he is working on even more tricks.

Alejandro Vanegas. Great leaps on the outside of the wheel while it runs with a furious speed. Later in the act Alejandro does a few somersaults!

Rosi, Costin and Alejandro are good examples of artists training to make their acts even better. As a result a circus can as Benneweis has got this season sometimes get something even better than the acts they have seen before booking them.

The visit to Budapest to the Budapest festival which I mentioned above, gave more contracts than the contract with the clown brothers. Diana Benneweis herself was prevented from seeing the special Hungarian show, but I and several others were excited by a magnificent parrot act where the male partner also had a terrific comic gaucho-entrée. After hearing the praise Diana, Nadia and Dawid Benneweis looked at the videos from the acts and made a deal with Franco and Adel Olivera. I believe that a united audience will praise the Benneweis family for this decision!

Franco and Adel Olivera with their parrots. Two of the parrots end up flying freely around the tent. Photo shot during the performance in Greve on August 18.

At the Copenhagen opening night the macho-gaucho Franco Olivera invited the well-known Danish magician Michael Deutsch into the ring

Tradition demands that there must be horses in a circus performance. But the Benneweis family is not interested in standard act with liberty horses, similar to what you can see in any other circus. Thus, a standard act with four, six or eight Arabian horses has no great interest. For season 2015 they got contact with Ingrid Silva, who had worked with the René Casselly family. Ingrid does not have her own horses as she had worked with the Caselly family's horses. But she was willing to rent some horses and present them. The result was that beautiful large great tinker horses was leased from the Swedish Circus Olympia, where Ingrid was in training camp a few weeks prior to the Benneweis premiere. The horses are in the ring completely without harness. When you see the act today there is hardly anyone who will believe that it is only six months ago Ingrid first met her horses. The horse act continues after the end of the season to a Polish circus.

Ingrid Silva with the beautiful tinker horses. Photo shot during the performance in Greve on August 18.

Circus Benneweis stays at Bellahoj until August 30. Then the artists are leaving for their next engagements and tent and equipment are taken to the winter quarter in Dronningmoelle.

21 August 2015

Small change in program in Circus Arena. For the rest of the season Wolfgang Lauenburger’s dog act is replaced by Suzanne Berdinos dog act as Wolfgang had another assignment abroad. It is the first time since 2007 Suzanne is back in Circus Arena’s ring.

Suzanne Berdino with some of her dogs. Phote shot in Arena Cirkusland 2012

18 August 2015

Weather is still teasing the Danish circus. Because of wind and warning of the risk of torrential rain Circus Dannebrog had to cancel the show on 14 August in Horsens. Due to heavy wind Circus Arena had to cancel the show on 18 August in Stege. There has this year in Denmark been much more cancelations due to weather conditions than usual.

16 August 2015

Circus Baldoni last tent performance in 2015. Jacob Boas Leitisstein from Cirkusportalen saw the performance and writes:

Now I have been posted pictures and video clips from Baldoni last show. As usual there was some extra fun in the last show as e.g. the clown Danilo singing merrily during the dog act and taking the man who takes care of the light as "voluntary audience" in the ring.

Danilo with his "volunteers". Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein. Click here to see more of Jacob's photos from the show.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbRxFYVs02I

16 August 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  THEATRE DE VERDURE / the theatre in the greenness/ and La Compagnie Le Jour de la Lune, direction  CARINE MONTAG, proudly present , in SEPT,  a most charming show on the theme "circus", synopsis and performance by YING HENNET, BERNARD ANSEL, BRUNO LANTERI.

Acrobatics on the ground and in the air, juggling, acrobatic stunts on ladder, magical effects, lots of humour and comedy, as well as pleasant surprises. The performers display a genuine joy of featuring their program, they quickly establish a good contact with the youthful audience, as well as with their parents, this show is well put together, in fact, interesting for all who follow the plot and admire the stunts.Interaction is used a lot, the kids who are invited up on stage are enchanted and happy - to the delight of their parents!

Photos by courtesy of Carine Montag

The stage is located in the JARDIN SHAKESPEARE in the midst of a luxurious and lush vegetation of trees, bushes and flowers - the audience thus enjoy a fabulous entertainment in a healthy and ecological environment - an oasis in Paris!

Show: one hour.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: www.jardinshakespeare.com

Venue:  Theatre de Verdure, Jardin Shakespeare, / somewhat awkward to find/ -  Metro to Porte Maillot, then BUS 244, get off at stop Bagatelle Pre Catelan, then follow arrows, there is a bit of walking.

Free P near the restaurant.

Best solution: TAXI CAB from Porte Maillot, there are lots of cabs near Palais de Congrès.

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

11 August 2015

Cirkus Minimax. Carl-Andre Hjelvik os the small Norwegian circus writes (my translation):

This year's summer tour is now officially over. The season has been very good this year with an increase in the number of visitors. It is also a very special situation in Norway now with only a few circuses on the road. The summer in Norway has also been a bit colder than in the other seasons and with some rain. But it's what we call great weather for coming to the circus! Feedback from the public has been brilliant, so we can’t complain anyway. It's also nice to see again visitors who are coming back year after year. It is confirm that the audience likes Cirkus Minimax and our concept. We also experienced that many in the audience visits both our performances when we have a two day stand. The last tented show for Cirkus Minimax this season is Saturday the 5th of September. Following that Cirkus Minimax is booked for a festival. During autumn and winter we have jobs in shopping centers etc. 

In 2016 Cirkus Minimax can celebrate our 5-year anniversary and planning is already going on. We have plans to get a new tent and invest in more equipment. We promise our audience more goodies in the anniversary program in 2016. We will also try to get some animal acts in 2016. We look forward to season 2016! Otherwise we will thank our talented employees, artists and especially our wonderful audience for visiting us! See you in Circus Minimax 2016!

Carl-Andre Hjelvik outside the tent

10 August 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS. You've probably noticed that there currently are less news from Paris than usual. That is partly because it not is in the summer the most exciting thing happens in Paris, and partly by my longtime correspondent in Paris Zarro Zarro currently isn’t too mobile. Although Zarro Zarro is a man in his best age  - he's only 81 - he has problems with his knees. He got a new knee in the spring and will have the other replaced in the end of September. Until both knees are OK I have asked my old friend to take extra good care of himself and only write about what he can manage to see and find most interesting.

However, I can promise you that you during the autumn still will get reports from Paris, including from some of the exciting circus performances, Paris offers every autumn. Among other things, the performance in the Cirque d'Hiver. You can get a taste of the upcoming program by clicking at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK3-HnxUHok

You can also see a short summary of last year's performance at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHyX1M3tMgY

The upcoming performance is called Rire with means laughter. There's opening night on Oct. 10 and the performance will run until 6 March. Among the performers are Hans Ludwig Suppmeier with his tigers, Anastasini Brothers with an icarian act (Risley act), Shirley Larible in aerial straps (Circus Brazil Jack 2013), Juan Gutierrez and his parrots (Circus Maximum 2014), the football juggler Rafael de Carlos (Circus Benneweis 2014), the Chinese Hotote troup on mono bicycles, a French female troupe in flying trapeze, Trio Olimpo's with handstand, Régina Bouglione with high school riding and llamas in freedom dressage as well as the world-famous clown David Larible.

Shirley Larible in Swedish Circus Brazil Jack in 2013. From October she appears just as her father David Larible the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris.

The juggler Rafael de Carlos in Danish Circus Benneweis 2014. He and his spouse Martyn Chabry got a few weeks ago a daughter, Charlotte. That's probably why Martyn isn’t among the performers in the upcoming show at the Cirque d'Hiver.

7 August 2015

The circus season 2015 will close in near future. In the Scandinavian countries the circus season run from sometime in the middle of March/ beginning of April to sometime in August or September. It’s too cold to start before March or to continue after September. And there is not audience enough for a longer season.

First Danish circus to close the 2015 season will be Circus Baldoni, ending their tented season Saturday, August 15. Following that they have a short tour playing in arenas at the Faroe Islands and Iceland. The program for their North Atlantic tour is almost the same as during the Danish tent tour. However, a dog act is replaced by a hula hoop entrée as you can’t bring animals to the Faroe Islands and Iceland. And Helene Ramer's two aerial acts will be replaced by Oliver Berdino with juggling.

The excellent Aku Brothers (also called Ababa Boys), who is the last act in Circus Baldoni’s 2015 performance, can also be seen during the tour to the Faroe Islands and Iceland.

August 25 will be the final 2015-day for Circus Arli and 30 August for Circus Benneweis.

Martin and Alexander Arli. The glorious musical clowns present this year my favourite classic clown entrée: the mirror entrée. Circus Arli is only touring Zealand. From August 16 to 23 you can find them in Copenhagen at the Frederiksberg Town Hall Square.

In Circus Benneweis there has since the season opening in March been a change in the program: the skilled British aerial acrobat Robert Foxall has replaced the slack wire star Cong Tian, ​​who after falling from the wire had to take a few months break. Cong Tian tells that he is recovering and ready to resume his artist career in October in Basel, where he will appear in a music variety theatre. Circus Benneweis is for the time being on Funen. On 15 August they come to Zealand, where they visit a few cities before ending the season in Copenhagen at ‘Bellahoj’ from 21 to 30 August.

Circus Arena has their last 2015 performance on 6 September. Zirkus Nemo will close the season on 12 September.

In Circus Arena Benny Berdino this year has handed over the job as ringmaster to the children program TV-host Signe Lindkvist and the stand-up comedian Uffe Holm. It has been done in an attempt to get some of those who usually do not visit a circus into the tent. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press. - Until the end of the season Circus Arena visits a number of cities in the metropolitan area and the rest of Zealand

In Zirkus Nemo Soren Ostergaard present trained geese. Press photo from Zirkus Nemo. Photographer Soren Kierkegaard. Zirkus Nemo is a mixture of a comedy show (spoken language Danish) and artist performance. In the remainder of August you will find Zirkus Nemo next to Charlottenlund Fort in Copenhagen. Following that they will continue to Odense, where the season ends Sept. 12.

Last circuses to close season 2015 will be Circus Mascot and Circus Dannebrog ending their seasons on 26 and 27 September. Circus Krone has not yet published their closing date. For a tour lists of all Danish circuses see What's On.

In Circus Mascot you can meet the Gladiator Oneil doing headstand on a high pedestal. Circus Mascot is currently at Funen. Following that they continue the tour to various mainly smaller cities in Jutland.

In Circus Dannebrog you can meet the aerial daredevil Alan Alegria, here in the balance on a chair which with two leg rests on the trapeze bar. Currently Circus Dannebrog is visiting cities in the western and eastern part of Jutland. From August 21 to 31 they will visit towns on Lolland-Falster and Zealand. Often with performances where you buy tickets to reduced price in a local supermarket which have bought the entire performance. From September 2 to 13 Circus Dannebrog will be in Copenhagen.

In tiny Circus Krone you can see Irene and Alando with their solo concert for two. They spend the rest of the season in Jutland.

7 August  2015

With the largest circus tent in Denmark many circus lots has not room to both tents and equipment from Circus Arena. The lots are simply too small to have room both for their big top and their stable tents and wagons. Therefore, Circus Arena is in a number of cities is using other lots as base for their animals and the performers and crews living wagons. From there they drive artists and animal to and from the lot where they are performing. For several years, Circus Arena has uses the circus lot next to the fire station in my hometown Allerod in that way. The equipment arrived on August 3, although they first had performance in Allerod on 6 August. For the performances 4 and 5 August in Værløse and Farum only tent and a few vehicles were on the circus lots, since animals and artists commuted from Allerod to Værløse and Farum. Contributing to the use of Allerod as a base for a few days is perhaps that Allerod municipality does not take any rent for the circus lots. Most other municipalities does take such rent.

Circus Arena’s equipment and elephants at the lot in Allerod. The photo was shot on August 6. That’s why you at back of the lot also can see the Arena tent

Thursday morning at 11 there was with the help from the local fire brigade elephant washing at the lot in Allerod. About 100 persons, including some kindergarten children, saw when the firemen sent a jet of water against the three elephants, which at first was a little hesitant, but later enjoyed the shower.

Circus Arena’s Pierrot (Ib Groth Rasmussen) acted as host for the elephant washing.

6 August 2015

Contemporary circuses visit Copenhagen. Copenhagen International Theatre (KIT) organizes a contemporary circus festival every second year. Most recently in 2014, when they were thrilled to have "an occupancy of 95% and more than 5000 spectators". Next contemporary circus festival will in 2016. However, there is a single circus performance as part of the Metropolis Festival 2015 which also is organized by KIT. It is the performance The Baina Trampa Fritz Fallen which you can see on 12, 13 & 14. August at 21:30 in front of Restaurant Paustian, Kalkbrænderiløbskaj 2, Nordhavn, Copenhagen . KIT writes:

With 1500 tiles, juggling, dance and military music on Refshaleøen, Le G. Bistaki created one of the biggest hits at Metropolis 2013. Armed with shovels, five tons of corn and dressed in colonialists’ whiter than white suits, they return with their brand new performance.

Ruthless and cheeky like rascals in an American western, Le G. Bistaki thrill us with their wacky voodoo rituals, surreal video projections, passionate tango and fiery fights. Delightful and amusing postmodernism, like straight out of a crazy dream.

The Baina Trampa Fritz Fallen. Press photo from KIT. Photographer: Pierre Soisson

In August you can also see another contemporary circus performance in Copenhagen. It is the Swedish Circus Cikör which in the days from 25 to 29 August presents their performance Underart at East Gasworks Theatre in Copenhagen. East Gasworks writes (my translation) :

A tribute to a crash - for what is happening thanks to a crash, inspired by the director's own story: Olle Strandberg was for some years paralyzed from the neck down after a triple somersault went wrong. Underarts seven artists each have their personal relationship with the crash. They combine balancing, acrobatics and intense coffee breaks to original music.

Swedish Cirkus Cirkör is with a summer circus without sealions and sawdust already a successful tradition in East Gasworks Theatre. In 2015 they return with their latest show.

Circus Cirkör is internationally recognized and is touring all over the world. They receive numerous awards for their original and equilibristic circus performances.

2 August 2015

More demonstrations against use of elephants in circuses. Animal Alliance continues their demonstrations against the elephants in the Danish circuses. On August 2, there was a demonstration in front of Circus Arena in Greve. On August 14, when Circus Arena will visits their home town Slagelse there will be a new demonstration, where Animal Alliance come with banners and hand out flyers. Animal Alliance is an animal rights association for and by young people who through creative events and happenings demonstrating against what they regard as animal suffering in the industry.

Another animal rights association, Anima, has created Facebook page called Boycott Circus Arena, which so far hasn’t many Facebook friends.

Out of the 8 Danish circuses only Circus Arena and Circus Dannebrog have elephants in the performance.

2 August 2015

The jugglers name is Vladimir. On 24 July I mentioned that there was a talented young juggler in the performance when Swedish Circus Scott reopened the season in Malmo, but that owner and ringmaster Robert Bronett after the show couldn’t remember his name. I have now been informed that the juggler is named Vladimir.

31 July 2015

Throughout the month of July, Circus Mascot has been in the amusement park Summerland Zealand, where they every day have had two (some days 3) performances of 45 minutes duration. The first performance was similar to the first part of Mascot’s usual 2015-performance and the next performance to the second part of their 2015-performance.

The performances to which there was free admission when admission to the summer land were paid, has been well attended. It is already now agreed that Circus Mascot also next year in the month of July will be in Summerland Zealand.

Circus Mascot at the circus lot in Summerland Zealand

After the performances Friday 31 August in Summerland Zealand Circus Mascot continues their tour which will end in Jutland on 26 September.

30 July 2015

Schumann - The Medicine Show is the title of the approximately 30 minute long performance that visitors since 8 July every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 16 has been able to see at Ditlevsdal Bisonfarm in Morud on Funen. The farm is with its 400 American bison, Europe's biggest bison farm.

The show is an outdoor show. This can be a challenge with the rather cold and rainy summer weather we have in Denmark this year. Until now, however, they have only had to cancel a single performance on Saturday, 22 July.

In the show you meet the only 4 members of the Schumann family, who are still active in show business: Benny Schumann, Katja Schumann and Laura and Luis Schumann Torres. And of course some of the magnificent horses for which the Schumann family is famous.

The Miracle doctors wagon. Photo: Jens Chr. Sørensen

Benny Schumann has the part as a traveling medicine show doctor Doc Benny whose miracle mixture can cure any disease.

Doc Benny. Photo: Ole Simonsen

Even before the show starts Doc Benny is in the ring, where he gets children in the audience to help him with the lasso-spinning and a magic act. A fine way to change the waiting time until the show begins to entertainment for both children and adults.

The show itself is a fine combination of beautiful horse dressage, acrobat stunts done by Luis Schumann Torres and well as an adapted versions of some of Benny Schumann’s well known and beloved entrées.

Doc Benny’s miracle mixture really helps a few people: an old lady, performed by Katja Schumann, who together with her old horse is using a walker to enter into the ring, and a technician played by Luis Schumann Torres, who get problems with his back as he attempts to climb a lamppost to change a light bulb.

Doc Benny miracle drugs mixture help an old lady with a walker (Katja Schumann.) Photo: Ole Simonsen

The miracle medicine also gives new energy to the electrician (Luis Schumann Torres). Photo: Ole Simonsen

Laura Schumann. Photo: Jens Chr. Sørensen. To see more photos from the show: click here (slide show will not be finalized until 2 August)

Schumann - The Medicine Show can be seen until 9 August. Tickets for the show cost only 40 DKK (6 Euro). Hurry up to see it, it is a wonderful experience!

30 July 2015

Circus Minimax 2015. Thorbjørn Klæbo Flo has visited the small Norwegian circus and writes:

Cirkus Minimax is out on its fourth season. A fine performance was shown in the tent with a diameter of 12 meter at Rognstranda camping, Valle Telemark. Well over 80 spectators were inside the tent and the atmosphere was good. About an hour's entertainment without interval, this year with artists hired from Denmark, the clown Gugge for his second season with Minimax. He is the main thread that is spellbinding the audiences with his gags and his fakir show. First time in Norway for the skilled young juggler Oliver Berdino with seven balls in the air, stunning. Director Carl Andre himself does rola bola. There was also a chicken in human size in the performance. It worked well.

Oliver Berdino in Circus Minimax. All photos: Thorbjørn Klæbo Flo

Fakir show with Gugge

The chicken and part of the audience

After the performance there is circus school free of charge for children, duration approximately 1 hour.

But we missed circus animals this year, hoping the animals are back next season for their 5 year anniversary.

Circus Minimax is hereby recommended, the season ends in September.

27 July 2015

WALLMANS DINNER SHOW 2015/2016. About their forthcoming show in the Copenhagen Circus Building Wallman writes:

This year’s show MUSIC BOX is a magical medley of incredible experiences and sensations! Over the course of four hours, we will overwhelm you with brand new and fabulous musical experiences, impressive circus acrobatics of the highest calibre, entertaining artistry and, not least, a colourful and dazzling show in true Las Vegas style. As you delight in an unparalleled four-course dinner, our artists will excite, enthral and astound from every corner of the stunning Circus Hall.

Look forward to an international show* where everyone can participate. With music ranging from U2 to Take That to Twisted Sister and everything in between, we guarantee there will be something for you, your partner, parents and colleagues alike. MUSIC BOX also presents Elton John like you’ve never seen or heard him before. When we celebrate the hall’s guests of honour, it happens to beloved tunes by today’s greatest boy bands.

Many new stars have joined us this year, and one that you are guaranteed to remember is Ukrainian Oleksiy Khilya. With sheer muscle strength, he carries out a handstand act of unimaginable dimensions! Be prepared to gape and gasp. You can also look forward to a long-awaited reunion: Jimmy & Anna are finally back! An all-time favourite act has been updated for 2015 with new costumes and new music, but don’t worry! – there’s still a bath tub and there’s still plenty of water!

The show culminates in a thundering rock finale, where the great legends of rock unite and provide an excellent kick-off to the party in the nightclub! I WANNA ROCK! All show numbers are in English, allowing international visitors to get the full experience as well.

There's premiere on September 17 with a series of previews from 21 August. The show plays to June 2016th

Press photo from Wallman, probably of the artists Jimmy Andersson and Anna Netterlid Photo: Jesper Blæsild

In the ensemble there are three circus performers:

Jimmy Andersson and Anna Netterlid, both Swedish. It is their  third season at Wallman.

Oleksiy Khilya coming from Ukraine. He got his artistic training as a member of the Ukrainian national team in acrobatics from 1998-2002 and has since performed e.g. in German music halls. He has not previously been with Wallman.

24 July 2015

Problems by reading this website? Some people has told me that they had problems by reading the latest news dated 19 July at www.circus-dk.dk. Some visitors were only able to read the old news from 19 June. The problem can probably be solved if you remember to click at the "update-circle-arrow" in your browser’s top line. Feel free to send me an e-mail if this does not solve your problems

This website is every Saturday updated with news from the Scandinavian Circus World + "it all happens in Paris".

24 July 2015

Swedish Circus Scott has resumed the tour. After 5 weeks summer break the large Swedish Circus Scott resumed their tour in Sweden in Malmo on 23 July. In Malmo the performance run for 1 hour 45 minutes incl. interval. There has since the summer break been some changes. The bike acrobat Marc Giely, the Wolf Brothers, the Flying Manutara and the Scott-dancers is not any longer part of the performance.

The show features now

Sergey "Mr. Dalmatin" Prostetsov and his son with dogs and ponies. The act was even better since I last saw it in Danish Circus Benneweis in 2012, partly because Mr. Dalmatin now has his son as assistant in his charming act.

Mr. Dalmatin and his son

The clown Mingo

Julia Sand with pole dance with a pole, which looks like a candy stick

A skilled young juggler whose name does not appear in the printed program with clubs and rings. He is new in the performance. When I asked Robert Bronett after the show, he couldn’t remember the jugglers name!

The young juggler, whose name was announces as Ivan Kobchek (???), juggling with rings. A classic juggling discipline which you today not see too often. He has up to 8 rings in the air

Yory Volodchenkov and his horse (Circus Benneweis 2012). It is still impressive how Yory sitting on the back of his horse can get it to dance and finally to jump rope.

Contortion Dream (4 young Ethiopian contortionists)

6 motorcycles in a globe of death. The act is very impressive as light goes off and the bikes are illuminated while running the globe.

There are 6 riders in circus Scott's globe of death. This is a record for a Swedish circus. Click here to see more photos from the show in Malmo (album will not be completely finished on July 26)

The show was accompanied by a seven-piece very well-playing band accompanied by the singer Tova Sundén (?). Ringmaster was the circus owner Robert Bronett.

Audience wise the Malmo premiere was not a success: about 200 people in the tent, which according to Circus Scott has room for 2,000 spectators.

Circus Scott’s oblong tent at Mölleplatsen (the Mill lot) in Malmo

The tent is the same oblong 8 pole tent which Circus Scott has used the last few years. One half of the tent houses a circus park with the opportunity for kids to try pony rides, juggling, magic, face painting, driving the one-wheeled bicycles and trapeze. There is also a carousel as well as the possibility of being photographed with Mr. Dalmatin’s dogs.

The other half of the tent holds the circus ring and seating. There are two rows of ring side chairs and 11 rows gradin seats which far better legroom than in any other Nordic circus. At the same time there is so much difference in height between the rows of the gradin that everyone can see very well. No spectators are places on seats where a pole obstruct the view. At the same time there is great light and sound.

The original version of this year's Scott performance was on 24 May reviewed of this page by Tobias Schött.

Circus Scott will stay in Malmo through Sunday, July 26. After the plan the tour will end in Linkoping on 20 September.

20 July 2015

Some summer circus photos

The Swedish Circus Brazil Jack has sent me this beautiful photo from the circus lot at Söder Port of Visby, Gotland. The photo was taken from a drone

Jacob Boas Leitisstein sent me this photo of the queue in front of the box office of the tiny Danish Circus Krone at Hasmark Camping

Jacob Boas Leitisstein sent me this photo Circus Arli at the lot next to the inn in Rorvig. You can see more of Jacob’s fine photos at the Circus portal circus gallery.

17 July 2015

We are back again! After three great but rather hot weeks in Florida, both the old editor and his webmaster are back in Denmark and now you once again every Saturday can read news from the Scandinavian circus world + news from Paris at this page.

The Circus ´Ring of Fame´ recognizes those persons who have made a significant contribution to the art and culture of the circus. With dozens of inductees from around the world, the Ring of Fame began in 1987 as a way to honor world famous circus performers. The Ring of Fame graces a central park located at St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota, Florida. There, visitors and locals alike stroll past decades of circus history, reading the plaques and conjuring up childhood memories of circus greats. Among these, the Danish-born trapeze star La Norma, whose life some years ago was described in an interesting book written by Aase Thomassen (also available with English translation).

The old editor had a couple of exciting circus experiences during his trip: visiting the Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota including the world's largest model circus, and a quick trip to Houston to see the Ringling show Legends. It was 45 Celsius degrees in Houston! Luckily enough the circus performance was in a multi-purpose stadium with air conditioning as Ringling in 1957 dropped touring with tents and decided only to perform in arenas etc.

Photo from the floor above the exhibition of a part of the impressive model circus Howard Bros. Circus, which is a model of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus as it looked in the early 1950s. The model is covering over 3,800 square feet (350 square meters). The model builder Howard Tibbalds wrote to Ringling in 1956 and asked for permission to use the Ringling title on his railroad cars and circus wagons, but his request was denied. And then he chose the name Howard Bros. Circus for his model.

An hour before a performance in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's there is a pre-show where the audience are invited into the arena floor where they can see artists perform various tricks, often involving children from the audience.

17 July 2015

Bonbon turns 50.

On Monday 20 July Danish Lasse Noerager, better known as the clown Bonbon, can celebrate his 50 years birthday. Lasse grew up in Vaerlose, a Copenhagen suburb. His father Arne was shaping teacher at KDAS Copenhagen Day and Evening College in Skovlunde, and mother Nina was a schoolteacher. Lasse was very interested in music and joined as a 9-year-old into the Tivoli Boys Guard where he was a drummer. In this context he met former circus acrobats who now had jobs as inspectors, etc. in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens and became interested in a life as circus artist. When he was 16 years old he told his parents that he wanted to leave school because he could get a contract with a small Swedish circus, Circus Regal. Lasse had sent Circus Regal a video with his acts and it was both as juggler, magician, fakir and clown entrées. His parents knew that Lasse wanted to join a circus and gave him the necessary permission. Thus, Lasse began only 16 years old his career as an artist.

Lasse "Bonbon" Noerager

Later Lasse joined the large Circus Finlandia in Finland. It was during this tour he in 1986 he met his lovely wife-to-be Tiina. The first time we saw Lasse in a Danish circus was in Circus Benneweis in 1992 where he did a number of run-ins and together with Tiina presented the their now famous badminton entrée. In 1993, Lasse "Bonbon" was back in Benneweis. In 1999 he toured for the first time with Danish Circus Arena. From 2001 to 2009 he and Tiina toured every summer season with Circus Arena, where Bonbon not just did clowning, but also took care of sound and lighting, etc. After Circus Arena the couple spent three seasons with the large Finnish Circus Finlandia. In winter seasons Bonbon and Tiina has worked in other shows in Europe. E.g. have they appeared in Europe's largest circus, Circus Krone, which every winter has performances in the circus building in Munich. In January 2007 Bonbon participated in the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, where he got one of the special awards.

As for 2015 Lasse, Mrs. Tiina and the couple's two children works for the third year in a row for Kristiansand Zoo in Norway. During the main season with performances as artists, but before and after the season as project managers for some of the many performances that animal park is well known for. In addition, Lasse Noerager has in connection with start of the various seasons assisted both Circus Arena and Circus Finlandia with a number of tasks.

When the family is not on tour, they live in Slangerup north of Copenhagen. But on his birthday they will be in Kristiansand, Norway.

Lasse and the fish. Photo from Circus Regal in 1982. Photo courtesy of Nina Noerager

Tiina, Princess Stephanie and Bonbon in Monte Carlo in January 2007. Photo: Roy Himsel

15 July 2015

Circus Dannebrog awards a special prize at the Cuban circus festival. At the Cuban circus festival Circuba the top award, the Gran Prix, went to the Cuban Compañía Havana for an act with Russian bar. They also received the audience award. The distinguished Carpa De Oro (Golden Carp) was awarded to the handstand duo Jose and Gaby from Colombia. They got also one of the festival's many special awards: the Dannebrog Circus Award. Isabella Enoch from Danish Circus Dannebrog was a member of the jury and writes that the festival was a fantastic experience for her. She might very well want to present the two Colombian artists for the Danish audience.

Jose and Gaby

14 July 2015

Benny Schumann has sent me these photos from The Medicine Show, which you until 9 August every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 16 can see at Ditlevsdal Bisonfarm in Morud, Funen. The cast is Benny Schumann as Doc Benny, his cousin Katja Schumann and her niece Laura and Laura's husband Luis Schumann Torres. In the good old days a Medicine Show was a well-known concept in the United States. It was traveling truck, horse, and wagon teams which peddled "miracle cure" medications and other products between various entertainment acts. As the miracle doctor and his assistants travelled to a new place every day the buyers didn’t have a chance to find out if  the medicine was of any use before they the medicine show had left ...

13 July 2015

Circus Arena’s elephants. For many years it has been an attraction when the elephants from Circus Arena crossed the Grasshopper Bridge in Karrebaeksminde and later got a swim at the beach. This year the elephant cross and swim was scheduled for Friday, July 9. But it was pushed a day, to Saturday, July 10, because Circus Arena due to violent gusts of gale force cancelled performances respectively in Stevns and Karrebaeksminde on 8 and 9 July and moved the performance on 10 July Naestved to Karrebaesminde.

Jacob Boas Leitisstein took this photo of Circus Arena on the lot in Karrebaeksminde on 9 July where they waited for the wind to drop so much down that it was safe to put up the tent.

That the event now took place on a Saturday attracted even more spectators than usual. People surged forward and ran in front of and behind the 3 elephants Lara, Jenny and Jungla as if they were toys. It irritated the elephant Jungla so much that she kicked at a car which was somewhat damaged. No persons were hurt. And the car damage is covered by Circus Arena’s insurance. "The elephants were as usual excited to get out and get a swim, but next year we will ally ourselves with the local police, so traffic can be better regulated," Circus Arena writes.

Click here to see a clip from DR TV with video of the incident and a discussion (in Danish) between circus owner Benny Berdino and Zoo Director Bengt Holst about whether it is justifiable to have elephants in a circus.

Elephant Swim in Karrebaeksminde. Photo from 2014. Photographer: Jacob Boas Leitisstein

The incident and the earlier episodes this year where Circus Dannebrog’s elephant took a stroll by her own has once again raised the issue about a possible ban against elephants in circuses in Denmark.

Both Circus Arena and Circus Dannebrog hope that it still will be possible to have elephants in the show. Circus Benneweis opted already last year the elephants out, but will neither pronounce themselves for or against a ban as a ban will not affect them. None of the Norwegian or Swedish circuses has this year elephants or other wild animals in their performances. In Finland, there has for many years been a ban against performing elephants.

10 July 2015

Circus Arena’s Crown Prince Patrick Berdino participates in this year's edition of 'Strictly come dancing’ (in Danish: Vild med dans). Strictly Come Dancing is a British television show, featuring celebrities with professional dance partners competing in a Ballroom and Latin dance completion. In Denmark it was first time broadcasted in 2005 and is still one of the most popular TV shows. In the forthcoming season Patrick Berdino, who is the grandson of Benny Berdino from Danish Circus Arena, is one of the celebrities who will participate.

Patrick Berdino photographed in this year's Arena performance. Now he shall try his luck in Strictly comes dancing. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press.

10 July 2015

Mr. Plys has sent me these photos from Lalandia Rodby, where you until 9 August every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 20 can meet the Berdino Sisters (Charmaine and Stephanie Berdino).

10 July 2015

Accident in globe of death. During the performance in Circus Arena in Svendborg on 4 July 4 one of the motorcyclists from the Diorio troupe crashed to the bottom of the globe. Fortunately, neither he nor other of the motorbikers was injured, and they were ready for the show next day in Rudkøbing. During their act they end this year’s up by having 7 bikes in the globe of death which is a record in a Danish circus. In the American Circus Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey the Torres troupe get 8 riders in the globe. In the German Circus Flic Flac they have reached an even higher number but using a larger globe.

8 motorcycle riders from the Torres troupe at Ringling. The Globe is 16 feet (nearly 4.9 meters) in diameter.

9 July 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  during summer -  many shows that are hilarious, appealing and interesting are featured  -- LA COMPAGNIE LE JOUR DE LA LUNE, direction CARINE MONTAG, proudly presents THEATRE DE VERDURE, JARDIN SHAKESPEARE, BOIS DE BOULOGNE, an excellent MAGIC SHOW,  LE CLUB DES MAGICIENS,  a good idea as each child gets a membership card, which they will keep dearly --  a subtile way of communication!

THEATRE DE VERDURE /the theatre in the greenness/ deserves well its name, as it is located in a lush garden with overflowing vegetation -  also an attraction.

Magic entertainer LOIC PIET, performs with back up by JEAN SIFFERMANN, who has worked to make the decoration with JOYCE BRUNET. Manager:  BENJAMIN BREANT.

The show is briskly conducted, but still at a pace when the small fry can easily follow the various effects:  light from fingertips, money from ... nowhere ... and everywhere, torn and restored newspaper, a thread attached to a balloon is cut, but --- loo and behold -- it is repaired when the balloon rises in the air - very poetical - and the kid gets the balloon as a souvenir -  !!!

Grande finale: a child floats in mid-air over a table -  great surprise -  CURTAIN FALL   and SUCCESS !!!

From the performance. By courtesy of Loïc Piet

Parents enjoy seeing that their small ones have a nice experience.

One hour's show.

See more: www.leclubdesmagiciens.com och www.jardinshakespeare.com

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue: Bois de Boulogne, Metro to Porte Maillot, then bus 244, stop at Bagatelle Pre Catelan,

then some walking, follow posted arrows.

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

20 June 2015

The small Danish dog and pony show Circus Mascot has now on their nationwide tour reached Zealand, which included a performance in Karlslunde south of Copenhagen on 19 June. Throughout the month of July Circus Mascot are in Summerland Zealand, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. Entrance to the circus is free if you have a ticket to the park. The address of the park is Gl. Nykøbingvej 169, 4572 Nørre Asmindrup.

To the left director and ringmaster Daniel Deleuran together with his good friend Gulio the clown. To the right: the other half of the management, mama Marianne with one of her dogs.

Also the youngest member of the Deleuran family Andreas (17 years old) takes part in the performance

he gladiator Oneil with head stand in great height

The audience in Karslunde liked the small circus and there was almost full house. All photos: Ole Simonsen

Click here to see a number of Jacob Boas Leitissteins photos from the show in Karlslunde.

20 June 2015

Circus Benneweis celebrates their 128 years anniversary, being the world’s oldest touring circus. On 13 July 1887, Gottfried Binneweitz got a license which permitted him to work as a professional musician and acrobat. It was the start of Circus Benneweis, which due to this on Monday, 13 July celebrates its 128 years anniversary. On the day of the anniversary Circus Benneweis is in Aarhus and has performance at 18:30. Moreover, it is not only Circus Benneweis which has birthday on 13 July. The two directors, the twins Nadia and Dawid Benneweis, reach 28 years on 13 July.

The directors Nadia and Dawid Benneweis reach 28 years on the day when their circus turns 128 years. Photo by courtesy of Circus Benneweis

With its 128-year history, Benneweis is world's oldest touring circus. Furthermore it is the only circus in the world which for so many years has had the same owner family. And which has toured every season. Please see below some photos of Benneweis-tents during the years. As you can see, Circus Benneweis has often change color and design of the tent, when it was replaced by a new tent.

Photo of the tent, probably from sometimes in the 1930’ties

Photo by M. C. von Haven from 1946

This photo is from 1960

Photo by Nelly Jane Benneweis probably shot in the late 1970’ties

Photo of the tent in Hillerød in 1984

The current tent, photographed in 2011 by Kim Thanning Olsen. The tent is from 2005

18 June 2015

Circus Benneweis can’t as planned have performances on 18 and 19 June in Hjorring in the northern part of Jutland. The lot they should have used was not suitable for the circus. The performances can instead be seen in Frederikshavn, where they also performed on 17 June.

- The lot in Hjørring is not suitable for the circus. It simply can’t be used. The ground is too soft, so the pegs can’t get correctly in the ground and can’t hold the heavy tents. It's a safety issue, and we can’t compromise on that Dawid Benneweis says.

The lot which circuses normally use in Hjorring is these days used for a cattle show. Benneweis should have been at a lot next to the Vendia Stadium. But it was as mentioned above unusable, and the municipality had no other places which the circus could use.

Also earlier in the season soft or flooded lots has forced Circus Benneweis to move performances to a neighbor town. Other circus has also due to the rainy and cool spring / early summer had problems with soft lots

18 June 2015

The Swedish Circus Scott stops this year's tour. The number of visitors has been disappointing, and the Christmas circus in Stockholm did not give the progress Robert Bronett had hoped for. Therefore he chose to stop the tour after the performances in Gothenburg from 11 to 17 June. The circus is now heading for its winter quarters in Stockholm. Robert Bronett plans to resume the tour again on 23 July in Malmö. However it is uncertain if the tour actually will be resumed. According to the original plan this year's tour should without stops have continued until 20 September.

17 June 2015

Circus elephant on the run. Bernhard Kaselowsky’s elephant Ramboline which for some years has been a regular part of the performances in Circus Dannebrog decided to take a stroll by her own when Circus Dannebrog on Tuesday 16 June visited Svenstrup. The walk ended at Højvang School’s playground where Bernhard Kaselowsky came and easily got Ramboline with him back to the circus lot. Before the visit to the schools’ playground the elephant has passed a kindergarten.

Also during a visit to Randers a few weeks ago Ramboline went for a walk on her own. Also that time Bernhard got her back to the lot without any problems.

Ramboline and her owner Bernhard Kaselowsky. On the back of Ramboline singer and ringmisstres Jazz Malaika.

Ramboline is known as a gentle and well-behaved elephant which Bernhard Kaselowky has full control over. Neither in Svenstrup nor in Randers the situation was at any time dangerously.

The Danish rules on the keeping of animals in circuses provides that elephant pens must be enclosed by an electric fence and an additional fence that establishes a minimum distance of 2 m between the elephant pen and the area to which the public has access. During the stay in the pen each elephant must be supervised by a person having control over the elephant.

Circus Arena and Circus Dannebrog is the only Danish circuses which have elephants with them on tour.

16 July 12015

Artist performances in the tropical holiday centre Lalandia Rødby. Mr. Plys tells that you during the summer every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 20 can see the Berdino Sisters. The two sisters Charmaine and Stephanie Berdino does hula hoop, present dogs and has an illusion act.

They can be seen from 28 June to 9 August.

Charmaine with hula-hoop. Photo from 2012

Mr. Plys himself performs in Lalandia Rødby every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and in Lalandia Billund every Wednesday and Sunday 

Charmaine and Stephanie Berdino are daughters of Suzanne and Karsten Berdino. Their brother Oliver is this year touring with the small Norwegian Circus Minimax.

16 June 2015

Circus Baldoni at Bellahoj. Usually it is only large circuses which use the lot Bellahoj in Copenhagen: Circus Arena uses it 3 weeks in March / April and Circus Benneweis 10 days in late August or early September. But this year also the much smaller Circus Baldoni has decided to try their luck at Bellahoj. In addition to its location in a place which every day is passed by many thousand cars, the lot has advantage of being free of charge. Circus Baldoni has performances at Bellahoj until Sunday 21 June.

Jacob Boas Leitisstein took the photo above of Circus Baldoni on Bellahøj. Click here to see more of Jacob’s fine photos from Baldoni on Bellahoj.

And here is a link to the video (not from the performance).

16 June 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  the very strong French theatrical tradition is still well alive and kicking -- you have the big theatres where sometimes  MAGIC SHOWS are featured, but as well  a number of small ones, sometimes carefully refurbished, they are to be found in abandoned shops, warehouses, garages etc. - often between 50 and 100 seats, more or less comfortable, but sporting an excellent lighting-and sound equipment  as well as  a serious and reliable management.

These spots are a kind of spring-board for comedians who right here can see if they can fly ...in front of an enthusiastic audience, often locals living in the area. These events are an important way of promoting culture, in spite of the small size, and - certain actors succeed in having success, and moving on ...

LAURETTE THEATRE is a good example that live entertainment still has an attentive and eager audience. Right now LAURETTE THEATRE  proudly presents an original and thus interesting MAGIC SHOW: Magic entertainer  JEAN-MICHEL RUBIN has created a nice show on the theme: SUR LES TRACES D'ARSENE LUPIN/ which translates into:  FOLLOWING THE TRACKS OF ARSENE LUPIN  -- the programme offers several mental effects, a book-test, THE SPIRIT SLATES, and a fakir-stunt / 4 wooden plates, one fitted with a sharp knife, are covered with plastic cups, a spectator shuffles the covered plates, nevertheless - loo and behold !! -- the performer crushes all the plastic cups, except for the one fitted with a knife  -- very elegant, convincing and having an important impact.

Having seen numerous MAGIC SHOWS during my life, still  I was surprised seeing:  a spectator chooses a piece of a puzzle  from a bag, a large picture of MONA LISA is carried on stage, the puzzle is complete-  but ONE piece is missing -- the very one having been chosen from the bag!! Very elegant, mysterious and thus -- entertaining!!

All in all: an appealing show, good and healthy live entertainment - good value for money --- who offers more??

Jean-Michel Rubin. By courtesy of the artist. To see a video teaser for the performance: click here

Se more: www.laurette-theatre.fr

http://jeanmichel26rubin.wix.com/jeanmichelmagicien

http://magiciendu95.skyrock.com/

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue: LAURETTE THEATRE, 36 rue Bichat, 75010  Paris.  Metro: Goncourt.

See more: www.laurette-theatre.fr

www.jeanmichelrubin

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

11 June 2015

The list of circus museums updated. Dan Roneklint Sorensen has updated the list of circus museums, etc. worldwide. Languages English, German and Danish. Click here to see the updated list, which also includes links to a number of interesting websites.

Personally, I look forward in near future to visit one of the museums, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida. The museum has a large circus collection which apart from costumes, parade wagons, posters, cannons (for human cannon balls) also hosts the world's largest model circus.

During the summer season there are artist performances at the museum, including performance by America's 'Queen of the Air' Dolly Jacobs. The Ringling museum also has a large collection of paintings including a number of Rubens paintings. Click here to see some photos from  the museum's circus collection.

10 June 2015

The Swedish Magic Archive will move to Norrköping, Sweden. Sveriges Magi-Arkiv (the Swedish Magic archive) is run by the magician Christer Nilsson (stage name Christer el Ricco) from Nykoping, Sweden, and is Sweden’s only magic museum. Christer Nilsson has over a lifetime built up the collection which is the largest of its kind in any Nordic country.

Christer "el Rico" Nilsson

Christer Nilsson was born in 1931. He has for some time considered the future for his Swedish Magic Archive. American collectors have been interested in acquiring the collection. So has the Swedish magician Tim Star (stage name for Tomas Andersson). And now Tim Star has succeeds and will get the collection, which still is owned by Christer Nilsson, to Norrköping. Both Nyköping and Norrkoping is situated south west of the Swedish capital Stockholm. But Norrkoping is a much larger city than Nyköping.

7 June 2015

Circus Mascot in Morud. Many circuses have good friends who help them when they come to their local area.

In Morud, located on North Funen, the dog and pony-show Circus Mascot’s good friends are Kurt and Elly Staer. This year a local co-operative society celebrated their 125 year anniversary. On this occasion, Kurt and Elly persuaded the society which run a local supermarket to purchase two performances from Circus Mascot. The supermarket sold tickets for just 50 DKK (a little less than 7 Euro) and the tickets was snapped up. "It's nice to help arrange something, especially when it is such a success," Kurt Staer writes. He has sent me the photos below from Circus Mascot’s visit to Morud.

Queue at “einlass” in Circus Mascot in Morud

8 June 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS - even if the season is drying up - THEATRE CLAVEL proudly presents an original show: COSMIX - created and featured by MARJORIE NAKACHE, VINCENT MEZIERES and SHAY.

This performance is a really successful combination of juggling accompanied by a great number of laser effects, everything gets fine back-up by an elegant stage setting, entirely in white - like the artists' costumes and juggling props.

Photo from the performance. By courtesy  of Theatre Clavel

The story is about a dead planet that is to be made alive again - showering fire, air and water over it ...  original and poetic.

The two performing jugglers exhibit great skill and precision and they succeed in filling up the rather large stage of the Theatre CLAVEL.

The audience, even the youngest ones, did follow the acting intensely and with great interest -  after the curtain fall the public could buy smaller laser effects as sticks and stars - and get a poster on top of the bargain - for free - a nice souvenir from an appealing show!!

See more: www.3jock3.com and www.theatre-Clavel.com

Venue: Theatre CLAVEL, 3 rue Clavel, 75019  Paris.  Metro: Pyrenees.

We are eagerly looking FW to seeing new interesting and funny shows, come the new season, Sept 2015 - 2016.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

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

4 June 2015

Flooded circus lots. The recent weeks’ very rainy weather in Denmark gives problems with wet or flooded circus lots. It is worst in Jutland where it have rained more than on Zealand.

Circus Dannebrog had to cancel their performance in Ulstrup on 2 June. Agnete Louise Enoch writes (my translation):

"We have visited this city for 29 years without interruption. But today it is simply impossible to put up the tent as the lot is flooded. We have sold many tickets. The audience can get the money refunded or phone 30 26 36 36. We will visit Viborg Thursday 4 June at 18.30 and Aarhus next to Godsbanen from Saturday 6th to Friday 12 June. It is said that we haven’t had that bad weather in the spring in Denmark for the last 75 years."

In Kolding Circus Mascot had on 2 June performance at a lot at Vrandrupvej. It was very wet and the grass was high - see photo. Circus Mascot had their performance but had problems in pulling the heavy trucks out of the lot after the show.

The circus lot at Vranderupvej in Kolding. Photo: Circus Mascot

Marianne Deleuran says that there was even more water at Kolding’s usual circus lot at Tvedvej. Circus Arena has scheduled to have performances this Saturday at the lot at Tvedvej. Unless the lot is floaded …

Circus Benneweis moved a performance on 3 June from Struer to Holstebro, where they also had performances on 1 and 2 June. They write: "The Struer lot is far too wet for us put up the tent properly. Thus we have decided to stay another day in Holstebro skip the visit to Struer. We hope soon to get better weather with at least a bit of sun, warmer temperatures and dry lots."

On Thursday, 4 June Circus Benneweis had to cancel the scheduled performance at the cattle show lot in Hurup.

- The lot the municipality has given us is simply impossible to use. We stand in water to the ankles, Nadia Benneweis says.

Also Circus Baldoni has cancelled some performances.

According to The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) the spring has been the ninth wettest spring since 1874 and the wettest since 1983.

On 18 June we have general election in Denmark. The many posters for the political parties give the Danish circus problems. Circus posters can hardly be seen between the many election posters. Some places circus posters are placed that high that you need a ladder or crane to pull them down.

1 June 2015

Clowns at Bakken. After a few years break the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen has resumed the cosy tradition of having clown performances. This year it is Charlie and Binalto from Circus 3 who each Sunday at 14 entertain children and adults. Usually the clown performances are at Bakken’s Open Air Stage. If the Open Air Stage it is occupied due to other events the clown performance are moved to the small stage in front of Pierrot's house. Below a couple of photos from the show at Pierrot's house on 31 May. Our youngest granddaughter Ida enjoyed both the clown show and Pierrot's performance at 15. "But the clowns were the funniest," she announced, perhaps because she many times have seen Pierrot’s performances. However, she was certainly also happy for Pierrot, who even invited her to help him with one of the magic tricks.

Charlie and Binalto with their beloved pie entrée. Over the years, Charlie was probably about 3,000 times got a pie in the face. Photos: Ole Simonsen

Magic performances with Pierrot aka Kurt Flemming is certainly a hit at Bakken.

To see more photos + video clips from one of Charlie and Binalto's performances at Bakken click here for link to the photographer Per "Mr. Sputnik "Krog Petersen's website.

30 May 2015

On May 20 there was a children’s festival in the park behind the National Gallery of Art in Copenhagen. Jacob Boas visited the festival and writes:

The sun was shining and the park was packed with happy children and parents. One must say that the new festival was a success! Circus Benneweis attended the festival and contributed a circus workshop, which was visited by many curious children who wanted to be circus stars for a day J

At the workshop could try hula-hoop, plate spinning and much more ...

A few photos from the Benneweis' workshop. On the photo at the bottom you can among others see one of the instructors, Zora Nikodemova. Photo: Jacob Boas Leitisstein. To see more photos, click here

27 May 2015

The Swedish aerial acrobat David Hammarberg has been awarded Gävle Culture Scholarships of 15,000 Swedish kronor (equivalent to 1,600 Euro). David started his career at Furuviksbarnen (a youth circus in Sweden). In season 2015 you can see him in the Swedish Circus Olympia.

The young Swedish super talent David Hammarberg. Photo from Helsingborg Christmas Circus 2014

27 May 2015

European Circus Camp in Denmark. From 28 June to 4 July there is as previous years a summer holidays circus camp for children and young people at the Circus factory in North Salling, Jutland. Read more at http://www.cirkusskolen.dk/  At the bottom of the page you will find a link to an English version (under preparation).

27 May 2015

From May 14 to 24 Circus Baldoni had performances in the Copenhagen suburb Ordrup. But on Friday 22 May the Gentofte municipality realised that Circus Baldoni did not have the building permit, which is needed to put up a circus tent which isn’t certified. Until now, only Circus Arli, Circus Benneweis and Zirkus Nemo have certified circus tents.

To be able to perform on ​​Pentecost Saturday 23 May circus owner René Moenster decided to pull down the canvas and perform open air, which the weather fortunately allowed. However, the authorities were not satisfied with this solution, so before the performance on Pentecost Sunday Circus Baldoni also had to remove the elevated seating and the elevated stage and put up chairs and benches on the grass around the ring.

Circus Baldoni’s open air performance in Ordrup. Photo: Circus Baldoni

Click here to see a video clip from TV2 Lorry about the episode in Gentofte.

An afternoon performance on May 25 in in Virum was moved to Fredensborg, where Circus Baldoni also performed on 26 May. And in Fredensborg Circus Baldoni had the necessary building permission René Moenster tells.

It is the accident with a collapsed tent owned by Circus Arena in 2013, which has led the authorities to focus extra on tent safety. It is both an economical and time consuming challenge for a circus to apply for building permission in each municipality they visit. Such building permission isn’t needed if the tent is certified. However, it is a costly and time consuming affair to get the tent certified. And even when you have obtained all the required calculations, etc., there is a long turnaround before the Danish Technological Institute issues a certificate. A certificate is valid for 5 years.

24 May 2015

Fantastic family entertainment in Swedish Circus Scott. Tobias Schött writes (my translastion):

Circus Scott under Robert Bronett leadership embarks on a four-month summer tour in Sweden. This theme in this year's show is a few footprints outside the tent, which seems to come from an elephant. However, Circus Scott does not any longer have elephants in their performance and thus Robert Bronett and his crew has to solve the mystery during the performance. I went to Västerås to see this year's show.

An hour before the show start the circus park opened with fun activities for the kids. Here you can try to hang in the trapeze, learn juggling, magic, pony rides, face painting and take your photo together with Sergey Prostetsov’s Dalmatians.

Robert Bronett and his artists. All photos are shot by Tobias Schött

This year's performers are new for the season and for several of them it is first time in Sweden. First act was Sergey Prostetsov (Mr. Dalmatin) with his fabulous Dalmatians and poodles doing acrobatics on the ponies. A dressage where you can really see the interaction between animals and humans, a real top act! The hard-rocking pony became an audience favourite!

Mr. Dalmatin. The Danes know him from Circus Benneweis 2004 and 2012. In 2002 he toured Sweden with Circus Maximum

Julia Sand did pole dance mixed with acrobatics and did it really well. The extreme cyclist from France, Marc Giely, is one of the year's highlights. On his mountain bike he does incredible stunts and jumps.

Marc Giely. The Danes remember him from Circus Arena 2009 and Circus Benneweis 2013

This year clown is Mingo from Mexico. He is for the first time on tour in Europe and pops up every now and then during the show with various funny run-ins. Nice with a clown who both is kind and entertaining at the same time, the children's great favourite in the summer! Last act before the break is Wolf Brothers, two real Scots in kilts doing a fun and fast-paced knockabout table act. With high tempo, this was a real hit and popular with both children and adults!

To the left the clown Mingo. To the right Wolf Brothers, who the Danes remember from Circus Arli 2011 and 2014. In 2013 the toured Sweden with Circus Olympia

After the break we finally see a real flying trapeze act in Scott's ring for the first time since 2002. It's The Flying Manutara from South America we meet and they perform a classic trapeze number with the triple somersault included. Yury Volodchenkov is almost like a centaur with his amazing horse. Together they perform tricks that are absolutely amazing, and the only thing that Yury use is his voice to control the horse. And to you who did not believe that horses could jump rope, you will see in Scott this summer that it is possible! Contortion Dreams, four girls from Ethiopia bend and twist their bodies so you hardly believe it's true. Poetic and graceful circus art at its best!

Contortion Dream

The show ends with Torres Globe Bikers, six daredevils riding motorcycles in the huge steel globe! An act where the entire audience is sitting on tenterhooks when Robert Bronett enters the globe with three motorcycles driving their bikes around his head. The end when the six motorcycles become luminous is incredibly effective and awesome!

Torres Globe Bikers ends by havening six motorcyclists in their globe of death

Scott Dancers will saw two times during the show, with elegant dance. Mateusz Dembek is this year's singer and sings to several of acts numbers and does it well, like Scott's big band playing great circus music from beginning to end. Without music, no circus!

This summer’s Scott-show is a hit, with two hours full of world-class artists, animals, music, humour, song and music. Do not miss the Circus Scott & Elephant mystery when they come to your town, you will not be disappointed!

23 May 2015

The clown Totti Alexis has just been honored as a new member of the World Parliament of Clowns. The World Parliament of Clowns is founded by "Die Königin der Clowns" ("The Queen of Clowns") Antoschka who the Danish audiences remember from Circus Benneweis in 2001. The World Parliament of Clowns is association composed by some of the most famous clowns of our time. Clowns like Antoschka , Oleg Popov, Dimitri , David Larible, Benny Schumann and Patch Adams. In indeterminate intervals the WPoC honors Scientists, politicians, musicians and writers who have devoted their careers to a good cause with their "Planet of Smiles Award".

Totti Alexis

Totti Alexis is son of the clown Toni Alexis. The Danes met Totti Alexis in Circus Dannebrog in 2011 and in Jimmy Enoch’s winter circus performances in 2014 and 2015. The Swedes met him in Circus Maximum in 2012 and the Finns in Circus Finlandia in 2013.

Until October this year you can see Totti Alexis in two of Carmen Mota's shows in the seaside resort of Santa Susanna northeast of Barcelona: Super Circus

and Olé - flamenco music hall. - “Of course I show different acts in each show (some of them new),” Totti Alexis tells.

23 May 2015

International Clown Gala at Svendborg Theatre Thursday 21 May. The Friends of the Clown Festival writes on their website www.klovnestivalensvenner.dk (my translation):

Thursday evening the clowns presented a terrific gala performance which the audience very well deserved awarded with standing ovations.

There was lot of joyful acts and run-ins.

Performing clowns. Photo: Lise Kokholm

Mattie showed from the start the audience to their seats. Often it was by taking them up on stage and point to vacant seats.

Paddy from England got as master of ceremonies all of us with him from the start with an honest energy. During the show he taught us an alternative way to merge fingers.

A large group of young people from B & D theatre showed us how busy "selfie-freaks” can transform seriousness to joy.

Julius with Bubbles as assistant juggled with spoons in bowls. It went wrong / good.

Gingernut conjured with scarves and changed clothes with "locked" hands!

A young lady came to alternative therapy with flowers - to get rid of her anger. They managed "very alternative"

The two glorious musical clowns, Conk and Bluey tried to tease each other in a classic clown number. It was very funny.

David Skunk from California came as a sleepy clown with a box with a stuffed animal, who teased him and bit him hard in the nose. It was also a funny and very well performed act.

The clown Albert collects garbage on stage, but being so upset that he chooses to save it under a carpet.

A boy kid had to fight against three adult men in tug of war. Of couse the kid wins.

Mr. Zero having trouble conjuring up a bottle of ketchup away in a bag - you do not believe him – or do you?

The many participants from Copenhagen Comedian School provide a number with several gags and common dance.

As the blazing end comes the dainty lady Marta or Canta Clown on stage. She manages to find the sorts of things on the body - especially between her breasts.

And we would like to have more, but two hours with terrific entertainment is really good.

THANKS TO clowns!

24 May 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  and just because of that, the city of Paris welcomes every year about 29.000.000 tourists, numbers which are fairly constant, but subject to variations.

As most of the tourists don't master French to be able to enjoy legitimate theatre, I have chosen to write about VISUAL shows, circus, cabaret, magic shows - everything that is visual.

Here you will find a combined write- up on a show featuring music and acrobatics: CENTRE CULTUREL WALLONIE BRUXELLES PARIS presents an outstanding show geared to both children and grown-ups:

Compagnie BADABOUM performs an elegant, interesting and humour-filled show, 2 female acrobats, 2 male ones, - present excellent acrobatic stunts on a two-wheeled bike, on tight rope, showing hand-acrobatic stunts, and with a lot of humour, furthermore accompanied by live music: guitar, clarinet, saxophone, percussion and also featuring  music on CORA, which is an African string instrument, resembling to a lute.

The body JM (Jeunesses Musicales) is behind this  excellent initiative - this organization is active internationally in order to create possibilities, particularly for young people hailing from impoverished areas to get access to the apprenticeship of music and circus skills.

Badaboum. © Clement Puig. By courtesy of JM France

Points of interest: An original mixture of music and acrobatics, making it clear  to young people that ENTERTAINMENT is not only available by electronics, but much more  via VISUAL AND LIVE PERFORMANCES!!!

Show 60 minutes.

Co-production: France JM / Cie Gondwana

Venue: Centre Culturel WALLONIE BRUXELLES, 46 rue Quincampoix, 75004 Paris.  Metro: Chatelet.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

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

22 May 2015

Benny Schumann turns 70 on May 23

Benny Schumann was born May 23, 1945 in Gothenburg, Sweden. At baptism he was given the name Carmelo José Bienvenido Schumann. The Spanish sounding name was chosen because his mother Paulina was Spanish, daughter of the world famous clown Charlie Rivel. But he has never been called anything but Benny or Benni.

Benny Schumann was trained as a horse trainer, rider and multi-artist in Circus Schumann in the Circus Building in Copenhagen. His teachers were his parents, Pauline and Albert Schumann. His he got his debut 1950. From 1951 he participated in the matinee performances in Circus Schumann with different acts, including as 9 years old as a cowboy standing on two ponies at full gallop and as a clown in handstand on his grandfather's arm. From Benny was 12 old he became a regular part of Circus Schumann’s performances.

Benny Schumann and his mother Pauline. Photo from years in the Copenhagen Circus Building

As Pauline and Albert Schumann oldest son you would have expected Benny eventually to become part of the management of Circus Schumann. But after season 1967 he left the family circus. Circus Schumann stopped two years later, when the Schumann family couldn’t agree with the owners of the Circus building about the size of rent and the owners rented out the building to Circus Benneweis.

From 1967 and the following 10 years Benny Schumann toured under the name Ric Benny with a plate juggling act in Europe, USA, Canada and Africa. In Denmark we saw him in the touring Circus M. Schumann which was owned by his uncle Max Schumann. Benny's father Albert Schumann was not involved in Max's circus, which closed at the end of season 1982.

In 1980 Benny Schumann and his wife Marianne started to perform in Denmark with the artist and clown show Circus Clown. In 1984, Benny had premiere on his one-man show "Hey Clown!", where he performs as juggler, ventriloquist, tightrope walker, magician and clown with gags and music he has composed himself. In 1993 Benny Schumann extended the program also to include guest artists. These performances are presented under the name Benny Schumann's Mini Circus.

In addition to performing with his one-man show Benny Schumann became in 1996, artistic director of the International Clown Festival, which in the years 1996 to 2006 were held every August at the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen. Following 2006 Bakken decided to stop having such festival. However from 2008 to 2012 Benny Schumann presented international clowns at Bakken’s open air stage.

With more than 100 annual performances Benny Schumann remains one of Denmark's busiest artists. Recently you could meet him at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, in connection with the celebration of World Circus Day. He is currently involved in a large project with more than 80 children in the Culture Centre in Hirschholm. During the summer you can meet him in The Medicine Show at Ditlevsdal Bisonfarm in Morud, Funen, where he performs together with his cousin Katja Schumann and her niece Laura Schumann Torres and the latter's husband Luis Schumann Torres.

19 May 2015

On 30 April the criminal court in Holbaek acquitted Jackie Berdino in a case regarding collapse in June 2013 of a tent owned by Circus Arena. Jackie Berdino was accused of failing to ensure that the tent was properly anchored to the ground. Seven people were slightly injured in connection with the collapse.

The Prosecution has now appealed the case to the High Court.

- We want the case tried in the High Court as the Prosecutor does not agree with the criminal court's decision, senior prosecutor Jens Berger said in press release.

Court hearing in the High Court will probably not take place until sometime in 2016 or 2017.

19 May 2015

Circus Arnado participated in the celebration of Norway's national day on 17 May by being part of the 17 May parade in Spjelkavik / Aalesund.

Kenny Quinn has sent me the photo below of Arnardo-artists ready for the Parade. Kenny has also sent me a photo from a visit to the head of police in Aalesund, who as you can see, inter alia, lost a credit card.

Arnardo-artists ready for the parade. Circus owner Arild Arnardo is passenger in the red car. To have such car is a Arnardo tradition for many years which as Arild has taken over after his father the late circus king Arne Arnardo

As you can see even the head of the Police in Aalesund Frode Haugsen has his pockets emptied by the elegant Danish gentleman thief entertainer Kenny Quinn.

.

17 May 2015

Circus Skratt 2015. It is always difficult to get information about the Swedish Circus Skratt. They have previously announced opening night was scheduled for 11 May in Gothenburg.

Their website now informs that Circus Skratt that "due to circumstances we can’t control is forced to cancel the performances on 15 and 16 May".

On 17 May 17 they planned to have three performances in Halmstad for Halmstads Fastighets AB which has sold tickets for 20 SEK (2 Euro) for each ticket. However Halmstads Fastighets AB now offers that "all purchased tickets whether used or not can be repaid.”

On May 20 Circus Skratt has sold a show to Leifab in Gota, who distribute the tickets to their tenants free of charge.

On May 24 Circus Skratt has sold a show to Gröne backe Camping in Ed, which sell the tickets for 50 SEK (5.50 Euro).

On May 28, Circus Skratt has sold a show in Karlstad to PRO Varmland, which sells tickets for 50 SEK (5.50 Euro).

On June 3 they have sold a show to Lions Club Gnesta who writes: "Along with the local affairs we invite all schoolchildren to the circus free of charge. Adults can by cheap tickets”

Circus Skratt cooperated for many years with Danish Circus Arena. But this is not the case in 2015. And Jacki Steckel, who for many years on behalf of Circus Arenas served as a kind of tour manager for Circus Skratt, is today working for Danish Zirkus Nemo. During the autumn 2014 Circus Skratt cooperated with members of the Scholl family who previously had toured in Sweden under the name Circus Schollini.

Circus Skratt. Photo from 2013. Their website tells that Circus Skratt is Sweden’s largest circus with 1,300 seats and chairs on every seat. However in recent years, their programs are not on par with what one can experience in other large or medium-sized Swedish circus. And Circus Scott has room for more visitors than Circus Skratt. Circus Scott, Circus Maximum and Circus Olympia have as Circus Skratt chairs on all seats.

15 May 2015

David Enoch Sosman to Circus Vegas. Isabella Enoch’s youngest son David has been studying at the University of Glasgow and has just passed his final exam. Then he hastened to Circus Vegas, where he will be part of the performance until September. Then he goes to Paris to continue his education at the University of Paris.

David Sosman with his bouncing balls

Circus Vegas an Irish circus. The owners John and Steven Courtney have however for the last few years had their circus on tour in the northern part of England.

The Danish magician Kim Kenneth and his girlfriend Jessica, who this year tour Denmark with Circus Benneweis, has previously been with Circus Vegas. The same goes for Britain's premier aerialist Robert Foxall who just has replaced the injured Cong Tian in this year’s performance in Circus Benneweis. Robert worked actually in Circus Vegas until a few weeks ago.

14 May 2015

Zirkus Nemo is a mixture of a comedy show (spoken language Danish) and artist performance owned by a popular actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard. Zirkus Nemo calls itself the only Danish circus for adults. Other circuses aim to make performances for the entire family. But Zirkus Nemo explicitly writes on their website that the show isn’t recommended for children under 10 years.

Season opening took place in Horsens on 29 April.

Besides Soren Ostergaard and actors and circus princesses Tina Gylling Mortensen and Sigrid Husjord you can in the performance meet some international top artists: the phenomenal Finnish pigeon magician Marko Karvo, the cycling and pole acrobats Duo Lyd from France, two female trapeze artists Duo Trapeze and the Ukrainian acrobat troupe Crazy Flight.

Duo Lyd. The duo has not previously appeared in Denmark. All photos are by courtesy of Zirkus Nemo

To the left: Crazy Flight. To the right: Duo Trapeze. Crazy Flight could be seen in Copenhagen’s Tivoli gardens in 2004. Duo Trapeze has never before worked in Denmark.

Marko Karvo is probably the world’s best pigeon magician. He toured also with Zirkus Nemo in 2013.

14 May 2015

Clown Festival 2015. Svendborg International Clown Festival take this year held in days

19 to 23 May 2015. To see the full program: click here

The festival will have this year a brand new poster created by the painter Viggo Salting.

13 May 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- now at the Theatre CLAVEL -- a very original show that can be called JUGGLING AND LASER SHOW, it carries the name of COSMIX.

This show is created by MARJORIE NAKACHE, elegantly featured by VINCENT MEZIERES and SHAY-   skillful juggling with balls, rings and clubs, as well as some contact juggling where balls keep rolling on the performer's body.

A laser-show which fills the stage with breath-taking effects, creating incredible impressions - and is rarely seen. The decoration, inclusive the performers' costumes is entirely in white - which creates a great contrast to the multi-colored laser-effects.

Photo from the performance

This show is announced as a show for the younger ones, but could be, as far as I can see, featured for an adult public, as well. The performers sport an appealing finale, often seen at traditional circus, - viz. balls are thrown out among the public, who willingly return them - a gag that always produces laughter and joy - the audience are activated and  involved!!

Pace, color, humour and a sympathetic approach - joy of performing and a brisk tempo, absolutely worth seeing!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

See more: http://www.theatre-clavel.com/jeune_public.asp?spectacle=11

Venue: Theatre CLAVEL, 3 RUE CLAVEL, 75019 Paris.  Metro: Pyrénées.

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

8 May 2015

New artist to Circus Benneweis. By the end of Circus Benneweis’ last performance in Køge on Saturday, May 2 there was a bad accident. The performance's last act was the fabulous Chinese slack wire acrobat Cong Tian. He ends his act by rotating around the wire with high speed. During this trick the wire broke and he landed head first in the ring. He was immediately taken to hospital. Cong Tian could leave the hospital after a few days but the doctors advise him to take a break before he again start to perform.

Jacob Boas Leitisstein took this photo of Cong Tian just before accident

As replacement for Cong Tian Circus Benneweis has engaged the British aerial acrobat Robert Foxall, who does a great act in aerial straps. For the time being Circus Benneweis is in Odense. Robert arrived to Odense late Thursday night and will be part of the performance from Saturday 9 May.

Robert Foxall was one of the top acts in the Norwegian circus Merano in 2012 and has for several seasons appeared in England's famous Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus. He has never appeared in Denmark.

Robert Foxall

8 May 2015

Circus Maximum in 2015 - ''A journey to the world of magic''. Tobias Scott has seen the performance and writes (my translation):

Circus Maximum headed by Bengt Källqvist starts as usual their Stockholm tour with a performance on the lot ‘Gärdet’ in Stockholm in the beginning of May. This year's production (the 33th in row) is called '' Magic of Circus '' and as the name suggests there is a large illusion act in the performance as well as a wide range of other artists performing for the first time in Sweden and Scandinavia.

After a snappy Charivari and welcome by Bengt Källqvist we meet the Hungarian Juggler trio Trio Sarközi from Budapest in a fast-paced number, all the time performed with a twinkle in their eyes. It is the first time that they perform in Sweden. Maximums faithful animal trainer Anton Frank presents the circus’ spotted ponies in a witty and charming act. Anton Frank has been with Maximum for many years and is always very calm and elegant in the ring.

Anton Frank with ponies. All photos shot by Tobias Schött

This year’s clown, Versace from Mexico, I saw last time in Danish Circus Benneweis a few years ago. Now he is back at Maximum (he toured also with Maximum 2004) with four run-ins. In his first entrée he enters the ring inside a large cube and then appears in an inflatable Superman costume. Iurie Basiul from Moldova does a poetic and beautifully acrobatic act which requires much strength. It is his first time in Scandinavia.

Iurie Basiul

Andrejs Fjodorovs I saw last year in Finland in Circus Finlandia last year and became quite fond of his act with trained pigeons. Now he's with Maximum and the number works just as well here, it is absolutely amazing what he can do with his pigeons. You have to see it!

Andrejs Fjodorovs

After a quick run-in with Versace, we meet Nicolas del Pozo from France. He appears for the first time in Scandinavia and present several large illusions assisted by his Showgirls. Everything is done with a modern touch, music, laser effects and it works perfect to have this act as the last act before the interval.

Nicolas del Pozo and his 4 showgirls 

Take the opportunity to visit Circus Maximums stables during the break!. Here you can among other things see the elephants Dunya & Daela and Andrejs Fjodorovs pigeons which actually fly around freely.

The second part of the performance begins with Versace and his small elephants. Anton Frank present camels and a group of donkeys in a new and really good dressage! Duo Thu Hiep from Vietnam in an aerial act where the man stands on his head while he carries his female partner in the trapeze. A top act!

Duo Thu Hiep

Versace with a brief run-in with four puppets dancing to '' In the Navy ''. Paolo Kaiser does his rola-bola act ending with a backward somersault from one board to another. I believe he has improved his act since I last time saw him in Circus Maximum 2010. The show ends with three motorbike riders from Brazil, Diorios, driving around with high speed in their  steel globe. They are back in Circus Maximum after many demands and is this year using luminous costumes, something I had never seen before. Circus Maximum’s orchestra led by conductor and faithful servant Krzystof Majewski plays as usual really good and creates the real circus atmosphere.

From the grand finale. In the background you can see the globe of death.

This year's production is one of the better I've seen in Circus Maximum. I like that they has chosen to use a more modern touch this year and to introduce several artist we never before have seen in Sweden.

7 May 2015

As our readers see, my Paris correspondent  ZARRO ZARRO is back on track, sporting a new knee, he will currently, as always provide interesting material from his Paris horizon!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -- practically all the year around we can enjoy stylish, elegant, thrilling and hilarious shows -- which you can keep in your heart - even when the particular show is finished and the curtain is lowered. Particularly A MAGIC SHOW provides material for conversation and exchange of thoughts and ideas - after having experienced the show in an elegant theatre.

The outstanding magic entertainer TOM LE MAGICIEN , now playing at the theatre LA BOUSSOLE, is in fact an eminent all-round-artist:  after having studied at the Fratellinis circus-school, where he learnt juggling, acrobatics, music, singing, magic, comedy and shadowgraphy, the latter seldom seen today - he performs a one-hour-one-man-show, geared to the whole family.

Poster for the performance

In the picture you see a little boy, looking at himself in a big mirror and ....he imagines himself as being a famous magic entertainer - it is really a poetic image of a little boy's dream  --  that came true!!!

TOM'S  show features a rich variety:  starting featuring a classic cabaret magic act, of about 15 min, displaying elegant and astonishing effects, he continues performing music on clarinet, singing,  juggling, more magical effects, shadowgraphy as well as lots of funny gags, everything done using interaction, having invited a number of kids up on stage.

See more: www.tomlemagicien.com

Tom le Magicien. By courtesy of Theatre La Boussole

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue:Theatre LA BOUSSOLE, 29 rue Dunkerque, 75010  Paris.  Metro: Gare du Nord.

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

6 May 2015

OLE SIMONSEN, 70

Denmark’s most significant circus news site, ’Cirkus-i-Danmark’, has for once failed to spot personal news, being the 70th birthday of Ole Simonsen, jurist and accountable publisher, on may 6th.

Naturally, this is no coincidence, but rather an expression of Ole’s modesty – a clear contrast to the otherwise large gesticulations known from the festive world of circus. Hopefully the birthday news on himself can sneak its way onto his otherwise updated site. As well as his great, well-informed audience, he deserves that.

Ole Simonsen is, without doubt, one of the most knowledgeable of Nordic countries on the subject of circus – as well as having one of the most popular circus-sites, visited by artists, as well as other circus-people, fans, audience, journalists, politicians and all sorts of other fascinated individuals.

As if that was not enough, Ole possesses the position of Vice Chairman of Danske Cirkusvenner as well as being a member of the editorial of Cirkusbladet, which also broadens his knowledge on circus, which is his main interest to date. Neither Mrs Susanne, his sons, Lars and Morten, nor his grandchildren will ever doubt his location: At the circus -and if he can convince his family to come with him, that would delight him additionally.

What can you offer a man, who has everything? Reportedly, the family saved up for a ticket to one of the world’s greatest and most acknowledged circuses: The American Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Should this be the case, Ole will most likely not be able to restrain his desire to tell about the experience. Hopefully not.

Ole’s modesty does not only influence his own site – not even privately does he expect a tribute. There will be no reception for family, friends or other acquaintances. Not even facebook reveals any clues about the occasion , as he prefers ‘business as usual’ in all modesty.

Ole is ’The Lost Clerk” that you meet in Danish circuses – smallest to largest – but also in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and other European circuses, when possible. His network is impressive, and a part of the circus-history he writes a weekly chapter about. Experience the thoroughness yourself on his site.

Knowing Ole Simonsen, even just a little bit, you will instantly experience his social abilities. He will find time and drive to take care of old or sick circus-associates to make sure they go to circus so they can forget the congestions of everyday life.

If not him, then who deserves a fanfare on the occasion of this big day?

Rud Kofoed

1 May 2015

A pickpocket turns 50. On Saturday 2 May 2 the Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn can celebrate his 50^th years birthday. He was born in Oslo, Norway, but grew up in Denmark. As a child he dreamed of becoming a magician. Kenny whose baptize name is Kim Jensen, got a close relationship with the Danish magician Jens Preben Tersgov (Tergova). He suggested Kim to become a gentleman thief instead of a magician "for there are too many magicians.” Kim got contact with the Danish gentleman thief Gentleman Jack (Tommy Iversen), who at that time was one of the circus industry's biggest names. Gentleman Jack taught the young Kim how to become a pickpocket. The apprenticeship stopped after two years because of Gentleman Jack's illness. At the same time Kim thought that he was ready to have his debut. He got that in 1985 in Circus Arena, where the 19-year-old debutant called himself Johnny Quinn. Kim would by proposal frem Gentleman Jack rather have used the name Kenny Quinn. But Benny Berdino of Circus Arena  preferred the name Johnny to avoid confusion with Kenn Anker Petersen, who had used the Kenny name. After the season with Circus Arena Kim changed his stage name to Kenny Quinn.

Kenny Quinn. Photo: Lise Kokholm

Since his debut in 1985 Kenny Quinn has successfully performed in circuses, in music halls and nightclubs all over Europe. In 1988 he met Joan Thygesen, who became his partner and whom he later married. Last time the Danes met the elegant gentleman thief couple was when they in 2009 toured with Circus Dannebrog.

Kenny Quinn in action. Notice how he diverts the gentleman’s attention, while his hand is going down in the gentleman’s pocket. Later in the act he stole the gentleman’s watch and his glasses ... Photo shot at Circus Arnardo’s performance in Oslo on April 26

Kenny Quinn's knowledge of pickpockets working methods and psyche is so extensive that he has often been invited to visit police stations around Europe, where he has shown detectives and police chiefs how criminal pickpockets work. One clue in these talks is always when he facilitates senior police people's pockets for wallets and other goods!

When the pair isn’t on tour, they live in Copenhagen. But the birthday Kenny Quinn, Mrs Joan and their son Jack will celebrate in Norway, where Kenny this year is touring with Circus Arnardo which on his birthday is in Slemmestad.

30 April 2015

World Circus Day Celebrated in 42 Countries. In a press release Fédération Mondiale du Cirque writes:

The Sixth World Circus Day was again celebrated with great enthusiasm around the world. A total of 202 circuses, festivals, museums, friends associations, youth groups and others organized 185 separate World Circus Day events in 42 countries. Australian circuses battled it out to get visitors to post the most “Selfies”.

For the Sixth World Circus Day, organisers were asked to promote “Circus Selfies” in conjunction with their events. The idea was to engage audiences and also to promote circus through social media. Selfies were posted by persons visiting 40 different events (identified in their postings). The highest number of Selfies – including the highest number of Selfies with red noses - were posted by staff and patrons of Circus Royale of Australia. Australian Circus Joseph Ashton came in a close second, followed by Hamid Circus, Inc. of the United States. The Selfies can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/circusselfieday/photos_stream?tab=photos

Circus Royale held its World Circus Day performance in Gosford, New South Wales. Its pre-event promotion included publicity by two leading radio stations and giving the first 300 visitors Circus Fun Bags including a clown nose and printed invitation to participate in the Federation’s Circus Selfie competition. Circus Joseph Ashton created billboards to encourage visitors to join in the Selfie fun at its World Circus Day performance in Perth. Hamid Circus, Inc. presented the Kora Shrine Circus in Lewiston, Maine, USA on World Circus Day and promoted audience participation in the Selfie contest during the event.

As in previous years, the majority of the organisations hosting World Circus Day events were amateur, youth and community groups, showing the continuing broad appeal of circus beyond traditional circus families. Events ranged from open acrobatic and animal training demonstrations, to special performances, to free admission to museums.

24 April 2015

Circus Festival. The circus, which currently is on tour in Sweden under the name Circus Festival, is owned by Per Jackson and Manuela Scholl’s daughters and sons in law. Circus Festival is a small circus and the name is unknown in Sweden. Maybe they will change the name to Circus Madigan, which is the name Peer Jackson and Manuela Scholl used for many years. One of the trucks is carrying Circus Madigan's name and another Circus Schollini’s name. The acts in the performance is done by members of the family supplemented by a clown duo and Krystina with swords balance. Of animals they have two large and two smaller horses.

Horses in Circus Festival’s ring. Photo: Martin Lasson Berglund

23 April 2015

Danish Circus Krone 2015. Irene Thierry has never had ambitions about making her small circus the largest circus in the Nordic countries. Or about presenting better artists than any other circus. She will much rather make her small circus to Denmark’s most friendly circus which with family-friendly ticket prices and presenting a performance for the entire family. A performance where they also is exploiting the proximity to the audience which you can’t get in a large circus.

The clown Alando in Circus Krone’s ring

There are many traditions in Circus Krone. You say hello to the person seating next to you. And to the circus director. Irene Thierry tells a little about circus and about her grandfather's pole. And before the show the clown Alando walks around in the tent and greets and small talks with the audience.

I am sure that Circus Krone’s 2015 performance lives up to the audience's expectations and that they will feel being good and comfortable entertained in the small circus.

This year the performance are made by two artist couples plus Irene Thierry and her spouse Jan "Alando" Allan.

The first artist couple is Nedyalko and Veselka which the audience in Copenhagen and on Zealand met in in Circus Baldoni in 2013. Nedyalko does cube-juggling and Veselka present first a handstand / contortion act and next a hula hoop act. In the hula hoop act she is assisted by the couples little daughter Yana.

Nedyalko with elegant cube juggling

Dressed as a white cat Veselka has a fine hula hoop entrée

The second artist couple is Hélène and David aka Duo Kom'Ça. Hélène works in tissue, David in aerial straps. Together they do an acrobat act.

Duo Kom'Ça

The performance's recurring person is the clown Alando. First, with his mischievous ponies and later with "dangerous" animals: a penguin and as something new in Circus Krone a giraffe. (Both the penguin and the giraffe are dolls with a person inside). The show ends with one of Irene and Alando's most beloved clown entrées: First Alando walks around in the tent and disturbs everyone and has to borrow a ticket from one on the audience when Irene demands to see his ticket. Later he comes in the ring and he and Irene does their "solo concert for two" on xylophone.

Irene and Alando with their solo concert for two. To see more photos from the show: Click here

I will hope that the small circus during their seasons find grassy lots and full houses. They deserved it!

Circus Krone is touring Jutland, Funen, and the small islands Ærø and Samsø. No other circus tours those small islands. Their two pole tent has a diameter of 22 meters and can seat approximately 300 persons.

23 April 2015

Circus Minimax 2015. The small Norwegian Circus Minimax will this season feature the Danish clown and multi artist Gugge who also toured with Circus Minimax in 2013. Furthermore they will present the young Danish juggler Oliver Berdino, grandson to Benny and Hanne Berdino of Danish Circus Arena. Of cause you will also meet circus owner Carl-André Hjelvik in the ring.

The young juggler Oliver Berdino. Photo from Arena Circusland 2012

Gugge

19 April 2015

CHARLIE OF THE YEAR 2015. The Swedish Circus Academy has decided to award their prestigious prize THE CHARLIE to The Vasa School in Gävle, Sweden.

The Price jury's reasons reads (my translation):

"The Vasa School’s Circus Program in Gävle deserve the Charlie, because

since its inception in the early 1990s they has educated a new generation of professionals circus artists. Not only to the contemporary circuses but also to the traditional circuses, to dinner shows as Wallman, to variety theatres in Europe and to cruise ship shows.

Artists as the aerialist Fatima Hedman, the contortionist Karin Krisström, the juggler Johan Wellton, the knock-about table acrobats Zwei Martinis, the arial and juggler duo Fofo & David, the vertical rope acrobat Anna-Karin, the acrobats Louise and Henry and the aerialist David Hammarberg, just to name a few who studied at the Vasa School’s Circus Program in Gävle."

The CHARLIE OF THE YEAR 2015 was presented in connection with the celebration of World Circus Day in Gävle on 18 April.

"This year's Charlie," the Swedish Circus Academy's prestigious award was on 18 April given to the Vasa school in Gävle. The price, a painting featuring the star famous clown Charlie Rivel, was presented by the Circus Academy’s president Roy Himsel. From left: teachers Anna-Carin Sundling, Assen Panov, Oscar Polian and Malin Perner Stone, who received the "Charlie" from Roy Himsel (standing to the right). Photo: Lennart Strandner.

THE CHARLIE was first time awarded in 1985, when it was given to Käte Bronett of Circus Scott.

18 April 2015

Successful World Circus Day in Denmark. The Danish Circus Friends Association can hardly stop smiling after the success when they on Saturday, April 18 for the sixth year in a row in cooperation The Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, and Circus Baldoni celebrated the World Circus Day. There were lots of children to a workshop in Circus Baldoni’s ring. There was an interesting talk show with Jorgen Lorenzen as a guest. In the fencing hall there was a tremendous show with Benny Schumann. And last but not least Circus Baldoni had a gale performance at 14 with full house and a great atmosphere.

Dozens of children took advantage of that opportunity to try their skills as acrobats in a real circus ring

Jorgen Lorenzen talked his fascination of the circus. The photo of a curly person with glasses on the screen behind Jorgen shows a young Jorgen during one of the summer holidays where he travelled with Circus Dannebrog

12 spinning plates - 6 on sticks and 6 on the table. Benny Schumann has not forgotten how to spin plates. Before he started to make clown- and artist performances in Denmark, he had for 10 years travelled all over the world as the plate spinning juggler Ric Benny.

Circus Baldoni had put up their tent on the square behind the Circus Museum

Full house at the gala performance at the Circus Baldoni. And it was were tickets purchased at box office and not free passes which filled the tent. Click here to see more photos from World Circus Day in Denmark

17 April 2015

Saturday 18 March 18 is all over the world celebrated as World Circus Day. In Denmark celebration takes place at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen with plenty of exciting activities from 10 to 16: Free entrance at the museum, free workshops, free performance with Benny Schumann, free lecture about the fascination of circus, gala performance in Circus Baldoni with reduced prices etc. The organizers in Denmark are the Danish Circus Friends Association in cooperation with Circus Baldoni and the Circus Museum. For events in the rest of the world: click here.

16 April 2015

Circus Arena had to cancel the performance on Wednesday April 15 in their hometown Slagelse. At 8 o'clock in the morning Circus Arena was hit by accident: one of their trucks with trailer drove into a ditch outside Ringsted. The truck contained the lighting equipment, and without that there can be no circus. The truck could not be pulled up until Wednesday night when there was less traffic and you could block the road for a while. It was the second day in a row Arena cancelled a performance. On 14 April it was due to a flooded lot in Ølstykke where they should have performed.

Circus Baldoni had to cancel the show Thursday, April 16 in Hvissinge since the past few days of rain had made the lot very wet and soft. They try to find a new day in May to visit Hvissinge.

Earlier in the season flooded lots has forced both Circus Baldoni and Circus Benneweis to a few cancellations and relocation to lots in other cities.

14 April 2015

Irene Thierry's tiny Danish Circus Krone opens their season in Silkeborg on April 19.

In this year's performance you will meet Duo Kom'Car in aerial straps, Miss Hélène with a solo silk-act, Miss Veselka with contortion and Nedyalko with cube-juggling. Furthermore you will meet the clown Alando (Irene Thierry’s spouse) and his small naughty ponies. Irene Thierry is ringmistress.

Veselka & Nedyalko toured Denmark with Circus Baldoni in 2013. However, as Circus Krone only tours Jutland and Funen and Circus Baldoni only tours Copenhagen and the rest of Zealand Veselka & Nedyalko will be new to Circus Krone’s audience.

Duo Kom'Ça. By courtesy of Circus Krone

Nedyalko in Circus Baldoni 2013. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

14 April 2015

Circuses in Sweden 2015. It looks as if this year is 10 circuses on tour in Sweden:

The 3 large circuses: Circus Brazil Jack, Circus Maximum and Circus Scott.

The medium sized Circus Olympia and the slightly smaller Circus Wictoria.

A number of small circuses:

Circus Rhodin (Diana Rhodin), which travels with the tent, they some years ago bought from Danish Circus Arli.

Circus Madigan, which this year travels under the name Circus Festival.

Circus Bambino (German family circus owned by the Weisheit family) which from July 6 to August 9 has performances at Tingsryd Resort in Smaaland. The performers are Billy and Ariane Weisheit and their children who are aged from 11 to 23 years.

From a performance in Circus Bambino. Photo: Tingsryd Resort

Circus Elvira which from 29 June to 29 July has performances and arranges circus school at Norra Berget in Sundswall. From 30 June to 5 July they present a contemporary circus performance with the Danish Theatre Kimone and Borderline Circus which present the performance FLY circus pilots.

Moreover there is Circus Skratt which it always is difficult to obtain information about. Usually the use a large tent but the later years their performance has not been too impressive. It is not like previous years, Danish Jacki Steckel, who are daily manager in Circus Skratt at he this year works for Danish Zirkus Nemo. It is unknown whether Circus Skratt in 2016 cooperates with other circuses. They cooperated for many years with Danish Circus Arena, but in their autumn season in 2014 their cooperation partner was the Scholl family. Season opening will probably take place on 11 May in Gothenburg.

13 April 2015

Zirkus Nemo's new tent is from Canobbio in Italy. It has as you can see at the photo 4 poles. The tent area is 589 m2 and the diameter about 27½ meters. The new tent weighs 33 tons and has seating for 580 persons. There used 196 pegs to attach the tent, and they need 10 tent workers to put it up and down. Zirkus Nemo opens the season in Horsens on 29 April.

Zirkus Nemo is a mixture of a comedy show (spoken language Danish) and artist performance. It is owned by the popular Danish actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard. It is a circus for adults and not for children.

11 April 2015

Benneweis-poster in TV series. In the popular American television drama series Better Call Saul one sees a poster for Circus Beneweis: Ib Antoni’s famous poster from 1971 with the "horselephant”.

The poster can be seen for 5-6 seconds when the main character Saul Goodman enters the bar Arano's, located in Chicago.

10 April 2015

World Circus Day 2015. Celebrated on the third Saturday each April, World Circus Day is a special day to celebrate Circus Arts and Culture. On 18 April it will for the 6th year in row be celebrated all over the world.

In Denmark celebrations take place at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen. The museum is located in the former military camp ‘Avedorelejren’. The address is Hovedporten 6, 2650 Hvidovre (Copenhagen suburb).

On World Circus Day, the museum is open from 10-15. This special day admission is free.

From 11 to 12:30 children can try their luck as acrobats in Circus Baldoni’s ring assisted by professional artists. The tent is put up on the square just behind Circus Museum.

At 11:30 there is a talk show, where the author and filmmaker Jørgen Lorenzen with John Lington as host will talk about his fascination of circus.

At 13 there is a performance with the clown and artist Benny Schumann.

At 14 there is gala performance in Circus Baldoni. In honor of the day there is special cheap tickets prices: just 130 DKK and free seating everywhere in the tent. All other activities during the day are free of charge.  

Circus Baldoni’s tent on the square behind Circus Museum. Photo from World Circus Day 2014.

The World Circus Day is celebrated by initiative of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, which has HRH Princess Stephanie of Monaco as Honorary President. In Denmark the day is celebrated at the initiative of the Association of Danish Circus Friends in cooperation with the Circus Museum and Circus Baldoni.

"Celebrate with a Circus Selfie" Fédération Mondiale du Cirque writes:

1. Visit a circus and make a Selfie.

2. Like our Facebook: www.facebook.com/circusselfieday

3. Post your picture with the name of the circus. Tell everyone about your Circus Day!

9 April 2015

Artist visit the Circus Museum. On 9 November Circus Benneweis visited Hvidovre and had performance on a lot only a kilometer from the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen. The Danish Circus Friends Association had asked the Benneweis artists if they would like to visit the museum. A number of artists and artistic children said yes and were very impressed of the museum.

John Lington, president of the Danish Circus Friends Association shows the famous slack wire acrobat Cong Tian the motorcycle Lazlo Simet used when he performed on high wire in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens.

Franco and Adel Olivera's children Sofia and Aleandro found the exhibited costumes beautiful

The King of comical trampoline acrobats Costin Pity in front of one of the museum's many posters. Did you know that Costin is a former Risley act acrobat?

7 April 2015

Court hearing about tent collapse. The criminal court in Holbaek started on 7 April the court hearing in connection with the charge against Jackie Berdino in connection with the collapse in June 2013 of a tent owned by Circus Arena. Jackie Berdino is accused of failing to ensure that the tent was properly anchored to the ground. Seven people was slightly injured in connection with the collapse.

In the court Jackie Berdino explained that he on June 21, 2013 had no reason whatsoever to believe that there would be a strong gusts that it could result in collapse of the circus tent with 550 people. Thus there was no reason to ensure circus tent further before the show.

The court hearing is expected to last three days with last day on 16 April. Following that the court will pass sentence. Either Jackie Berdino will be acquitted or he will get a fine or (very unlikely) be sentenced to imprisonment.

5 April 2015

Circus Mascot 2015. Jorgen Lorenzen was invited to the season opening on 1 April in Roslev in the northern part of Jutland and writes (my translation):

There was perhaps something symbolic in the whole scene: terrible cold and windy and muddy lot. But sunshine, and on muddy lot you could see Circus Mascot’s tent as a beautiful yellow and red flower. Symbolic because these years are very difficult for circuses. But circuses survive and when you enter the circus tent spirits are high and you get a good experience that completely refutes and dismantles the difficult external conditions. The title of this year's show is: Just for fun. And fun it was - and in between the fun you saw some strong circus acts.

The clown Gulio is the recurring character. He is remarkable, because every year he creates new entrées which are entirely his own. He presents them with joy and the spark of madness which every good clown needs. Moreover, he has a fine ability to capture reactions from the audience and using them and return them, so there will be a ping-pong that eventually ends in a cordial, friendly atmosphere. His entrées are touching and surprising. The audience like him and feel comfortable with him. His last entrée is, however, an entrée he has borrowed from other clowns: the one where a street photographer will shot a film about a proposal and where selected persons from the audience play the different characters. It is often seen in these years, but Gulio manages to shorten it down to 5 minutes so it isn’t a long draw out.

Gulio. All photos by courtesy of Circus Mascot

His son Husik is this year diabolo juggler. Last year it was the hula hoop rings, but he is also good in handling the diabolos.

And then there is the multi-artist Daniel. Also he renews himself - and as the skilled artist, he is, he is able to perform the different disciplines at an amazing level. This year he balances on a slack wire. And what a quality! He juggles with 4 rings while he is standing on one leg. He sits on a chair, balancing on the line. He stands up from a lying position without using his hands. And he put a scarf on the line, and lying on his knees, he picks it up with his mouth. What more could you want in that discipline? 

Daniel Deleuran

And he continues with a demanding juggling entrée together with the clown Gulio. They work with 6 balls and 8 clubs. The act is presented as a replacement act because an artist has locked himself in the toilet trailer! After seeing Daniel and Gulio the person seating next to me said it was as well that the other artist stayed in the toilet trailer. Else we had not seen Daniel and Gulios act!

Marianne and Andreas Deleuran present 11 dogs. There is probably some replacement in the big bunch of dogs. But the number is living, agile and speedy. One trick follows another. And there are many tricks.
Andreas presents furthermore four ponies before you meet a cavalcade of funny animals. You meet Alfred and Luna, two Canadian dwarf pigs which try their luck as soccer players. The goose Baldrik is promenading in the ring before the mountain goats Kurt and Erika shows skills to climb obstacles and balance. 

Andreas Deleuran with ponies

Tetyana is in the air in tissue. The act is aesthetic and beautiful also because  it is so focused on the choreography. This applies to the entire performance where the color scheme is black, yellow and red. Tetyanas act is classic, but here performed with strength and energy.

O'Neil performs a powerful act in aerial straps, and his second act is also powerful: Disguised as the horrifying gladiator Ratokules he performs a handstand act, which in many ways are remind you of Encho act (seen in Denmark in Circus Arena 2006). Difficult, and it requires a lot of physical strength. Combined with a strong ability to keep the balance even in difficult body postures. 

Gladiator Ratokules

All in all a fine performance with a good atmosphere and fine artistry. Yes, it was a flower that braved the mud and the harsh winds.

3 April 2015

Circus Dannebrog 2015. "Showtime" is the name of Circus Dannebrog’s 2015 performance. And certainly it's showtime when children and adults meet for almost 2½ hours of good and genuine circus entertainment in Circus Dannebrog’s red and white tent.

In recent seasons Dannebrog has presented theme performances: In 2012 the theme was Amazing Africa, in 2013 The good old days and in 2014 Dynamic Youth. This year, they have abandoned the idea of ​​a common theme and have gone back to present traditional circus in the beautiful staging which artist director Isabella Enoch is known for. With ballet, singing, colors and light.

After an opening where a number of the artists come in the ring on roller skates and in colorful costumes, the Finnish trapeze- skate star Heidi Mary is lifted into the air. She has a past as a figure skater, but has now changed to inline skates and presents a number in which she combines trapeze, dance and skating.

She was followed by this year's clown, Charly Carletto from Spain. In most of his entrées which clearly are inspired by the famous David Larible, he invites one or more spectators into the ring. However he is not intrusive and treats his guest with respect. He has not as some other reprise clown the bad habit to try to make his guest ridiculous. His first gag was the well-known gag with catching an imaginary ball in a paper bag.

Charly Carletto is the performance's recurring character

Next the Estrella troupe entered the ring. Six men and two women from Cuba. I believe that the two years ago under the name the Havana Troup toured England with Zippos Circus. In their first act they did some formidable leaps from a Russian swing from which artist was thrown meters high in the air and landed on a thick mattress which was lifted up by other artists.

Then it was time again for Charly Carletto. This time with the well-known boxing entrée where he, with the help of 6 persons from audiences makes a boxing match, which of course ends up with Charly getting knocked out.

There are circuses, which has more of larger horses in the ring than Dannebrog. But if you love classic liberty horses, you will nowhere in Scandinavia find a better and more elegant act than the one with Gabi Donnert and 6 beautiful Arabs: three white and three brown.

Gabi Donnert - the most elegant liberty act you can see in any Scandinavian circus

After a short run-in with Charly Carletto time had come to the performance's top act: Alain Alegria in Washington trapeze. He does dangerous balance tricks in the trapeze. Both when it is at rest and when it swings either side to side or forward and backward. He has taken over the act from his uncle Sabu Allegria who older circus friends remember from the Copenhagen Circus Building 1990, Circus Benneweis tented performance in 1992 and the open air stage in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens in 1996.

The daredevil Alan Alegria, here balancing on a chair

After the break followed in the best Isabella Enoch style what Americans would call a "spec", i.e. a spectacular number with several different elements: A short clown run-in. A few camels with turbaned Arabs. A little girl with a hula-hoop ring. Human pyramid builders. A fire-breathing fakir. And at last a magic carpet on which a singing Jazz Malaika was flying in company with an Arab prince, while Gabi Donnert presented 6 beautiful camels.

Camels and a flying carpet

The entrée was followed by an act with the elephant Ramboline, which, like last year worked beautifully together with Jazz Malaika. The elephant act was followed by an oriental tableau where Charly Carletto as snake charmer got a tiny girl up of a basket. After that she did some tricks in a low-hanging trapeze.

Next came Gabi Donnert’s talented young son Sandor in the ring. He mastered the difficult art of juggling standing on the back of a galloping horse. I saw his debut two years ago in Circus Brazil Jack. At that time he was good. Today his act is the best juggler on horseback act I have seen for many years. Bravo!

Sandor Donnert - perhaps todays the circus world’s best juggler on horseback

After Sandor great act the prop gang started to build up the equipment to be used for the Estrella-troupe’s main act. The layout is complicated and take some time. In the "perfect world" the equipment should be build up during the break and the act should be the first act after the interval. But this is impossible due to the nice extra income Circus Dannebrog has from camel and elephant riding during the interval.

However Charly Carletto did some gags while the ring was occupied by the prop gang and no spectators felt bored.

The Estrella troupe's act is a vertical bar act combined with aerial cradles and offers plenty of jumps and swings. Very spectacular!

The Estrella troupe. By courtesy of Circus Dannebrog. To see more photos from the show: Click here

The performance's last act was Charly Carletto with movie the entrée. The one where he with the help from four persons from the audiences is shooting a movie with a wife and her lover who is surprised by the jealous husband.

In addition to the artists mentioned above, there is good reason to praise both the pretty and well-singing Jazz Malaika who just as in 2014 is ringmistress as Tino Aeby's well playing band.

I am sure that Circus Dannebrog’s audience again this year will be well pleased with the performance. Let’s hope that the Danish audience this year will reward the Danish circus, all of which have good performances, with more visits than in 2014, which was a year which no one in circus industry want to remember.

3 April 2015

Circus Olympia 2015. Martin Lasson Berglund has seen this year's performance in the Swedish Circus Olympia and writes (my translation):

Well diversified program in Circus Olympia 2015

Olympia is a nice family circus where there are both charm and excitement. This year, I think they have a very varied program with several acrobatic tricks that you not see that often.

From Hungary comes the breakdance troupe Possession Crew, a different but nice feature in a circus program. They dance and move to the different styles of music which is being played. It is certainly a number which the not too young children will enjoy during the season! The troupe also has a more traditional skipping entrée where they showed all their skills.

David Hammarberg who we last year saw in trapeze this year does bungee jumping in a colorful dress which lights up the darkness, striking and beautiful!

David Hammarberg. Photo: Linda Himsel, By courtesy of Circus Olympia

This year’s clown is Berti, one of the Balder brothers which previously worked as a trio in a number of circuses. Now Berti is working alone. Previously have been able to see him in Circus Skratt but this year he is with Olympia. Short run-ins where he joking with himself and with the audience.

Berti Balder. Photo: Linda Himsel. By courtesy of Circus Olympia

Animals have always been hallmarks of Olympia and this year Niklas, Natascha, Jessica and Henrika present 7 BIG camels in the ring, fine and playful  ponies, the high school school horse Aramis, goats and of course the circus dogs. Nice animal acts which in a fine and natural way is part of the performance.

Niklas Bengtsson with Olympia’s camels. Photo: Linda Himsel. By courtesy of  Circus Olympia.

Liviu Tudor from Rumania is a plate spinning juggler being disturbed by his dog. On high wire for the first time in Olympia's tent, from Colombia, come two young guys who does an exciting number. That there is no safety lounges or mattress does the act even more thrilling.

Jordan & Yesid at high wire. Photo: Linda Himsel. By courtesy of Circus Olympia

Aerial strap acrobats Hungary and Italy do an impressive act. It looks so easy but I know that it takes so much skill and strength.

Olympias orchestra is led by Valentin Smirnov who this year has six musicians in his band. The music is played together with recorded music, just as it is the case in e.g. Danish Circus Arena. Great with fresh and new music in a modern circus performance.

30 March 2015

Circus Arli 2015 - a charming experience. This year it is season no 45 where the Arli family invites the audience into their small tent which can seat 220 persons. And it was the 35th time in row that season opening took place at the Mill Hill in the Copenhagen suburb Floeng.

As far back as I can remember, the Arli’s has always presented well-composed and elegantly choreographed performances. Season 2015 is certainly no exception, and Circus Arli will undoubtedly maintain the cult status they have in the area they are visiting: North Zealand, the Copenhagen metropolitan area, Central Zealand and North Zealand.

The multi-talented Alexander Arli opens the show with the well-known entrée where the audience shall applaud. One clap from the left side of the tent and two claps from the right side. Next the wizard Merlin, no sorry Martin Arli, entered the ring and song a welcome song while all the artists entered the ring, including the circus bear Micha. Actually the ring in Circus Arli is a stage.

First artist act were Romanian Miss Mirela with elegant aerial acrobatics in a net.

 "We have caught a super herring," as Martin Arli said. In Danish a super herring means a luscious girl.

A herring in a the net - Miss Mirela

Next the bear Micha entered in the ring and stole Martins honey jar and revealed his magic trick with the three scarves.

Multi-talented Alexander Arli does every year a new trick. This year he is a firefighter who shall rescue a cat hanging on a tiny platform high in the circus dome. The cat is a doll so animal lovers have no reason to worry. Of cause Alexander can’t reach the cat and bring some boards and a drawing into the ring. The boards are assembled to a table which Alexander can stand on. Some of the boards are later removed without collapse of the table!

Alexander Arli inn his act with the boards

A beloved part in an Arli-performance is Martin Arli's magic. The number was presented by Bettina Arli with a funny scarf on her head. The explanation came, however: after having conjured a lot of flowers Martin spirit Bettina’s head away! Luckily enough she gets it back. The magical entrée continues in ultraviolet light, where Martin tear off a thread in bits and pieces until it magically is whole again. The entrée ends with the trick with the scarf, which turns into an egg. Where Martin first reveal the secret of the trick and then turn the egg into a glass so one understands that his revelation is only half the truth. The audience cheered.

The last act before the break was elegant rola-bola balance with Italian David Robert. Unbelievable that he without tumbling down can to keep the balance on the many cylinders and balls!

David Robert

After the break came Catalin on stage juggling with balls. Both in the air and by bouncing them into the floor. He ended up in a blistering speed to have 7 balls in the air at the same time.

Mr. Gallingani alias David Robert then had a funny entrée where he dressed as a pizza delivery guy did plate spinning. Finally there were 8 plates rotating.

David Robert can also work as a reprise clown. But this is not needed in Circus Arli, which have their own clowns: Martino & co. This year, they changed its name to Martino and Alejandro, and Alexander has as in 2013 had taken over his grandfather's role as a white faced  clown. After a musical introduction they did the famous mirror entrée which is my favourite classic clown entrée. At least when it is performed with so much charm and elegance, as in the Circus Arli! Circus Arli is this year the only circus in Denmark which offers classic musical clowns. In the Circus Arena the music part of José Michel's entrée has been cut out to give more time for the stand-up comedians Uffe Holm and Signe Lindkvist.

Martino and Alejandro - glorious musical clowns

The performance's last act was a talented trapeze duo, Duo Alerim (Miss Mirela and Catalin). They showed great and daring casts - nice that a thick mattress was placed underneath them on stage. They worked, however, very safe and did not need the mattress.

Duo Alerim. To see more photos from the show: Click here

After almost two hours of glorious circus entertainment the performance ended. The many Arli fans can confidently look forward to another wonderful circus experience. And those who visit Arli for the first time, will find that a visit is highly addictive!

27 March 2015

Circus Baldoni 2015. “Always make sure that the last act in the performance is a strong act” has for many years been common practice in the circus industry. And Circus Baldoni follows this principle. The last act in the performance is Abada Boys from Ethiopia who present an outstanding good Risley act. The act aroused fond memories about the Fratelli Errani’s golden clown awarded Risley Act! Great that René Moenster has been able to find those two young Ethiopians.

By tradition it is the clown Danilo, who opens this year's show. This year in dressed as a groom who while sweeping the ring (in Baldoni a stage) is disturbing Hélène Ramer who plays the synthesizer. Danilo ends up dressing up in his clown costume in the ring.

After Baldoni’s traditional opening song Duo Khulan enters the ring with a handstand act performed on a specially designed pedestal, see photo.

Duo Khulan

The two female artists from Mongolia are followed by Russian Ekaterina Markevich in an act with a small dog.

Then we meet the versatile Danish / Swiss acrobat Hélène Ramer in an inventive entrée in a rope ladder. The act ends with her head down playing concertina.

Then you meet René Moenster and Danilo in the classical gag with the dishes. The entrée where Danilo after smashing a lot of dishes in his mouth catches a bullet from René’s revolver.

The Clown number was followed a diabolo act where Anton Tarbeev got help both from his spouse Katarina and their son Anton Jr. Senior ended up sitting on a unicycle and catching diobolos which he with his foot threw up on top of the other diabolos which he balances on his head.

Anton Tarbeev. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The first act after the break was a reunion with Duo Khulan. This time they were dressed as cats and did spectacular contortion act.

They were followed by a new entrée with "tiny Danilo", which looks just like a mini version of Danilo! You meet him as Elvis and many other rock stars. Brilliant. And great to see Danilo in a newly created act.

Tiny Danilo. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

Next Ektarina was back with an nice foot juggling act where she juggled with scarves. After the scarves Hélène Ramer was back. This time in an entrée in  cloud swing. A welcome change from the inevitable tissue-acts.

The Spaghetti-gag where the clown invites a fine lady into the restaurant, is probably created by Toni Alexis. At Baldoni you see it in a nice and funny version with Danilo, who is joined by his girlfriend Cindy and makes sure that she gets both champagne and spaghetti - elsewhere than on the plate and the glass! The audience cheered when Cindy at last threw a pie in the head of Danilo.

You got pie! Danilo and Cindy is also in the private life is a couple

A Baldoni-performance is always presented by a duo: director Baldoni (René Moenster) and his naughty speaking lion Leonardo (a ventriloquist’s doll). At the premiere René and Leonardo however got competition from another ventriloquist: Peter Norgaard known from Danish TV's 'Got Talent' with his cheeky dog Charlie on the arm. They were special guest stars on the occasion of the premiere.

And then came as the final act the two brothers from Ethiopia with their Risley act. The eldest brother is 20 and the younger brother a little younger. Their skill and pace is impressive, and they are also happy, smiling and charming. Can they keep their style they are raising stars which you in a few years will be able to meet in the large circuses.

Ababa Boys. Click here to see more photos from the show. (The slide show will not be completed until 28 March 28 in the afternoon)

23 March 2015

Circus Benneweis 2015. "Very beautiful, musical, masterful and memorable" wrote Frederiksborg County Newspaper about this year’s Benneweis performance which they gave 5 stars. So did the leading Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende and Rud Kofoed from Ajour Press.

Among the audience at the opening night in Hillerod on 20 March, it was agreed that it was the best Benneweis performance for many years. The was a lot of praise both to the young manager duo Nadia and Dawid Benneweis, as well as to their mother Diana, who helped booking the artist for this year's show. Diana is chairman of Circus Benneweis plc but has from this season handed over the daily management to her twins.

Benneweis present a classic circus performance, but with much innovation. Partly because the classic clowns have been replaced by two young modern clowns and Steve and Jones. For example, their musical entrée proves that it isn’t a “must” for musical clowns to start the act playing "Over the Rainbow" from the seating. Especially the younger half of the audience was enthusiastic about Steve and Jones.

The show featured 4 trumps: the fabulous diabolo juggler David Confal, the dog and horse trainer Rosi Hochegger, Duo Vanegas in the wheel of death and Cong Tian on slack wire All acts in the absolute world class

Cong Tian - the world's best on the slack wire

The show was opened by the trumpet and saxophone playing Jones Caveagna. Then followed a small sketch where Nadia Benneweis was in the office and phoned around and booked artists. Fortunately all said yes! Then Nadia welcomed the audience.

Nadia Benneweis and the performance's enthusiastic ringmaster Kim Kenneth. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The first number was 6 beautiful tinker horses from Swedish Circus Olympia's stables, presented by Ingrid Silva. Wonderful to see the big beautiful horses in the ring without any sort of harness!

Then came an entrée with Steve and Jones, where Steve showed what a smartphone can be used for. To last through dating app, where his brother Jones was more successful in making a date with a beautiful girl than Steve! The children squealed with delight! The two brothers are honest and do not pretend to show anything but good entertainment. Had they been from the contemporary circus world we had probably been told that act showed us the capitalist / imperialist society’s outrageous use of indifferent communication technology and made us wiser about ourselves and our life ...

Steve Caveagna

The clowns were followed by David Confal with the best diabolo act I ever have seen! At one time he masters 2 diabolos with each hand, and he ends up having 4 diabolos in the air. No doubt that David has a great future ahead of him.

David Confal - masterfully diabolo act. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

It is many years since we last time had parrots in a Danish circus. But at the Circus Festival in Budapest in 2014 Diana Benneweis met the couple Franco and Adel who along with their 6 Ara macaws and 3 Sun parrots present a great act And all talk about the circus parrots probably having clipped wings had to be silenced when first the sun parrots and later two of Ara macaws took a flight in the tent.

Costin Pity Bellu presented the number in comical trampoline, which has just earned him a special prize at the festival in Monte Carlo. His entrée with the flying broom is probably the best comic trampoline number, you can see today. And he does fortunately not do the strip gag which many other trampoline comedians are doing. Completely understandable that my British friend and circus reviewer Don Stacey in the circus magazine King Pole wrote:

”Costin proved to be a very funny comedian-acrobat on the trampoline with a diving board. The format is familiar. Having been developed by the American Larry Griswold and followed by others. But I would venture to suggest Costin is by far the best of the current crop of artistes carrying out this traditional act. He is a super athlete, a brilliant comic with a touch of Jerry Lewis, aligned to Norman Wisdom, and has a speedy approach to his work”

Costin Pity Bellu

After Costins blazing entrée Steve & Jones were back in the ring. This time with an acrobat act which was disturbed by Steve’s mobile.

The last act before the interval was Rosi Hochegger and her dogs. Lovely happy and playful dogs. Completely understandable that number got her a silver clown in Monte Carlo in 2014.

After a short musical entrée with Jones came Duo Vanagas in the ring with their wheel of death. I was joined Diana Benneweis when she saw the number in the Swedish Circus Maximum in 2013 and decided to book it. At that time is was good. Today it is completely fabulous. I have never seen anyone enter the wheel of death wheel in such a cool a way as Alejandro Vanegas. And the jumps on the outside of the wheel are incredible. At the opening night he even did a couple of somersaults, i.e. a stunt which the legendary Crazy Wilson is the only one who regularly performs. Duo Vanegas master also backward walking on the outside of the wheel death. I have never seen others do so.

Duo Vanegas. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

At the circus festival in Budapest in 2014 you saw Franco Olivera’s act Macho Gaucho - a raving lunatic gaucho flirting wildly to the right and left. He is in year Benneweis performance. You can look forward to see him!

The Argentine cowboy (and yes, he's from Argentina) was followed by Rosi Hochegger and her horse Scout. The interaction between the two is absolutely fantastic. Rosi has taken over the number after her famous father Tony Hochegger. But as Don Stacey wrote after last year's Monte Carlo festival Rosi's version is today even better than her fathers.

Rosi Hochegger and Scout

The performance's ringmaster Kim Kenneth assisted by his girlfriend Jessica and the artist girls artist Ingrid and Crissy presented his  elegant illusion act where Jessica in a magic way disappears in boxes and are brought back again and are chained in a cabin which Kim is driving through on his motorbike. One can easily understand why he is called the Dane in the fast lane!

Kim Kenneth - the Dane in the fast lane. Click here to see more photos from this year's Benneweis performance

Then came Steve & Jones' music entrée. Jones started playing saxophone and was disturbed by Steve, who would much rather play loudly on his ghetto blaster than listening to Jones saxophone. Of cause they ended up playing together. The entrée proved that you can easily make a classic musical clown entrée up to date.

The performance's last act was Chinese Cong (pronounced Song) Tian on slack wire. Many Danes remember the number from Benneweis 2010 where Cong Tian as the first artist ever in a Danish circus was greeted with standing ovations. The same was the case at the opening night in Hillerod. The many contemporary circus artists who believe they are stars on the slack line, has a lot to learn before approximately reach Cong Tian's level! And he is even 56 years old.

Nadia, Diana and Dawid Benneweis have reason to be proud of this year's show. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The performance is put on stage by Kim Kenneth, who has a great deal of the honour for making it the best Benneweis performance for several years. The artists are booked by Diana Benneweis and her advisor. But presenting the acts in an elegant way and make it a fast and smoothly running performance is also important. Kim is a master of doing so.

20 March 2015

Circus Benneweis had their opening night Friday night. I will bring a review of this year's performance when this page is updated on 28 March. During the weekend 21 / 22th March I will put some photos from the opening night on the web. Click here to see these photos

Photos of two of the top acts: the amazing Chinese slack wire artist Cong Tiang and the kings of the wheel of death Duo Vanegas. Photos from rehearsals (without costumes) 18 March 2015

20 March 2015

Circus Brazil Jack 2015. Classical circus when it is best!

For the third consecutive year the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack end the performance with an act which I believe should be appointed as the year's best acrobat act in any Swedish circus.

In 2013 it was Azzario Sisters. In 2014 it was Leosvel & Diosmani. And this year it is Messoudi - papa Messoudi with his sons Said, Karim and Soffien with their incredible hand-to-hand act. Inconceivable that Urz Pilz not long ago invited them to Monte Carlo. The Danes saw the act in Circus Dannebrog in 2014.

But let's start at the beginning. Danish Circus Arena has this year, perhaps inspired by Swiss Circus Knie, decided to let two popular entertainers be the focal point of the show. But in Circus Brazil Jack they stay to the classic values: It is the artists who are in the center. And it does not matter that the audience perceives circus somewhat as it was when grandfather was young. It's one of the reasons why Circus Brazil Jack as one of the few large circuses has held on to old-fashioned benches instead of plastic bucket seats. Another reason is that there is room for more persons when you use benches and not plastic chairs.

The show begins with clown Don Christian with his conductor entrée. A good way to warm up the audience. The Austrian clown, who the Danes remember from several seasons with Circus Benneweis, is one of the clowns who capture the Scandinavian audience best. It is fascinating to see the children's excitement about his entréesJ

Don Christian is very well deserved among the Scandinavian circus audience’s favorites

After his conductor act all artists entered the ring and did a few tricks in a sort Charivari. Next came the traditional welcome by Toni Rhodin and his sister-in-law Carmen Lupascu Rhodin – the Swedish circus queen.

Next the Messoudi Brothers, which at the opening night consisted of papa and two of his sons, did their fine and fast-paced juggling act.

Soon both cigarette, hat and sunglasses will go!

Then came an accordion-playing Don Christian in the ring and showed with the help of a 7-8 year old boy from the audience his own version of the entrée with glockenspiel. Refreshing to see a clown who invites someone from the younger generation into the ring. And who is funny himself and doesn’t need to make his guest ridiculous.

Animals are an important part of a classic circus performance, although the audience today easily can do without e.g. elephants. Brazil Jack has several years ago stopped presenting elephants and present this year an act that many visitors probably will find more charming: Julia Tchakinova with three llamas and three Afghan greyhounds. Presented with charm and elegance and in a way that you sense a warm relationship between Julia her animals. The Danes saw the act in Circus Dannebrog in 2011.

Julia Tchakinova

Simona Alexandra made her debut in Scandinavia with a fine number in cloud swing. A discipline that you rarely see today. But perhaps some aerial artist begin to realize the potential of cloud swing instead of the infinite amount to tissue-acts which in recent years have flooded the market.

Now the time had once again come to Don Christian, this time with his "I feel good" -entrée.

This year's horse act was presented by the young Italian Gianni D'ambrossio: 5 nice beautiful and rather large horses - 2 black Friesian horses and 3 grey Andalusians. Relatively young horses aged 6-9 years. Gianni is trained by his uncle Vinicio Togni from the famous Italian circus family and showed a nice act which undoubtedly will eventually be even better.

Gianni D'ambrossio

In the interval there was a possibility for horse riding. At the opening night there was only one riding horse, which resulted in quite a long queue. Circus Brazil Jack will undoubtedly realize that there is a need for more horses for interval riding.

The first act after the break was Julia Tchakinovas charming act where she's doing acrobatics with a poodle. She was followed by Don Christian in the run-in with the annoying bee.

Next, Gianni D'ambrossio presented an excellent version of the popular large and small-entrée: a Frisian horse along with a pony.

The Frenchman Pierre Marchand is known as the dandy of the diabolo jugglers. His got his breakthrough after some time in the 1990s won gold at the European Youth Festival in Wiesbaden. For the past several years he has appeared on the Lido in Paris. Now Carmen Rhodin has persuaded him to take a season with a tented circus. He has a formidable charisma and sells his act perfect.

Pierre Marchand

Pierre was replaced by Don Christian in one of his most beloved entrées: the boxing entrée where he gets help from 5 from audiences, one of which – his boxing partner – probably are employed in the circus. But it doesn’t matter - kids and adults love the act.

As the last act in the performance we met ast mentioned above Messoudis with their excellent hand-to-hand number.

4 Messoudis - the year's best acrobat act in any Swedish circus

To see more photos from the performance click here

19 March 2015

Circus Arena 2015. Jørgen Lorenzen among the guest at Circus Arena’s opening night on 17 March and writes (my translation):

Professor Landino welcomed the guests to opening night performance.

Something has to be done! In recent years, the conditions for running a circus have become more and more difficult. Increased, but absurd demands for approval of the construction of tents. Difficulty in getting work permission artists and tent workers from non-EU countries. And the worst: the competition between existing circus is tough, and it does not get better after the Circus Summarum have popped up. Summarum use the circus name, but it's not a circus but a children’s theatre, although it takes place in a circus tent. One can easily imagine that it draws spectators away from the real circuses.

So something has to happen! And so it does. This year Circus Arena is trying to reverse the trend by letting Signe Lindkvist and Uffe Holm (a popular host from Danish TV programs for children, respectively a popular stand-up comedian) be leading characters in this year's show. Arena has previously uses popular comedians etc. as draw. And now it is Signe and Uffe, who has put ste performance on stage and participates in it with gags, reprises, small skits and a story about a dog who would like to join the circus. And, of course, a lot of words, as one of the hosts is a stand-up comedian.

The two hosts Signe Lindkvist and Uffe Holm. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

How is the balance between the two and what is the nerve centre of the circus: the artists? Do the two hosts steal the performance? After a good night good sleep at the hotel my answer is: the balance is OK. Perhaps some spectators come to circus to meet the two celebrities. They will get a real circus experience in addition. And the spectators who come to see the artistry, get a different experience than usual. But both categories get good experience. And you notices immediately that the two hosts have gained a huge respect for circus. The circus is fascinating, but the ring is a dangerous place to be if you do not make anything. They know!

But now about the show. Circus CEO Benny Berdino come in and is received with a warm, cordial applause. He sends a thought to his late father: "In one of the poles he sits watching tonight."

And then it starts - with a raving comedy orchestra playing music a la Spike Jones and romping around in the vagabond suits, almost as knockabout artists. How unfortunate that this large 20-man madness ensemble only was an opening night event.

The show begins with a song and then there's a bang as the human cannon ball Carlitos Ugalde is shot from his canon and is landin in a net in the other side of the tent. Arena takes its roots serious: it was on the fairgrounds, it began - with human cannonballs and the wall of death. Therefore, Arena always has one or more acts from yesteryear. And the glob of death comes later in the performance.

But first comes the sublime artistry. The high speed juggler Michael Ferreri. A gifted juggler with the quivering dynamics and the fast drive that characterizes the real juggler. And he is amazingly good. He can hold nine balls in the air for several rounds.

Then come Uffe and Signe with a skit about the little dog which would like to join the circus, but are not permitted. And then Laura Berdino with a very beautiful liberty horses. Where do you today meet 12 horses? This is done here - 6 white and 6 brown Arabs. It was beautiful and nice, and the music was evocative woman singing. But then Signe Lindkvist enters the ring dressed as a horse / pony - accompanied by Patrick Berdino and 12 ponies. Perhaps one of the places in the performance where animals mainly was used as decorations. It is debatable. Others may have the exact opposite view. It's a matter of taste.

Laura Berdino presented six brown and six white Arabian horses. Here she is seen with the white Arabs

Next came an aerial act - solo trapeze, performed by Ekaterina Karmashova. It was hard to keep up, the severity was huge, but among the difficult tricks were probably a 3-double pirouette before she grabbed trapeze bar with her legs. A fireworks, divided into three sections where she between each section let herself hoist down in the ring before the next ride skyward.

Lindkvist and Holm had then an interlude where they were dressed as dancing, padded aliens / monsters / fable characters with face and rear. Amusing, original and surprising.

And then came Wolfgang Lauenburger with his award winning dog act with 9 dogs of different sizes and breeds. But nice because he only use a few props. The dogs are dancing, trills, runs, rolls, standing in bridge, is building pyramids, almost without receiving commands.

The first part of the performance ended with a trip to the fairgrounds. Diorios globe of death is a direct descendant of the barrel-shaped Wall of death, as we age remember as one old days of the summer events. Here the atmosphere back, although with lack of smell of burnt fuel. Incredibly, seven riders can swirl around that way. And as with air artist Ekaterina Karmashova: you'll want to see it again and again.

The Diorio troupe with seven riders in Globe of death (4 at the top part and 3 in the bottom part) were among the attractions when Circus Arena Tuesday night had their season opening performance.

Second part of the performance began with the mad hipster orchestra before Jhon Rivera and Patrick Berdino did a classical knockabout table act. Patrick proved that he is a well-trained, versatile artist who can be used in many contexts - at a high level.

Circus Arena’s Crown Prince Patrick Berdino has this year handed over the elephants to Rudy Althoff and does instead a knockabout table act together with Jhon Rivera

Uffe Holm set the stage for the next issue, which was Albertino troupe. A fine teeterboard act with 10 artists who did a 5 man high and finally a 6 man high - with a public invitation from Uffe Holm: "If they can do it just go berserk."

The Alvertino troupe does a 6 man high. Uffe Holm acknowledged, however, that the man in the bottom because of the great emphasis was given little help to lift the others via a lounge from tent top. Several of the troupe's artists were members at the Cretu troupe which toured with Circus Arena in 2014

And no circus without clowns. Jose Michel and his two partners made their entrance, where a restaurant visit is interrupted and ends up in the splashing with water. The act has been in Denmark many times before, but it's fun. But for some reason the clown trio’s saxophone playing part of the act had been deleted. Too bad!

The show then has an amateur visit when the 11-year-old Olivia rode on mono bike. At every performance a child is invited to do one act in the performance.

And then time had come to elephants. Rudi Althoff presented Arenas three elephants in a quiet, sympathetic act where the elephants showed their agility, despite their heavy weight, and their ability to work together. Almost poetic, and clearly a number in the heavy weight class - figuratively.

Then it was slowly time to break up. But before that the tiny dog Monty was allowed to travel with the circus. All ended well as in a fairy tale and even to the tune of Sebastian's song You are not alone.

The final act was the Danish Hans Ulrik, who made his debut in a large circus. He conjured up pigeons out of soap bubbles and out of thin air. No doubt that here we have a magician with an international career ahead of him. A worthy successor to Lee Pee Ville and Kim Kenneth.

And then came the final - with confetti in kilos in addition to all the cast and the entire audience.

It was a glorious start to the Arena’s 60 years anniversary season. And a proof that the circus is buoyant and resilient and do not give up, even where there is difficult times. And yet another example of that circus does something to you. Something good and nice.

17 March 2015

Cirkus Arnardo 2015 and other news from Norway. Thorbjorn Klæbo Flo writes (my translation):

Cirkus Arnardo in Arendal March 15 the day after the premiere.

Circus Arnardo. Photo: Thorbjørn Klæbo Flo

A full house at the first performance Sunday in Arendal, with good atmosphere and lots of laughs. Many comedic touches, great acrobats and an aerial act in Washington trapeze. And Are with Paulina keeps family tradition alive with their magical illusions. (The founder of Circus Arnado Arne Arnardo was a gifted magician).

Only a few animals in the program this year. But high class animal acts. For the second time with Arnardo is the Urunov family high school riding combined with dog. Great to see.

The daughter Laura Urunova presents a great dog act and juggle standing on horseback. Both acts presented with charm and strength.

Ruslan Urunov. Photo: Thorbjørn Klæbo Flo

From Denmark comes the star entertainer Kenny Quinn with his great "Pickpocket" act. (Second season in Norway, the first time with Circus Merano some ears back). The audience is impressed as much as his victims are.

Kenny Quinn has stolen his guest’s glasses. Photo: Thorbjørn Klæbo Flo

Alessandro Gillert & Cristina Moia, the first time in Norway. but have earlier been in both in Sweden and Denmark. A great wire act with both tight and slack wire.

It is first time in Scandinavia for the Spanish clown family Popey with two acts in classical musical style. It is also first time in Norway for the rubber man Cesar Pindo who impressed a lot. The in Denmark well-known clown Jimmy Folco (many seasons with Circus Arena) is the performance red line with his clown run-ins.

The performance ran for two hours and 20 minutes. I can be shortened down to approximately two hours and will then be a perfect performance.

This year’s Norwegian Circus season opened with Cirque du Soleil in Oslo in February / March with a three days visit and four performances. No sold out performance this year.

The Bergen International Festival will in May / June present the Canadian Cirque Eloize for the second time.

The International Theatre Festival in Porsgrunn in June will present at least two contemporary circuses. One of them is "Double Edge Theatre” (PIT in Elvespeilet kulturhus).

Norwegian Cirkus Xanti has in February visited Portugal with several self-produced performances. Going on tour in Norway in 2 -4 cities during the summer - autumn. Cirkus Xanti is a Norwegian non-profit project company for creation, production and presentation of contemporary circus.

Norway's smallest Circus - Circus Minimax which still holds the cards close to the chest is coming on tour in May with new program.

Circus Merano will according to a press release have either a short autumn tour or performances in Oslo only.

16 March 2015

Again this year the Lalandia tropical holiday centre in Rødby present artist entertainment during the summer holidays. Besides Lalandia’s own entertainer Mr. Plys you can from June 1 to August 7 meet the juggler Alan Sulc and his wife the hand stand acrobat Veronica Sulc. Many Danes remember Alan from Circus Benneweis 2004. He was at that time only 13 years old and bounced juggling balls into the floor to music from Safri Duo. Alan Sulc won gold at the European Youth Circus Festival in 2002 and got a bronze clown at Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo in 2004

14 March 2015

Change in ownership of Circus Baldoni and the Circus Theatre. Thessa and René Moenster (Circus Baldoni / The Circus Theatre) write:

We have decided to divorce and split up our business. René will run Cirkus Baldoni and Thessa will run the Cirkus Theatre. Almost 15 years of marriage 24/7 and running our business together, have been too hard for the love between us. We both agreed and we decided to break up in deep respect for each other.

13 March 2015

Circus Olympia 2015. The Swedish Circus Olympia season start on 28 March 28 in Oskarström. This year’s performers are:

Circus Olympia's orchestra conducted by Valentin Smirnov

Loretta Antal & Daniel Togni - tissue and aerial straps. They come from Hungary, respectively Italy.

The Onodi troupe - springboard acrobats from Hungary

The clown Engelbert Balder

Niklas Bengtsson – liberty act with 7 Siberian camels

Circus Olympia’s camels. Photo: Erik Berge. By courtesy of Circus Olympia

Procession Crew - acrobatic break dance

Jessica Bengtsson – liberty act with Shetland ponies and large solo horses

Liviu Tudor and his dog - Comical plate spinning

Natascha Jarz - goats

Natascha Jarz with some of Circus Olympia’s goats. Photo from Helsingborg Christmas Circus 2014

David Hammarberg - Bungy Jump - a brand new entrée

Henrika Bengtsson with Circus Olympia’s charming dogs

Jordan & Yesid – high wire

13 March 2015

Circus Wictoria 2015. The Swedish Circus Wictoria opens the season in Heby on 27 March. This year they will amongst other artist present

Monika with a fast-paced act with poodles

Guzalnur - Swedish circus princess with roots from China in a pleasant balance act

Sandro Rivoli - master of magic

The clown Professor Bluffo

The Gao Chen- troupe a quick-change act and other acts. The two Chinese twin couples has for several seasons toured with Danish Circus Baldoni.

Gao Chen with quick change. Photo from Circus Baldoni 2012, shot by Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

12 March 2015

Thursday afternoon was full of activity at the Market Place in Hilleroed, where Circus Benneweis' tent crew was in the process of putting up the tent. One of the performers had already arrived, and the other performers are coming on Friday or Saturday. From Sunday morning the performers will directed by Kim Kenneth start rehearsals in order to make sure that everything is ready for the season opening next Friday (20 March)

10 March 2015

Tadashi Kinoshita Named Sixth Circus Ambassador. (Press release from Fédération Mondiale du Cirque).

Mr. Tadashi Kinoshita became the 6th “Ambassadeur du Cirque” to be named by the Federation for his outstanding contribution to Circus arts and culture. Mr. Kinoshita was honored at a Federation reception held on 17 January 2015 by President Urs Pliz who complimented Mr. Kinoshita on his excellent work in continuing the circus family tradition in Japan.

Kinoshita Circus was founded by Tadasuke Kinoshita in 1882. Mr. Tadashi Kinoshita joined the circus in 1974 as a flyer and became the 4th president of Kinoshita Circus Company in 1991. Mr. Kinoshita also serves as president of the Japanese Circus & Entertainment Association (JCEA), founded in 1950, which today has 41 members.

The recipient of many awards and prizes, Mr. Kinoshita is known for his philanthropic initiatives and contributions. Direct financial donations and fundraising events by the circus have contributed to reconstruction efforts related to the Kobe earthquake in 1997 and the Great East Japan earthquake of 2011. In 2013, more than 40,000 children who were victims of the 2011 disaster were invited to the circus. Under Mr. Kinoshita’s leadership, funding also was provided to construct an elephant hospital at the Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre in Thailand. Mr. Kinoshita is a frequent lecturer at the invitation of community based clubs and business chambers.

In 2014, H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco was named “Extraordinary Ambassador” for her unending commitment to circus and work in rescuing former circus elephants Baby and Nepal from euthanasia. Previously named Ambassadors, honoured for their life-long support of Circus Arts and Culture, include Mr. Kenneth Feld, Chairman and Chief Executive Office of the world’s largest entertainment company, Feld Entertainment, Inc.; Mrs. Sembach-Krone, proprietor of Circus Krone, the largest circus in Europe; the famed Chinese acrobat and leader in the Chinese circus community Madame Xia Juhua; Hungarian-born Mr. Franz Czeisler, creator of the Circus Tihany Spectacular known throughout Latin and North America; and current President of the Russian Federation Republic of Udmurtia, Mr. Alexander A. Volkov, whose governmental policies and initiatives have long supported Circus.

8 March 2015

The Norwegian royal Medal of Merit to Arild and Bjørg Arnardo. The Norwegian king has honored  the circus king Arild Arnardo and his spouse Bjørg with The royal Medal of Merit. They medal was handed over to the couple by the County Governor (prefect) Øystein Djupedal. Later in the year there will be a reception at the royal palace.

In his speech at the ceremony Øystein Djupedal described Circus Arnardo as a cultural institution, a mini-United Nations and a bearer of traditions and recalled that Arild's late father Arne Arnardo received the same medal 42 years ago.

- Today, when I hand you over HM the King's royal Medal of Merit it is the society's way of saying thanks for your extraordinary efforts. It is therefore a pleasure to award you these medals on behalf of His Majesty, but also on behalf of the rest of us which in different ways want to say thank you for the magic you manage to create in our lives, the County Governor said.

Arild Arnardo. Photo: Fridgeir Walderhaug. By courtesy of Circus Arnardo

The royal Medal of Merit was founded by King Haakon VII 1 February 1908. It is awarded as a reward for “efforts of particular socially useful nature in areas such as art, culture, science, business, social and humanitarian work.”

Also in Denmark, the Monarch has through the years honored both artists and circus directors with medals or orders. Both Albert Schumann and his father-in-law Charlie Rivel was awarded The Order of Dannebrog by King Frederik IX. In recent years, Benny Berdino (Circus Arena) and Soren Ostergaard (Zirkus Nemo) have been awarded The Order of Dannebrog. Further back in time Dora Miehe got a gold brooch (but not an order) from by King Christian X. And back in 1886 Christian IX gave Elvira Madigan and her partner Gisella a golden cross.

7 March 2015

Circus Elephants in Denmark. In connection with the mention of the fact that the American Circus Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will stop having elephants in their performances the Danish tabloid BT wrote that Danish Circus Arena’s 3 elephants Lara, Jenny and Jungla were between 16 and 20 years old.

This age indication is incorrect. When the Circus Arena in 2007 acquired the elephants from the Spanish / Italian Circus Dero (Gran Circo Italiano), all of the three elephant’s age was reported to be about 20 years old.

Patrick Berdino with Circus Arena’s 3 African elephants which must be almost 30 years old. Photo from 2014

The elephant Ramboline which can be seen in Danish Circus Dannebrog is 34 years old.

Circus Arena and Circus Dannebrog is the only circuses in the Nordic countries which continue to have elephants in the performances. However it is probable that one of the smaller German family circuses which are touring in Sweden, also in 2015 will exhibit elephants as they did in 2014. The Swedish Circus Maximum acquired a few years ago two elephants, but they was not part of the 2014 performance and seems not to be included in the upcoming show.

7 March 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  ----   most of the time ...... nu:  Theatre CLAVEL proudly presents a nice and sympathetic  MAGIC SHOW,  featured by the twins CLAUDE and LAURENT MAMOU, who perform calling themselves LES JUMEAUX  = THE TWINS.

They open with a funny entrée, where one of them enters, dressed in something that resembles a tent, he steps forward and -- loo and behold - his feet rise upwards making his legs take a horizontal position, thus a kind of levitation. The outcome is hilariously funny and will not be given away here!

Furthermore: A borrowed banknote disappears - only to be found in a French baguette-bread, that is broken into 2 pieces, the person having lent the banknote is free to decide in which half he wishes to retrieve it, in fact a perfect mini-illusion - seldom seen today.

As a grand finale we were treated to THE SPIRIT CABINET, accompanied by several pseudo-spirit demonstrations. This theatrical effect, seems to be immortal -I featured it myself with daughter MADELEINE, during a couple of years, but it is a long time ago.

LES JUMEAUX perform a funny and appealing family show, where there is something for everyone, both for the small fry and their parents who have paid for the tickets...

Nearly an hour's show, using interaction by both kids and adults -- super-professional and entertaining!!

Les Jumeaux

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue: Theatre Clavel, 3 rue Clavel, 75019  Paris.  Metro: Pyrenees.

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

6 March 2015

Generational change in Circus Benneweis. Diana Benneweis has for years dreamed of getting rid of the responsibility for the daily operations of Circus Benneweis.

This year she has carried out her plans. Her twins Nadia and Dawid have become managing directors and Diana has retired from the daily management and is now "just" chairman of the board of directors.

It had been important for Diana that Nadia and Dawid only should join the management if the wanted to do so. This was fortunately the case and from season 2015 it is Nadia and Dawid who travel with their circus and are responsible for the daily management.

Nadia and Dawid Benneweis. Press photo from Circus Benneweis

Nadia and Dawid are 27 years old. Nadia has since she took her A-level studied at Roskilde University where she has taken a bachelor's degree in communications and performance design. She is only is missing one year studies in order to get her master degree. Dawid has worked as sales and project manager in Comtech, which is the largest AV supplier in Denmark with many years’ experience in providing technology for the entertainment industry in the form of conference, light, sound, scenes and video projection.

Nadia and Dawid in circus dress. Photos by courtesy of Circus Benneweis

5 March 2015

Elephants out of many circuses. The world's largest circus, the American Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, has decided from 2018 no longer to have elephants in the performances.

"We're not reacting to our critics; we're creating the greatest resource for the preservation of the Asian elephant," circus owner Kenneth Feld told The Associated Press as he broke the news that the last 13 performing elephants will retire by 2018, joining 29 other pachyderms at the company's 200-acre Centre for Elephant Conservation in central Florida.

In the Nordic countries Danish Circus Benneweis, Norwegian Circus Arnardo and Swedish Circus Scott already in 2014 decided not to have elephants in their performances. The decision took effect immediately.

In Finland there has for many been a total ban on elephants in circuses. Holland introduce this year a similar ban.

Despite the protests that animal rights activists have had against elephants in circuses, the circuses has never been a threat to elephants. For the time being there are approximately 300 circus elephants. According to National Geographic Magazine Ivory-seeking poachers have killed 100,000 African elephants in just three years. But it is more tempting for activists to make actions against unarmed circus people than against heavily armed poachers.

5 March 2015

Opening dates for the Swedish circuses.

First up is Circus Brazil Jack with opening night in in Malmö on Thursday, March 19 at 19:00.

Circus Maximums season opening takes at usual place in Älvsered on Thursday, March 26 at 18:30.

Circus Wictoria has its season premiere in Heby on Friday, March 27 at 18:00.

Circus Olympia's premiere takes place in Oskarstrom on Saturday, March 28 at 15:00.

Circus Scott is waiting until to Friday, 1 May, where they begin the season in Skövde at 18:30.

Circus Skratt is planning its premiere at Monday 11 May in Gothenburg.

The cast in this year's performances in Circus Brazil Jack, Circus Maximum and Circus Scott has previously presented on this website. The names of the artists in the other Swedish circuses have not yet been published.

3 March 2015

Circus Finlandia 2015. The large Finnish Circus Finlandia presents the following artist in their 2015-performance:

Anton Monastyrsky with hula hoop. The Danes saw him in Circus Benneweis in 2005 and the Swedes in Helsingborg Christmas Circus in 2014.

The Lord of the Rings Anton Monastyrsky

Leonid Beljakov and his dogs

Leonid Beljakov and his lazy dog

clown Michelle

The Cheban troupe with Russian swing and rubber rings. The troupe toured Denmark with Circus Benneweis in 2011

The Cheban troupe at Circus Benneweis in 2011

The aerial dare devil Super Silva. He toured Denmark in 2012 with Circus Dannebrog.

Astronauts with Laszlo Simet and his partners. The act was awarded a Silver Pierrot at the Circus Festival in Budapest in January 2014. Their Semaphor is an almost triangular "wheel", at which Laszlo and his two companions dressed as astronauts does some of the tricks that you normally see on high wire.

The Simets with their Semaphor which was Budapest festivals most spectacular prop

Anni & Möllö - acrobats with head-to-head

Ingo Stiebner and his sea lions. Ingo is well known by both the Danish and the Swedish audience. His most recent appearance in Denmark was with Zirkus Nemo in 2014

Ingo Stiebner in Circus Maximum in 2010

Director Calle Jernström Jr. as a juggler on horseback

2 March 2015

Circus Arnardo 2015. The large Norwegian Circus Arnardo has this year the following artists in their performance:

The Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn and Mrs. Joan

Kenny Quinn in action. Photo by courtesy of the artist

The run-in clown Jimmy Folco, known by the Danes from many seasons with Circus Arena. Jimmy is brother of Paolina Arnardo

Jimmy the clown. Photo: Circus Arnardo

Helen Arnardo who welcomes the audience on horseback

Laura Urunova with dogs and juggling on horseback. For the two acts Laura Urunova got a bronze award at '4eme New Generation' festivals in Monte Carlo in February.

Laura Urunova, photographed by Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press during the New Generation festival in Monte Carlo

Duo Urunov (Laura's parents) with high school riding with dogs. The Danes saw them in Circus Benneweis in 2003

Ruslan Ununov. Photo shot in Circus Roncalli 2008

Desy Rich with hula hoop

Are & Paolina Arnardo with illusions

Max Weldy - comical trampoline. The Danes saw him the first time in Circus Benneweis in 1991 and last time Circus Arena in 2010. In 2011 he toured with the Swedish Circus Maximum.

Max Weldy

Arne Otto Luigi Folco Arnardo, probably with ponies

Familia Popey clowns

The Spanish clown family Popey. Photo: Circus Arnardo

Alessandro Gillert & Cristina Moia - wire, both tight and slack

Cesar Pindo – contortionist

The rubber man Cesar Pindo. Photo: Tobias Erber, Chapiteau.de, by courtesy of Circus Arnardo

Duo Kovatchevi - Washington trapeze

Kenya Boys - African Acrobats

1 March 2015

Circus Arli 2015. Circus Arli present in addition to members of the family Arli this year at the following artists:

David Robert with rola bola and – dressed as a pizza delivery guy – plate spinning. His fine rola bola number could be seen by the Swedes in Circus Brazil Jack in 2014. In Circus Brazil Jack David Robert did also some entrées as run-in clown. But his clown entrées is not needed in Circus Arli not: their own clowns Martino & Co. (Martin and Alexander Arli) is much better than David Robert! Alexander will this year be white-faced clown.

David Robert. Photo from Circus Brazil Jack 2014

Martino & Co. Photo from season 2013

From Romania comes Duo Alerim with 3 acts:

Miss Mirela appear in a net

Catalin (Bogdanescu Catalin) is bounce juggler

Duo Alerim performs in double trapeze

Catalin. Press photo from Circus Arli

Duo Alerim. Press photo from Circus Arli

Neither David Robert nor Duo Alerim has previously performed in Denmark.

28 February 2015

Circus Baldoni 2015. Here are the names of the performers in Circus Baldoni's upcoming performance:

Duo Khulan, contortionist and handstand artists from Mongolia. They have not previously performed in Denmark.

Duo Khulan. By courtesy of Circus Baldoni

Ababa Boys, Risley act from Ethiopia. They have not previously performed in Denmark.

Ababa Boys. By courtesy of Circus Baldoni

Hélène Ramer in rope ladder and swing. Danish / Swiss Hélène Ramer toured with Circus Arli in 2012 and with Circus Baldoni in 2014. She has not previously been presented her act in rope ladder to the Danish audience.

Tarbeev Family (Anton Tarbeev and Katrina Markevich) from Russia with combined diabolo and high mono bike, footjuggling with blankets and a dog act. The first two acts were shown in Danish Circus Arli in 2013. The couple's 9-year-old son gets his circus debut in Circus Baldoni.

Anton Tabeev - diabolo and high mono bike

Katrina Markevich

The clown Danilo with brand new gags including a restaurant act together with his girlfriend Cindy Binau

And then of course director Baldoni (René Mönster) and the lion Leonardo (a ventriloquist’ doll).

28 February 2015

My permanent correspondent in Paris, ZARRO ZARRO, will until about the end of April only send me a few write-up’s as he will undergo an arthritis operation in his right knee. From May he will hopefully be well alive and kicking, speeding   around  in Paris, to see the best shows , for the benefit, information and -  hopefully entertainment of all our readers. Below find a write-up which Zarro Zarro sent med following a short vacation in Dubai where his daughter and son-in-law is living:

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -- but also in DUBAI  --  DREAMMASTER , conducted professionally by Mr. JOHNNY, presents all the year around, a collection of pleasant, attractive and well worth seeing visual shows - it is important and a must that they are visual, as the DUBAI population consists of more than one hundred nationalities, and all of them don't master neither Arabic, nor English - the two official languages.

During the X-mas season, DREAMMASTER features open air shows, when the temperature allows -- during THE DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL, sporting the device "shop until you drop..." DREAMMASTER and other events producers offer a number of international artists, in fact from the entire world: tableaux featuring classic dance and ballet, acrobatics in every possible variation, special mention of acrobats in the CYR WHEEL, also called GERMAN WHEEL, acrobats on trampoline/ springboard, masked as beds on which kids jump when their parents are not present, an intelligent stage-setting, where the artists avoid the rather monotonous jumping and bouncing up and down.

Artist on Cyr Wheel. Photo:  Adrian Chitic, by courtesy of Mr. John. To see a video clip from the act: Click here

Furthermore: Contortion and balancing, often performed by Asian artists, juggling and clowning --  sometimes illusions, smaller magical effects cannot be featured in the big halls that THE SHOPPING MALLS offer.

Handstand. Photo:  Adrian Chitic, by courtesy of Mr. John.

I saw though, magic entertainers performing parlour magic, using small props, on a podium in a corner of a big hall.

The signature of DREAMMASTER'S production is a dynamic, sometimes comic stage-setting and presentation, sporting beautiful and tasteful costumes - and that is true of all their artists, in this context.

Visiting DUBAI, best during THE DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL in JANUARY, when the temperature is about 25 C -- you should not  neglect having a coffee in between your shopping -- to see and enjoy - outstanding artists !!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN DUBAI!!!

Venues: You check the Internet and the tabloid 7 DAYS / not available on Week Ends/.

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

For those interested in French circuses this newly published book might be of interest

25 February 2015

Zirkus Nemo 2015. Zirkus Nemo is a mixture of a comedy show (spoken language Danish) and an artist performance owned by the popular Danish actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard.

As for season 2015 you will meet the following circus artists in the performance:

The Finnish magician Marko Karvo (pigeon magician)

The acrobat troupe Crazy Flight (Sergey Sakun with three partners) from Ukraine

Duo Trapeze (Sergey Sakun’s wife Iryna Bessonova and her partner Camerron McHenry)

Duo Lyd with pole and bike acrobatics

Opening night is on 29 April in Horsens.

25 February 2015

Circus Baldoni 2015. Circus Baldoni presented this year's show like this (my translation):

This year takes us far away.

From the Mongolian plateau to the Swiss Alps, from the German Tyrolean festival to the Moscow State Circus and from Ethiopia’s savannah to Denmark's green grass.

We have once again managed to book artists who never before have appeared in Denmark and it will be a true pleasure to present their impressive acts.

You can see a frantic Risley act where he lies on his back and with his feet juggles with his partner at a pace that gets the pulse very high and with a severity which never before have been seen in Denmark.

You will see “snake people” (contortionists) who make the impossible possible, when they elegance and extreme agility create amazing sculptural formations.

A delightful dog act, equilibristic diabolo jugglers, balancing with flying carpets and lots of clowning with Danila and Danilo, each of whom has created completely new entrées  for this season. The air space is consumed by an accordion-playing woman in a great act in vertical rope.

All of this is presented by director Baldoni and the lion Leonardo (a ventriloquist’s doll), which certainly will boost the fun.

The performance will as alweys be presented by Baldoni and the speaking lion Leonardo

Circus Baldoni has season opening in Lyngby ( a Copenhagen suburb) on March 25 and tours in Zealand until August 16.

25 February 2015

Circus Mascot 2015. Circus Mascot call this year’s performance Just for fun. Director Daniel Deleuran writes (my translation):

Take a seat around the ring and prepare you for an evening filled with fun! In Circus Mascot the family always is in the centre.

Of course I would like to mention that if you dislikes to have to lots of fun you should probably stay at home!

We have assembled a team of fantastic people and composed an enjoyable and festive show with pace, power and many good laughs.

Whirling diabolos, high-flying juggling balls and clubs will put speed in the performance. To increase the power part of the performance we have not just one but two acts which take place high in the air over the ring.

When we started planning this year's show, we agreed that this year we should have a really cool show element, but we just had trouble choosing. Until we found the brave Gladiator, who instead of sword fighting in the ring uses his magnificent strength to lift up himself, just balancing on his hands in various strengthening postures. All the while he works his way higher and higher.

- It will be uttermost exciting.

Between the acts absolutely nothing will happen! It is of course not true! Certainly not if I know my good friend and the clown and jester Gulio. That is precisely why I have chosen not to agree anything with him about his run-ins.

Of course we must not forget all the animals. The two pigs Alfred and Luna are back in the company of the naughty goose Baldrick. Funny dogs are always a must in a Mascot performance and Baloo, Pascoe, Bobby and Pyrus has along with their seven other four-legged friends, trained over the winter to be ready with dogs tricks, fun and games.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls – let’s have great fun because it will be an enjoyable energy bomb bathed in delicious show-light and especially composed music.

In addition to Gladiator and members of the Deleuran family you will in the performance meet Ulmas Gulyamov ("Gulio") and members of his family: Mrs Tetyana and their children Husik and Julia. In addition to being clown be Ulmas has a juggling entrée together with Daniel. The latter will this year also do an act on slack wire.

Daniel Deleuran on slack wire. Photo from 2008

Circus Mascot has opening night in their hometown Roslev on 1 April. They art then touring in Jutland until 2 June 2, Funen from 3 to 14 June and Zealand from 15 June 15 5 August. The entire month of July they will be free attraction in the amusement park Summerland Zealand. Their 2015 tour ends on 26 September.

24 February 2015

Clowns at Bakkens open-air stage. Charlie and Binalto from Circus 3 have been engaged to entertain the visitors every Sunday at 14 at the Open Air Stage in the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen. First performance will take place on March 29th and the final performance on 31 August. No performances in July.

From 1996 to 2012 there were every year clown performances at Bakken’s open-air stage, produced by Benny Schumann. Neither in 2013 or 2014 there were clown performances or other artists on the Open Air Stage. Nice to have clowns back this year!

Charlie and Binalto are known for their pie entrée

23 February 2015

Small program change in Circus Arena: The previously announced 11-year aerial acrobat Olga will in the upcoming performance be replaced by the Russian trapeze artist Katerina.

23 February 2015

Norwegian Circus Merano not on tour this spring. Norwegian newspapers write that that the large Norwegian Circus Merano this year will drop their spring tour. For 40 consecutive years, Circus Merano has opened the season in Fredrikstad in February or March. But not this year. It is possible that there will be a short tour later in the season.

"After forty consecutive years on Norwegian roads we now feel the need to review all the operational challenges that Norwegian circus has. It has become more and more difficult to find good circus lots and due to this we have decided to cancel this year's spring tour" circus owner Knut Dahl says to the newspaper Frederiksstad Blad. He continues: "We are considering a small tour in the autumn. However it will not be as long as our usual summer tours.”

Director Knut Dahl has confirmed to me that the news in the press are true.

Director Knut Dahl shot after the premiere at last year's show. Photo: Thorbjørn K. Flo

On http://tv.nrk.no/serie/cirkus-merano you can see a number of old NRK video clips from various Merano performances.

The other major Norwegian circus, Circus Arnardo will open the season in Arendal on Saturday 14 March. Among the performers are the clown family Popey from Spain and the hula hoop artist Desy. The rest of the program is not yet released.

Popey family. Click here to see a video clip from their musical clown entrée

The medium-sized Norwegian Circus Zorba did not tour in 2014 and will neither tour in 2015. But they plan to tour again in 2016 and then with two units: one unit touring the southern part of Norway and the other unit touring from Trondheim and northwards

23 February 2015

Artists in the Swedish circus:

Circus Brazil Jack presents in the upcoming coming season the following artists:

The Messoudi family with juggling and handstand acrobatics. The Danish audience met the talented acrobats in Circus Dannebrog 2014.

Messoudi. Photo from Circus Dannebrog 2014

The clown Don Christian. The Danish audience knows the Austrian world class clown from Circus Benneweis season 2010, 2013 and 2014. The Swedes saw him last time in Circus Maximum in 2011.

Don Christian. Press photo from Circus Brazil Jack

Gianni D'ambrosio with large and small horse and a liberty act with Frisian horses and Andalusian horses. Gianni comes from the Togni family and has previously worked in Circus Lidia Togni.

Joulia Tchakanova with llamas and Afghan dogs as well as an acrobat with a poodle. The Danes saw her in Circus Dannebrog in 2011.

Joulia Tchakinova. Photo from Circus Dannebrog 2011

Simona Alexandra with an aerial act

Pierre Marchand with diabolo. He is one of the world's best diabolo jugglers. For 10 years he appeared in the famous music hall Lido in Paris and later at Moulin Rouge.

Circus Brazil Jack has season opening on Thursday 19 March 19 in Malmö

Circus Maximum will this season have the following performers

Trio Sarkozi (jugglers). The Danish audience met them last year in the Circus Trapeze at Madsby playground in Fredericia.

Trio Sàrközi

Maximum’s ponies

The clown Versace. He appeared in Circus Maximum in 2004 and in Danish Circus Benneweis in 2012.

Versace, photographed by Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press in Circus Benneweis in 2012

Iurie Basiul (handstand)

Andrejs Fjodorovs (pigeons). "The king of the doves" had his breakthrough in Circus Arli in 2008 and has subsequently appeared in leading circuses all over the world.

Andrejs Fjodorovs

Nicolas del Pozo (illusion)

Maximum’s exotic animals

Duo Thu Heip (aerial act from Vietnam)

Pavel Kaiser (rola bola). The Swedes saw him in Circus Maximum in 2010.

Diorios with their globe of death

Circus Maximum opens the season in Älvsered on Thursday 26 March

In Circus Scott you can meet the following performers:

The clown Mingo

Torres in a globe of death

The flying Manutara (flying trapeze)

Scott-dancers

The acrobats Contortion Dream

Marc Giely on mountain bike. The Danish audiences know him from Circus Arena 2009 and Circus Benneweis 2013 where he was in the middle of the season replacing another act which had to stop due to injuries.

The French cycling phenomenon Marc Giely

Mr. Dalmatin (Sergey Protetsov) with his dogs. He appeared in Circus Maximum in 2002 and in Danish Circus Benneweis in 2004 and 2012

Mr. Dalmatin in Circus Benneweis 2012. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The Circus Princess Julia Sand

The Wolff brothers with a knockabout table act. The Danes met the two brothers in Circus Arli in 2011 and 2014. In 2013 they appeared in the Swedish Circus Olympia.

The singers Mathieu Dembeck and Tova Sanden

Ringmaster Robert Bronett.

Circus Scott will open the season in Skövde on 1 May.

21 February 2015

Circuses during the winter holidays. I spent weeks 7 and 8 at Sri Lanka and due to this I couldn’t see any of the Danish winter performances. Too bad, but Sri Lanka was very nice and well worth a visit J

In Sri Lanka's national parks you can amongst other animals meet elephants. In recent years, the number of elephants has increased a bit and Sri Lanka appears to be one of the places where the Indian elephant has a chance of survival

Fortunately, several of my "correspondents" helped me with reviews of the winter performances:

Isabella Enoch’s winter circus. Jorgen Lorenzen saw the performance in Tinghallen in Viborg on 7February and writes (my translation):

Isabella Enoch’s winter circus was extremely well attended with almost full house. And it a large arena! There were many children - accompanied by parents and grandparents, and in general there was a great atmosphere and a good concentration on what was going on in the ring. As my neighbour said to me during the show: "This is true children circus." And it was meant as a compliment.

Isabella Enoch welcomed. And three young girls followed. We met them several times during the show, sometimes with singing and dancing and always in beautiful costumes, tailored to fit the artist coming next. One could recognize Jazz Malaika and Sif von Wagner. Both will tour with Circus Dannebrog in the upcoming season.

Bernhard Kaselowski opened the performance with 4 ponies which immediately was followed by large (horse) and small horse (pony). Then came the Salvini-clown duo - a female white-faced clown and a male August. They played the bells before Malaika and Sif, dressed as angels, accompanied David Hammarberg, who did a handstand on a pedestal.

David Hammarberg

Martina followed - hula-hoop dancer. Among other things, she stood on her head with rings rotating on her arms. Salvini was then back in action, this time with the bell gag where 4 from the audience are equipped with bells and contributes to the concert. This gag is best known from Buby Ernesto. It is probably his idea. Then Freddy Anthony and his female partner conjured the jacket of a man before Bernhard Kaselowski closed the first part of the performance with four camels.

Freddy Anthony conjures the jacket of a man. Mobile phone photo shot by Jørgen Lorenzen

Second part of the performance began with Salvini with an entrée before the three young singing and dancing girls entered the ring now disguised as harem women - followed by David Hammarberg, who did a great act in tissues. Salvini was then back with the old gag where where a man and a woman from the audience runs on an imaginary motorcycle, while the clown imitate its sounds with a special whistle. The elephant Ramboline then entered the ring with David Hammarberg on its back. He grabbed a suspended trapeze, which was hung up so that he could reach it. And did a classic act in solo trapeze before Ramboline ended the act. Here I paid attention to a good detail: the elephant suddenly became nervous and Bernhard Kaselowski immediately ended the act without the animal getting scared. The show closed with Freddy Anthony entrée with a car with honk horns. Finally Isabella Enoch thanked the numerous and enthusiastic audience.

Let us hope that the show has stimulated interest in the circus - and increased the interest in visiting this summer's performances in the three circuses that pop up in Viborg during the season. Viborg use to be a good town for circuses. This was also the case during this show.

Circus Krone’s winter circus. Jorgen Lorenzen saw the performance in the Concert Hall in Aarhus on 9th February. Jorgen writes (my translation):

There was a good atmosphere and almost sold out in the concert hall. The hall is perfect for circus: good acoustics, good visibility from all seats and nice cinema style armchairs for all.

The clown Alando was the recurring character. He has - also here - a nice contact with the kids and what is so important for a clown: timing. Not too fast, but not so slowly that act becomes boring. And all the time he listens at the audience so he can capture spontaneous reactions and comments from the kids - and use them in the rest of his entrée.

Alando and one of his mischievous ponies

Irene Thierry welcomed in the traditional Krone style. Marc Thierry handled music and drums, and the family Varadi did great artistry between Alando's run-ins - with and without the pony and panda.

Nandor Varadi was a young but highly skilled juggler in the classic style. He had six juggling balls, 7 clubs and 8 rings up in the air. Well done and without mishaps.

Diana swung herself in the ring trapeze. She had a remarkably strong and beautiful body which gave the number a strength-fitting look. And there was all that difficult tricks: heel hanging, hanging in toes and at last she rotated with high speed while the trapeze did large circles.

Diana Boachin

And Eva was a skilled foot juggler who juggled with 5 balls to and from the foot and hand. Furthermore she juggled with her hands rings and balls while she with her feet kept 3 balls in rotation.

Irene Thierry presented the performers in the finale after an hour of quality circus.

Enoch’s Circus Show. Jorgen Lorenzen saw the performance in Bryggen Shopping Mall in Vejle on 9 February and writes :

There were chairs around the ring, so the audience could enjoy the show seated. There was room for the children, who could stand in front - right on the piste. Obviously it is good for a show that you can sit instead of having to stand up for it creates peace and promotes attention to what is going on in the ring.

Jimmy entered the ring on bike and with lots of energy and appealed to the audience to be active during the performance. Then the show started.

The first performer was Eddy Carello, who juggled with 5 footballs - or rather, juggled and balanced. The number must be howling difficult, but it has a good effect on the audience, because it's footballs, and everyone knows from himself, how hard it is to tame one. And it is a quality in the act that he alternates between balance and juggling. Carellos other entrée with juggling with tennis balls on drums was shown in the day’s first performance.

The clown Totti Alexis followed with his funny run-in with the straps which are teasing him. The act is certainly far more difficult to doo than it seems.

Totti Alexis

Then the Igen family came presented their excellent dogs number - 9 dogs, large and small. The family's second act with goats were shown in the early afternoon performance. One remembers the Igen-dogs for the final trick where the whole gang of dogs are walking out in a row, the largest first, the smallest being the last – each standing with his front paws on the back of dog in front of him.

Igen’s dog parade. Photo from Circus Baldoni 2013, shot by Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

Totti came back and played music on water glasses before he crushed soap bubbles with a small hammer to the beat of slender bell music pouring out of the speakers, while soap bubbles fell from the sky.

And then time had come for Jimmy’s own act. This time he did his bike balance number, where he is driving around in the ring on mono bike with glasses piled up layer after layer. As far as I could see there was16 layers by the end of the act.

It was a fast-paced show with talented, experienced artists and the 45 minutes that the show lasted, flew away.

Circus Mascot’s winter circus. Jorgen Lorenzen saw the show in Aalborg Shopping Centre on 20 February and writes (my translation):

The magician Bugislaw warmed up children - followed by the clown Gulio. The audience became enthusiastic as Circus Mascot jingle sounded out across the square, then Daniel welcomed and presented "selected acts from Circus Mascot’s summer tour."

Husik began - with a hula hoop act where he juggled with rings of different sizes and - of course - juggled them around the body. Gulio appeared as inflated space clown. Among other things he stood on a hand and turned pirouettes with his head. And the children squealed of delight.

Gulio in his inflated dress.

Marianne and Andreas presented then Circus Mascot large gang of dogs - 11 dogs of different sizes and different races. Playful, wagging and playful

Circus Mascot’s playful dogs

And then it was again time for Gulio. The man seems to enjoy himself at least as well as the audience, and that is a great asset for a clown that you can see his joy - that he is not flashy or overbearing. Gulio can! This time he got children to throw a hat into a stick which he held in his hand. And an adult was brought in the ring to juggle 6 plates - at one time.

Daniel then showed his fine and stylish chairs balance before Julia, Husik and Gulio ended with parterre acrobatics. With great humour when they “misunderstood” each other or “forgot” each other.

Daniel with chairs balance.

In the finale Daniel invited audience to visit Mascots recently facelifted website (which Daniel made) and to visit the summer’s Mascot-performance which is called Just for fun.

The invitation is hereby passed on

Arena Circus Land. Jan & Mette Quottrup visited Circus Land in Aarslev. Jan. writes (my translation):

We had decided to visit the Arena Circus Land during the school’s winter holidays to see what it could offer. It became a good day with many great circus-related experiences.

We arrived at the winter quarters in Aarslev outside Slagelse late morning - probably a little later than most, because there were a lot of people, about 4-500.

Arena Circus Land is a HUGE-farm and serves as a combined winter quarters and "circus" amusement park.

Many parents and grandparents came with children and grandchildren, and also a senior centre from Rodovre had made their way to winter quarters where there was a lot to do for children and parents. It was different when you like us came as a "mature couple".

We arrived in the middle of what in the program is called "the big break" and it meant that many people had gathered in the part of Circus Land called Playland - a mega large hall filled with activities as "Funballs" funicular railway, moon bounces, circus souvenir shop, face painting, bistro, sandwich bar and more. While the children enjoyed themselves parents and grandparents could keep an eye on them from the cafe area while enjoying some lunch with such exotic names as "Lama Ferrets" and "Director's favourite" - there was something for every budget.

The youth circus Circus Kaephoj from Holbaek has a guest appearance on the stage in Playland at 13 - presented by Pierrot. They did a little artistry – however most praise to their trainers who have drawn the kids away from the computer screen and colas.

A sea lion show was presented in a hall with a very large pool and a stage. The show was presented by Chang and Stefanie Berdino, and that was with 3 stunning sea lions showing samples of what a sea lion can learn. The show lasted probably about 30 minutes. Afterwards you could be photographed and buy photo where you stood beside the great male sea lion Viktor. The trainer Addie Jepsen gave a short, good and informative lecture about sea lions and breeding.

Sea Lion Show with Chang and Stefanie Berdino. All photos are shot by Jan and Mette Quottrup.

The Circus Museum had many models of circus Arenas vehicles and there was a miniature circus with tents, trailers, stables etc. - All well in size 1:16. "Professor Landino" told about props and other curiosities in the museum as well as general circus stories in general, and it was obvious to all that he had an extremely great knowledge and passion for the circus.

The Circus School took also place in the museum, and it was possible for children - of all ages, actually - to walk the tightrope, juggle and other things, and as a bonus they could be presented and show what they had learned in the performance in the Circus Landino - "But only if you were wearing circus costumed" Pierrot said!

The performance in Circus Landino was presented in another hall with a ring and seating for the audience. The show was directed and presented by Suzanne Berdino. First, children from circus school came into the ring - led by Professor Landino, they were presented and showed then what they had learned at the circus school, to great applause from parents and grandparents who videotaped and photographed. It was a cosy introduction. Then entered Suzanne Berdino’s 3 children Stefanie, Charmaine and Oliver ring with a circus act to modern rhythms - juggling and hula-hop. Subsequently liberty dressage with 6 beautiful black Friesians horses wearing red harness. It was a fine liberty act presented by Karsten Berdino.

Performance in the Circus Landino. Friesians presented by Karsten Berdino

Then Suzanne Berdino had an entrée with 3 dogs who performed various tricks. Next entrée was Patrick Berdino with his teammate John from Colombia in a comical acrobatics number. There are working hard on the entrée and it will be exiting to see the result during Circus Arena’s summer tour. The performance ended with circus Arena’s 3 large elephants in a very-very nice act presented by the trainer Rudi Althoff. This performance run for about 45 minutes.

Performance in Circus Landino. Arena’s beautiful elephants presented by Rudi Althoff

In the intervals between the different activities we examined the stables and enjoyed the many beautiful animals - elephants, horses (Friesians, Arabs, tinker, ponies) zebras, camels and so on. There was enough both to look at and touch. It was also possible to inspect some caravans, school trolley etc.

Finally, it should be added that, throughout the day we met friendliness and courtesy from all the staff, and you could freely walk around the stables and touching virtually all animals. On the whole, you would feel yourself WELCOME. The most visible staff, Pierrot and professor Landino must be some of the most photographed this day.

The Author of the article in the circus museum with Pierrot, professor Landino and Mrs Mette

6 February 2015

Two birthdays with a round figure:

Suzanne Berdino turns 50. On Monday 9 February Suzanne Berdino can celebrate her 50 year birthday. As daughter of Benny and Hanne Berdino she grew up in the Berdino family’s Circus Arena which during her childhood was one of the smallest circuses in Denmark. As other artist children Suzanne got an all-round artist training and performed with dogs, horses, as a juggler and with balance on a rolling ball, just as she was part of the magician Tergova’s acts. Suzanne's favourites was however the horses and the other animals. As Circus Arena became larger it was Suzanne who presented Circus Arena’s horses and rode high school. After a period of illness Suzanne felt that she needed a break from the circus. Together with her triplets - two girls and a boy - she appeared at events in riding clubs, etc. and gave good advice about training of horses, dogs, etc. She also wrote books about tricks with horses and dogs.

Suzanne Berdino

In 2009 her career took a turn when the Swedish director Lars Rudolfsson should put the Mozart opera The Magic Flute on stage at Opera Hedeland in Denmark. In the beginning of the opera he would like to have 6 white Arabian horses on the stage. He got contact with Suzanne Berdino and was so excited about her skills on a stage that he booked her to act at The Orion Theatre in Stockholm. Here, Suzanne and some of her animals has since been part in several performances which have had full house every night and has received high praise from both audiences and reviewers: 6 mimes 6 living Horses (2010), Circus Orion (2011 and 2012), 6 Mimes - 6 White Horses (2011), Help Wanted (2013) and Venus (2014).

Suzanne Berdino with Arabian horses

Especially the musical Hjälp sökes (Help wanted) attracted international attention, partly because the music and lyrics were written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA. The Danish audience can in the near future see Suzanne Berdino and some of her animals in Help wanted as the performance from April can be seen at the Østre Gasværk Theatre in Copenhagen. Suzanne has the role as the dumb woman who turns up when two lonely peasant brothers are looking for a woman to help them on the paternal farm.

Dennie Enoch, Circus Dannebrog, turns 60. On Saturday 14 February Dennie Enoch can celebrate his 60 year birthday. As a child he travelled all around the world with his parents Haddy and Solveig Enoch and became in a young age part of their bike act The Haddies. So did his three younger siblings Agnete Louise, Isabella and Katja. When Haddy Enoch in 1977 restarted Circus Dannebrog, which at that time hadn’t toured for almost 50 years, it was with the help of Dennie and his siblings.

Dennie Enoch

Dennie became soon responsible for all the technical stuff, just as he with changing partners - one or more - was part of the bike act the Haddies and was one of the circus world best bike acrobats. Today he has stopped as artist and is as technical manager in Circus Dannebrog being responsible for all the technical stuff whether it is transport, tents, cars, vans, light or sound. Dennie is also a manager for the tent crew. Dennie is known as a handyman and many of the Circus Dannebrog's wagons has he built himself. Among other things, it is thanks to him that Circus Dannebrog has an excellent toilet wagon and modern and well-appointed wagons for the tent crew.

Dennie Enoch in front of Circus Dannebrog's ticket office which he rebuilt during season 2013

6 February 2015

Circus Benneweis 2015. Circus Benneweis has now published the names of the performers in this year's performance which is based on humour, love and world class artistry.

At the circus festival in Budapest in January 2014 Diana Benneweis was excited by the two super musical Italian clown brothers Steve and Jones Caveagna. Steve is 23 years old and Jones 33 years. Circus Benneweis managed to get a contract with the two brothers who the audience in Circus Benneweis this year can see in a variety of entrées, including as modern musical clowns. Steve and Jones toured Denmark in 2006 together with their father, first with Circus Baldoni and later with Circus Dannebrog. Following that they spent several seasons with Ringling in the United States and they has undergone an incredible development since they last time were in Denmark. At the time Steve was only a kid. Today he is an outstanding entertainer.

Steve Caveagna

Among the other performers in Budapest were Franco and Adel Olivera, who presented a great act with parrots. Franco also did a highly successful comic gaucho entrée. Also these artists you will meet in this year’s Benneweis performance. They have never before performed in Denmark.

Franco Olivera shot during his comic gaucho entrée

The 23-year-old diabolo artist David Confal was in 2013 the main attraction in the Swedish Circus Olympia. Diana Benneweis saw the act and were thrilled and would have liked to have had David in her 2014 performance. But he had already signed a 2014-contract with a major US circus. Therefore it is first now the audience in Circus Benneweis can meet the young German super talent. It is David's first time in Denmark.

David Confal. Photo from Circus Olympia 2013

Last year Rosi Hochegger got a silver clown in Monte Carlo for her act with the bettpferd Scout and her dog act. She toured with Circus Benneweis in 2009 and 2010, and many have since asked to have her back. Luckily enough Benneweis had even before Rosi won silver in Monte Carlo signed a contract with her for season 2015.

Charming Rosi Hochegger with one of her dogs. Photo from Monte Carlo 2014. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

Rosi's "Scout" is not the only horse in this year’s Benneweis performance. The Brazilian beauty Ingrid Silva presents 6 beautiful Tinker horses. The large and powerful horses can weigh up to 900 kilos and is thus much greater than the horses we usually see in the circus ring. Despite the huge difference in size between Ingrid and the 6 horses she manages with ease and elegance to present an elegant liberty act. It will be Ingrid's first time in Denmark.

ngrid Silva. At Benneweis you will not see her on horseback, but with liberty dressage with 6 large Tinker horses

Alejandro and Michael Vanegas come from a circus family and have since childhood had the wheel of death as playground and gym. In an energetic and thrilling act they show how weight and power can put the wheel in high speed and thus provide the framework for world class acrobatics. Both on the inside and the outside of the wheel! In the summer season 2013 they toured with the Swedish Circus Maximum. The winter season 2013/2013 was spent in the famous Cirque d'Hiver in Paris. In summer season 2014 they were among the attractions in Circus Knie in Switzerland. Since then they have performed at the Heilbronner Weihnactscircus and later at the Circus Festival in Massy, where they were awarded a bronze medal. For the time being they are on a short vacation in their native country Colombia. But from mid-March they will be in Denmark, where the audience with Benneweis can enjoy their thrilling act which is one of the best of its kind. They have never before performed in Denmark.

Duo Vanegas works both blindfolded and with formidable jumps. Photo from the Circus Maximum 2013

Also new in Denmark is the trampoline acrobat Costin Bellu who has two special awards from the recently held Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in his bag. His comedic entrée with the trampoline “dressed” as a swimming pool, is seen before. But the circus industry consider Costin Bellu's version of the act as one of the very best.

Costin Bellu in Monte Carlo. Photo: Rud Kofoed / Ajour Press

The big sensation in Benneweis' 2010 program was the Chinese Cong Tian, who worked on slack wire. Cong Tian's number was outstanding much better than any other slack-wire number, I had ever seen. He could not only walk the wire and make somersaults. He also went on hands, cycled on a mid-height mono bike and turned around on the line. After many requests Benneweis engaged the formidable elite artist for this year's show.

The elegant slack wire artist Cong Tian. Photo from 2010

The show will be presented by Kim Kenneth who also will put the performance on stage. Along with his partner Jessica and her magical crew he will also present the magic illusion with which he has have great success all over the name and which have brought him the nickname the Dane in the fast lane. Jessica is sister of Steve and Jones Caveagna and look forward to spend a season with her family.

Kim Kenneth and Jessica

There's opening night in Hillerod on 20 March. Then Benneweis will tour first Zealand and later Funen and Jutland before closing the season at Bellahoj in Copenhagen on 30 August.

31 January 2015

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- but as well in DUBAI -- during THE DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL a number of very fine shows are featured, particularly visual ones, introducing circus- and variety artists of international class.

This DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL takes place in January, winter offering temperatures not exceeding 25 C, and as well in July, summertime when the mercury attains 45 C - or more.

This means that during January most guests are Europeans, while July attracts people from the neighbouring Arab countries, as they have the same climate at home.

I saw at THE GLOBAL VILLAGE, which is a big fair and fun-fair, presenting commercial exhibitions and the above-mentioned shows, CIRCUS CIRCUS, a circus-show from UK.

It was really a treat to watch: a number of excellent circus performers who relayed each other at a brisk pace, some acts performed simultaneously.

From Circus Circus. Photographer: Imad Daher

A great number of skillful and colorful artists, performing at a brisk pace:  juggling, all kinds of acrobatics, CYR wheel, bike-artists, comics and aerial ring, very graciously featured.

The accompanying music was thrilling, although rather noisy, - but so it is today - the echnical possibilities have to be exploited!

20 minutes of an intensively captivating show - well worth seeing!!

The spectators were mainly from SAUDI-ARABIA, they have to visit the United Arab Emirates, as all kinds of entertainment is forbidden in Saudi, for so-called religious reasons.

A fantastic, elegant and interesting experience - and all this in a pleasant summer-temperature ...

Also, I saw INTERNATIONAL ACROBATIC TROUPE, six young acrobats performing on trampoline, from which they featured numerous and intrepid jumps - up against a kind of wall, which served as a stage-setting, the whole decoration represented a house with open windows and doors, a setting the acrobats used to jump up and down, jumping through windows and doors, and this in numerous ways.

International Acrobatic Troupe. Photographer: Imad Daher

Thus, an utterly pleasant and memorable show!!