Circus news from 2011

30 December 2011

The circus year 2011 in review

Introduction

In 2011 7 tented circuses toured Denmark. 3 large circuses: Circus Arena, Circus Ben­neweis and Circus Dannebrog, a medium sized circus: Circus Baldoni and 3 dog and pony-shows (what Americans call high grass circuses): Circus Arli, Circus Krone (a Danish circus having the same name as the large German Circus Krone) and Circus Mascot.

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

Economically, the season was for most circuses probably fairly acceptable, but certainly no cause for cheering roar. Among other things the economic crisis meant reduced sales in kiosks, which is part of a circus' revenue base. On the other hand the cost of running the circus showed an upward trend. For example, the diesel has risen in price. It is used both for trucks and for heating of tents at the beginning and end of the season.

In addition, the Danish circuses for the third year in row had competition from DR television’s Big Band’s and the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation’s  Circus Summarum where many of the familiar characters from DR televisions children universe met in the circus ring, but where the performance completely lacked real circus elements. Partly due to intensive advertising in the DR television's children's programs 77,500 persons visited one of the Circus Summarum’s performances. And a number of guests did it instead of paying a visit to one of the real circuses! The tent uses by Circus Summarum was rented from Circus Arena which due to this was less annoyed with the competition than other circuses.

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

The summer was very rainy. The second rainiest summer since DMI meteorologist in 1874 began to collect rainfall measurements. This resulted in swampy circus lots where a visiting circus sometimes afterwards was met with demands for costly renovation of lots after use. Even if a lot was so soft that even a child’s tricycle would leave tracks!

The performances in 2011

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

The largest circus in the Nordic countries CIRCUS ARENA began their season on 15 March in Copenhagen.

BENNY BERDINO has his vision and role models. One of the role models is the late Willy Moreno, he said in his welcome speech to this year's performance. The occasion was that Circus Arena once again presents the act for which Moreno was famous: Circus under water.

And Berdino has his visions. One of them is that he every year want to create a classic circus performance in line with other top performances across Europe. And he has the idea that every year he will present an act which has its roots in the old fair entertainments. For several years it has been Diorios globe of death. This year it is a bike wall of death.

The water section of the performance was - surprisingly - given the performance's first part. The reason was technical problems with the equipment. But actually it was a good idea, giving plenty of space to the large animal acts in the last section.

The performance's highlights: already mentioned is the bike wall of death. JEFFERSON WEBER's ride up in the air is new and surprising - and never before seen in a Danish circus.

Jefferson Weber in his wall of death high above the ring

And then there was TRIO LARUSS - an explosion of beauty, strength, balance and elegance. The three golden athletes showed adagio, acrobatics, where masculine strength and feminine grace unite in a perfect demonstration of the body's beauty and countless forms of expression - almost like a dance and a ballet in slow motion.

The Laruss Trio was one of the performance's highlights

And then there is the CASSELLY FAMILY. Daughter Merrylu has long ago jumped out as thoroughbred artist who masters many disciplines at a high level. This year she was working with Jackie Berdino’s son Patrick - in a roller skate act and in the opening act, which probably can be called a mélange entrée. And she is a powerful part in colorful high school riding where she rides together with her mother Alexia and two members of the Berdino family: Laura and Anastazja (due to getting a baby Laura had to stop riding after some month. On 5 July she gave birth to a healthy little girl). But this year it was Marrylou’s smaller brother RENÉ JR who attracted the greatest attention. Disguised as Mowgli he performed backward somersault from elephant to elephant, he climbed - like in a trick rider act - under and around the elephant's belly and he went in splits as he stood with one leg on each elephant. And finally he made a backward somersault from a teeter boards to an elephant - where another elephant stamped at the teeter board.

The elephant boy Mowgli aka René Casselly JR. Press photo from Circus Arena © Christian Warrer

And there was much more in the comprehensive performance. An act which always surprises you is the quick change act, in this performance presented by DUO GERONIC. There was a double wheel of death, presented by DIORIO’S BRAZILIAN DEVILS; there was the clown JIMMY FOLCO and finally, the SHANDONG TROUPE with foot juggling with elements from Risley acts.

Circus Arena closed the season on 3 September in Ballerup.

As usual Circus Arena had in early October a performance on tour in Greenland.

As in 2010 Circus Arena’s winter quarter in Aarslev was open to the public during the winter holidays, summer holidays and autumn holidays. Circus Land, as it is called, offered training of circus animals in the training ring, magic show, sea lion show, pony rides, circus theatre, playground, museum, etc. and in summer short performances in Circus Landino.

CIRCUS BENNEWEIS opened season no 125 in Hillerod on 18 March. Once again Diana Benneweis and her team, including Jan Hertz who had staged the performance and equestrian director Marek Benneweis, had created an excellent performance.

Judy Glosted was after two years break back as ringmistress. She entered the ring fresh and nice and singing like a real circus queen.

Judy Glosted

Judy is a good singer. Luckily enough Jan Hertz used this feature. The show started in a sweeping manner with Judy singing a welcoming song to the tune That's entertainment.

First act in the performance was the ALEXANDRU CHEBAN TROUPE from Moldova in a fast paced entrée with bouncing wheels. Like all the other artists in the performance it was their first season in Denmark.

After that this year’s clown TITO MEDINA had his first reprice. It was wonderful to meet a clown, who not had to drag innocent people from the audience into the ring to arouse amusement. In his first run in he came with a doll and stood on his head on the doll’s head while he played trumpet!

Tito Medina

Then we met ALEXANDRA SAABEL in a fabulous and beautiful handstand act which also showed her talent as a contortionist.

Miss Alexandra

Next act was the comedic juggler COPERLIN. Coperlin is a formidable entertainer, who has brought new dimensions to the art of juggling. And he has introduced a new way in which to eat apples!

After Coperlin we met the Italian SAABEL FAMILY with 8 glorious and happy Siberian husky dogs, presented in elegant scenery and with the 4 members of Saabel family in elegant robes.

Tito Medina had then a nice little run in with a dog puppet. After him the sympathetic animal trainer Lars Hölscher and his wife entered the ring with their 3 elephants. The entrée had a proper mix of tricks made by the elephants and acrobatics performed on the elephants.

The last act before interval was a run in with Tito Medina and an inflatable elephant. Some circus fans might remember it from Circus Krone in Munich.

Also the second part of the performance began with song and a good message to the audience: Try a little smile. Then followed Tito Medina's main entrée: a comical act in aerial cradle performed together with his partner Du. Dressed as old-fashioned artist the duo presented a wonderful comic act which also demonstrated that they actually are skilled trapeze acrobats.

THE JASTERS aka Giacomo Sterza and his beautiful partner Elena Busnelli presented the most impressive act with knife throwing and crossbow I have seen for years! It was fascinating when Giacomo throw sharp knives a target which is covered with paper - with Elena behind the paper! And when he, as another William Tell with his crossbow was shooting an apple from the head of Elena.

The Jasters

Then the Saabel family presented with 4 white Arabs and 2 black Friesian horses the finest high school riding act I've seen for years. And as in the families other entrées the three family members was dressed in elegant robes and the act was presented with true Italian charm and elegance. Alexandra even did flamenco dancing as part of act.

 After the horse act we saw Tito Medina's very own version of the "you must not play here" entrée.  Last act in the performance was impressive leaps from the Russian swing, performed by Cheban troupe. The show ended as it began: with a song. Again to the tune That's entertainment.

Circus Benneweis closed the season in Copenhagen on 11 September.

The Italian Saabel family presented excellent dressage riding in elegant robes. Click here to see further photos from the performance.  

CIRCUS BALDONI  had their opening night at the circus lot in Lyngby on Wednesday 23 March. The premiere took place in a brand new tent. It was a two pole tent in contrast to earlier tents, which have had 4 poles. However, the number of king poles say today nothing about the size of a circus. And the fewer masts, the less there is to restrict the view.

2011 was Circus Baldoni’s season no. 10. It is nice to see the positive developments for the circus during those 10 years. It began as a small show in a small and much worn tent with only a few artists. And it is now a medium-sized circus with a good program.

The 10 years anniversary performance began with one of the Baldoni clowns DANILO climbing up on the stage (Circus Baldoni use a stage instead of a traditional circus ring) to play the flute. The entrée ended with Danilo and circus owner Baldoni (René Moenster) singing Circus Baldoni’s well known welcome song. Exactly the way a Baldoni performance has to begin.

Then the audience met ANDREI VERONIN who wearing a top hat and tails ran on one-wheel bicycles, while he juggled.

After a nice little clown run in with DANILA (Thessa Moenster) as orchestra conductor Baldoni and his ventriloquist's dull Leonardo the lion presented FATIME AND PEYTCHEV PLAMEN with a nice act with house cats.

Following the house cats Leonardo insisted to sing the song "The Stripper". Despite

Baldoni’s furious protests. Meanwhile Peytchev Plamen swept at the stage and put up a curtain behind which a beautiful girl was in the process of stripping. It was obviously a clown gag which led into a knockabout entrée presented by DUO JONGEIS, aka Jonas Beck and Sergei Scerbina. 

Following that Danila decided to learn Danilo how to dance. This led to the classic mirror entrée presented with both charm and humour.

Danila and Danilo performing the mirror entrée

The performance's first part ended with a fast-paced gaucho number, performed by ANDREI VERONIN AND SVITLANA SVYSTUN.

The first act after the interval was a wonderful reunion with one of the artists from Circus Baldoni's 2005-show, MR. JUMPING (Peytchev Plamen) with his trampoline. In 2005 he presented the act in the drunken man version. This year it was presented as a helpful circus groom trying to work in the absence of the true star.

Mr. Jumping

Then Baldoni and Leonardo introduced ANDREI VERONIN AND SVITLANA SVYSTUN presenting an act in German Wheel.

Then it was time for another classical classic clown entrée where Danilo assisted by Baldoni smashed a lot of dishes. Most kids loved this entrée. After the entre with the dishes Leonardo and Baldoni presented MISS MARTINA in a beautiful handstand act.

Miss Martina

René Moenster began his career as artist by performing as a magician. For the past few seasons he has dropped his magical entrées. This year however, he and Mrs.Thessa has using the name THE BALDONIS decided to present a magician entrée. In a Bonny and Clyde style they presented a very nice act which among others featured the substitution trunk trick both in a horizontal as in a vertical version.

The performance's last act before the goodbye song and the grand finale was the musical entertainer FREDDY ANTHONY with his car with hunk horns. The audience loved his act which was a show stopper.

Click here to see some photos which that Mr. Sputnik aka circus photographer Per Krogh Petersen took on the opening night 

Circus Baldoni closed their tented season in Karslunde on 24 August. From 29 August to 7 September they visited the Faroe Islands.

“BALDONI'S CHRISTMAS CIRCUS had their only two public performances in the fencing hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, first Advent Sunday. The performances was put together from the two units of Baldoni’s Circus Christmas Fun (in Danish: Cirkus Nissesjov) who had performances on weekdays for kindergartens, institutions and schools across the country. On the program was the Veres family from Hungary with bouncing juggling, human doll and rola bola. From Latvia came three young people Natashca, Dimma and Sergei. They had a robot act where a robot is dressed as a Christmas elf which is juggling and doing magic. Additionally, they made ​​hula hoop and a comedy acrobatic number. The two units of the Circus Christmas Fun presented more than 100 shows and were seen by 30,000 guests in just 4 weeks.

CIRCUS MASCOT opened the season on 30 March at Roslev and closed on 28 September at Thiese. With Jess Deleuran presenting ponies and his wife Marianne presenting dogs Circus Mascot is what the English call a dog and pony show.

From 2003 to 2010 the recurring character in Circus Mascot was the talented clown Gulio. The audience loved Gulio, but after 8 seasons Gulio and Jess and Marianne Deleuran agreed that time had come to introduce the audience to new clowns.

The choice fell on the Russian clowns LULU & ALEX, who last year had great success in the Swedish Circus Wictoria. It was a good choice. During the show they present a number of fine run-ins. And run-ins, which they themselves have created. Not just copies of run-ins done by other clowns. Their first entrée came just after family Deleuran had welcomed the audience. They call the entrée pep in the luggage. Plenty of baggage was brought into the ring, and Lulu pulls around with Alex as was he a pack ass. It is just about to go wrong...

Alex as human pack ass

After the clowns MARIANNE DELEURAN, assisted by her and Jess' youngest son Andreas presented her charming act with happy poodles.

After a short run in with Alex MISS OLGA presented a beautiful and poetic act where a rendezvous with a hat stand was combined with quick change.

Miss Olga

Then followed Lulu & Alex's opera entrée where Lulu in big robe tried her luck as an opera diva.

It's is many years since I first time saw Marianne and Jess Deleuran oldest son DANIEL on slack wire. The wire is now put up somewhat higher, and Daniel, who is already as lad was showed talent on slack wire, now shows his true star talent.

Last year Marianne and Andreas Deleuran introduced the audience to an act with goats. During the winter, they have trained further with the goats and in a cowboy-inspired entrée they presented goats and a dog and a donkey.

The first act after the break was a reunion with Miss Olga, this time with a nice entrée in aerial ring. She was followed ANDREAS DELEURAN with diabolo. Nice to see this act again and see that it gets better and better every year.

Normally Marianne’s dogs are the only dogs in a Mascot-performance. But clowns Lulu & Alex have two Chihuahua dogs that took part in a very good entrée where the dogs among other things used Lulu & Alex as climbing frames.

The clowns were replaced by Daniel Deleuran in a nice act with aerial straps, a discipline that you rarely see in the circus. Daniel performs it with great elegance and agility.

Next time has come to JESS DELEURAN’s presentation of Circus Mascot’s 4 small ponies. To conclude the act Daniel Deleuran presented the beautiful Knabstrupper Paco.

The horses were replaced by clown troupe THE MASCOTS with Marianne Deleuran as the white faced clown who wants to play a beautiful solo on saxophone. Something which the other members of the troupe (Andreas and Lulu & Alex) obviously not will allow...

The performance's last act was OLEG SEBESEVYCH who assisted by his spouse Olga presented an impressive handstand act where she smoothly twisted herself around him while he balanced.

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

CIRCUS DANNEBROG opened their season on 31 March at Vojens. There were several innovations in this year’s performance in Circus  Dannebrog. One you met outside the tent where bandmaster TINO AEBY and his orchestra played while EDDY CARELLO juggled. Tino Aebys orchestra has a more modern and contemporary sound than their old band. Tino Aeby has previously been bandmaster in Circus Nock in Switzerland.

Tino Aeby and his band played in front of the tent before the performance.

The performance began with the artists arriving and asking General Manager and Ring Mistress AGNETE LOUISE ENOCH for a job. She rejected all of them, also the clown TOTTI ALEXIS. Eventually, however, all artists managed to enter the ring, where the show started with an act in Russian swing, performed the RICHTER TROUPE. Then this year's clown Totti Alexis has his first run in where he played the trumpet. Not least the kids in the audience cheered over this and Totti’s following entrées. The clown was replaced by juggler Eddy Carello, who did devil stick juggling with a guitar and played drums with his juggling balls. A joyful reunion with one of top acts from Circus Dannebrog 2006-show. Next Russian JULIE TCHAKINOVA had an entrée with a poodle. She was replaced by one of the Haddy Enoch family’s traditions: a bicycle act, this year performed by JIMMY ENOCH with charm and in superior elegant style.

Jimmy was replaced by Totti in an entrée where he was in combat with a music stand and a sheet of music.  At last, a number of spectators were allowed to hold the sheet. DUO SERJO then presented an acrobat / handstand act before JOSEPHINE AND BERNARD KASELOWSKI filled the ring with lots of animals: horses, camels, zebras and an elephant. The last number before the interval was with Totti Alexis who was setting up a table from which dishes (apples, bananas, etc.) were stolen by the elephant Rambo without Totti seeing who the thief was.

This year’s clown at Circus Dannebrog was Totti Alexis.

After the interval Eddy Carello came back in the ring, this time in a more traditional act where he juggled with footballs.

After a clown run in where Totti Alexis was in combat with a microphone Julie Tchakinova presented her main act: a fine entrée with llamas and Afghan greyhounds.

In the recent years we have seen many wheel of death-acts. Most of them are not too exciting, and the pace is far from what one has experienced with top stars as Allegria Brothers and Crazy Wilson. DUO SIFOLINI was a pleasant surprise. As Rud Kofoed wrote in Ekstra Bladet (a leading Danish tabloid): Those two are the new kings of the wheel of death.

The last act in the performance was trick riders from the Richter Troupe of acrobats on horseback. The troupe, at that time headed by Florian Richter, was awarded a golden clown in Monte Carlo a few years ago. They mastered somersaults from horseback to horseback. Including a somersault which I have not seen since the famous Caroli Family: Jumping while taking off from horse number one, passing over the horse number two and landing on horse number three. Impressive! 

Like previous years, the performance is staged by Isabella Enoch in her usual elegant show style with dancers, etc.

Duo Sifolini presented the best wheel of dead act we have seen in a Danish circus since Allegria Brothers was with Benneweis in 1990 and 1992 and in the Tivoli Gardens in 1996. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

CIRCUS ARLI, which had its opening day in Fløng on 3 April, offered once again an beautiful and charming performance which both children and adults enjoyed. That the small circus once again got five stars in Ekstra Bladet (a leading Danish tabloid) was well deserved and would have pleased the late circus owner Soren Arli, who passed away in January this year.

ALEXANDER ARLI opened the show with a clap competition between right and left side of the tent. The competition that ended up in Queens hit We Will Rock You. Then all the artists came into the ring (which in Circus Arli is a stage), led by ringmistress BETTINA ARLI. However, MARTIN ARLI was missing as he had overslept! At last even Martin entered the ring and he and his wife Bettina could jointly welcome the audience.

First act was MISS NATALIE with a nice entrée in vertical rope. Then super-talented and charming Alexander Arli entered the ring with an umbrella to the tune Singin 'in the Rain, and made impressive acrobatics around a pole which was disguised as a lamppost.

Alexander Arli. Photo: Rud Kofoed

A humorous magician entrée has to be part in an Arli performance. This year is was presented by Martin Arli in an entrée where he conjured up pigeons, put his hand through a glass plate and ended up by presenting the cabinet of spirits, assisted by MISS EVGENIYA and a member from the audience.

The magician act was followed by OBERTAEVS and their happy dogs. The last act before intermission were the WOLF BROTHERS who dressed in Scottish kilts presented a very good comical knockabout table act.

After the break we met STANISLAV OBERTAEV as a juggler at a pool table. A charming and elegant entrée - and a novelty to use a pool table in act.

EVGENIYAS act with rings was a welcome new circus-like renewal of the inevitable hula-hoop acts.

Most Danish circus has today run-in clowns instead of classic musical clowns. But not Arli, who has talents in house: MARTINO & CO. aka Martin and Alexander Arli, assisted by Bettina. This year’s act was a combination of two classic clown entrées: "Do not play here" and "Busy bee”. The act ended with music on trombone and trumpet. Martino & co. held the audience in the hollow of their hands! That’s how a real clown entrée shall function.

Bettina Arli together with Martino

The last act in the performance was beautifully done handstand acrobatics with DAVID WOLF. Last year Martin began the show by doing his makeup as a clown. This year he ended the show by taking off the clown makeup while singing a goodbye song before the grand finale, where all the performers entered the ring and got very well deserved standing ovations.

David Wolf with elegant handstand. Click here to see more photos from the performance

Circus Arli closed the season 28 August in Vindinge.

The smallest of the Danish circuses, CIRCUS KRONE started their season on 17 April at Torring. The opening was celebrated in a brand new tent, which is slightly larger and higher than the old tent. On the opening day it was 60 years since circus owner Irene Thierry first time entered a circus ring. She was 4 years old when her father first let her perform with a dance act.

Circus Krone's brand new tent at the circus lot in Torring

The performance began very poetic with the clown ALANDO (aka Irene Thierry’s spouse Jan Allan) sweeping the ring and juggling with plastic bags. Then Irene Thierry welcomed the audience. As by tradition in the small circus everyone in the audience had so say hello to the one sitting on their right side and one on their left side. Then Irene did her 60 year old debut act: a cute little dance entrée and a short step act.

First foreign artist was ERIC MUNÕZ with a good juggling act. Then followed a fine and poetic entrée with Alando and two of his ponies which teased the clown. Years back SCHMARLOWSKIS performed with a comical illusion in large circuses all over the world. Now, the couple has dropped that act and has instead trained small parrots. Their entrée with the cute and talented small birds would not fit in the performance in a large circus but was perfect in a small circus such as Circus Krone.

Following the small birds you saw a comic dance act with DUO LATINO whose male partner also was Circus Krone’s new boss canvas man.

After the interval we met JOSE MUNÕZ with a nice act on tight wire. In the beginning of the entrée he was assisted by his father José Luis, who was dressed as a clown and using a ladder tried to get on up the line. José Luis was once an excellent tight wire acrobat.

Then followed a great act where MISS KATHY (the female partner in Duo Latino) juggled with cubes and bola.

There are many traditions in Circus Krone. One of them is a clown entrée with Alando and a dangerous animal. This year, a panda bear with Irene Thierry inside. Children loves the entrée where the naive Alando is afraid of the bear, which he first can’t see ant then want to shoot.

Schmarlowski then came back with an act with two large parrots. Unfortunately Schmarlowski had due to health problem to leave Circus Krone in August. The performance's last number was a glorious knockabout table act with the MUNÕZ BROTHERS.

Schmarlovski and his small parrots were a main attraction in this year's performance in Circus Krone. Click here to see more photos from the performance.
 

Years back you could see artists in many Danish amusement parks. But that is history. Apart from a stunt show at Legoland and magicians for kids at Summerland South the only artists in an amusement park was at Bakken, which from 6th August to 14 August presented an International Clown Festival Show with TOTO CHABRI & CO., BENNY SCHUMANN and THE STECKEL’S as the main stars.

When Toto Chabri is on stage, you will not notice that he is 78 years old and that it is 45 years since he first entered a Danish circus ring. Click here and here to see more photos from the clown festival

From 11 May to 10 September you could meet a show called ZIRKUS NEMO. It is owned by a popular Danish actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard and is a combination of a comedy show (spoken language Danish) and artist performance. Most Danes loves Soren Ostergaard but foreigners will hardly be able to understand him or his typically Danish jokes. However, there were as mentioned also some real circus artist: CURATOLA BROTHERS, GLEN NICOLODI and DUO SORELLAS. The audience was mainly adults – it was not a show for children.

At Solbjerg in the northern part of Jutland you could from May to September enjoy NO NAME CIRCUS. Luffe Boegh’s No Name Circus is a resident circus domiciled in the Team LA Park Solbjerg north of Hadsund in Jutland. Former years, the backbone of performance was young kids from the No Name institution. The concept has now changed: the young kids are still with the show and helping with the practical, but apart from Luffe Boegh most of the performers are professional artists

After LUFFE BOEGH has welcomed the audience the performance begin in a ​​poetic way with well-known entrée with a clown (at No Name this year GULIO) who is making his clown makeup in the ring. No Name has given entrée their own twist by letting ZDENEK RUML playing saxophone during the makeup. Besides being an accomplished juggler Zdenek is both a good musician and a good singer. Both things are fully utilized during the performance.

Then No Name presented a number of animals: a llama, a pony and a donkey and a couple of dogs before three young members of families Ruml and Gulyamov had a nice little juggling entrée. Then you meet ZDENEK JR with excellent rola bola act.

Zdenek JR with rola bola

After a short Slinky act with Gulio inside the figure one of the young girls from No Name had a nice entrée in aerial ring. She was followed by Gulio's son HUSIK who did a most  charming hula-hoop act  which was followed by papa Gulio's experiments with hula hoop, assisted by a couple of audiences.

Trained pigs are not what one usually meets in a circus performance. But Luffe Boegh presented in the beginning of the season two pigs with a curly tails. They were trained by Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys who formerly worked for No Name Circus.

Next came liberty horses presented by KATJA SCHUMANN. Critical people may argue that Katja only presented two horses: two American Saddlebreds. But it's not always quantity that makes it. Small is beautiful, at least when it's an act with the grace and charm that not many other than the Schumann family can present.

Katja Schumann

After a short clown run-in with Gulio Luffe Boegh presented assisted by Katja and others 3 x Beef, i.e. three bulls. Something you very rarely see in a circus. After another Gulio-run-in (the one with the money, which falls into a bowl) Zdenek presented his superb juggling act, first with balls and then with five cigar boxes. He was followed by TATYANA (Gulio’s spouse and Husik's mother) in a poetic tissue act. Gulio then presented his karate entrée before Luffe Boegh presented camels which No Name Circus for the season has hired from Bernhard Kaselowsky. After the camels time had come for grand finale, lead by a singing Zdenek, and the audience could say thank you after almost two hours of delightful entertainment.

Click here to see some photos from the show.

No Name Circus was scheduled to continue their performances to the end of September. Due to economical problems they stopped however about a month before scheduled. It is for the time being unknown is this is the end for the small resident circus.

Besides the above-mentioned Danish circuses a small German family circus, CIRCUS ASTORIA toured Denmark from mid June to late August. Most performances were given at Jutland campsites where there usually are a lot of German tourists. Quality wise the show was not on par with what one could experience in the Danish circus.

During the school children’s autumn Circus Mascot performed at the Bilka Supermaket in Holstebro. Circus Arena produced a performance for the Kolding Shopping Mall and Circus Krone was sponsored by Dronninglund saving bank on a tour to several cities in North Jutland. Benny Schumann’s Mini Circus could be seen at the Frederiksberg Shopping Centre in Copenhagen. The Baldoni owned Circus Theatre presented the performance Aladdin in Marielyst at Falster.

Benny Schumann with young assistants. Click here to see more photos from the performance in the Frederiksberg shopping centre

Circus Krone and Circus Mascot had a number of sold Christmas performances. Baldoni's Christmas Circus is mentioned above.

Obituaries

Circus owner Soren Arli of Circus Arli died Wednesday 12 January, at 2 p.m. in his home in Copenhagen following a heart attack. Soren Arli was 75 years old. He established Danish Circus Arli in 1971.Soren Arli was not out of a circus family. As a young man he was apprenticed to a house painter. However he found the life as a performing artist more interesting and on 30 April 1953 he had his debut as an artist at the variety theatre Alhambra at the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen. A couple of years later Soren together with his wife Lotte (the couple was married in 1960 and celebrated their golden anniversary last year) created a comical juggling act called Lott and Arli. Furthermore Soren performed as whiteface clown and Lotte did thought reading. With acts like those Soren and Lotte toured with circuses among those the Danish circuses Moreno and Arena.

As many artists Soren Arli had a dream about establishing his own circus. Not the largest circus in the world but a small show with good atmosphere and close contact to the audience. In 1971 his dream came through when Soren and Lotte opened Circus Arli in a tiny 1-pool big top they had made themselves. The staff consisted of Soren, Lotte and their son Martin. The first two seasons was spent in Jutland Mini Zoo in Haustrup. Since 1973 Soren Arli and his circus has toured Zealand with a two pole tent with a seating capacity of 220 people. Until 2003 Soren acted himself as ringmaster. In 2004 he left this position to his daughter in law Bettina. However Soren still welcomed the audience at the beginning of the performance and stood just outside the tent after the performance and said goodbye to his audience. 

The juggler Pemani aka Peter Mark Nielsen died in July. He was born in 1925 and grew up in Aarhus, where he as a boy worked as a zookeeper in Aarhus Zoo. One day the manager, being an old circus man, promised Peter 40 DKK if he could balance on an 80 cm. high ball that had been used for a sea lion act. After a month training Peter managed to balance on the ball and he began then to practice a juggling act, dancing on the big ball.

It was the beginning of a career as an artist and juggler. In 1943 he worked under the name Marinello in Danish Circus Louis. In 1946 and 1947 he was in Norway with Circus Empress. In 1948 he was back in Denmark, where he toured with Circus Bruno Bruun. In all those circuses he used the artist name Marinello.

In 1950 he applied for at job in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet’s music hall performance " Vi, som vil opp ", which presented promising young artists. Now he used the artist name Pemani which he kept for the rest of his career. He got the job and had great success in the performance which took place in the Stockholm Circus Building. In 1951 Pemani appeared at Swedish Folk Parks as a member of Fritiof Malmsten-troup. Later that year he performed in Stockholm's leading music hall, the China variety theatre. In the following years he worked in numerous countries, including Australia, Britain, France, Sweden, Thailand and USA. In 1956 he visited as a member of the Malmsten-troupe Moscow and Riga. Later he came to America, where he in 1961 worked in Pacific Ocean Park in California. He stayed in California for many years. In 1986 Peter Mark Nielsen went back to Denmark.

Backhausen’s whips has for many years been known to circus people all over the world as some of the finest whips, you could get. But now it's over: Andreas Bent Backhausen died in late September after a long time of sickness. He came from a family of graphic designers and also did woodcuts, among others with circus motifs. In antique shops, one can be lucky to find his book Circus woodcuts - 30 graphic works from1984. Among animal trainers, he was world famous for his production high quality whips. He was born 6 February 1939.

28 December 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  all the year around, but particularly during the Christmas festivities:

THEATRE LE SAMOVAR, direction and management Franck Dinet, together with LA DALLE AUX CHAPITEAUX and CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE, proudly present a funny clown-comedy, called LE NOEL DE SNOUTCH.

Snoutch is a puppet which together with the fairy GLINDA would like to stage a Christmas Cabaret with season's atmosphere, acrobatics, juggling and magic -- but the friends ENZO, GRAMBUTO and POULDO do whatever they  like ...and it all ends up somewhat different from what their intentions were .. comedy is mixed with acrobatic stunts, also juggling and magic, while GLINDA supervises everything - there are many surprises, it is great fun - thus very suitable and appropriate for a family audience at Christmas time!

THEATRE LE SAMOVAR is located in Bagnolet, a Parisian suburb, and offers both a great variety of shows, and teaching as well as work-shops related to clowning, theater and burlesque performance. This structure has an artistic as well as social character and it aims at, contrary to electronic entertainment, promoting and spreading the value of LIVE performances where the audience and the artists are very close to each other.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -

Venue: LE SAMOVAR, 165 Avenue Pasteur, 93170 BAGNOLET. Metro: Mairie des Lilas.

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

Le Noel de Snoutch. Photo: Christophe Raynaud De Lage, by courtesy of La Dalle aux Chapiteaux

23 December 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  so let us together enjoy the fantastic MARCHÉ DE NOËL /Christmas Market / taking place on the most beautiful avenue in the world --  LES CHAMPS ELYSEES !!

The king of carnival in France, MARCEL CAMPION, organizes also this year, together with LA MAIRIE / The Town hall / this X-mas market, it is gorgeous and sympathetic, stretching from Place de la Concorde up to Roind Point -- we find lots of outlets /"chalets"/ where you can buy X-mas gifts for family and friends - and the offered goods are often quite original.

The lot of the Champs Elysées is brilliantly illuminated featuring changing lightings - and you can buy market-food and mulled wine everywhere.

Traber's sleigh. By courtesy of the Traber family

As a top attraction we see the German high-wire and circus family DIE TRABERS, who normally present their high-wire stunts, here they have erected two towers with a wire between them, below this wire there is a sleigh attached in which FATHER CHRISTMAS - SANTA CLAUS - PERE NOEL travels to and fro, high up in the sky while Christmas songs and carols are broadcasted, Father Christmas greets the people from his sky-high position --- and, you bet ---- lots of photos are taken...

Again - let us together enjoy this performance, we click http://flyingsantaclaus.de/zwei.html

A nice start of the Christmas festivities -- and IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

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

20 December 2011

A good pickpocket acts always gives the circus or music hall/variety theatre, where pickpocket perform, a lot of extra publicity. This is the case wherever the Danish world class gentleman thief Kenny Quinn performs. An example: In connection with his participation in Triere Weihnachtscircus there was a half-page article “Die besten Trick gegen Taschendiebe” in Trierische Volksfreund. Click also here to see a video clip.  During his tour this summer with Circus Charles Knie there was a lot of such newspaper articles and several TV clips, also at large TV channels.

Christmas Greetings from Joan and Kenny Quinn, who is celebrating Christmas in Trier, where they appear in Trier Weihnachtscircus.

18 December 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS   --  we often see new artists featuring new programs --

NOW:  THEATRE LUCERNAIRE proudly presents LUC APERS, magic entertainer from Belgium, actor, mime and manipulator, basically using cards.

LUC APERS features an original one-man-show, based on miracles with cards and lots of interaction with the audience. His show demands an intimate stage-setting, as he works with the audience and not only in front of same. Very charmingly and with great skill he treats his audience to small and big miracles, both using members of the public on stage and a kind of big-screen, where one easily follows his effects.

LUC APERS also performs in the street with a special show, I take it that I could recognize that he has this playing-field as well, as I formerly did lots of street performances which require a certain personality. If an artist can hold interest and attention in front of an unruly street audience, then he can also be successful on cabaret stage. The other way around is - far from certain !!

Elegant and appropriate dress, elegant and cultivated behaviour --  la grande classe --and ... IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !

Length of show: one hour.

Venue: Theatre Lucernaire, 53 rue Notre-Dame-des-Champs, 75006  Paris.

Metro: Notre-Dame-des-Champs.

See more: www.lucapers.be

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

Luc Apers. Photo by courtesy of Luc Apers

15 December 2011

Charlie Rivel JR passed away. Charlie Rivel JR, who died 15 December at the age of 86, was son of the legendary clown Charlie Rivel. Together with his brothers Valentino and Juanito he formed one of the greatest night-club acts of all times, the Charlivels. The act combined tap-dancing and jazz dance with acrobatics and had great success at nightclubs, circuses etc. all over the world, including places as Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston and Paris. During their time in USA they took part in various TV-shows. They toured with Danish Circus Moreno in 1965 and were with Circus Schumann in the Copenhagen Circus Building in 1967.

In the late 1970’ies Charlie Rivel JR established his own dance studio in Eskiltuna, Sweden, and did also give lectures at various workshops.

Charlivels. Photo from Benny Schumann’s collection. Click here to see a video clip with Charlivels.

12 December 2012

The Swedish Circus Maximum has now published the program for their 2012-show, which will be named Jubilee. At the circus' website you can read (my translation):

TOTTI is one of the best clowns in Europe. An innovative clown figure, grown up in a classic circus family. The audience has a lot of sympathy for Totti - big, goodhearted and happy. He masters it all - from knock-about acrobatics to singing - and gets the audience with him from the beginning to the end.

Totti Alexis. Photo from Circus Dannebrog 2011

ZUMA, ZUMA - Speedy acrobatics from Kenya with a twinkle in their eyes!

Circus Maximums horses: horse potpourri consists of our stately Friesian stallions and spotted ponies, presented by ANTON FRANK, winner of the Circus Academy Award for 2011. Anton has the overall responsibility for the circus’ various animal groups. Anton always put the welfare of animals and their stimulation in the first place. He has developed the Circus Maximums high standards for animal welfare and is always in the forefront when animal welfare agencies come up with new rules and regulations.

JUAN PABLO MARTINEZ - Mexican tempo juggler, who master balls, clubs, rings and caps in a sovereign manner.

JOULIE - Elegance and beauty. Handstand acrobatics with Joulie and her poodle.

Joulia Ttchakinova. Photo from Circus Dannebrog 2011

SORELLI – world class aerial acrobats! We are proud to have managed to engage the German-Swiss aerial act. Better choreography and the charisma have seldom been seen. Multi-award winners in e.g.  Monte Carlo.

JOULIE and her llamas and Afghan hounds in a joyful and unique dressage.

Maximums Elephants. The circus elephants from Circus Americano Togni and Mousley. Their owner Flavio Togni was awarded a Golden Clown at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2011 with his elephant group which included Tony and Mousley. The elephants will be presented by Maximums chief animal trainer Anton Frank.

DUO YINGLING. Two young ladies will present a highly advanced Chinese balancing act. Strength, elegance and precision!

Duo Yingling. Photo from Circus Dannebrog 2004

DIORIO’S GLOBE OF DEATH. After last year's smash hit, these death riders are now back with an updated globe, which splits in half! Moreover, there are now four motorbikes in the globe - plus the brave lady!

Circus Maximums orchestra led by conductor Krzysztof Majewski.

For most artists' case is the first time they appear in Sweden. Several artists have performed in Denmark, where they have had great success and been among the audience’s favourites:

TOTTI ALEXIS toured with Circus Dannebrog in 2011. He was actually also as a young lad with Circus Maximum when his father Toni Alexis in 2001 toured with Circus Maximum and the following year with Circus Benneweis. "His style is a pleasant mixture of the traditional and the modern," wrote John Cooper in the December issue of the English circus magazine King Pole.

JUAN PABLO MARTINEZ toured with Circus Arena in 2005.

DUO SORELLA presented their act in aerial cradle in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens in 2003 and at Soren Ostergaard’ Circus Nemo in 2011. They received a well deserved bronze clown in Monte Carlo in 2009 and are among the participants at the circus festival in Budapest in February 2012.

JOULIA TCHAKINOVA performed with her charming acts with a poodle and two Afghan hounds and three llamas in Circus Dannebrog in 2011. About number with the poodle John Cooper wrote: " Great charm, and ”the scissors” whilst Julia is walking on her hands, so that the dog moves between her hands "

DUO YINGLING was the top act in Circus Dannebrog in 2004.

DIORIOS has for several seasons performed in Circus Arena, also with an act corresponding to that which the Swedish audience can see in 2012.

Diorios. Photo from Circus Arena 2010

12 November 2012

Today is it exactly 40 years ago that the best Danish ventriloquist Preben Palsgaard for the very first time appeared as a ventriloquist. An artistic discipline, which he five years later made to his profession. Years back he could often be seen in Danish television. In recent years the Danes have several times been able to find him in the Danish Circus Krone and the Swedes in Circus Skratt, where he also at times has been ringmaster. The Jubilee Day Preben and his wife Lisbeth spend in St. Gallen in Switzerland. There they work at a dinner show that uses the same concept as Wallman’s in the Copenhagen Circus Building: the performers are alto waiters. It gives a special connections with the guests, and a happy Preben tells that the guests met him with words like spectacular, vielseitig, Spitze, Superleistung and sensational.

Preben Palsgaard speaking with his shoe. Photo from Circus Krone 2006

12 December 2011

Press release from Fédération Mondiale du Cirque: The Japanese Circus & Entertainment Association has joined the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, becoming the Federation’s first member in Asia. The Association brings together traditional Japanese companies including Kinoshita Circus, Pop Circus and Dream Circus as well as foreign shows touring in Japan and others in the Japanese entertainment sector. Its aim is to improve and promote innovation in circus and other performance activities and to provide a venue to resolve mutual challenges through cooperation. The Association was established in 1950. Today it has 41 members and 85 supporting members under the presidency of Mr. Tadashi Kinoshita, also president of Kinoshita Circus.

According to Federation Board Member John Le Mare, “The membership of the Japanese Circus & Entertainment Association in the Federation is an important first step to ensuring inclusion of circus arts from the Asian region, which consistently produce highly specialized and sophisticated acts, often involving large troupes of artists, with an Eastern flair that has come to be recognized around the world.”

In addition, the Federation welcomes today five new Friends of the Federation. The new Friends are four European and one American organizations of circus supporters, friends, fans, hobbyists, and enthusiasts who have committed to supporting the Federation through the donations of circus artifacts for the annual Silent Auction in Monaco, assistance in Federation calendar sales and/or planning annual World Circus Day events.

The Club van Circusvrienden Nederland (Dutch Circus Friends), and the Club du Cirque Français (French Circus Club) were established in 1949 to help support the renewal of Circus arts and culture in the aftermath of the Second World War. The Gesellschaft der Circusfreunde e.V. (German Circus Friends Organisation) and the Club Amici del Circo (Italian Circus Friends Club) were founded in 1955 and 1969 respectively with similar goals of supporting and sustaining Circus. Each organisation produces high quality publications featuring news about the latest developments in Circus arts and information about its history and cultural importance The publications are traded under the names of “De Piste,” “Le Cirque dans l’Univers,” “CircusZeitung,” and “CIRCO”.

Also joining the Federation is the Wayne McCary Tent # 172, established in 1998 to honor circus producer and Eastern States Exposition (“the Big E”) CEO Wayne McCary. Since 2009, Mr. McCary also has served as Vice-President of the Federation. The McCary Tent is one of many tents in the Circus Fans Association of America (CFA) network which considers Circus as one of America's greatest cultural institutions and works for its preservation and increased recognition. The McCary Tent, which brings together members from the New England and eastern states, is the second CFA Tent to join the Federation. The Adam Forepaugh – Barry “Grandma” Lubin Tent #2, based in Pennsylvania, has supported the Federation since its founding 2008 and was one of the first organizations recognized as a Friend of the Federation.

10 December 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- now there are many shows awaiting Christmas  -- 

Theatre TRIANON, a venerable and newly rebuilt and refurbished theatre -- proudly presents SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW by and with SLAVA POLUNIN and his clown company.

SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW is a fantastic performance, in fact impossible to describe, it is full of incredible ideas, surprises when these are not expected, numerous special effects and a lot of interaction with the audience. All the clowns are dressed in a kind of over-sized pajamas which enables them to give the illusion of being alternatively shorter or taller, in fact by simply going down on their knees and up again - a detail, but producing a funny and visual effect.

Furthermore, SLAVA'S and the other clowns’ personality beam through their clown-make-up, one clearly sees their mimicry -- great art !!

A classic clown-stunt, viz. where a bottle of water is put on top of an umbrella and the water pours down on that umbrella - fits perfectly and in a funny way into this context where water splashes out in all directions...

A giant rain of soap-bubbles eventually covers the whole stage and so does a super-giant snowstorm which covers the audience as well.

SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW ends when balloons of all colors and sizes are thrown out to the audience - where the people indulge in a playful game with the clowns...

SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW is unique, original, sympathetic, full of joy and festivity -- it tours around the world - and of course comes to Paris where a long-time theatre tradition is waiting with a warm welcome.

My intention to describe this show appears to be impossible to carry out - but on the other hand it is possible to attend this performance whenever it comes to town - wherever this town may be located !!!

Now in Paris -- since IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

Length of show: a good hour.

Venue: Theatre TRIANON, 80 Boulevard Rochechouart, 75018 Paris. Metro: Pigalle or Anvers.

See more: www.slavasnowshow.com/english/main-page.html

Photo by courtesy of Slava’s Snowshow

CIRQUE ELECTRIQUE, direction and management HERVE VALLEE - proudly presents his interpretation of NEW CIRCUS which stands out through a new perspective and youthful enthusiasm.

This show is called STEAM - referring to the so-called post-industrial era, where many things are changing-

The show is built around acrobatic stunts, we see an excellent, female artist on trapeze, she performs topless and this very elegantly - the show is for adults - furthermore a young male acrobat who masters the whole scale of acrobatic stunts, another one performs in and on a big metal-cube as well as on Chinese pole, very amazing at that - and a good juggler features juggling with metal balls.

The big metal-cube is the base for several acts and all the artists manipulate it.

The music is mainly electric, you like it or not - but it suits the idea of the program, where HERVE himself indulges in some percussion interlude

From the performance. Photos by courtesy of Cirque Electric. Photographer Jean Marie Legros.

We would well appreciate a somewhat more comfortable seating and not raw wooden planks...

A program, well worth seeing, show one hour, and --  IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!

See more: www.cirque-electrique.com

Venue: La Dalle aux Chapiteaux, Place du Maquis du Vercors, 75020 Paris.  Metro: Porte de Lilas.

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

8 December 2011

The Swedish Charlie Award to Anton Frank. The Swedish Circus Academy has awarded Circus Maximums chief animal trainer Anton Frank the academies honorary award the Charlie.

The jury's motivation reads: "During his more than 40 years with circus Anton Frank has almost exclusively worked with animals. Being 4-5 year old, he looked when his father Jonny Mai trained their animals. But the father never told the small Anton how to do. But Anton learned without being trained. He received "silent knowledge". When he was a teenager, he began training with animals and that how he learned it. Anton Frank is one of those circus performers who, with his work in the ring makes the classic circus and circus culture alive and interesting for the audience "It is very easy for me to get in contact with animals," says Anton. And that is what we have experienced in the more than 30 years where Anton Frank has worked in various circuses in Sweden. Contact with animals can go that far that Anton can actually take his lunch together with his animals. And it creates enormous confidence between Anton and his animals. Anton has no favourite animal but horses may still hit a little higher because "horses are circus" as Anton says. After a few private "guest appearances" (due to getting children) the 6^th generation circus performer Anton Frank came back to the circus world. And now he has for several years worked for Circus Maximum. Congratulations from the Circus Academy to the receiver of this year’s Charlie - Anton Frank"

Anton Frank was born in Hanover in 1970. His father Ludwig Frank (aka Jonny Mai) ran together with his brother a small family circus, Circus Mai. It was not large enough to feed two families, so Ludwig Frank chose to leave the family circus and perform in other shows, including the Norwegian circuses Circus Löwe and Circus Viola and the Danish Circus Arena. In the years 1981 to 1983 the family toured with the Swedish Circus Safari. From 1989 to 1992 the family appeared in the Swedish Circus Wictoria where Anton Frank using the artist name Henrik Mai presented African elephants. Since 2005, Anton Frank has worked for Circus Maximum, being the leading circus in Sweden.

Roy Himsel’s photo of Anton Frank was on the cover of the Swedish circus magazine Circuläre Notiser 4/2011. Roy is not completely satisfied with quality of the print

This year’s Charlie award should have been handed over to Anton Frank in connection with a meeting in the Swedish Circus Academy in Stockholm on 3 December. "But Anton was forced to stay home with the animal as the person who should have taken care of the animals became sick, “Roy Himsel, CEO of the Swedish Circus Academy, says. Typical for the sympathetic Anton Frank: the animals were more important than an awards ceremony. The award consists of a painting by the Växjö artist Irene Jarz and represents of course Charlie Rivel. 

In Denmark we have no awards like the Swedish Charlie Award. In 1968 the Ministry of Culture founded the Danish Circus Award which same year was awarded to Albert Schumann. The following year the prize was awarded Eli Benneweis. Since then the award has not been awarded. But it would be appreciated if the Minister of Culture once again started to give out this award.

The visible evidence of the Charlie Award is this painting by Irene Jarz. "The big star behind him and all the small stars explain that Charlie Rivel was a very big star," Irene Jarz has told Roy Himsel.

5 December 2012

Baldoni's Christmas Circus. By "tradition" Baldoni's Christmas Circus had their only two public performances in the fencing hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, first Advent Sunday. René Moenster tells: "We had full house Saturday and on Sunday, there were few vacant seats, so it is likely that we will make Christmas Circus in Hvidovre a tradition. It's also nice to meet our faithful audience from our summer tour, we are not doing much marketing for our Christmas circus but tell it just to our regular customers, so there is an almost familial atmosphere at the performances. The performances was put together from our two units of Circus Christmas Fun (in Danish: Cirkus Nissesjov) who has performances on weekdays for kindergartens, institutions and schools across the country. On the program we had the Veres family from Hungary with bouncing juggling, human doll and rola bola. From Latvia we have had three young people Natashca, Dimma and Sergei, who also are with us in the summer. They had a robot act where a robot is dressed as a Christmas elf which is juggling and doing magic. Additionally, they made ​​hula hoop and a comedy acrobatic number. The unit with the Latvians were presented by Daniel and Cindy as Nis and Pixie Line, and the "Hungarian" department was presented by Thessa and René Moenster as Nis and Pixie Line. The two units of the Circus Christmas Fun has presented more than 100 shows and be seen by 30,000 guests in just 4 weeks.

There are plenty of Christmas atmosphere both in Circus Christmas Fun and in Baldoni's Christmas Circus

5 December 2012

Christel Sembach-Krone Honored as Circus Ambassador. In a press release Federation Mondiale du Cirque writes:

Mrs. Christel Sembach-Krone, proprietor of Europe’s largest circus, has been awarded the honor of being named “Ambassador of Circus” by the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco. Mrs. Sembach-Krone was informed of the award on the occasion of her 75th birthday on Sunday, 27 November 2011.

“Being named Ambassador of Circus is a high honor reflecting a life-time commitment to and support for Circus arts and culture,” said Federation President Urs Pilz. “Mrs. Sembach-Krone exemplifies this commitment through her tireless work to continue to present the classical circus, touring seven months of the year under a “chapiteau,” complete with all of its traditional components including, international artists and troupes, musical clowns, a full ballet, and performing animals.”

Granddaughter of Carl Krone, the founder of Circus Krone in 1905, Mrs. Sembach-Krone has been a circus performer all her life. In 1995 she became responsible for running Circus Krone. Every five years Mrs. Sembach-Krone surprises her audiences with an all new tour production, the biggest of its kind in Europe. Each wintertime from Christmas to the end of March, she presents three different shows in Circus Krone’s permanent building in Munich, the only circus building in Germany. Christel Sembach-Krone has been a horse trainer since she was 12 years old. She was the first woman to perform a high school act with horses without any bridle or saddle. She also has a love for elephants, the trademark of the classical circus. Among her many awards, the most prestigious is the Bundesverdienstkreuz (Order of Merit) given to Mrs. Sembach-Krone by the Federal Republic of Germany for achievements in animal welfare.

Mrs. Sembach-Krone is the first person in Europe to be named Ambassador of Circus. She joins previously named Ambassadors, the famed Chinese acrobat 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 initiatives have long supported Circus arts and culture.

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

Christel Sembach-Krone. Photo by courtesy of Fédération Mondiale du Cirque

4 December 2012

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  the Christmas season is on –

GILBERT AND LINDA GRÜSS proudly present CIRQUE ARLETTE GRÜSS / Arlette was Gilbert's mother, formerly trapeze artist and she started this circus.

Circus Arlette Grüss’ beautiful big top

Under an exceptionally beautiful BIG TOP - cupola, together with a first-class lighting and swift circus-hands, we enjoyed a good circus-band, 10 musicians and the program, presented in a poetical way by Ringmaster /Monsieur Loyal in France/  Kévin SAGAU:

SANDRO MONTEZ introducing exotic animals: camels, zebras, lamas, donkeys in a very appealing way.

ANASTASIA featuring an acrobatic hula-hoop act - elegantly and swiftly - the best one I ever saw !!

THE CAVALRY, beautiful horses presented by LAURA-MARIA GRÜSS --   and friend.

SERGE MASSOT, technically skilled ventriloquist, funny and with a clever handling of his puppet.

COMPANIA LA HAVANA, skipping rope, jumping and the high-light is when the under man skips holding 2 girls on his shoulders - amazing - an outstanding, rhythmic performance - and my favourite act !!. After the intermission:

ALFREDO BEAUTOUR featuring well-performing tigress, a show of confidence, skill and beauty. A technical detail: the circular cage is brought up from the border of the ring, and down again.

ZDENEK SUBKA and his troupe, four men, four girls - juggling together in amazing positions.

DAVID AND ANASTASIA featuring a quick-costume-change act, spiced up by their dancing.

SANDRO MONTEZ with his four Indian elephants - an impressive and sympathetic performance.

PASHA VOLADAS, on bar, dare-devil stunts, the act is memorable because of the skill, the costumes and the South-American tango setting, surely one of the best acts since it appeals to both children and adults.

KEVIN GRÜSS in aerial cube, high up under the cupola - strength and elegance.

THE GLOBE OF DEATH - 8 motorbike riders /unnamed/ at the same time in the globe - a record !!DAVID featured a number of original and funny entrées and thus tied the program together,

CIRQUE ARLETTE GRÜSS can best be characterized as a circus-opera ---  BRAVO --- and IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

Venue: Pelouse de Reuilly, really a big park area /pelouse = lawn/, Metro:  Porte Doree.

See more: www.cirque-gruss.com

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

Laura Grüss with one of the horses. Photos by courtesy of Cirque Arlette Grüss

1 December 2011

Cooperation between Swedish DJ and Dutch juggler. One of Sweden's most popular diskjockeys is DJ Emerald (Tony Löflund). For two summer seasons, he has worked at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Vision of the Seas, where he met the Dutch juggler Niels Duinker. Last year they performed together at Dreamhack festival in Sweden.

From 7 to 14 January 2012 DJ Emerald and Niels Duinker will meet at @ nova in Stockholm, where they will have rehearsals on Beatjugglers that can be seen at the Nova 14, 15 and 16 in January. "We have right now negotiations with several clients, amongst others, cruise lines sailing on the Baltic Sea, about performances on a ship during summer and autumn 2012," Tony Löflund says.

 About the show Beatjugglers is stated:

 What do you get when you combine the talent of International Juggling Champion Niels Duinker with the dynamics and professionalism of one Swedish busiest DJ's...DJ Emerald.

Both entertainers have gained their experiencing by working every night at some of the world's most luxurious cruise liners. They are now available for your corporate event or in trade show booth with a high impact , high energy show that will generate a trade show booth full visitors and a corporate presentation that is both fun and exciting.

Niels Duinker won a gold medal in 2009 at the Taiwan Circus Festival and has several times won the gold medal at the National Juggling Championships in Holland. He has worked in many places in Europe, Asia and America, especially in casinos, at theme parks and cruise ships. You can read more about the Dutch juggler who in the near future can seen in Stockholm on www.NielsDuinker.com

DJ Emerald and Niels Duinker

30 November 2011

Circus Maximum 2012. Circus Maximum is Sweden's leading circus and offers every year a program with international top artists. I have previously mentioned that run-in clown Totti Alexis and the aerial cradle acrobats Duo Sorellas in 2012 will tour with Circus Maximum. Circus Maximum has promised to publish their full 2012-program on their website www.cirkusmaximum.se on 12 December. So although most of the program is known in the circus world, I will wait until after the 12th December to publish it.

Since Circus Scott stopped after season 2003, Bengt Källquist's Circus Maximum been the only large circus in Sweden. But now it is perhaps no more to be alone in the Swedish circus’ premium league: Robert Bronett announces that he in 2012 will tour with Circus Scott, which he revived this summer, where they played 9 shows in Stockholm. The show will be called: The Teddy Bear and Circus Scott. At Circus Scotts website www.cirkusscott.se you can read: "When Teddy eats Granny's thunder-honey, he becomes the world's strongest bear. He is also the kindest bear and helps anyone who needs help - friends as enemies.“

Among the performers are the clown Fumagalli and his sons Huesca Brothers with their Risley Act.

Apart from Circus Maximum, Sweden has in the later years had four circuses: Circus Brazil Jack, Circus Olympia, Circus Skratt and Circus Wictoria. Furthermore there is Circus Madigan and Circus Colorado, which only tour to a limited extent.

29 November 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- plenty of shows geared to the entire family - 

COMEDIE DE LA PASSERELLE proudly presents a young magic entertainer: ANAEL - who features a program on a theme: LA NUIT MAGIQUE D'ANAEL / Anael's magic night /.

The program is created using magical effects as a solid base, ANAEL has a  personality appealing to children as well as to their parents, he makes use of a lot of interaction, both with the kids - and their parents - seated in the theatre - and with those who are allowed up onto the stage.

The program is spiced up with ventriloquism to enhance the theatrical effects, ANAEL has a talent for mimicry and a feeling for poetry, all of which is mirrored in his magical effects.

The show is furthermore filled with humour, imagination and a family-friendly approach, ANAEL wears a colorful costume - to the delight of the children!

Points of interest: it is of utter importance that even the smaller fry get to see a magic show in a real theatre, giving the correct theatrical atmosphere - and that they thus see that LIVE entertainment is an excellent alternative to the electronic one!!

Length of show: 55 minutes.

See more: www.anael-magicien.com

Venue: Comedie de la Passerelle, 102 rue Orfila, 75020 Paris. Metro: Gambetta.

Anael

LA PETITE LOGE - is leaving the stage in the hands of a young actor and magic entertainer: DAVID SAUVAGE - who features a 50 minutes funny and sympathetic magic show - to the delight of the children and their parents.

DAVID SAUVAGE is an actor and this is very much apparent when he presents his magic effects - we enjoy a setting that is logically constructed and all the effects have a kind of finale, which makes it clear to the audience when they may applaud, if they want to do so at all -- and they did indeed when I attended the show.

The points of interest are: The children watch a good magic show in the APPROPRIATE SURROUNDINGS, i.e. in a real theatre, even if it is a small one - LA PETITE LOGE sports 25 seats! This makes for a big difference - they don't have to sit in all kinds of impossible settings where nothing is prepared to make the program function.

Paris has many small theatres which welcome all kinds of children's shows in the afternoons, when the theatres otherwise would have been empty. In France there is an ancient theatre tradition, going back to Molière, around 1600, you bring your children to the theatre!

It seems important that the children get to know that there is an alternative to all that electronic entertainment, and that they thus understand that a show LIVE ON STAGE cannot be replaced by technique.

A sympathetic and appealing show, including much interaction with the kids, certainly making them want to renew the experience, viz. to see LIVE theatre --- and IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!

Venue: LA PETITE LOGE, 2 rue La Bruyère, 75009 Paris.  Metro: Saint Georges or Pigalle.

David Sauvage

The ALAMBIC COMEDIE is presenting magic entertainer BENOIT ROSEMONT who features an original and family-friendly show.

Using just a few stage-props, he captures the children's interest - and of course he invites some kids up on stage in order to help him sort out a mess - which they willingly do - and there is a happy ending!! BENOIT ROSEMONT succeeds  in doing some magic effects which are not particularly made up for children - but he presents these effects in a way that interests everyone, the children are eager to see what is happening - and all of them are happy ! Examples of these effects are silk handkerchiefs that disappear in the bare hands, tricks with ropes where knots are wandering and cut ropes that are restored -- magically!

BENOIT ROSEMONT is elegantly dressed in a red waistcoat and black trousers - you don't become David Copperfield because you sport a black T-shirt. An entertainer owes his audience to wear classy clothes - and this is what BENOIT ROSEMONT does.

Benoit Rosemont

It is nice to see that the children and their parents can enjoy a show seated in a real theatre, benefiting from a correct stage, lightning and curtain - which mean that the conditions for success are present - and that the children get to see LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!!

Length of show: 45 minutes.

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

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

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

26 November 2011

ECA Symposium in Monaco. As usual the European Circus Association ECA is organising again a Symposium in Monaco in connection with the forthcomming  circus festival. The symposium will be on 20 and 21 January 2012.

The symposium and the Circus Business Exhibition as well as the Silent Auction offer free entrance to for all interest in the Circus. All ECA / FMC activities will take place in the Riviera Marriott Hotel,  La Porte de Monaco – Port de Cap d’ Ail

Thursday, 19 January 2012

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

20.00 Show A

Friday, 20 January 2012

10.00 – 18.00: Circus Business Exhibition

10.30 – 13.00: ECA Members Meeting (Members only)

13.00 – 14.00: Meet and Greet Lunch (lunch boxes available from ECA)

14.00 – 16.00: 10th ECA Symposium ‘Circus Culture World Wide - Past, Present and Future’ (English, French, German, Italian)  Presentations by: Brian Boswell Circus, South Africa; Nikulin Circus, Russian Federation; Cirque Éloize; Canada; and Circ & Variete Globus, Romania

16.00 – 16.30: Coffee Break

16.30 – 17.00: World-wide collaboration of circus associations, Laura van der Meer, Federation

17.00 – 18.00: Federation Preservation Project: Terminology for the Media, Rodney Huey

20.00 Show B

Saturday, 21 January 2012

10.00 – 18.00: Circus Business Exhibition

  9.00 – 10.00: Federation General Assembly: Business Meeting (English and French)

10.00 – 10.30: Coffee Break

10.30 – 12.30: Federation General Assembly: Projects & Activities (Open to all; English, French and Spanish)

12.30 – 14.00: Luncheon with Colleagues (tickets available from ECA)

14.30 Open Air Show

16.30 – 17.30: Performing Animals – Open Discussion

17.30: Cash Bar opens

18.00: Close of Silent Auction

20.00 Show A

25 November 2011

The 36th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival will be held from 19 to 29 January 2012. The awards gala evening is Tuesday, January 24^th at 8.00 pm

The participating artists this year are:

Duo Pilar (France) Roller skate

Duo Bobylev (Russie) Reprises Comiques

Steve Eleky (Hongrie) Comédie

Flying to the Stars (Ukraine) barre fixes

Azzario Sisters (Espagne) main à main

Troupe Sherifian (Maroc) troupe de 14 acrobates

Duo Rubtsov (Russie) jongleurs Tango

Vladislav Goncharov (Ukraine) présentation de 10 lions

Erika Lemay (Canada) équilibriste/contorsion & cerceau aérien

Duo Israfilov (Russie) duo aérien

Ekaterina Shavrina (Russie) solo trapèze

Flying Zuniga (Argentine, Brasil) Flying trapeze

Ty Tojo (Japon) jongleur

Marc Metral (France) ventriloque

Clowns Mitchel (Espagne) entrées clownesques

Infernal Varanne (France) numéro de motos dans deux globes

René Casselly (Allemagne) éléphants Africains avec bascule / Haute-Ecole d’éléphants et de chevaux

Duo Stipka (République Tchèque) Pas de Deux à cheval

Probst Family (Allemagne) Présentation de petits animaux/ présentation de 21 poneys

Troupe Bingo (Ukraine)

Daria (contorsionniste) / fantaisie aériennes

Freddy Nock (Suisse) Funambule

Cai Yong (Chine) Equilibriste

Troupe Acrobatique de Shanghai (Chine) grand numéro de Bascule

Hommes forts (Mongolie)

Troupe Vorobiev (Russie) balançoire

Russe Devant le Cirque à l’entrée du public, 2 mats oscillants avec Freddy Nock et partenaires

René Cassely and his elephants have since 2005 every summer season toured with Danish Circus Arena and are also booked for their 2012 season. He was awarded a silver clown in Monte Carlo in 2008.

Duo Bobylev has spent two seasons with Danish Circus Benneweis, last time in 2009, and are amongst the world’s very best run-in clowns.

25 November 2011

Christmas Circuses. In Germany and Holland you can in many cities see Christmas Circuses of high quality. Many places report of a good number of visitors. Also in France there are plenty of circuses during the winter season.

The Christmas Circus model has several times been tried in Copenhagen but without success. In 1973 you could from 12th to 20 December see Benkenny's Christmas Circus at People's Theatre in Copenhagen. Benny Berdino and Kenn Anker Petersen presented a super nice program with stars as Philip and Katja Schumann, the magician Truxa and the clown Armand Miehe. But there were too few spectators, and they didn’t try their luck again in 1974.

In 2006 Circus Baldoni presented Christmas circus in a tent at the Triangle lot in Copenhagen. The program was nice, but then same could not be said about the number of visitors. It did not make things better that the German Circus Renz-Berlin at the same time produced Christmas circus at the Bellahoj circus lot in Copenhagen. Also for Renz-Berlin the number of visitors was disappointing. Since then no one has tried their luck with Christmas Circus in Copenhagen. A Christmas circusin 2006 in Roskilde, presented by Luka Odhiambo Onginjo, better known as the artist Samson, was when you look at the number of visitors a pure disaster.

For several years, Circus Baldoni, Circus Charlie, Circus Krone and Circus Mascot made short Christmas circus performances for institutions, schools, associations, etc. Circus Baldoni use the name Circus Nissejov for these performances. Also this year you can around in the country see Christmas shows presented by these circuses.

As the only Danish circus Circus Baldoni has a few real Christmas Circus performances of approx. 2 hours duration. This year it's on 26th and 27 November at 15 in the Fencing Hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen. You will meet a lot of good acts. They present among other things an act which has never been seen before, a robotic Christmas elf. The do also have a juggler bouncing with 9 balls. Moreover hula hoop, rola-bola etc. and the Christmas elfs Nis and Nisseline and the Christmas pig Anton Antonius (a ventriloquists doll). Owners Thessa and René Mönster say that ticket sale are going pretty well. Let us hope that it next year will form basis for more Christmas circus performances.

Baldoni’s Christmas Circus. Photo from 2010

24 November 2011

Bonbon and Tiina to Germany. In February you can meet the Danish / Finnish clown couple Bonbon and Tiina at Circus Krone in the circus building in Munich. Before their appearance in Munich they are from 15.12.2011 to 1.1.2012 with the Dresdner Weichnactcircus. The summer season 2011, Bonbon and Tiina spent with the Finnish Circus Finlandia, which this year has presented one of the strongest performances in the Nordic countries.

Bonbon. Photo from 2008 when Bonbon and Tiina toured with Danish Circus Arena.

Apart from Bonbon and Tiina Circus Krone's February program features among other acts Martin Lacey with his lions, Duo Garcia with their new act with an airplane, the Faltyny family bike act (known by Danes from Circus Dannebrog in 2005), Donnert family with jockey ride and Emil with "Leiterbalancen".

There are performances in the circus building in Munich from 25th December 2011 to 15 April 2012 and they change program three times during the period. First program plays from 25 December through January and offers among other things, Sonny Frankello and his elephants (known by Danes from several seasons, most recently in 2004, in various Danish circuses), Geschwister Weishet on high wire, Los Alamos with a fire show, Carmen Zander with her tigers, Giang Brothers with handstand and Truppe Strangers with perch.

The second program, which is mentioned above, can be seen from 1 to 29 in February. The third program plays from first March to mid April and offers among other things Martin Lacey and his lions, Alessio Fochesato with parrots (Circus Benneweis 2006), the gentleman juggler Jeton, Troupe Catwalk with trampoline and Tatjana as "Gummibälle". Source: www.circus-online.de, as for information about Bonbon and Tiina also Lasse "Bonbon" Nørager.

23 November 2011

New and substantially revised edition of the book about Danish circus families. In 2004, Anders Enevig wrote a book about circus families with genealogical tables for 37 families and an introductory paragraph of text with photos for each family. The book had 364 pages and described the following families:

Altenburg, Bech-Olsen, Belli, Benneweis, Blumenfeld, Bruun, Daniels, Daucke, Dubsky, Enoch, Gautier, Goldkette (Bronett), Hertzberg, Hoffmann, Houcke, Kronberg, Lott, Meggele, Miehe, Mundeling, Møller, Olschansky, Overgaard, Pless, Price, Reinsch, Renard, Rosenhagen, Sambleben, Schenstrøm, Schmidt (Abe Schmidt), Schmidt (Schmidt brothers), Schmücker, Schultz, Schumann, Steckel and Winter.

The hardworking Anders Enevig has now written a revised edition of the book. He has included genealogical tables for a 38th family, the Madigan family, and updated the other genealogical tables. As last time the book is published by Wisby and Wilkens. Jacob Wisby tells that the revised edition as the first edition is a beautifully hard cover book of 432 pages. The price is the same as last time: 348 DKK including shipping in Denmark. The book should be ready by 1 December.

The book, which has a preface in German, could also be of interest for non-Danes. Jacob Wisby will be happy to send the book abroad but will then add costs of shipping and handling to the price of 348 DKK. Send an e-mail to Jacob Wisby at mail@bogshop.dk if you want to buy the book. Jacob Wisby will then revert to you with information of price including shipping and how to pay.

22 November 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- the season is swinging high:

CREDO MUSIC, direction and management LULLY, proudly presents at the THEATRE TREVISE - an original show: LE SCRIPT which is a composition made up of magic effects, mind-reading, mentalism, mime and dance, featured by REMI LARROUSSE, after ideas by BENJAMIN BOUDOU.

LE SCRIPT is a story about a magic entertainer who is rehearsing his show, but ... it doesn't really work out according to the planning, REMI LARROUSSE desperately tries to make it work, this leads him to several predictions, mind-reading and magic effects, among others he presents a modern version of the Chinese Linking Rings, viz. the Coathangers that tangle themselves up and get hooked onto - everything.

The finale is a fakir-stunt where REMI LARROUSSE, barefoot, using his feet,  will crush four plastic mugs, each one put on a wooden plate, one of these wooden plates carries a sharp metal point directed upwards, this one should be avoided - the stunt succeeds -- the whole thing is --- theatre !

The presentation is very dynamic, the audience reacted very positively - the show is excellent, but you need to understand some French.

Length of show: one hour.

Click here to see a video clips from the performance.

Venue: Theatre Trevise, 14 rue de Trevise, 75009 Paris. Metro: Grands Boulevards.

Remi Larrousse

THEATRE MUSICAL MARSOULAN proudly presents a magical theatre-play: MARTIAL DANS LA MALLE ENCHANTEE /MARTIAL IN THE MAGIC TRUNK --

an innovative play for the youngest children, including special effects, comedy and magic effects.

The plot tells us about a magician who travelled the world and brought with him home a lot of objects, making up part of a magical story, including a bit of ecology and a lesson in tolerance towards other people.

The stage is elegantly set, decorated with things from the tropics, among many interesting objects there is a big giraffe -- and the magician-traveller pulls the children into the plot, which makes the children identify with him, he has a very friendly attitude towards the kids, thus winning their confidence and trust. This makes the kids willing to come up onto the stage - in fact more in order to participate than to merely assist!

MARTIAL makes good use of the principle "what the magician doesn't see", always producing the children's joy and eager interest - here a big dummy-doll moves around behind the artist - the kids cry and shout out "... there it is ...!!" -- a funny sequence.

An original stage-setting and a clever magic entertainer succeed in making A GOOD SHOW !! Length of show: one hour.

Venue: Theatre Musical Marsoulan, 20 rue Marsoulan, 75012 Paris.

Metro: Nation, then a short walk.

See more: www.martialmagie.com

Martial. Photo by courtesy of Martial - Magicien Paris.

LE CIRQUE THEATRE RASPOSO, featuring an original program, viz. a mixture of circus skills and theatrical thinking.

The program is presented as a unity, where the audience partially is involved from the very beginning - we saw clowning and were treated to music, furthermore elegant juggling and high class acrobatic stunts.

The title is LE CHANT DU DINDON, which should be interpreted as THE SONG OF THE TURKEY - the plot is spread out between the different circus stunts.

Live music makes for a nice and friendly atmosphere, even the musicians appear now and then in the ring.

As all new-circus, this show is not suitable for smaller children, you need to have reached adulthood in order to fully appreciate skilled and strong acrobats, feminine elegance and - good ideas.

The audience, mostly people between 25 and 40... and more - applauded willingly and the artists got several curtain calls.

Length of show: 2 hours, in a not that big top, and there was a catering tent at the entrance.

Venue: the area near the sport stadium BERCY, Metro BERCY.

See more: click www.rasposo.net

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

From the performance. Photo by courtesy of Compagnie RASPOSO. Credit photo Florence Delahaye

17th November 2012

New Generation Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Besides the traditional circus festival in Monte Carlo they will in 2012 try their luck with a new festival called New Generation. It will take place 4 and 5 February 2012 and calls itself "the one and only competition for Young Circus Artists which will be held in an original Circus ring." The festival is a kind of competitor to

·         Festival Mondial you Cirque de Demain, which since 1977 every year has been held in Paris, next time 26th to 29 January 2012

·         European Youth Circus Festival, held in Wiesbaden, Germany in October or November in even years, next time 1 to 4 November 2012.

As previously mentioned on this website there are several artists from Danish Circus Arena among the participants in the upcoming New Generation Festival in Monte Carlo:

·         Rene Casselly junior as Mowgli with his elephants (final act in Circus Arena’s 2011-performance)

·         "New Generation" from the families Casselly and Berdino riding High School on elephants and horses. The performers are Rene Casselly Jr., his sister Merrylu Casselly and Benny Berdino’s grandchildren Anastazja, Stephanie and Charmaine Berdino.

·         Marrylu Casselly and Patrick Berdino with roller skating as presented in Circus Arena in 2011

The ringmaster at the festival is known from Sweden: Victor Rossi, who this year appeared as a clown and juggler at Circus Olympia. He is assisted by his father Hector Rossi, who is August in the famous clown duo Les Rossyans, which in Scandinavia has worked in Circus Arena as well as in the Swedish Circus Maximum.

In addition, Monte Carlo present the following acts for the 1st Festival «New Generation».

·         École du Cirque Piste d’Azur (France), outside animation

·         Equipe Monaco fémina Sports, (Monaco) gymnastic acrobats

·         Alexandra Probst (Germany), 21 ponys / small animals

·         Goncharov and Goncharov junior (Ukraine), lions

·         Ashton Brothers (Australia), excentric acrobats / slackwire

·         National Acrobatic Troupe of Bejing (China) equilibrists

·         André Stykan (Czech Republic), equilibrist

·         Sharon Berousek (Czech Republic), juggler

·         Pranay Werner (Germany), diabolo

·         Duo Istomini (Russia), equilibrists

·         Geraldine Philadelphia (Germany), hula-hoop

·         Rafael Scholten (France), magician

·         Viviana Rossi (Verone circus school, Italy), aerial net

·         Valery and Julia (Ukraine), Hand to hand

·         Circus theatre Bingo (Ukraine), solotrapeze

·         Conelli Boys (Switzerland), New Generation Band

·         Baptiste Raffy : Mini ringmaster

Jury members are Gregory Knie (Switzerland), Yury Nikulin (Russia), Mme. Patricia Hotzinger – Piste d’Azur (France), a representative from FEDEC (European Federation of professional Circus Schools), Alain André aka Petit Gougou (clown and for several years ringmaster at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival) and Irina Herman (Ukraine).

It will be interesting to see whether the new festival will be a success or not. It coincides with the Circus Festival in Budapest.

14 November 2011

Circus Arena’s 3 African elephants can in 2012 be seen in Orlando Circus in Romania, where they are presented by Billy & Ingrid Wilson-Smart. The elephants have previously appeared in the Swedish Circus Maximum, but not yet in Circus Arena in Denmark. Circus Arena acquired elephants in 2007 from the Rossi family in Spain. The elephants Sarah (Lara), Junglar (Jogle) and Jenny are 26 years old and has also in 2011 worked in Circus Orlando.

Circus Arena’s 3 African elephants photographed in 2009 in the Swedish Circus Maximum

14 November 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  now the Christmas season is bringing us several circus shows, which find a space at the PELOUSE DE REUILLY  /pelouse = lawn / a vast park, administered by the City of Paris and where they get permission to play, as the saying goes: PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE  /  PARIS LOVES CIRCUS.

The big CIRQUE PINDER, directed by GILBERT EDELSTEIN and son FREDERIC EDELSTEIN, artistic direction daughter SOPHIE EDELSTEIN, proudly presents a marvellous program, for the whole family.

RINGMASTER / in France Monsieur LOYAL / CHRISTOPHE TRAUX introduces the acts, dynamically and with the use of many decibels:

MIKE SANGER, a comic acrobatic act where he plays the role of a hotel bell-boy, supposed to move luggage, but he is frequently disturbed by a big dog --- and his female partner contributes largely to the success.

COMPAGNIE HABANA features acrobatics and jumps on horizontal bar - dare-devil stunts where the 2 female partners are as skilled as the male ones, an excellent act.

BEAT DECKER presents his exotic animals: Siberian camels, lamas, donkeys, a zebra and three beautiful horses, they all form roundabouts, turnarounds and nice figures in the sawdust. We witness a smooth co-operation between man and animal.

GINA GIOVANNI, an elegant lady featuring balancing and hand-acrobatics on a high pedestal, the highlight is when she stands on one hand on  a perch that rises from the pedestal - amazing !!

THE SHAOLINS, introduced as Chinese monks and.... warriors --- whirlwind acrobatics and fakir stunts - original.

GEORGIO, a skilful diabolo spinner and juggler, spinning three diabolos as a finale.

COMPAGNIE HABANA in flying trapeze - I never saw a woman doing the double salto to the catcher - but this time I did --- the whole troupe is astonishing and a treat to watch.

So - intermission and people run for the sweets-and- souvenir stalls...

FREDERIC EDELSTEIN presents his unique mixed group of 16 lions and tigers, very impressive they are - all those big cats obediently following the trainer's cues for the various tricks. Beauty and admiration in front of this display of healthy co-operation between man and beast.

Frederic Edelstein with some of his big cats. Both photos by courtesy of Cirque PINDER Jean Richard

MILA, beauty, strength and precision in the aerial ring, while the circular cage is brought down.

DUO SOLYS, an acrobatic couple featuring beautiful acrobatics on a small podium - a treat for the eyes.

YURIE, incredible contortion and hand-acrobatics on podium - aesthetic and you would think these tricks are impossible - but then - not for him.

CLOWNS CARDINALI interpret the classic Boxing Sketch in their own way - in the finale they exit playing the trumpet, the saxophone and the guitar - a sign that now is the time for applause.

COMPAGNIE HABANA in the Russian swing, saltos from the swing down to a thick mattress.

THE GARTNERS with five big Indian elephants - very impressive as they fill up the entire ring, these elephants are obviously very clever and well-trained, allowing the GARTNERS to perform acrobatics on top of them.

Thus - an excellent program - but next year.... may we be treated to a circus orchestra?

CIRQUE PINDER will be playing in Paris NOV thru beginning of JAN. -- so ----   IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue: Pelouse de Reuilly, 75012  Paris. Metro:  Porte Doree.

Read more: www.cirquepinder.com

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

10 November 2011

Reino passed away. The grand old man among artist in Scandinavia, the Swedish acrobat and tightrope walker Reino (Carl-Otto Andersson) died on 7 November, a few days after reaching the age of 90 years. Reino spent his last time in a nursing home in Uddevalla.

Reino was born in 1921 in Bro in Bohuslän, Sweden,  and moved when he was 9-year-old with his parents to Grohed south of Uddevalla, where his father started a sawmill. Soon after Reino began his career as an artist when he and some other boys established the Frisco-troupe. The troupe performed several places in Bohuslän.

 When he in 1943 did his service as a soldier he met Kurt Boquist, who also was fond of artistry. They created together a perch act and got the following year a job at Circus Mijares-Schreiber. Here Reino met two of the world’s best acrobats on wire: Chuy Mijares, who was a master on slack wire, and his brother Manuel, who performed at the tight wire. They taught Reino how to perform on a wire and in the summer of 1945 he had his debut as slack wire acrobat in the People's Park in Uddevalla. (In Sweden, a People’s Park or Folkpark is a public recreation space, usually featuring large grassed areas, trees, children's play facilities, etc. Most towns and cities have a Folkpark. In larger Folkparks, there is a bandstand or stage used for concerts and other entertainment).

The following year Reino toured with the Norwegian Circus Ikellos. In 1947 and 1948 he was a member of the famous Malmsten troup and performed in Swedish People’s Parks. During the tour he met Elsie, whom he later married. During the tour he trained intensively and developed his famous bicycle trick in which he rode a unicycle on slack wire - using his hands! (See photo).

Reino. Photo from Per Arne Wåhlberg’s collection

It was a unique trick that he performed with up to 1965. He also developed other sensational tricks on slack line, and was especially known for his swings. For a time he also performed with sword balancing. But it was the appearance on slack wire, which was his main act. In a review in the newspaper Expressen, 14 September 1980 Björn Vinberg described his act as follows (my translation):

Reino was just doing impossible things. Stood on the steel wire with just his hands, on one hand, on his head, dorm head, biked, danced.

Then came his swings, the amazing swings which made the audience absolutely enthusiastic.

The wire began to swing back and forth, Reino's legs and hips also swung. The upper part of his body and his head almost stood still in the air.

The speed increased and increased and finally Reino danced from and back with incredible speed. One thought: 'This is impossible’. THEN THE MAN DID ALL THE SWINGS AGAIN – standing on leg!

Reino on slack wire. From a scrapbook, made by the Danish juggler Pemani, who was a close friend of Reino

With his formidable wire act Reino, assisted by Mrs. Elsie, performed in many European countries including Denmark, and also appeared in television, including the USA.

 In 1972 Reino and Mrs Elsie moved back to his parents' farm in Grohed. His last public appearance as an artist was in 1992. From 1989 onwards he ran a school for young artists and has trained many acrobats who later made fine ​​careers, such as tight wire dancer Johanna (Johanna Abrahamsson).

I've met him once: at the opening in 2005 at a Swedish circus museum north of Simrishamn. There the then 83-year-old Reino walked on his hands (see photo)!

Reino walking on his hands. From the opening of the now closed Swedish circus museum in Rörum

Twice he has been pictured on stamps: In 1987 on a Swedish stamp in the series Swedish circus art 200 years and in 1994 a stamp from North Korea.

The stamps with pictures of Reino. From Pemani’s collection

There is chapter about Reino in Per Arne Wåhlberg’s book Inte bara glitter ... from 2005. Much of the information above is based on Wåhlberg’s book.

Reino will be buried on Friday 25 November at 14.00 from Forshälla Church, Uddevalla. The church is located approx. 2 km from his home.

9 november 2011

The International Clownfestival shows at Bakken, Copenhagen will in 2012 take place from the 5th of April until the 9th of April (Eastern Holidays).

There have been clowns festivals at Bakken since 1996, usually in August. But in 2012, Bakken has chosen to move the festival forward to Easter.

Bakken is the oldest amusement park in the world with a tradition stretching back 425 years. It is located in the most attractive countryside area near Copenhagen.

8 November 2011

Award for creative expression to the conductor Alex Bozic, musical director of Circus Arena! Martin Lasson Berglund writes:

Every year we read about artists and artist groups winning awards at various festivals around Europe. Often it is amazing performers who make the impossible possible. But what is a real festival, without real circus music performed by a circus orchestra? It is almost always trained musicians who prior to each festival and performance  have spent much time studying, practicing and putting together the music for the presentation. Often the artists have music at a CD which they want the conductor to rearrange or they have just some ideas of how it should sound. Working with music in the circus is in my opinion among the most important parts of the circus show because is not a real circus if you don´t have a circus orchestra. The music can really “lift” an act, and actually, the act can be better than it otherwise would be without the selected music.

So I was particularly pleased when I read that my English friend, the talented composer, arranger, and especially conductor, Alex Bozic from Newcastle in England, received the award, "Prix de creativities" at the Circus Festival in Namur in Belgium this fall.

He received the award due to the fact that he has created such good circus music with just four musicians. They argued that it sounded at it were 20 musicians who were playing in the orchestra although they in reality was just four musicians. And that Alex and his musicians gave a lot of energy and commitment during the performances and not least Alex’ his patient work with the creation of circus music late into the night as the whole circus company heard.

Alex tells that he is very happy and grateful for the award and the praise he received from the jury and that means a lot to him. He also thinks that many people do not really understand how much work it is behind a show just with the music, and that there is much preparatory work in the evenings and at nights. Everyone needs to be happy with the outcome, artists, management and course the conductor and the band.

For some seasons, Alex Bozic has been conductor for the band in Circus Arena in Denmark. During the winter months, he has participated in various galas and Circus Festivals around Europe.

Let us now pay tribute to those who we hear most, the circus orchestras and conductors,  who do not always stands in the spotlight, but puts us in the mood when we are inside the tent. Perhaps this award is a sign for more circus managers to spend more efforts on music. And why not put the orchestra more in the spotlight under the show as for example having the orchestra playing in the ring at the entry or in the finale as both Roncalli, Olympia (Sweden) and Busch-Roland have done before!

A good orchestra is an important part of a good circus performance. Usually you will only see the band in the background as at the photo of the Shandong-troupe from this year’s performance in Circus Arena. At the other photo you can see Alex Bozic (left) and his musicians. (This photo by courtesy of Alex Bozic).

8 November 2011

Cirque du Soleil show to Malmö, Sweden. In the autumn 2009, Cirque du Soleil visited Denmark with the performance Saltimbanco. The show is still on tour and from 26th to 29 January 2012 you can see it at Malmö Arena. As usual with Cirque du Soleil ticket prices are higher than in the traditional circuses: 495 to 695 SEK plus ticket fee. Click here for link to tickets ordering.

6 November 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  -- LE CIRQUE NATIONAL ALEXIS GRÜSS has put up its BIG TOP with reception tent, refreshment space and stables for its numerous horses, and an African elephant -- in the BOIS DE BOULOGNE, /bois really means :  "wood"/ but it is in fact a vast park area, where circus finds a place - so ... it is true that:   PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE  / PARIS LOVES CIRCUS !

The acts are accompanied by LE GRAND ORCHESTRE DU CIRQUE NATIONAL ALEXIS GRÜSS, conducted by MAESTRO SYLVAIN ROLLAND.

Comfortable seated in a nicely decorated setting, the audience can thus enjoy the first part of the show, basically very attractive horse-acts, presented first and foremost by ALEXIS GRÜSS, but also by his wife, GYPSY GRÜSS, born Bouglione - - and other members of the family.

Photo by courtesy of Cirque National Alexis Grüss 

There is an atmosphere much like at the opera, we feel the meticulous artistic work of very professional circus people, this atmosphere is somewhat eased up by the funny sketch THE BARBER, where the big elephant plays the role of a hairdresser, a classic entrée which always produces hilarity and much laughter.

The second part is set in a very modern style, reminding of the rock-scene: we see an excellent contorsion on a podium featured by SARAH FLOREES, the butterfly dance by GIPSY, the Chinese pole, hula hoop, juggling with balloons, Indian clubs  and the cubes and frames, an excellent presentation of the free-standing ladder by FIRMIN GRÜSS, and an aerial act where the trapeze has been replaced by a tubular globe-structure.

The jugglers. Photo by courtesy of Cirque National Alexis Grüss 

This is really the best of ..... CIRCUS ----   a wonderful entertainment, basically for adult people and the older children who fully can appreciate this artistic feature.

A wonderful show is waiting for you --- and ---  IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS.

Venue: Bois de Boulogne, Paris, Metro: Porte Dorée. 

Read more at www.alexis-gruss.com

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

4 November 2011

Christmas Circuses in Denmark. Circus Baldoni, Circus Krone and Circus Mascot present Christmas circus performances in November and December. Most Christmas circus performances are sold performances for kindergartens, schools etc.

Baldoni's Christmas Circus, has however, public performances 26th and 27 November at 15 in the Fencing Hall at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, where they will present an approx. 2 hour long show with the Christmas pig Anton Antonius (an ventriloquist’s doll), happy acrobats who never before have performed in Denmark all dressed as christmas elfs, Nis and Nisseline and of course none other than Santa Claus himself.

Also some of the very small circuses as Circus Circus and Big Charlie are making a number of Christmas shows.

3 November 2011

Judy Glosted ringmaster at Circus Benneweis in 2012. Circus Benneweis is celebrating their 125-year anniversary in 2012. As in 2011 Judy Glosted will in a competent and charming manner lead the audience through the performance dressed in elegant robes. A particularly spectacular dress for the finale will be designed by the well-known designer Marianna Caroe from Aarhus. Additionally Judy will use some of the costumes which Diana Benneweis and Nelly Jane previously have used.

Opening night will be in Hillerod north of Copenhagen on Friday 23 March 2012. They will present world class artists, hilarious clowns and beautiful animals. For several of the performers it will be their first visit to Denmark. Circus Benneweis want not yet to disclose the names of the performers.

When the Danish pop singer and songwriter Bryan Rice in 2012 publishes his new album the cover is a photo taken in Circus Benneweis with Judy Glosted and Lars Holscher’s elephant Sonia in the ring.

Judy Glosted will also in 2012 be ringmistress in Circus Benneweis

3 November 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- -- the new circus-season has begun --

in the refurbished circus building CIRQUE D'HIVER - we see CIRQUE BOUGLIONE presenting a marvelous program.

Accompanied by a Big Band, LE GRAND ORCHESTRE DE CIRQUE D'HIVER, 12 musicians, conducted by Maestro PIERRE NOUVEAU and presented by Ringmaster MICHEL PALMER /Monsieur Loyal in French /, the following acts appear:

The SALTO DANCERS, eight chorus girls having several entrées, in beautiful costumes and synchronized choreography - an asset to the circus program !

FUMAGALLI, world-famous clown ties the production together, featuring original and personal stunts, he performs together with the white clown ALBERTO CAROLI   the classic sketches THE BOXING MATCH and the one about getting honey from a bee -- seldom did I see those sketches performed with such an artistic nerve.

Fumagalli can be seen at this year’s poster

SANDRINE LE BRIS, tiger-trainer with four gorgeous tigers, performing also on a double tight rope, one tiger walks over another one that is lying on the rope - unique!

MARC GYELI, a young acrobat performing on a cross-country-bike, in a modern style.

DUO MADRUGADA, aerial ballet in tissues - eerie and beautiful.

ALAIN ALEGRIA on Washington trapeze, dare-devil stunts and very impressing.

VLADISLAV and partner present a number of white cats, funny and sympathetic.

FRANCOIS BORIE, tempo-juggler in a real turbo-tempo - fantastic and esthetic as well.

TRIO LARUSS, feature acrobatics in the style of living statues - very impressive.

PIERRE MARCHAND, master of diabolo-spinning, earlier at the Lido de Paris.

TRIO BOKAFI, acrobats on teeterboard, featuring triple saltos - amazing!

Trio Bokafi – world class teeterboard act. Photo by courtesy of Cirque D'hiver Bouglione. Photographer: Dominique Sécher

LES NEVES, flying trapeze with triple salto, and also the two female partners execute gracious passages.

ANDREJS FJODOROVS shows a beautiful and appealing dove act.

MARCEL KALISVAART with elegant and acrobatic partner features big illusions, he and his partner change places in a split second, although being tied firmly to a TOTEM pole.

Marcel Kalisvaart – the trick with the totem pole. Photo by courtesy of Cirque D'hiver Bouglione. Photographer: Dominique Sécher

TRIO BOYTSOV, splendid acrobatics on the Russian bar.

REGINA, MARION, ODETTE BOUGLIONE ride the Haute Ecole on beautiful horses and in stylish costumes.

ALESSANDRO, DIMITRI, VALENTINO BOUGLIONE, about 10 years old, feature a sympathetic act with goats and pigs - very children-friendly.

This is circus at the very best - for the pleasure of everybody --  BRAVO  -- and ---- IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  !!!

The show is on until March - well worth a trip to Paris!!!

Venue:110 rue Amelot, 75011 Paris.  Metro: Filles de Calvaire.

Read more at www.cirquedhiver.com

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

31 October 2011

Swedish Circus Brazil Jack in 2012. The German website www.circus-online.de, which usually is well informed, tells that the JOSÉ MICHEL CLOWNS who had great success in the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack this year, also in 2012 will be touring with Brazil Jack. Before that, however, they will first participate in the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in January. In Brazil Jack we can according to the German website also meet GABY DONNERT with liberty horses. Gaby Donnert worked for Circus Brazil Jack in the years 2002-2007. The Danes could see the talented and sympathetic trainer in Circus Dannebrog in 2010.

The José Michel clowns. Photo from Circus Brazil Jack’s opening night 31 March 2011

Swedish Circus Maximum 2012. The Swedish circus magazine Cirkuläre Notiser writes that clown TOTTI ALEXIS, which the Danes could see in Circus Dannebrog in 2011, for the 2012 season will tour with the Swedish Circus Maximum. Circus Maximum will before Christmas publish the complete 2012-program on their website. "Almost everything is ready, so why wait?” writes Circus Maximum on facebook in order to explain that the statement of the performers will be announced much earlier than they have done hitherto.

Totti Alexis

27 October 2012

Circus Orion. On 28th October, Circus Orion will have their opening night at the Orion Theatre in Stockholm. Among the performers are Danish Suzanne Berdino with her triplets Charmaine, Oliver and Stephanie Berdino. On stage, you will also meet Sara Larsson Fryxell and Thomas Roos.

 At the Orion Theatre’s website you can read the following about the show (my translation):

Following the recent acclaimed horse performances the Orion Theatre continues to explore the dealings between animals and humans. The performance CIRCUS ORION can be seen by schools and families in autumn 2011 and spring 2012.

A red curtain. Horses that snorts. Moments of silence, eyes which meet. Someone wipe the sweat from his brow with a white handkerchief. Someone reaches down to roll the ball that lights up the gold. Someone stands still and listens to his breath.

At Orion it is circus, a circus that you have never seen before. You have never heard of it, you did not know it existed. There is Suzanne Berdino with their triplets, the father looking for his daughter Sara dancing with Oliver who is juggling with balls that bounce on his hands and feet. Lord Wellington with the long hair, Javito, Kazarro and the sisters Stephanie and Charmaine who run around in the ring faster than the wind.

Sony neighing. Victor sits down next to Valde. Jensen looks at Mr. Roos.

Now it begins.

 CIRCUS ORION is a show for the whole family, young and old. A magical performance filled with animals and performers.

As mentioned, the opening night is 28th October. The show can be seen until 11th December and again in the spring. Some of the performances are performances for school children sponsored by the Stockholm City and Stockholm County Council.

The show is staged by Lars Rudolfsson. Suzanne Berdino had first time contact with Lars Rudolfsson when she in 2009 performed in Danish Opera Hedeland’s version of the Mozart opera The Magic Flute, which was staged by Lars Rudolfsson. Since then she has starred in several of Lars Rudolfsson’s performances in Stockholm. 

The Orion Theatre, Stockholm's largest avant-garde stage was formed in 1983, and is one of Sweden's most interesting and innovative theatres.

26 October 2011

Contemporary Circuses in November. November is not a traditional circus month in the Nordic countries. But this year you can during November in Denmark see several interesting new circus performances.

From 31st October to 13th November you can in Herning, Tarm and Copenhagen see the performance concert Chord, starring a classical orchestra, a juggler and a dancer. It is a new circus concert with flying objects, illusions and music in a universe where music is played on instruments, furniture and other strange things. It's juggling and movement arts in a whole new form as an instrumental performance.

In November, the Dutch cult clowns Okidok are visiting a number of cities across the country with the show Ties Inside. It's the same performance which received huge acclaim at the KIT New Circus Festival in Copenhagen in 2010.

From 9th - 26 November you can see a show called PROPAGANDA with the Acrobat family on Theatre Republique in Copenhagen. Australian Simon Yates and Jo-Ann Lancaster are skilled performers. They present their amazing acrobatics at the highest level of self-irony and humour which captivates both eyes, mind and heart. Since they created Acrobat in 1996, they have travelled all over the world with their avant-garde circus company. Back in the family house far from town, they have created this little show along with their two boys - Fidel and Grover.

From 10 to 13 November you can in Silkeborg see the Forman Brothers Theatre with the show Obludarium. The show is a kind of circus, but on a whole new "old fashioned way." Just as you would see in old movies with monsters and freaks like the bearded woman, the world's strongest man, and so on. The show alternates between moments of pure humour and breathtaking poetry. There are beautiful costumes, beautiful music and a host of surprises. And then there's dance, puppet and mask routing in a way that you probably never before have seen.

Read more about time and place for all these performances in What's On.

22 October 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- but also elsewhere --- small family circuses where the entire program is presented by the family members -- for other families to enjoy !

It is a question of context and need and of the target group. It is furthermore not an apology for poor performances, and of course, all circuses should respect local law and decisions by local government.

But - not in all circumstances are top-act expected - if you want those, you will head for Monte Carlo or visit a bigger circus show.

The smaller circuses that still exist in Germany and France, some German ones have visited Denmark, are not a real competition for the established bigger circuses, having a bigger budget and thus  able to hire expensive top-flight-acts.Those smaller circuses have great importance as they cater to the needs of families on holiday on camping sites and similar spaces and they provide a good and healthy entertainment, -- very important as circus is the only form of entertainment where parents an d children can enjoy a show simultaneously.

The smaller fry cannot appreciate a magic show, as they don't know what is NORMALLY POSSIBLE - or not ...watching a juggler they cannot either appreciate his skill - but they enjoy the animals, dogs, horses, poneys and goats -- as these animals are familiar to them and they thus identify with them.

The program is featured, weather and climate permitting, without a BIG TOP, I would rather say   a SMALL TOP, out in the open air - we see acrobatic stunts on a carpet on the ground, performed by the children in the family, juggling by the teen-age youngsters, trapeze and aerial ring by a young girl, clowning by the entire family, performing dogs, horses, poneys and goats, sometimes a tiger presented in a circular cage, near the ring.

During the intermission candies and small flags are sold, there is a lottery..... and all that props up the economy, as some people profit from the open air show to avoid paying.

I would like to add some personal memories from LES SAINTES MARIES DE LA MER, southern France, where we had a day on the beach, then home to dinner and a shower and - a nice circus-show, finishing at 21.00 /9 PM/ - and then home to bed --- a perfect vacation day, where the circus played a great role !!!

Everybody was happy ---- can you ask for more ??

I find it important that all got to see that electronic entertainment is neither the best, nor the ony entertainment available. Don't miss out on the small circus coming to your area - it will turn up because IT ALL HAPPENS NEAR YOU --  AS WELL AS IN PARIS !!!

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

Photo from performance in LE CIRQUE GONTELLI, which are one of the small french small family circuses. A review could be read on this page 15 October.

21 October 2011

During the autumn holiday Danes can as mentioned earlier see free circus performances in several shopping centres: Bilka in Holstebro (Circus Mascot), Frederiksberg Centre in Copenhagen (Benny Schumann) and Kolding Shopping Centre (Circus Arena). The photo below is from one of Benny Schumann’s performances in the Frederiksberg Centre. Children always sit and wait impatient before such performances begin. This handles Benny elegantly by doing a few extra tricks where he is assisted by children from the audience about 10 minutes before the real performance begin.

 Benny Schumann with some assistants. Click here to see more photos from the show.

Or click here to see some of the photos Mr. Sputnik aka Per Krogh Petersen has taken from the show

18 October 2011

The Circus Festival in Budapest, which next time is held from 2nd to 6th February 2012, has published the names of 34 acts from 17 different countries participating in the upcoming festival:

Opening / Circus School (Hungary)

Mambo No5. / Russian bare (Cuba)

Leonid Beljakov / funny dogs (Germany)

Natália Demjén / silk & violin (Ukraine)

Kirk Marsh / eccentric comedy (USA)

Duo Destiny / standing cradle (Canada)

Winter / duo acrobatic adagio (Finland)

Sebastien Nicaise / diabolo (Belgium)

Rolling Wheel / German wheel (Hungary)

Desire of Flight / duo on straps (Russia)

Rokaskov's / horizontal bars (Russia)

Paul Herzfeld / Chinese Pole (France)

Becky Hoops / hula-hoop comedy (Canada)

Emily & Menno van Dyke / jugglers (Netherlands)

Sterza Family / musical clowns (Italy)

Duo La Vision / living statues (Hungary & Ukraine)

Natalia & Yuriy Volkov / double jacket comedy (Russia)

Andrey & Natali Shirolakoff / panthers & tigers (Russia)

Meleshini Brothers / rola-bola (Russia)

Almost Trio / golf juggling (Hungary)

Anastasia Makeeva / aerial hammock (Russia)

Starbugs / eccentric comedy (Switzerland)

Alexandre Lane / cyr wheel (Canada)

Timur Kaibjanov / foot juggler (Russia)

Sebastian & Kristina / quickchange (Hungary)

Darkan / aerial straps (Kazakhstan)

Circolombia / teeterboard troupe (Columbia)

Sorellas / static trapeze duo (Germany)

Freres Taquin / pantomime comedy (Belgium)

AJ Silver / comedy trick roper (USA)

Elisa Khachtryan / highwire (Armenia)

Johan Wellton / comedy juggler (Sweden)

Special Guest performance at the Gala evening show on Feb 6 at 19:00 by Semen Shuster aka Hush Ma Hush (Germany)

A few of the artists are known by the Danish audience: DUO SORELLA appeared this summer in Danish Zirkus Nemo. They also performed in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens in 2003. In 2012, you can probably find them in the Swedish Circus Maximum. FRERES TAQUIN performed in Tivoli in 1998 and attended the clown festivals at Bakken north of Copenhagen in 2001 and 2003. Both Freres Taquin and Duo Sorella was awarded a Bronze Clown at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2007 (Taquin) and 2009 (Sorella).

Duo Sorallas. Photo from Monte Carlo 2009

The Circus Festival in Monte Carlo has not yet released the names of participants, but promise "4 elephants presented by a whole family, 20 ponies together in one ring, Spanish Clown, breath-taking stunts with flying motor bikes and much more to come."

It is known that the 4 elephants are presented by the CASELLY FAMILY, well-known in Denmark from the Berdino family’s Circus Arena. The Caselly family got a silver clown at the festival in 2008 and hopes probably to get at least the same this time. In their troupe are also members of the Berdino family: Laura, Anastazja, Stephanie and Charmaine Berdino.

It is also known that the Spanish clowns at the festival are JOSÉ MICHEL & CO. They toured with Danish Circus Arena in 2000 and with Danish Circus Dannebrog in 2010 and with the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack in 2009 and 2011.

Additionally, you will at the festival meet the 13 years old Japanese / American juggler TY TOJO, who is trained by his stepfather Dick Franco. Dick Franco is himself an excellent juggler and has won a silver clown in Monte Carlo. Ty Tojo is a great talent. In January this year he performed at Circus Krone in their circus building in Munich, where Urs Pilz was so enthusiastic that he immediately booked him for the festival in Monte Carlo. And for the big festival and not "just" for the new festival for young artists. Ty Tojo will be a clear candidate for one of the festival's prestigious awards. His stepfather says that Ty is a modest guy who is happy to be invited to the festival. It is a great honor that he was chosen to participate.  Ty has been working very hard this year to improve his skill. 13 is young enough that he can continue to improve to new levels of juggling! His biggest wish is to eat good Moule in France or Italy... somewhere by the sea.  He is Japanese... Moule is his favorite!

Dick Franco himself has never appeared in Denmark. But Swedes know him from a season in Circus Scott and from Liseberg in Gothenburg and Grona Lund in Stockholm. Today Dick Franco is 59 years old. He still performs as a juggler, including in a show with Ty, but spends most of his time training Ty. “My time is best invested to Ty Tojo and his future.  Now we work together here in Branson, Missouri.  We created a two man show...30 minutes...I do about 6 minutes of juggling.... but Ty is the star!,” Dick writes.

You can read more about Ty Tojo on www.TyTojo.com

Ty Tojo. Click here to see his performance. And here to see him training

17 October 2011

Skating Ernesto and Bubby Ernesto Ernesto clowns split up after season 2011. Both Bubi Ernesto and the Faltyny family toured with Danish Circus Dannebrog in 2005. Bubi's son fell in love with one of Faltyny daughters. Easy to understand when you see her. She too fell in love with Paolo Ernesto so the Faltyny troupe lost a member and Ernesto family got one. Bubi’s son and daughter in law Paolo & Veronica has now for some years presented a roller skate act called Skating Ernesto. The toured with the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack in 2008, and has hitherto usually performed in the same performances as Bubi Ernesto. For season 2011 they have been with Circus Royal in Switzerland, where the season ends 30^th October.

But now it's over. It is not always easy to find circus owners who will engage both the clowns and the roller skate act. Martin Lasson Berglund writes:

The talented artists Skating Ernesto, Veronika and Paolo, will from February work in the American Circus Circus in Las Vegas with their roller skate and tissue acts. For several seasons, they have toured together with the famous clown family Bubby Ernesto which next season is working with the French Cirque aux Étoiles.

We have seen them together in both Swedish Circus Brazil Jack and Danish Circus Dannebrog. Now are they doing a season apart, but hope to reunite in 2013.  Together, they have several good and strong acts and with such a large family they can constitute almost an entire program for a circus. They have currently no plans to return to Scandinavia, but let's hope we get to see them here again soon.

Circus Circus in Las Vegas, where you in 2012 can meet Skating Ernesto

Skating Ernesto. Click here to see a video clips from their act.

15 October 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  according to the saying PARIS AIME LE CIRQUE /Paris loves circus/ even the small family-circuses find their space to perform in the small squares, green spots and parks imitating the English model.

Now LE CIRQUE GONTELLI  is playing in various squares - featuring a family-friendly program, mostly geared to the smaller children. The SMALL TOP ... is nicely maintained and decorated, it seats about 100 persons, children are seated on chairs suitable to their size, there are gradins and elegant chairs for the adults.

The program is presented alternatively by SERGE GONTELLI and FABIOLA GONTELLI:

foot-juggling by Serge, rola bola, lasso and juggling by son CHRISTIAN, elegant dancing on tight-wire by daughter OPHELIE, she also features a beautiful act with white doves and performs in the aerial ring as well. Youngest daughter Marie swings hula-hoop rings - very good by a five-year-old girl!!! We are treated to trained, white mice and -- a cat, but not at the same time ...the cat named TOM does what he likes and when he wants ...like all cats -- very charming. The Austrian mountain-goat HEIDI performs the tricks that come natural to her - balancing and climbing - exactly like out in the mountains. An important element is that the kids may gently pat the animals - the highlight of the show! The end of program is a musical clown entrée - often the classic Forbidden to play music here - a clown sketch that always draws roars of laughter. Finale with the entire troupe, brass-music - a sympathetic and family-friendly show - and the families have indeed had a pleasant experience!!!

Length of show: one hour.

Venues: various squares, you will find the addresses in L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES, Euro 0.35 in all news stalls. 

See more: click Gontellis and search.

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

14 October 2010

Circus entertainment during the autumn holidays. In week 42 all schools in Denmark are closed due to autumn holiday. As in previous years, parents and children can several places in the Denmark see short circus performances etc.

In KOLDING SHOPPING MALL you can enjoy a show, produced by Circus Arena. Admission is free of charge. Performances at 11, 13 and 15.

At BILKA SUPERMARKET IN HOLSTEBRO you can see Circus Mascot. The performers are Ulmas (aka the clown Gulio) and his wife Tatyana and Daniel, Jess and Marianne Deleuran. Admission is free of charge. Several performances every day.

Gulio. Photo from performance in 2006.

In FREDERIKSBERG SHOPPING CENTRE IN COPENHAGEN you will meet Benny Schumann's Mini Circus, which, apart from Benny himself present Florin with his dog Cato. Admission is free of charge. Monday to Friday at 11, 14 and 17. Saturday at 11,13 and 15.

Florin and Cato, photographed at the Clown Festival at Bakken in 2008

From 17th to 21 October Danish Circus Krone visits a number of sport centers etc. in the northern part of Jutland with Dronninglund Savings Bank as sponsor.

Of other circus-related activities during the autumn holidays should be mentioned that Circus Land in Aarslev at Slagelse is open from 15th to 23 October from 10 to 16. You can see training of circus animals in the training ring, sea lion show, crazy-show in the Theatre tent with the actors Tom McEwan and Peter Aude, magic show with Peter Aude, pony rides, playground, museum, etc. The entrance fee is 149, - DKK.

In Marielyst on FALSTER the Circus Theatre put up their tent between Super Bowling and the Welcome Centre. Here you can see the famous fairy tale about Aladdin in an exciting and unusual combination of circus, theater and music. Performances from Sunday 16 October to Friday 21 October, every day at 15.00. Thursday and Friday also at 17.00. The Circus Theatre is as Circus Baldoni owned by Thessa and René Moenster.

The Spirit of the lamp and Aladdin

At the CIRCUS MUSEUM IN HVIDOVRE, COPENHAGEN, you can every day at 11 from 17 to 21 October meet the internationally acclaimed clown Marta Carbayo - Cantaclown.

14 October 2011

Backhausen’s whips has for many years been known to circus people all over the world as some of the finest whips, you could get. But now it's over: A. Backhausen died in late September after a long time of sickness. He came from a family of graphic designers and also did woodcuts, among others with circus motifs. In antique shops, one can be lucky to find his book Circus woodcuts - 30 graphic works from1984. Among animal trainers, he was world famous for his production high quality whips.

12 October 2011

Circus Arena 2012. Circus Arena has disclosed part of their program for their 2012 season. On their website you can read (my translation):

Circus Arena’s performance 2012 will emphasis on the traditional circus filled with humor and peppered up with elements of the more surprising kind. International star performers and an impressive number of animals will together form a more than two hours long circus parade of spectacular family entertainment.

The highlights from show include:

A hot air balloon which "unfortunately" is trying to cross the ring!

16 super-agile Chinese athletes with impressive foot-juggling - with each other (a Risley Act).

The Belgian world clown Toto Chabri and his family, along with Arena’s usual clown Jimmy Folco will create a lot of laughter.

Glorious - glorious Picasso Jr. the superior Spanish entertainer who also juggles.

Catana troup - winners from Monte Carlo on springboard

Lots of animals – among those Casselly’s horses and elephants, participants at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in January 2012.

Experience magical moments and let yourself be seduced and carried away by the intense circus atmosphere when the circus manager Benny Berdino presents the star-studded family show in the Circus Arena – the largest circus in the Nordic countries.

TOTO Chabri had his Danish debut in Circus Schumann in 1966. Since then he has appeared many times in Danish circuses etc. This summer Danes could meet Toto Chabri, Mrs. Nora, and their partner Eric Dedessus le Moutier at the Clown Festival at Bakken. The master juggler PICASSO JR. was also with Circus Arena in 2008. The Catana troupe toured with Circus Arena in 2003. Marius Catana established the troupe in 1990. As always in such a troupe there has since then been some changes in the troupe members.

Some foreign circus websites says that also the diabolo-juggler Georgio (Georgio Hromadko) is among the performers in Circus Arena in 2012. The information is not confirmed by Circus Arena and might prove to be incorrect. The 22-year-old diabolo-juggler is this season with the French Cirque Pinder, and he is said to be excellent.

Circus Arena has its opening night in Copenhagen on 13 March 2012.

6 October 2011

Master pickpocket in Aalborg! From the 17th November to 10 December 2011 you can see the Aalborg Winter Revue in Europe Hallen in Aalborg Congress and Cultural Center. The performers in this year’s winter revue are Henrik Lykkegaard, Pernille Schroder and Thomas Dark. Besides the 3 wellknown actors you will also meet artist in the winter revue. Aalborg Congress & Culture Centre CEO Ernst Trillingsgaard has engaged Scandinavia’s noble pickpocket couple KENNY QUINN & JOAN for his winter revue.

Joan & Kenny have in the past two years worked in Germany, where they currently appear in the large German circus "ZIRKUS CHARLES KNIE". The elegant thief couple has since season opening on 25th February 2011 had great success at Zirkus Knie. In the German medias has the thieving entertainers stolen much column space when Kenny has robbed people on the streets and alleys in cities Frankfurt, Nurnberg, and Tuttlingen. And when he gave his lessons on the work of criminal pickpockets and their methods for police officers in connection with Zirkus Knie’s tour in Germany.

The participation in the Aalborg Winter Revy is just a short visit in Denmark for the busy pickpocket couple before their next engagement brings them back to Germany to participate in Trier Weihnachtscircus from mid-December 2011.

Kenny and Joan Quinn

5 October 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- the season has begun and there are lots of good and interesting shows, and lots of magic and circus.

THEATRE MARSOULAN proudly presents a young magician, JIMMY PECQUEUR, who performs a nice, funny and somewhat original magic show for the whole family.

By his dynamic presentation he goes over very well with the audience and he uses a lot of INTERACTION - a number of the kids are invited up on stage to participate - and sometimes correct all that goes wrong - which of course is part of the planned scenario.

JIMMY PECQUEUR dons a cap and rather short trousers, everything in a modern style which makes it easy for the kids to identify with him - he also has a very nice and friendly approach to his audience.

The effects are rather classic: water is made to run right through the body of one of the children, and JIMMY PECQUEUR gets help when he penetrates his head by means of long sticks - a variety of the classic SWORD CABINET - always a surefire hit!

The show carries a theatrical stamp and it is clear that an actor has looked into the scenario.

Length of show: one hour.

Venue: Theatre Marsoulan, 20 rue Marsoulan, 75012 Paris, Metro Nation.

See more:  www.jimbreizt.fr

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

Jimmy Pecqueur

23 September 2011

End of season 2011. In Denmark the 2011 season was opened by CIRCUS ARENA, which had dress rehearsal on 11 March and opening night on 15 March. As usual the venue was the Bellahoj circus lot in Copenhagen. The other circuses - CIRCUS ARLI, CIRCUS BALDONI, CIRCUS BENNEWEIS,CIRCUS DANNEBROG, CIRCUS KRONE and CIRCUS MASCOT opened their season either in the last half of March or early April, Circus Krone, however not until 17th April.

Circus Arli closed season 2011 on 28 August. For the other circuses the closing dates are in September. Circus Arena, Circus Baldoni, Circus Benneweis and Circus Krone have already closed their season. Circus Dannebrog has its closing date on 25 September with two sold performances in Gram, and Circus Mascot ends as the last Danish circus the summer season with a sold performance on 28 September in Thise.

All seven circuses, from the largest to the smallest, have once again offered their audience wonderful performances.

Also the resident No Name Circus in Solbjerg north of Hadsund has finished season 2011, as a matter of fact some weeks before scheduled.

Several circuses are active with performances in shopping malls, institutions, etc. in winter season, including during the autumn holiday, up to Christmas and in the winter holidays. Further information can be found in What's On.

During the autumn 2011 there are several contemporary or new circus performances in Denmark: In October, the Dutch theatrical circus Vielfalt will visit Naestved, Hvidovre and Rødovre. From 31 October to 13th November you can in a number of cities see the performance concert Chord with a classical orchestra, a juggler and a dancer. In November, the Dutch cult clowns Okidok will visit a number of cities across the country with the show Slips Inside. From 9th to 26 November you can see the show PROPAGANDA with the Acrobat family at REPUBLIQUE in Copenhagen. Further information on all those performances can be found in What's On.

My second oldest grandson Sebastian, who turns 4 years 24 September, is not completely happy with the fact that the circus season is over. 17th September he saw his last circus performance this year. It was his seventh circus visits this year. Two of the other grandchildren have also had many wonderful circus experiences. The fourth grandchild didn’t want to go to the circus this year. OK - she is just 3 months old...

Also the circus season in the other Nordic countries is coming to an end.

In Norway, CIRCUS MERANO closed the season on 18 September in Oslo. CIRCUS Arnardo closed the season 17th September in Kristiansand. Also CIRCUS ZORBA has as far as I know also ended season 2011.

In Sweden both CIRCUS MAXIMUM and CIRCUS OLYMPIA ended their season 18th September, both of them in Gothenburg. CIRCUS BRAZIL JACK closed the season 19th September in Nässjö. CIRCUS Wictoria will close the season 25th September in Vinterviken. CIRCUS SKRATT is until 28 September at the Bulltofte lot in Malmö. It is possible that there will be a few more dates for Circus Skratt.

In Finland CIRCUS FINLANDIA will close the season on 30 October in Helsinki.

I know several of the acts which have been booked for season 2012 season in circuses in Denmark and other Nordic countries. And there is certainly something to look forward to! But I respect each circus owner’s right to decide himself when information of the upcoming season shall be released.

In season 2012 there will be an unusual anniversary: ​​Circus Benneweis celebrates in 2012 its 125-year birthday and has toured in all 125 seasons. Circus Benneweis has for all 125 years been owned by the same family. It is unique in the circus world.

22 September 2011

Circus Arena visits Greenland. It is a tradition for Circus Arena to send a special performance on tour in Greenland. The press release for this year’s show writes (my translation):

- In this year's show, where you will meet both Danish and international star performers, the emphasis is on the traditional circus full of humour combined with elements of the more surprising kind. MR. MATHIEU is undoubtedly one of Europe's leading mimic clowns and he has throughout the summer thrilled both critics and audiences. Although the tools are so simple Mathieu manages to get people to scream with laughter.

Circus Arena will besides the mimic clown present MISS DEA, who will show her spectacular and challenging acrobatics and artistry with the hula hoop rings, while MICHAEL OLIVARES will do a show that with speed and agility and accuracy places him as Europe's perhaps best juggler.

A young couple on roller skates will do a show as Sandy and Danny from the musical Grease in 1978, which had John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the lead roles.

- There will be spared no effort when the young couple on roller skates provide a daredevil show. Furthermore, MARTINO AND CO, which are clowns as we love them, will constantly be engaged in creating fun.

Circus Arena will start the Greenland tour in Sisimiut on 30 September. Nuuk gets circus in town on 2 October, while the audience in Maniitsoq get entertainment on 3 October. Aasiaat will be visited 4 October circus and Ilulissat on 5 October.

The young couple on roller skates is MERRYLU CASSELLY and PATRICK BERDINO who  could be seen in this year's tented version of Circus Arena. Patrick is the grandson of Circus Arena’s CEO and general manager Benny Berdino. The juggler Michael Olivaris toured with Circus Dannebrog in 2007. The clowns Martino & co. are known from Circus Arli. In Greenland, the troupe is will consist of Martin and Bettina Arli as their son Alexander is working at a music hall show at Menstrup.

Martino & Co. - Martin and Bettina Arli.

19 September 2011

The juggler Pemani aka Peter Mark Nielsen died in July this year. A series of stunning scrapbooks etc. he had made about some of the Danish circus has been distributed to the respective circus. Additionally Pemani had a collection of Danish, Swedish, German and English circus books, programs, photographs and scrapbooks. The collection has now been handed over to the Danish Circus Friends Association for distribution among the Circus Museums in Hvidovre and Rold and the Swedish Circus Academy’s collection.

Peter Mark Nielsen was born in 1925 and grew up in Aarhus, where he as a boy worked as a zookeeper in Aarhus Zoo. One day the manager Mr. Hutzelsieder, being an old circus man, promised Peter 40 DKK if he could balance on an 80 cm. high ball that had been used for a sea lion act. After a month training Peter managed to balance on the ball and he began then to practice a juggling act, dancing on the big ball.

It was the beginning of a career as an artist and juggler. Many years later an American newspaper wrote: Nothing was too tough for the Great Pemani during his double career as one of Europe’s greatest jugglers.

In 1943 he worked under the name Marinello in Danish Circus Louis. In 1946 and 1947 he was in Norway with Circus Empress. In 1948 he was back in Denmark, where he toured with Circus Bruno Bruun. In all those circuses he used the artist name Marinello.

At one time he also performed in Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens.

In 1950 he applied for at job in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet’s music hall performance " Vi, som vil opp ", which presented promising young artists. Now he used the artist name Pemani which he kept for the rest of his career. He got the job and had great success in the performance which took place in the Stockholm Circus Building. Late in the year, he took part in a TV show, probably one of Sweden's first, produced by Aftonbladet.

In 1951 Pemani appeared at Swedish Folk Parks as a member of Fritiof Malmsten-troup. Folk Parks are public recreation spaces – with trees and lawns, a stage where concerts and other entertaining take place during summer months, and of course a lot of children's plays facilities. Later that year he performed in Stockholm's leading music hall, the China variety theatre.

In the following years he worked in numerous countries, including Australia, Britain, France, Sweden, Thailand and USA. In 1956 he visited as a member of the Malmsten-troupe Moscow and Riga.

In 1957 he performed both in Swedish Folk Parks and in restaurant Ambassadeur’s summer show in Stockholm.

Later he came to America, where he in 1961 worked in Pacific Ocean Park in California. He stayed in California for many years. In 1986, Peter Mark Nielsen went back to Denmark where he married his love from his young days Birthe Nymand. Birthe died 6 years later, but Peter Mark Nielsen stayed in Denmark for the rest of his life.

Both photos from Pemani’s collection

17 September 2009

2012 Federation Calendars Now Available!! Wall calendars featuring the winners of this year’s Federation Mondiale du Cirque photography contest are now available. A European version was created by Federation Associated Member Roberto Fazzini, Italiana Produzioni; the Americas version was designed by Associated Member Spotlight Graphics of Sarasota, Florida. Both calendars are full color.

The European version of the 2012 calendar is available at www.circusfederation.org under “Boutique” for €12 (postage included).  The North American version of the 2012 calendar can be purchased at www.oaba.org for $15 (postage included for U.S. addresses) and $20 for shipment elsewhere in the Americas (postage included). 

Calendars are available at a reduced rate for orders of 25 or more calendars:  € 5.50 (European version) and $7.00 (North American version).  Orders for larger quantities can be placed by email to info@circusfederation.org

13 September 2011

Tito Medina. Throughout the season, the Spanish clown Tito Medina has had great success at Circus Benneweis, not least with the comic act in aerial cradle which he did together with his partner Du. However, the audience also liked his run-ins: where he stands on his head playing trumpet, where he has trained a mechanical dog, where he presents an inflatable elephant and where he plays the trombone. Tito was invited to perform at the circus festival in Monte Carlo in January 2012 with a third act, called Tito and the good company. This act was a comical act in a sort of low hanging flying trapeze, and he had two partners in this act. Earlier in the year one of the partners quitted. Tito then chosed to develop the act with his remaining partner Du to the comical act in aerial cradle which we have seen in Benneweis and with which he during the winter also had great success with the circus building in Budapest. "It's not easy to find a new partner, who is both an accomplished trapeze artist and a good comedian," Tito told me about the reason for the change. However, Urs Pilz, who selects the artists to Monte Carlo, has not found the new act spectacular enough for the Monte Carlo Festival. So although audiences in Denmark and Hungary found the act extremely good Tito Medina will not to take part at the circus festival in Monte Carlo in January 2012.

Tito and Du - success at Benneweis and in Budapest, but not going to Monte Carlo

12 September 2011

Agnete Louise Enoch spent her evening of from Circus Dannebrog on Monday 12 September by going to the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, where she talked about her life in the circus. More than 50 people had found their way to the event which was arranged by the Danish Circus Friends Association in cooperation with Circus Museum. It was very exciting and interesting to hear about Agnete Louise’s life. Today she is general manager and ringmistress of Circus Dannebrog.

Did you know that

·         Agnete Louise Enoch years ago presented both sea lions and crocodiles? One of the sea lions was the famous sea lion Adolf, which Roby Gasser later took over and got success with worldwide, including at the Lido de Paris and in Las Vegas. One of the crocodiles was close of grabbing one of Agnete Louise's legs. And then she stopped with the crocodiles by the advice from the bear trainer Hans Pedersen, who himself lost a leg to one of his bears.

·          Agnete Louise after her family in 1977 started the present Circus Dannebrog in addition to being involved in the performance was responsible for setting up posters and furthermore every day brought her smaller sister Isabella Enoch to and from school in Hejls? Agnes Louise was a talented driver, but had at that time not any driving license! She has obviously got that later.

Part of the audience. To the right you can see the sea lion trainer Addie Jepsen

Jan Hertz who for the last three years has staged the performances at Circus Benneweis together with Lars Simonsen, who is webmaster for this page.

11 September 2011

The Circus Museum in Hvidovre has just turned 10 years. To celebrate the birthday the museum had in cooperation with the Danish Artist Union arranged two gala performances on 11 September, where the audience could meet some talented Danish artists.

The actor Pierre Miehe-Renard was ringmaster of the approx. 1 ½ hour long performances. First act was the juggler Erik Jensby in fine interplay with opera singer Anne Kleinstrup. Then came two young artists from the new wave circus troupe Cikaros (Signe Leo Anderskov and Michiel Van Leeuwen) with a beautiful handstand act. The next act was one of the children's favourites:  Mr. Toons came "riding" into the ring on his "horse" and showed his formidable act with the man who climbs into a balloon. The magician Mr. Mox conjured up balls from a spectator's hands, arms, etc., made a card trick with his parrot and made the trick with the rope that is cut into pieces. The performance's last act was Benny Schumann, who thrilled audiences with acrobatics, plate juggling and his Elvis Presley entrée in the inflatable suit.

Benny Schumann with his dancing plates. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

7 September 2011

A circus baby. Those who watched Circus Dannebrog’s performance Tuesday night at Fisketorvet in Copenhagen might have wondered why the clown Totti Alexis didn’t participate in the grand finale. Here's the explanation: His wife Charlotte was pregnant with their first child and had gone slightly over time. Around 6 p.m. she started getting contractions, and the Enoch family (owners of Circus Dannebrog) took her to Hvidovre Hospital, where she at 21:22 gave birth to a healthy son. Weight 3,426 g. After his last clown reprise the 29-year-old Totti understandably enough went with express speed to the hospital where he arrived just in time to see his son being born. Congratulations to the new parents with Charlie which will be the newborn's name.

6 September 2011

Generational change in Circus Arena. Who owns Circus Arena being the largest circus in the Nordic countries? "Benny Berdino," will most people respond. This response was also true at the end of 2009, when Benny Berdino according to the annual accounts of the holding company Berdino Holding plc was the only shareholder with a controlling interest, and where the shareholders was listed as Benny Berdino and his son Jackie Berdino. Together with Benny's wife Hanne they also constituted the Board of Directors.

But the annual report for 2010 for Berdino Holding, which was filed with the Commerce and Companies Agency on 1 June this year, tells that there currently are two persons who own more than 5% of the shares: Laura Staaling Berdino-Olsen and Jackie Berdino-Olsen. If Benny Berdino still is a shareholder, his ownership interest is less than 5%. The Board has also changed, as Hanne Berdino is succeeded by her daughter-in-law Laura, who also is chairman of the board. Benny Berdino remains CEO. The change in the composition of the board took place on 30th September 2010. At the same time the provision on who can sign for the company was amended.

So in legal terms there has been a generational change in Circus Arena. As mentioned, Benny Berdino is still chief executive officer and general manager of the circus which his father created in 1955 and Benny took after his father's death in 1976.

5 September 2011

Open House at Circus Benneweis. Around 500 children and adults had found their way to Circus Benneweis at Bellahoj in Copenhagen when they on 3 December between 11 and 12 held an open house. Thanks to Frisko ice, there was free ice cream for the first 300 children. During the open house the audience got a taste of how the artists trained and ringmistress Judy Glosted told a little about life in the circus and ended by expressing the hope that those who has visited the open house would like to see the real performance.

In connection with the open house the Saabel family showed how their horses are trained. Click here to see more photos from the open house.

3 September 2011

Clown Jody at Sellberg. The Clown Jody aka actor Arne Bjørk writes the following about his performances in July and August at the manor Sellberg:

After having closed the season at Møntergården in Odense where we played for up to 400 people at each performance it was a completely different feeling to play in our own tent, where there is only room for 50 people. It was a really good experience and responded to what we had dreamed about.

Jody sent me these photos from the poetic performances on Sellberg. Photo: Asbjørn Sand. Click here to see a short video clip from the performance.

2 September 2011

Circus Benneweis in Copenhagen. For many years, Circus Benneweis has closed their season with performances in Copenhagen. This year first night in Copenhagen was on 2 September and as usual with a number of celebrities (actors, TV stars etc.) among the guests, who obviously enjoyed the beautiful show. Circus Benneweis stays on the Copenhagen circus lot Bellahoj to and including the 11th September.

Circus Benneweis at Bellahoj. Photo: Circus Benneweis / Arne Magnussen

2 September 2011

Swampy circus lots. This summer and especially the month of August have been very rainy in Denmark. There were in August 124 millimeters rain compared with the normal 67 millimeter. In June, July and August there were a total of 245 millimeters rain against the normal 188 millimeters rain.

Almost all Danish circus lots are grass lots and due to the rain most of them are very swampy. This has been a major problem for the Danish circuses. Circus Arena had with short notice to move a performance on 26 August from Kongsholmparken in the Copenhagen suburb Albertslund to the circus lot in Taastrup as the lot at Kongsholmparken was too soft. A performance 1 September in Brondby was cancelled for the same reason. Circus Baldoni was due to swampy lots forced to cancel 3 performances in August: 11 August in Veksø, 15 August in Hvissinge and 22 August in Dalby.

Moreover, at most of the lots where the Danish circus was able to have a performance it has due to mud been extra hard to get trucks in and out from the lot.

30 August 2011

Johnny Yong: A Balanced Life. “What do I want to be when I grow up? The same thing I wanted when I was five, six, twenty, and forty…to be in the circus…”

Johnny Yong, beginning his career in the circus in 1941 with The Yong Sisters and Brothers, progressing to The Yong Brothers and Sister, and ultimately twenty-five years known throughout the world as The Yong Brothers is undoubtedly – and undisputedly - one of the best hand-to-hand balancers ever to have graced the stage.

In his new book A Balanced Life Johnny does not merely talk about what it was like to headline the world’s greatest circuses from Cirque Bouglione to Ringling Brothers, venues from Radio City to Le Lido de Paris, casinos from Circus Circus to Casino du Liban but rather all of the experiences that occur when your life is the circus…the stage, be it live or televised.

A Balanced Life takes the reader “behind the scenes and the story in-between” as Johnny became a star in three continents and shared the stage (and in many case friendships) with the likes of Bob Hope and Lana Turner as well as Marlene Dietrich and Edith Piaf.

Not to be discouraged by encounters with the law in many countries where he was performing (be it Lebanon, France, Russia, or the United States) when Johnny retired from performing at the age of forty-six and settled in Sarasota, Florida he began his second career with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department.

Today, at the young age of seventy-six, Johnny, after thirty years with the Department is known as Lieutenant Johnny Yong…and is far from retiring.

A Balanced Life is about the life of this talented and gifted performer with dozens of original photographs and newspaper clippings illustrating the phenomenal, and often dangerous, feats of The Yong Brothers.

To see a live performance: http://circopedia.org/index.php/Yong_Brothers_Video_1978

In a career that has spanned over four decades and three continents Johnny Yong, either performing with The Yong Sisters and Brothers, The Yong Brothers and Sister or The Yong Brothers, has been featured under the spotlight with the greatest circuses in the world, in the world’s most majestic venues, and alongside the most renowned talent from the circus, stage, and screen.

Circus Krone (Germany)

Cirque Bouglione (France)

Circus Knie (Switzerland)

Circus Grock (Germany)

Circus Schumann (Denmark)(1953: Young Sisters and brothers; 1960: Young Brothers)

Circus Barum(Germany)

Bertram Mills Circus (United Kingdom)

Ringling Brothers (United States)

Circo Americano (Spain)

Circus Scott (Sweden)

Circus Benneweis in the Copenhagen Circus Building (Denmark)(Young Brothers 1970 and 1975)

Festival International Du Cirque Monte Carlo (Monaco)

Circus Medrano (Italy)

Circus AMAR (France)

Black Tower Circus (Scotland)

Le Lido de Paris (France)

Moulin Rouge (France)

Circus Circus (Unites States)

Radio City Music Hall (United States)

And more than 1,500 other cabarets, night clubs, hotels, casinos, fairs…and beaches

The book is available through numerous online stores (i.e. Amazon, Barnes & Noble). The book is 135 pages with pictures. Click here for link to Amazon.

29 August 2011

Circus elephant on the run. The 30-year-old African female elephant Ramboline, which belongs to Bernard Kaselowsky and perform in Circus Dannebrog, tore herself loose and walked Monday at 16:30 o'clock around in the Copenhagen in rush hour traffic at the road next to the shopping mall Fisketorvet. The elephant had spotted some green trees and crossed the road to reach them, the police said. When police came to the spot the elephant stood quietly, munching on the trees. Staff from Circus Dannebrog came quickly to the place and escorted without any problems the elephant back to the circus lot next to Fisketorvet where Circus Dannebrog has put up their tent during their visit to Copenhagen.

27 August 2011

Cirkus Dannebrog had its first night in Copenhagen on 26 August on the asphalt covered lot next to the shopping mall Fisketorvet. It was a great show in an almost filled tent. The few empty seats were due to a number of politicians who had accepted the invitation to come to the premiere bud didn’t turn up due to the fact that an election to the Danish parliament on 15 September was announced 26 August in the morning.

Circus Dannebrog at the lot next to Fisketorvet

As always at circus and theater premieres, there were a number of celebrities among the guests. Among these were some faithful guests at the later years of Dannebrog premieres in Copenhagen: Countess Alexandra and her husband Martin Jorgensen and the Princes Nikolai and Felix, being the oldest grandchildren to the Danish queen. (Countess Alexandra’s first husband was Queen Margrethe’s youngest son Joachim.)

The two princes follow the performance. Photo: Rud Kofoed

26 August 2011

Circuses in Copenhagen. In the coming weeks you can meet two of the large Danish circuses in Copenhagen. Circus Dannebrog has in total 35 performances from 26 August to 18 September at a lot next to the shopping mall Fisketorvet. Circus Benneweis are at the circus lot Bellahoj from 2 to 11 September. They have in total 14 performances at Bellahoj plus some sold performances on Saturday 10 September. See more details on time for performances times and ticket bookings in What's On where you also can see where you can find the other Danish circuses.

25 August 2011

The tent of Mirror’s International Night Cabaret at Aarhus Festival. Jorgen Lorenzen saw the dress rehearsal on Wednesday 24 August and writes:

The Music hall show is here! And now it should only be a matter of time before the classic, true music hall shows up in other cities and in several periods during the year.

This year's program is produced by Henrik Mortensen, who had selected the artists, assisted by Frank Thierry. David Shiner had directed and staged.

The last two years, the tent of Mirrors has during the Aarhus Festival presented a complete performance from England - La Clique. At La Clique one felt that some of the acts were a bit burlesque and grotesque (e.g. Captain Frodo). But this year's program a clean, beautiful and elegant variety theatre program. The show presents itself as a cabaret, but surely it is pure music hall? Circus and theatrical experts can discuss the difference, but I believe that music hall (variety theatre) is the best name for this years performance.

The program's level of difficulty is high, and in the relatively intimate mirror tent you get close to artists and the experience this better than in a big tent where the distance to the performers is larger.

The top act is probably Duo Artemiev. The two aerial artists are wrapping around the trapeze bar and up and down each other - in a mix of static positions and fast-paced change. You do not understand what has become of gravity. One amazing trick follows another, and the individual shapes are marked as when Elena hangs upside down and slide down Dmitry legs, and finally only has Dmitry feet embedded with her own feet. The act is performed with a safety and a surplus, so you never fear that things might go wrong.

Duo Artemiev. All photos by courtesy of the Aarhus Festival

An act off the same high standard is Azzario Sisters. The two sisters work this season at the German Circus Roncalli, but since Roncalli has a summer break, they can be here. It is a handstand act of incredible beauty and strength. In the opening trick one sister does a headstand against the other sister's head. Wow! And the act continues with many variations of hand, head and foot stand. And the final trick: one artist climbs over a high ladder while the other stands in one handstand on her head.

Azzario Sister

Sos and Victoria Petrosyan does a quick change act. Since you are close to the stage you could suppose that you would be able to see how they do it. But you can certainly not! It is impressive and colourful. And the clothes fit snugly to the body of Victoria, making the most of changes. So the mystery is even greater than if the garment was loose.

Asger Fonnesbech is a young Danish artist who is educated in Russia. His main act is a balloon act, where the artist climbs into and out of a mega-balloon, where he creates figures with the balloon and even changes his dress inside the balloon. The act is varied and presented with humour and intuition.

Magic trick is in the hands - literally - on the young Jay Nemi. Despite his young age he is a skilled manipulator and illusionist. Not only does he conjures pigeons up - but two parrots in the big cage. They are set free and fly around the tent over the audience's heads. He has the prestigious magician’s elegance with a twinkle in his eye.

Jay Nemi

Hula hoops acts are often seen. Such acts are difficult to vary. But it is a renewal when Kalki Henneberg acts as if she is drunk during the entire act and makes it so convincing that you first at the close of her entrée can see that she actually is sober.

Kalki Hennenberg. Photo: Zoe Hunn

Leonid Beljakov has two dogs, a small dog and a boxer who behaves as if they had human intelligence and can communicate with him. The act works very well in a relatively small tent of mirrors. It would not have the same effect in a larger ring.

David Shiner is comedian and mime artist. He reminds me of George Carl and Mr. Bean, but is completely his own. He has the rare ability as e.g. David Larible to be able to invite members of the audience onto the stage and get them to relax and feel so confident that they are actively performing their roles. It can be seen when he gets a somewhat disoriented woman up and invites her to an imaginary road trip. Slowly she relaxes and becomes confident. In his last entrée he uses 4 members of audiences when he does the entrée where a street photographer shall shoot a jealousy drama. It is funny without being embarrassing.

Finally a personal comment: I have sometimes (at Circus Roncalli and the Circus Krone in Germany) had a feeling that everything tonight goes into a higher unity. There are no noises and no reservations. You walk away happy and grateful. And I know that other circus fans know the same experience and feeling. That was how I felt after the performance Wednesday night.

The tent of Mirror’s International Night Cabaret is part of the Aarhus Festival There are performances to and including 3 September. About booking and playing dates: see the What's On under Other events.

25 August 2011

Minor program change in Swedish Circus Skratt. The Swedish Circus Skratt has always summer holiday from late June to early August. After the holidays, there have been a few changes in the program as Professor Bluffo has been replaced by the Danish actor Peter Aude and Triberties roller-skate act and the male partner's Herculean act is replaced by Marita Kendler with fodjuggling and an aerial act.

In addition you can as before the summer holidays meet Charmaine and Stephanie Berdino with ponies, Preben Palsgaard with a ventriloquist entrée, Oliver, Charmaine and Stephanie Berdino with a combined juggling and hula hoop act, Stephanie & Charmaine Berdino with dogs, Berdino’s with high school riding and Steckel’s with their knockabout table act.

25 August 2011

New Circus performances in autumn. During the autumn you can see contemporary circus performances in Copenhagen as well as in several other cities in Denmark.

From 26 August to 1 September you can in Copenhagen see the new circus performance DA / FORT with the Belgian circus company Circ'ombelico from Antwerp. The show takes place at Islands Brygge next to Kulturhuset.

’Da/Fort’ is a strange, mobile and site-specific circus project. Circ'ombelico invites you into an intense, physical and wordless encounter in the belly of their old-timer truck, where partner acrobatics play the lead role. Inspired by the lack of space, this story is a tribute to the beauty of everyday life’s dullness.

From 9 to 26 November you can enjoy a spectacular new circus show at Theatre Republique in Copenhagen when the Australian company Acrobat is coming to Copenhagen with the performance Propaganda. On stage is the family Acrobat - father, mother and children.

In November the mad clowns from Okidok will visit 12 theatres across the country with the show "Ties Inside" – the same performance which received huge critical acclaim at the KIT New Circus Festival in 2010. KIT appreciate that venues throughout Denmark have discovered the New Circus-genres potential, so fans across the country can enjoy the popular performances.

 "Ties Inside" can in November 2011 be seen in Roskilde, Nykøbing Falster, Valby, Vejle, Svendborg, Herning, Rødovre, Værløse, Ballerup, Naestved, Randers and Thy.

25 August 2011

Circus Baldoni at the Faroe Islands. From Monday 29 August to Wednesday 7 September Circus Baldoni will visit 10 cities at the Faroe Islands, where they play in sports centres etc. It is the fifth consecutive year, Circus Baldoni ends the summer season with a visit to the Faroes.

You cannot bring circus animals to the Faroes. For this reason the program is slightly changed compared to what we have been able to see during Baldoni’s tented tour in Denmark.

From the tented performance you can meet the clowns Danilla and Danillo, the trampoline acrobat Mr. Jumping and of course the speaking lion Leonardo (a ventriloquist doll). In addition the audience at the Faroe Islands can look forward to meet the international award winner in magic, Nathaniel Rankin from Canada, Anna West Saaby with a handstand act and a perch act with Duo Orloczy.

Circus Baldoni closed the tented season tent in Karslunde on 24 August. "Season 2011 will be written into history as being the wettest and the one with most cancellations," circus owner René Moenster says and sends me the picture below, taken by his wife Thessa while she bends down.

21 August 2011

Photos from Norwegian Circus Merano. Sacha Kristensen has visited Cirkus Merano in Asker, Norway, and sent me the photos below.

 About the performance in Circus Merano on 17th August, she writes: "The show was fairly well attended and especially Adriana Folco-Althoff, and her son made ​​a great impression on the audience as did the Igen family with their goats and dogs. Circus Merano call itself Norway's finest circus, it's not entirely a lie ... J

Circus Merano’s tent at Asker, Norway

Amadeo Folco JR

 Grand finale

18 August 2011

Season end for the Danish circuses. In Denmark, the circus season begins in March or April and ends in August or September.

 This year it looks like this:

·         Circus Arena has their closing day 3 September in Ballerup (Copenhagen suburb)

·         Circus Arli finish the season 28th August in Vindinge

·         Circus Baldoni ends the Danish summer season on 24 August in Karlslunde, but is touring until 7th September at the Faroe Islands

·         Circus Benneweis close the season on 11th September at Bellahoj in Copenhagen

·         Circus Dannebrog end the season late September. 26th August to 18 September they are in Copenhagen. This year at a lot next to the shopping mall Fisketorvet, because the lot at Trianglen which they have used for several years can’t be used due to work for a new metro line.

·         Circus Krone ends probably their summer season on 20th September.

·         Circus Mascot close the summer season in late September in Thiese.

Hurry if you want to see (or revisit) one or more of the performances in the Danish circus. They offer all very strong programs. In this websites What's On section you can see where and when you can find each circus.

18 August 2011

Circus Scott 2011. Martin Lasson Berglund saw one of the performances in Stockholm last weekend and writes:

After several years of absence Circus Scott had their opening night at the circus lot Gärdet in Stockholm. It is Robert Bronett who brought back the circus from dormancy and put up his white tent. I saw a contemporary circus performance with both old and new elements. Darix and Fumagalli are clowns who can really get contact with their audience and they were in my opinion the show’s happy exclamation points! Erix Logan offers magic which we do not often get to see in a circus. He conjures up ladies and offers great illusions. John Burke and his sea lions Elwood makes a comic version of "Blues Brothers". A different kind of sea lion act with much singing and dancing. Trio Camadi goes on high wire and works in the wheel of death. Two great acts! Huesco Brothers has a Risley Act and present an OK act. It is worth seeing but not the best I've seen. The classic clowns Rastelli offers a clowning entrée from grandfather's time. Fun to see an act which shows how the clowns performed many years ago. However, they did not get as much applause as Fumagalli did. Scott has also an elephant presented by Spindler. The initial idea was that Sonny Frankello would come but at the last moment his engagement was cancelled and Spindler came up with an elephant. Unfortunately, the elephant cannot do many tricks. It walked mainly around in the ring and ate popcorn. It is worth mentioning that Scott also had a ballet and an excellent eight-piece orchestra that played contemporary music.

Before the show began, there was an opportunity for children to try circus disciplines and this was very popular. A big plus was the range of souvenirs, kiosk offering and that they had good toilet facilities. A minus was the long interval of 25-30 minutes.

Hopefully Scott will tour Sweden in 2012 and I think that if Robert Bronett just put together a good program (preferably with Fumagalli), he will get success even outside Stockholm.

A photo of the ring in Circus Scott taken by Martin Lasson Berglund

17 August 2011 

Open House at Circus Benneweis. It was a great success when Circus Benneweis on 14 May had an open house in Odense. And an even bigger success when the event was repeated in Aarhus on 9 July. Circus Benneweis is at the Bellahoj lot in Copenhagen from 2 to 12 September, and there is open house on Saturday 3 September between 11 and 12: "Come and experience the circus life. Meet the performers and animals in the ring. There is ice lollies from Frisko for the first 300 guests," the advance publicity says. Probably also the open house in Copenhagen will be a huge success.

17 August 2011

Norwegian Circus Forum in dormant mode. The board of the Norwegian circus friends' association Norwegian Circus Forum write that they have not sent out bills for dues this year due to the association's low level of activity. Among other things they have so far stopped the release of the annual booklet Circus Forum as they have no articles for the booklet. Also membership meetings in connection with the visit in the Norwegian capital Oslo to Circus Arnardo and Circus Merano have been cancelled.

The 2 other Scandinavian organizations for circus fans, the Swedish Circus Academy and the Danish Circus Friends, are very active. Hopefully, also the Norwegian circus friends will soon get activities in Norwegian Circus Forum.

17 August 2011

American Twins Capture Top Photography Prize. Press release from Fédération Mondiale du Cirque:

A charming and perfectly executed photograph of a circus elephant feeding a clown’s baby taken by Jason and Justin Senft, American artists and identical twins from the United States is the “best of show” winner in the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque’s 2011 photography contest. The winning image portraying the “Children and the Circus” contest theme was selected by Federation Honorary President H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco from a dozen finalists selected by an international panel of judges and will be exhibited in January 2012 during the 36th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo and featured on the cover of the Federation’s 2012 wall calendar.

Defying the famous show business saying, “Never work with children or animals”, artists Jason and Justin Senft dreamed up the fanciful concept of a circus elephant deftly grasping a baby bottle in its trunk to feed a circus performer’s baby. After several weeks on the road with John Ringling North II’s Kelly Miller Circus and working closely with elephant trainer Armando Loyal, Becky the elephant, circus clown Ryan Combs, and his six-month-old son Nicolas, Messrs. Senft finally realized their vision and captured a magical moment at the circus. The Senfts were also among the winners of the 2010 photography contest with another “Norman Rockwell-esque” circus image.

“We are inspired by the rich visual history of the circus, in particular, the traditional circus, under a canvas Big Top,” say the Senfts, “and we hope to capture and convey the beauty and excitement that happens when the circus comes to town.” Jason and Justin Senft work collaboratively in many artistic disciplines and their dedication to their circus photography has them going to great lengths, often experiencing the same travel and weather conditions as the performers, to get the perfect image.

Participating in this year’s contest were amateur and professional photographers from 26 countries: Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The 12 winning photos all reflected the theme of “Children and the Circus”, each depicting youngsters enjoying their circus experiences:

Tobias Erber (Germany) has carved out a nearly permanent place in the Federation’s contest with five winning photos appearing during the last three years. This year’s photograph captures a confident showman, four-year-old Chris Rui Knie, presenting an elephant at the May 2011 premiere in Zurich in May and shows the continuing talent of the Knie family dynasty.

Bruno Maria Campagna (Italy) shows off the talents of ten-year-old Giulia Cantarella performing at the Paride Orfei Circus School in Peschiera Borromeo, near Milan, Italy, in May 2010. Ms. Cantarella had completed her third year of studies at the time of the photograph.

Thomas Rocher (Germany) captured the excitement and joy of the circus on the face of a young performer training with LILALU in the summer of 2005 in Munich, Germany. LILALU offers children the opportunity to experience circus arts and perform in a real circus tent during school holidays.

Rick Purdue (United States), a retired zoologist turned circus photographer, captured Giovanni Zoppé as Nino the Clown and son Julien as Nineto “Discussing the Whereabouts of Hats,” while mother Amy Riccio-Zoppé watches from behind the ring at Zoppé - An Italian Family Circus.

Alex Zaprudsky (United States) depicted the continuing tradition of passing circus arts from one generation to the next with his photograph of Adrian Poema of Buenos Aires, Argentina, performing with his family in the Kelly Miller Circus during the 2010 season.

Valerie Berta’s (France) photograph of three-year-old Gigi Greene, daughter of a first generation circus artist, shows the early dedication of artists growing up in the circus. The photograph captures a typical backstage circus scene, this one taken in 2010 at the Kelly Miller Circus.

Fernando Velasco’s (Mexico) shot conveys joy on the face of Leandro Segura, a member of a family trapeze troupe from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The photograph was taken at Circo Atayde Hermanos, in Mexico City in early 2011.

Robert Sanson (United States) captured the youthful artists during the finale of Circus Smirkus’ 2009 show, "Smirkus Ever After." With performers ranging in age from 10 to 18, Circus Smirkus performs a full season, touring the Northeast United States in its own, European-style, one-ring tent.

Katja Stuppia’s (Switzerland) photograph of ten-year-old Ivan Frédéric Knie and his grandfather Fredy Knie Jr., was taken at the season premiere of Schweizer National Circus Knie in Rapperswill, Switzerland earlier this year. The photograph captured the moment of their first appearance on horseback together in the ring, evidencing the living circus tradition of Switzerland.

Christian Hamel (France), President of the French Circus Friends Association, captured an emotional scene at Circus Knie when an inspired member of the audience drifted away from friends and family following the show in Geneva in 2007 to experience for himself the magic of the piste.

Dimitri Würschel’s (Austria) winning photograph features ten-year-old clown Leon Alberto presenting his trained mouse Augustine in Vienna in 2011. Mr. Würschel and younger brother Leon Alberto perform with Circus Dimitri, fondly referred to as the “littlest circus on earth.”

The 2011 international jury comprised circus historians Greg Parkinson (USA), Antonio Giarola (Italy), Arthur Hofmeester (The Netherlands), Mark St. Leon (Australia), Julio Revolledo Cárdenas (Mexico), and Charles Ricketts (South Africa). Winning images will be exhibited in January 2012 during the 36th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo. Wall calendars featuring the winning photographs may be purchased at www.oaba.org for residents of North America and in the Federation’s Boutique at www.circusfederation.org for other world regions beginning in September 2011.

The winning photo. Photo: © Jason & Justin Senft

16 August 2011

Schmarlowski’s has left Danish Circus Krone.  Years back Schmarlowski's appeared with a comical illusion in large circuses all over the world. Many fans can remember the trick with Schmarlowski's wife’s fur coat which suddenly becomes alive. Now, the couple has dropped that act and has instead trained small parrots. Their entrée with the cute and talented small birds would not fit in the performance in a large circus but works nice in a small circus. And this year they have until recently toured with the tiny Danish Circus Krone.

But not any longer! Due to health problems Scharmarlovski’s decided to leave Circus Krone and go back to their home in Germany. They didn’t tell circus owner Irene Thierry that they were leaving, so she was rather surprised when they after having left one circus lot in the morning didn’t turn up at the next lot in the evening!

16 August 2011

Photos  from Zirkus Nemo and Circus Olympia. Sacha Kristensen has visited Zirkus Nemo in Copenhagen and Circus Olympia in Larod, Sweden and sent me the photos below.

About the performance in Zirkus Nemo on 16th August, she writes: It was a very entertaining show and there was almost full house. Zirkus Nemo is in Copenhagen until 2 September and has put their tent up next to The Royal Danish Playhouse 

 Zirkus Nemo’s box office. In the background the Opera House

The circus tent

About the performance in Circus Olympia 15th August in Larod Sacha writes: It was a good performance, however the troupe from China did not perform. The horse and livestock acts were very well presented.

Circus Olympia is in the Malmo area until 27 August. The Chinese troupe which Sacha mentions was some artists which Circus Olympia had engaged believing that it was the same persons which last year appeared in the Danish Circus Baldoni. The name of the troupe was the same but it turned out that they this time had sent some other and far inferior performers from the troupe to Europe. Even the artist agent had to agree in this. The Chinese acrobats were soon sent home again. But this year's program was already printed and therefore also photos of the Chinese act can be seen in the printed program. I have no doubt that it was a wise decision by Herbert and Henrika Bengtsson sending the talentless Chinese returned. The sympathetic owner couple places great emphasis on presenting a quality show and could not know that they didn’t get the artists they had expected.

The tent

 Some of the wagons

The ticket office

16th August 2011

Clown Show at Bakken during the weekend 13/14 August. Just like last weekend, there were special guest stars at the shows Saturday and Sunday. But the weather was not quite as nice as last week. However, there was still a large audience for the clown shows.

Many children feel that the waiting time before a performance begins is awfully long. Benny Schumann understands them, so something is going on at the stage 5-10 minutes before the real performance begins.

At the two Saturday shows the audience saw as "pre-show" the English clowns SONNY & RAINBOW and ARTHUR PEDLAR, devil stick-juggling with KASPER JENSEN and balance acrobatics performed by BENNY SCHUMANN and Toto Chabris partner ERIC.

The show was opened by the guest artists Sonny & Rainbow with the putting up wallpaper-gag. Then, an elderly artist wanted to enter the stage. It was a humorous introduction to the excellent knockabout table acrobats STECKEL’S, who as always made a hit. The show's last act was TOTO CHABRI & CO starring Toto in extremely good form. Before the performances there was a clown parade: a stag party like procession with the "happy couple" Freddi Steckel and Line Vittrup in the lead. It was a fine way to tell everyone at Bakken that there was a clown show at the open air stage.

Saturday was quiet a busy day for Benny Schumann and some of his performers. In the morning Benny, Arthur Pedlar, Toeffe, and Sonny & Rainbow went to Malmo, Sweden, where they participated in the performances in People's Park at the annual Miko Day in memory of the Swedish clown Miko (Göte Forsberg). And then back to Denmark with performances at Bakken at 17:30 and 19:30!

 When Toto Chabri enters the stage you can’t see that he is 78 years old and that it is 45 years since he first entered the ring in a Danish circus. Click here to see more photos from this weekend's clown show.

 12 August 2011

The small German family circus Circus Astoria is still in Denmark, where they visits a number of campsites in Jutland. A circus friend saw the performance 25th July at Jelling Camping and wrote: "Visited Circus Astoria. You get what you pay for when you visit the show, the price is low!" Circus Astoria does not publish any tour plan. However, you must assume that the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration ensure that Circus Astoria submit the statutory tour plans.

Among the campsites visited are Krusaa Camping, Skarrev Camping, Vikær Strand Camping, Gammelbro Camping, Sandersvig Camping og Tropeland, Jelling Camping, Løgballe Camping, Husodde Strand Camping, Hou Beach Camping, Odder Strand Camping, Holmens Camping, Velling Koller, Ribe Camping (20 and 21 August) and Arrild Ferieby Camping (25 August).

8 August 2011

Problem filled opening night for Swedish Circus Scott. The Swedish Circus Scott has this year’s first performance on 5 August in Stockholm. And it was not problem free. Among other things, Frankello’s elephants did not turn up. A newspaper report that they had come too late for the ferry from Germany to Sweden. Other sources tell that trainer was  sick. Anyway, there were no elephants at the performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The show also lacked an announced act in a wheel of death. But there was also at least one act which hadn’t been announced in advance: the Danish Circus Arena’s head trainer Tim Delbosq presented Arenas 8 white Arabian stallions. An agreement to this engagement was signed a few days before the opening.

Circus Scott has this year only performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. And the elephants should be ready for next weekend's performances. On Facebook Circus Scott writes:

Frankello’s elephants had at the very last minute to cancel the engagement. We think this is really boring and have therefore arranged "Elephants Day" at Circus Scott August 17. Between the hours of 16:00 to 20:00, all who attended the three sold-out shows this weekend can come and see elephants perform, have their photos taken together with the elephants and listen to lectures on how to train and care for elephants.

It will however not be Frankellos elephants you get to see, but elephants trained and presented Spindler. Furthermore it is not as advertised Frankello’s sea lions you can see in Stockholm but John Burke with one of his sea lions. Circus Scott has not yet published a comprehensive overview of the cast which suggests that the last acts was booked very late before the opening night. 

The audience’s reactions are judged by facebook comments very diverse. Some are very pleased with the performance, others disappointed.

I hope at the update of this page on 20 August to be able to bring a review of Circus Scott's 2011 performance as it looked during the weekend 12th to 14 August.

7 August 2011

Clown Show at Bakken. The sun was shining when the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen Saturday 6th August at 17:30 began the first performance in this year's clown festival. Toward the end of the show there came a few raindrops but it was fortunately not more. The performance attracted a lot of spectators, so Bakken has reason to be pleased.

The same goes for the audience. Prior to the show there was a clown parade. First act at the show after Benny Schumann welcome was the multi-talented THE CARLING FAMILY who were guest stars Saturday and Sunday. Under the leadership of Hans "Cooling" Carling they played happy Dixieland jazz. Max Carling played the clarinet and appeared dressed in costume as a jester on slack line. Ulf Carling took care of the drums and performed with a rola bola and together with Max in a comical entrée on stilts. The family acts was a great opening of this year's show.

They were a little disturbed by an elderly gentleman who wanted to get up on the stage which his younger female friend certainly did not like. At last he managed however to get up on the stage to say hello to Benny Schumann, who recognized him as his old friend acrobat-Freddi and could remember that he MANY years ago was an excellent acrobat. Freddi did still believe he was an outstanding acrobat and with help from his reluctant companion he was allowed to make samples of what he could do. Freddi was of course the well-known Danish artist Freddi Steckel and his companion his partner Line Vittrup. Together they showed STECKEL’S formidable knockabout table act which was greeted with hilarity. 

They were followed by BENNY SCHUMANN, who did some magic with scarves and then had a short ventriloquist entrée which kids loved. His ventriloquist doll introduced the show's last act: TOTO CHABRI & CO. They began with their famous unload / load entrée followed by the entrée where an egg must be cached on a plate. They ended their act with one of their musical entrées. 

Now it was time for Grand Finale where all the performers, including the grooms Toeffe and Walde were acclaimed for a delightful clown show. The show can be seen until Sunday the 14th August. During the weekend 13/14 August the special guest stars are the English clowns Sonny & Rainbow and Arthur Pedlar. The latter was also at the clown show at Bakken in 2003 and is one of the clown world’s veterans. He was born in England in 1932 and made his debut as a clown in 1953 and has among others worked with Buster Keaton.

From the Grand Finale. From left: Benny Schumann, Carling family, Walde, Nora Chabri, Eric Dedessus le Moutier, Toto Chabri, Toeffe, Freddi Steckel and Line Vittrup. Click here to see more photos from the opening show. Click here to see some of Per "Mr. Sputnik "Krogh Petersen's photos from the clown show and the clown parade.

5 August 2011

Clown Show at Bakken. It is tomorrow Saturday 6 August the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen has first performance of this year’s clown show which can be seen at the Open Air Stage from 6th to 14th August at 17:30 and 19:30. As previously mentioned on this page the performers this year are Toto Chabri & Co. and the Danish knockabout table acrobats The Steckels, who together with Benny Schumann and Toeffe clowns and entertains. During the weekend 6 / 7 August you can also meet the Swedish Carling Family. During the weekend 13/14 August you can also meet Sonny & Rainbow + Arthur Pedlar. Both weekends there are clown parade before the performance.

Victor "Toto" Chabri had his debut in Denmark in 1966 in Circus Schumann in the Copenhagen Circus Building. Since then , Toto has spent several seasons with Circus Benneweis (mainly in the Copenhagen Circus Building), just as he had a couple of seasons with Circus Arena, a season with Circus Dania and a few months with Circus Dannebrog. At the clown festivals at Bakken you have met Toto Chabri in 2001 (where he received The World Artist and Clown Award), 2004 and 2008. He has also starred in a number of Benny Schumann’s performances. Belgian born Toto Chabri, who today is 78 years old, is one of the best known clowns in Denmark.

Toto Chabri. Photo from performance at the Frederiksberg Shopping Centre in 2010

5 August 2011

Circus Scott. From 5 to 22 August the Swedish Circus Scott will have their comeback in Stockholm after 7 years without any tours. Among the performers are Frankello’s elephants, Huesco Brothers with a Risley act, Rastelli Clowns, Trio Camadi High Wire, Duo Dares Big Wheel, Darix & Fumagali Comedy, Scott ballet, Frankello’s sea lions and Erix Logan big illusion magic. Rumours have told that also some of the Danish Circus Arena’s horses along with the trainer Tim Delbosq should go to Scott. An agreement to this effect, however, was never signed.

3 August 2011

Alex Lacey to Ringling. The Circus world’s two best acts with big cats are presented by the brothers Alexander and Martin Lacey, sons of the famous English zoo- and circus director Martin Lacey Sr. and his wife, Susan Lacey. Martin’s act is with lions; Alex’s is a mixed act with lions and tigers.

For the later years Martin Lacey JR has toured with the German Circus Krone and Alex Lacey has toured with the German Circus Charles Knie.

But when Charles Knie closes their season in Oldenburg in the beginning of November Alex will with his wife, daughter and their big cats leave for USA where he has signed a 4 year contract with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.

Thus, last chance for some years to see Alex’s wonderful act in Europe will be to pay a visit to Circus Charles Knie before they close season 2011. Tour list can be seen about 4 weeks ahead at www.zirkus-charles-knie.de

Other children keep guinea pigs, but Alexander Lacey grew up with big cats. The oldest of three brothers, Alex was born in Nottingham, England. While father Lacey trained, showed and bred lions in his zoo and circus, mother Lacey travelled with a mixed act of lions, tigers and leopards.

For Alex, it was clear that he’d work at the circus. He started in his father’s circus, where he built up his first act with lions and tigers. In 1997, when he was just 21 years old, he started to travel on his own. His first engagement led him to Circus Courtney in Ireland. There, he couldn’t take his eyes away from what was happening in the circus dome – Elaine, the beautiful daughter of the circus’ director, was working there as a trapeze artist. Since then, Elaine has become Alex’s wife and made him the proud father of daughter Katharina, born in 2003. In 2003, Alexander Lacey was awarded a Silver Clown at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo for his act with lions and tigers. For several years, he has toured with his big cats through Europe: his stations included France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium.

By now, Alexander isn’t only famous as the trainer of big cats, but as a breeder, too. Last year he brought up seven young lions – offspring of his pasha Masai and three of his lady lions – and this year, he’s got tiger babies. Alexander Lacey plans to enhance his act by filling it up with self- bred cats. And his big cats have very good living conditions – at par with what you can experience in many zoological gardens. Nothing like the small cages without outdoor cages you could meet in circuses and zoological gardens years ago.

All of Alex’s cats are born in captivity. And he keeps his tiger and lion babies. In several zoo’s the tiny tiger and lion babies are destroyed before they are one year old as there are more lion and tiger cubs than the zoo’s have room for.

Click here to read more about Alex and his big cats. And click here to see a video clip from the act. 

Alex Lacey and his lions and tigers. Photo from 2008

From the tiger cage. Photo from 2008

Kenny, Jack and Joan Quinn with one of the tiger babies. Photo from March 2011. As Alex Lacey the gentleman thief Kenny Quinn does this season tour with Circus Charles Knie.

2 August 2011

New dinner show at Wallman's in the Copenhagen Circus Building. The Copenhagen Circus Building was inaugurated 8th May 1886 by the German circus king Ernst Renz. This year the building which not any longer is used by circuses is 125 year old. This is celebrated by current owner Wallman by putting up a new dinner show biZ. The show consists of seven varied musical style shows with breaks to enjoy dinner and the company. On stage are singers, dancers and circus artists. The artists in the show is

·         Swedish ANNA NETTERLID. Anna trained at the Urdang Academy in London, as well as studying with teachers from Cirque du Soleil and Las Vegas.

·         Swedish JIMMY ANDERSSON. Jimmy studied aerial work with Marque and Becky Ohmes, Las Vegas, USA, and with Jean-Pierre from Cirque du Soleil.

·         Finnish KIMMO HIETANEN. Kimmo studied circus arts at the Centre National des Arts du Cirque in France.

The other performers in the show, which will have its opening night on 15 September 2011 (previews from 19 August) are dancers, singers and music hall artists. Most of the performers are Swedish. However, there is one Danish performer: the singer Regitze Glenthøj.

29 July 2011

Benny Berdino turns 65. On 3 August Benny Arne Berdino-Olsen, Circus Arena, can celebrate his 65 years birthday and therefore meets the requirements to get state pension. However, it is hard to imagine Benny Berdino as an old-age pensioner. He lives and breathes for his circus, he cannot do without. "Taking my father’s circus from him would kill him, “ his son Jackie told me in the spring.

Benny's dream has always been to get the largest circus in the Nordic countries and to be in super league among circus owners in Europe. He has long time ago managed to realize that dream.

He is son of Arne "Berdino" Olsen and Mrs. Lydia. Arne Berdino founded Circus Arena in 1955 after some years as a performer at fairs. During its first year’s Circus Arena’s staff consisted of the owner, his son Benny, his daughter Jytte and the strong man Abdullah. Later the clown Larno joined the troupe. When Arne Berdino died in 1976 Circus Arena was a medium sized circus. But the new owner Benny Berdino was not happy with just owning a medium sized circus. For him, there has never been any doubt: BIG IS BEAUTIFUL.

Today Benny Berdino likes to tell that he currently operates Europe's largest circus. This, he explains by the fact that no other shows have tents with as large a total spectator capacity as Circus Arena. He includes in this context both the tents, which the Berdino family use for their own circuses (Circus Arena and Circus Landino) and the tents, which they rent out to others, such as Circus Summarum, Zirkus Nemo, the Swedish Circus Skratt and tents to be rented out to circus festivals and galas in central and southern Europe. However Benny cannot deny that the German Circus Krone, who generally is considered as Europe's largest, has a tent that can accommodate twice as many spectators as the Arena-tent, and that Circus Krone has more performers and a larger annual number of visitors than Circus Arena .

Although Benny Berdino today is the owner of Scandinavia's largest circus, he has also experienced other things than success. In the late 1980s he ran into serious financial difficulties and was declared bankrupt. Assisted by his family and a circle of friends who believed in him, Benny Berdino however managed to continue with his circus. Also later, there have occasionally been economical problems, most recently after a not to good 2010 season, where Arena also was hit by an unexpected tax demand. This meant that Benny Berdino had to let his production company Danish Circus Production A / S go into bankruptcy to rescue the rest of his circus empire. Also previously companies linked to his circus empire had been declared bankrupt or compulsory dissolved. An try to let Circus Arena tour in Holland and Norway have resulted in modest numbers of visitors in Holland and even fewer in Norway. The expansion of his winter quarter in Slagelse Aarslev to a theme based amusement park, Circus Land, has not been problem free.  Benny Berdino was here forced to make a composition with Roskilde Bank, which had financed a part of the project and which had to write off part of its receivables. But every time things have looked black Benny Berdino has managed to find solutions or someone who believed in him and provided the necessary funds to continue the operation.

As mentioned Benny Berdino is today the owner of the largest circus in the Nordic countries. In 2008 the Queen made him a Knight of Dannebrog, an honour which in the circus world previously only has been awarded to the late Albert Schumann.

Benny Berdino

24 July 2011

Circus Models. There is all over the world a number of Circus Model builders, craftspeople who are preserving circuses through their models.

One of these is the German circus friend Marco Kristen. Hi is running a blog which focuses solely on circus model building called www.circusmodellbau.de . The project features circus models from model builders around the world and in various scales. You can also find some Danish models on the website.

Marcos main passion is the late German Circus Williams of Carola Williams which he is trying to recreate as a model in the scale 1:87. You can find further information of his project and Circus Williams at www.circus-williams.de.

The most well-known circus model builder in Denmark is probably the late Knud Munch, whose superb model Circus Mille (based on Danish Circus Benneweis) today can be seen at Circus Land in Slagelse, Denmark, being the winter quarter of Danish Circus Arena.

Another Danish model builder is Jess Deleuran of the Danish dog and pony show Circus Mascot. His model of Circus Benneweis is on display at the circus museum at Rold in Denmark.

The Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, which are the largest circus museum in the Nordic countries, has for the time being no circus model but are certainly interested in getting a good model for its exhibitions. Send me an e-mail if you are aware of models which could be of interest for the museum. However, I should mention that their funds for purchase are rather limited. The same goes for most museums all over the world.

The Danish model circus Circus Mille at Arena Circus Land

Jess Deleuran’s model of Circus Benneweis

22 July 2011

Monte Carlo 2012 – several participants from Denmark. The fact that there next year are two Monte Carlo festivals: the usual one in January and the new Youth Circus Festival in February has created some confusion about which artists to be involved in which festival. Danish Circus Arena's press officer Lena Just Lund has sent me the following overview of the artists from Circus Arena which you can meet in Monte Carlo in 2012:

At the 36th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, you can meet:

·         FAMILY CASSELLY with their 4 African elephants

·         FAMILY CASSELLY with elephants and horses, ridden by LAURA, ANASTAZJA, STEPHANIE AND CHARMAINE BERDINO

The Casselly family got a silver clown in Monte Carlo in 2008 for their combined elephants and horses courier act. It seems likely that they also in 2012 will get an award and that Benny Berdino’s daughter-in-law Laura and his granddaughters Anastazja, Stephanie and Charmaine thus as members of the troupe will be prize-winners.

So far, only two Danish artists have been award-winning at Monte Carlo festivals: The hand stand acrobat Little John got a silver clown in 1975 and the clown couple Bonbon and Tiina got a special prize in 2007.

The Festival is held from 19 to 24 January. The special Winners Show can be seen from 25 to 29 January.

At the new Youth Circus Festival for young circus artists you can meet the following artists from Circus Arena:

·         PATRICK BERDINO AND MERRYLU CASSELLY with their roller skate act, known from this year's performance in Circus Arena

·         The charming elephant number with Mowgli (aka CASSELLY RENE JR.) and his 4 African elephants, which concludes this year's Arena show.

·         RENE CASSELLY JR. presenting Andalusian stallions with MERRYLU CASSELLY, ANASTAZJA, STEPHANIE AND CHARMAINE BERDINO.

The festival takes place from 4 to 5 February 2012 and will thus coincide with the Circus Festival in Budapest. At the youth circus festival the prices are called "Gold Junior," "Silver Junior" and "Bronze Junior". Not least René Casselly Jr. seems to be a good bet for a winner.

As previously mentioned on this page, you can at 36th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo also meet the clown TITO MEDINA from Circus Benneweis and the JOSÉ MICHEL CLOWNS who last year was with Circus Dannebrog and this year tours with the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack.

Also the handstand stars AZZARIO SISTERS (daughters of José Michel and Mrs Giulia) and the 13 year old Japanese / American juggler TY TOJO, who is trained by his stepfather, Dick Franco, are going to Monte Carlo. I'm not sure if this is for the main festival or for the new festival for young artists. Danes can meet the Azzario Sister at the night cabaret in connection with the Aarhus Festival in late august/early September.

The elephant boy Mowgli alias René Casselly JR. Press photo Circus Arena © Christian Warrer

21 July 2011

Exhibition of circus posters at Follo Museum, Norway. Follo Museum in Drøsbak, Norway opens two exhibitions of circus posters on Saturday 30 July at 14. Both exhibitions can be seen until 25 September. The first exhibition is called Impression from a circus and is a photo project by the artist Erik Wessel. The exhibition is located in the museum large hall and is open Wednesday to Friday between 10 and 15 and Sundays between 12 and 16. The second exhibition is called Russian Circus Posters. It can be seen in Gallery Eika in the Korsegaard Building at Follo Museum. It is open Thursdays from 11 to 15 and Sundays from 12 to 16.

Follo Museum is a museum for the Follo region. The address is Belsjøveien 17, Drøbak.

18 July 2011

Laura and Jackie Berdino with their daughter who was born on 5th July. The young family are doing well and stay for the time being at Arena Circus Land (Circus Arena’s winter quarter). Jackie and Laura are son and daughter-in-law of Benny Berdino, owner of Danish Circus Arena. Photo by courtesy of Circus Arena

18 July 2011

Circus Arena’s sea lion Sallie, who lives in Circus Land, had a baby sea lion on 18th July 2011. It is not the first time that Arena’s sea lions which are trained, cared for and nursed by Addie Jepsen, have baby sea lions.

17 July 2011

Top artists for the Aarhus Festival. It has become a tradition to have a night cabaret in the Mirror Salon Revue Tent in Tivoli Friheden during the Aarhus Festival. This year there is dress rehearsal on 24th August and performances from 25th August to 3 September. Among the performers this year are the formidable Azzario Sisters (daughters of the clown José Michel and Mrs Giulia), who also are among the artists who are invited to participate in the circus festivals in Monte Carlo in 2012.

The published material about this year night cabaret reads (my translation):

There is excitement, magic and comedy at the absolute top when the Mirror Salon Revue Tent again this year opens its doors for a brand new version of its International Night Cabaret.

It is not easy to present a show which can match the last year's successful show La Clique. However, this is what the Festival has done, picking the most outrageous, daring, bizarre and hilarious performers from all over the world to Aarhus to perform in this year's edition of the International Night Cabaret. You will have an unforgettable evening in company with:

David Shiner (U.S.). Mime artist and comedian who has performed all over the world, including in the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. It is a regular scoop for Festival to present the hilarious American in this year’s night cabaret.

Sos and Victoria Petrosyan (AM and RU). Sos and Victoria changes costumes at a pace that simply defies understanding, and which has secured them titles such as "Magicians of the Year" and "Best Cabaret Duo in the World".

Kalki Henneberg (U.S.). In a very convincing manner Kalki act as if she was drunk as a lord while she undresses and keeps her hula hoops. An original and refreshing remake of the classic hula hoop act.

Duo Artemiev (RU). Daredevil acrobatics with Elena and Dmitri in a trapeze swinging over the heads of the audience high up under Mirror Tents dome. An act which is among the absolute best in the genre.

                                                                                                                                           Jay Niemi (FI). One of great masters of magic who have toured the all over world. You have to pinch yourself in the arm to find out if it is reality, when the Finnish magician conjures both pigeons and parrots up right in front of you.

Leonid Beljakov (RU). Leonid can get his dog Tchacha to do everything. At least when it suits the dog. A funny and warm interaction between the dressage champion and his very irresistible dog.

Azzario Sisters (ES). You forget to breathe when the two sisters balances head to head as they climb a tall, freestanding ladder. A thrilling act, which comes directly from the famous Circus Roncalli in Germany.

Asger Fonnesbech (DK). Asger is Danish, but trained in circus and theatre school in Russia. Ever since, he has performed for audiences all over the world with his absurd and very funny balloon number.

You can find further information on ticket booking etc. At What's On.

15 July 2011

Clown Show at Bakken. From 6th August to 14th August Benny Schumann present International Clown Festival Show and clown parades at the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen.

At the clown show on the open air stage you will meet the famous clown TOTO CHABRI & CO., BENNY SCHUMANN, THE STECKEL'S and others. In addition, on Saturdays and Sundays there will be clown parades and additional acts done by a number of Danish and foreign artists.

In the weekend 6 and 7 August the guests are THE CARLING FAMILY from Sweden. They come with 5 adults and several of their children. They play music at the parade and present a couple of acts at the open air stage.

The Carling-family is known for performances in which humour and swinging jazz is combined with acrobatics. The family's orchestra, Carling Big Band, is one of Sweden's best jazz orchestras. The leaders are Max Carling and his sister Gunhild. Carling Family's visit to Bakken is an extra good reason to visit Bakken where the clown show during the festival takes place every day at 17:30 and 19:30.

Max Carling. Photo from a show at the Swedish Circus Museum in 2008.

14 July 2011

Circus Benneweis visiting psychiatric hospital in Risskov. Many people know that Diana Benneweis feel something very special for the mentally ill. Therefore it has become a tradition for Circus Benneweis to let a group of artists visit the psychiatric hospital in Risskov, while the circus is in Aarhus. This year the visit took place on 12th July. Circus Benneweis went with three elephants and lots of artists to Risskov and the park with the Psychiatric Hospital, where together they with SIND's kin association gave a special outdoor performance for a lot of happy people. Click here to see a report from Danish TV channel TV2 East.

From the Benneweis-performance in the part at Risskov. Photo: Circus Benneweis

11 July 2011

Considering a circus visit to Copenhagen? Foreign circus fans who want to see circuses in Denmark could choose either the week-end 26 to 29 August or the week-end 2 to 4 September. Both week-ends it is possible to see Circus Arena, Circus Benneweis and Circus Dannebrog in Copenhagen or close to Copenhagen. It might also be possible to see Circus Arli (at least during the first week-end) and Circus Baldoni somewhere in the Copenhagen area. In the week-end 26 to 29 August it is even possible to visit Swedish Circus Olympia in the Malmö area. Copenhagen and Malmö are connected by the Øresund Link which is a bridge tunnel connecting Sweden to Denmark.

On Friday 26 August Circus Arena has performance at 18:30 in the Copenhagen suburb Albertslund. Circus Dannebrog has performance at 19:00 in Copenhagen at the lot ‘Fisketorvet’. Circus Olympia has performance at 19:00 at the Malmo suburb Bunkeflostrand. Circus Benneweis has no performance on 26 August.

On Saturday 27 August Circus Arena has performance at 15:00 at the Copenhagen suburb Kastrup. Circus Benneweis has performances at 13:30 & 16:30 at the Copenhagen suburb Greve. Circus Dannebrog has performances at 13:30 & 17 in Copenhagen at the lot ‘Fisketorvet’. Circus Olympia has performance at 16:00 at the Malmo suburb Aakarp.

On Sunday 28 August Circus Arena has performance at 15:00 at the Copenhagen suburb Dragør. Circus Benneweis has performances at 13:30 & 16:30 at the Copenhagen suburb Greve. Circus Dannebrog has performances at 13:30 & 17 in Copenhagen at the lot ‘Fisketorvet’. Circus Olympia is not in the Malmo area on 28 August.

Both on Saturday and Sunday it is doable to see Benneweis at 13:30 and Dannebrog at 17:00 as the Benneweis performance will be over at 15:45 and it take less than 30 minutes by local train to get from the lot used by Benneweis to the lot used by Dannebrog.

On Friday 2 September Circus Arena has performance at 18:30 in Køge (40 minutes train trip from Copenhagen, trains run every 20 minutes). Circus Benneweis has performances at 19:00 in Copenhagen at the lot ‘Bellahoj’. Circus Dannebrog has performance at 19:00 in Copenhagen at the lot ‘Fisketorvet’.

On Saturday 3 September Circus Arena has performance at 15:30 at the Copenhagen suburb Ballerup. This will close season 2011 for Circus Arena. Circus Benneweis has performances at 13:30 & 16:30 at the lot ‘Bellahoj’. Circus Dannebrog has performances at 13:30 & 17 in Copenhagen at the lot ‘Fisketorvet’.

On Sunday 4 September Circus Benneweis has performances at 13:30 & 16:30 at the lot ‘Bellahoj’. Circus Dannebrog has performances at 13:30 & 17 in Copenhagen at the lot ‘Fisketorvet’.

Both on Saturday and Sunday it is doable to see Benneweis at 13:30 and Dannebrog at 17:00 as the Benneweis performance will be over at 15:45 and it take less than 30 minutes to get by bus/local train from the lot used by Benneweis to the lot used by Dannebrog.

Circus Benneweis will stay in Copenhagen until 11 September. Circus Dannebrog will stay in Copenhagen until 18 September.

Cheap accommodation in Copenhagen? Prices from 18 Euro per night. Well, it’s not easy to find cheap accommodation in any capital in Western Europe!  But here are some suggestions: At Cabinn Hotels you can get a single room with bath and toilet for DKK 545 (75 Euro) per night. Click here for further information.

At Danhostel you can get a bed at a 10 bed dorm room for DKK 230 (31 Euro) per night and even a bit cheaper, if you bring yourself linen and towel. Click here for further information.

During a circus visit to Copenhagen, don’t forget to visit the Circus Museum at Hvidovre (Copenhagen Suburb). It’s the largest and best circus museum in the Nordic countries. The museum is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 to 15. The address is Hovedporten 6, Avedørelejren, Hvidovre. From central Copenhagen you can take bus 1 A which stops two minutes walk from the museum.

At the hostel Belægningen next to the Circus Museum bunkbeds in communitiv will cost you 130 DKK (18 Euro) per night. The price for a single room with bath and toilet is 370 DKK (51 Euro) per night. Click here for further information.  

11 July 2011

It's time visit to the Circus Land. Brian "Briano" Behrendt from Briano’s Circus Travels has been a guest at the Circus Land and writes:

Circus Arena’s Circus Land has their summer season from 1 July to 7th August and this year with many new amazing experiences. New facades and more. You can see Circus Landino with 2 different shows, where you can see acts which never before have been presented in Circus Land. The show is presented by Suzanne Berdino and features horses in high school riding in the Spanish style with Chamaine and Stefanie Berdino, a romantic roller skate act, Oliver Berdino with a combined juggling and hula hoop entrée, liberty ponies presented in pirate style, Suzanne Berdino with her charming dog and the world's strongest man Hercules from Italy.

 Another new feature is the Circus-Theatre with a whole new show Oh mein papa with popular Danish actors Morten Eisner and Peter Aude, and a hamster, a sea lion, a parrot and the cute ladybug. The show is really good and with good music. There is also a new and funny magic show.

And of course I must not forget the trainer Addie Jepsen with Arena’s sea lions. This year the large sea lion Viktor performs solo as the 2 other sea lions probably soon will get new baby sea lions.

You can also see how circus animals are trained, ride a pony yourself and much more.

Have a nice day with your family and visit Circus Land. It’s an experience beyond the ordinary. Once you have paid entrance, all show, rides and parking is free.

Thanks to Circus Land for a super day!

From the performance in the Circus-Theatre. Photo: Arena Circus Land/Christian Warrer

10 July 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  a new, rather small theatre has opened: LA CIBLE features legitimate theatre in French - but also visual shows -- just now ABRA CABARET presented by FRANK BELLEVIE.

With this magic cabaret, FRANK BELLEVIE addresses both the somewhat older children, as of 10 years, and the adult audience, who is able follow and appreciate a joyful and sympathetic show featuring  very visual magic effects.

LA CIBLE, being a new theatre-cabaret, is decorated in classic style with appropriate lighting, red velvet seats and a small, circular stage. The audience appreciates the hilarious presentation and is amazed that they can enjoy magic at very close quarters.

A show full of laughter and joy!!

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

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

Frank Bellevie

7 July 2011

Obituary: Peter Mark Nielsen aka Marinello and Pemani. The obituaries in Lolland-Falster Folketidende on 6th July 2011 stated that the former artist Peter Mark Nielsen aka Marinello and Pemani, Nykøbing Falster, has died He was 86 years old.

Commemorative words written by Susanne & Ronnie tells us that Peter Mark Nielsen grew up in Aarhus, where he as a boy worked as a zookeeper. The manager of Aarhus Zoo suggested Peter to do a trick where he would walk a big fibre glass ball up a seesaw. This was the beginning of a long circus life, where he mastered several balance tricks at once with the ball, clubs, rackets and rings. He became soon well-known and travelled with the large Danish Circus Louis and with Danish Circus Bruun in the 1940's and 1950's. It was here that he took the stage name "Marinello".

When television began in Sweden, Marinello appeared in Swedish TV. He was an accomplished juggler and is among others featured in a book of the world's best artists. He was around in many countries with his performance and ended up in Los Angeles. In 1986, Peter Mark Nielsen came back to Denmark where he married his great love from his young days Birthe Nymand. Birthe died only 6 years later, but Peter Mark Nielsen stayed in Birthe's apartment in Nykøbing Falster, and was a good friend of the late Jens Preben Tersgov (the magician Tergova), who also lived in Nykøbing Falster. Peter Mark Nielsen had a special hobby: to make scrapbooks about the circus and he has made many such books for Circus Arena, Circus Benneweis, Circus Dannebrog and Circus Mascot which they will enjoy in the future.

Peter Mark Nielsen was buried Thursday 7th July at 12.00 from Nordre Church in Nykøbing Falster.

5 July 2011

Denmark's youngest circus princess entered the world this morning, when Laura Berdino gave birth to a healthy daughter. It is Laura's first child, while the proud father Jackie Berdino from a previous marriage has a son Patrick and a daughter Anastazja. "She's the sweetest little princess and she is so beautiful," says the proud father, Jackie Berdino, about his and Laura Berdino daughter who was born by Caesarean section at 08.30 at the maternity ward at Naestved Hospital. The little girl weighs 3050 grams, measures 50 cm and has dark hair. Both mother and baby are doing well. Congratulations to Laura and Jackie with the new princess - and to Hanne and Benny Berdino with the new grandchild. - Benny Berdino is the owner of Danish Circus Arena, being the largest circus in the Nordic countries.

4 July 2011

Trio Danger High Wire to Circus Scott. Swedish Circus Scott has released the name of another one of those acts you can see at their performances in August in Stockholm. It is Trio Danger High Wire. Click here to see a video clip with the troupe.

Circus Scott is happy with the presale for their performance and has scheduled an extra performance 18 August at 19.

4 July 2011

Clown Jody at manor Selleberg. Jody aka the actor Arne Bjørk has just completed the ninth and last of his summer shows with The Smallest Circus at Møntergaarden in Odense.

This does however not mean that Jody is going on vacation. Arne and his wife Vibeke, among friends known as Vibse, are busy with preparing for their performances at the manor Selleberg from mid July to mid-August, Saturdays and Sundays at 14.00 and 15.00 (from 23rd July to 14th August). They have acquired a red tent with a diameter of 7 meters. It is made by sail maker Studgaard from Frederikshavn. For the time being the tent is put up in Arne and Vibse's backyard and they are busy with setting light, making decorations, backdrops and stage.

The Manor Selleberg is situated on Funen at Kertemindevejen 23, Marslev, and is known as Denmark's centre for sweet cherries. And from now on also as the summer home for The Smallest Circus. Circus ticket costs 40 DKK, and Arne and Vibse expect to host 40 people at each performance.

Arne Bjørk is educated at Odense Theatre School of Acting and has for many years been connected to this theatre. His debut as a clown, he had at Circus Benneweis in 1971. From 1983 to 1987 he was also with Benneweis Circus in the Circus Building in Copenhagen and on tour. He has also toured Sweden, Germany, Hungary and Japan. For many years he has every summer presented The Smallest Circus at Møntergaarden in Odense. As mentioned above you can this summer as something new also meet him in his very own circus tent at the manor Selleberg in Marslev.

Photos from Jody’s show at Møntergaarden. "It's nice to perform in a yard that is so full of atmosphere - and that many people come and see our show is even better. When it rains, we go indoors, which limit the audience to 50 people, "Jody aka Arne Bjørk says. Photos: Torben Rasmussen

4 July 2011

Circus for kids - even behind the scenes! When Circus Benneweis visited Viborg Saturday 2 July, the Agathe Foundation in cooperation with the Children's Hospital in Viborg had arranged a visit to the circus for children related to the hospital and their parents.

The circus performance took place at 16.00. But the circus lot was open for visitors from 13.00. Here you could see the stables and all the animals, see some of the artists making their makeup, try your luck with circus props under guidance and instruction by Line Vittrup and participate in workshops with clown performances.

The tickets were free. The Agathe Foundation paid. Children, who used a wheelchair, had first priority to the ringside chairs.

About the clown workshop Jakob Thorup Thomsen wrote 4 July in a local newspaper Viborg Stifts Folkeblad:

"Placed on the floor in the centre of the ring in circus Benneweis' big tent is a large group of kids. They laugh, and their attention is caught up by two artists who slings around with each other on a table that is lined up inside the ring.

In fact, one of the artists an ordinary father who the female artist has asked to come up and help her. But at least the older children figures out that he wasn’t an ordinary father.

It was revealed when he hit his head down on the table, spitting something that would resemble a tooth out of his mouth and continued as nothing."

The female artist was Line Vittrup and the "ordinary dad" the knockabout table acrobat Freddi Steckel.

After that the ordinary performance began and 1,244 children and parents had a wonderful afternoon.

The Children's Hospital has for several years held a Children's Day for their children, and this year children and parents were invited to visit Circus Benneweis.

Photos from the circus lot, shot by Louise Mandrup, head of marketing in Circus Benneweis

3 July 2011

Quinn and Popov. The Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn, who this year is touring with German Circus Charles Knie wrote: On 29 June at our last day in Nurnberg we got an unexpected visit by world clown Oleg Popov and his wife Gabrielle. We were together with them in Circus Arena in Denmark in 1999. They had come by to see Circus Charles Knie and say hello as they had summer break from the Russian state circus program and hall tour here in Germany, which started way back in January this year.

Oleg Popov, who is now 80 years old, is "still going strong." He told us during the interval that he has turned his activities a little down now when he has passed 80, so they can have more time for themselves at their home approx. 30 km. from Nurnberg. During our conversation it was of course inevitable NOT to get around the season we were together in Arena in '99 which Popov remember as a really good season with many great colleagues and experiences. Denmark is still one of Popov’s favourite countries, and he wouldn’t mind once again to perform a summer season in Denmark.

Kenny Quinn, Gabriella Popov, Oleg Popov, Jack Quinn and Joan Quinn

3 July 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  now summer-shows featuring music and comedy...

THEATRE TREVISE, producer LAURENCE NAJBERG, proudly presents GUSTAVE PARKING, an outstanding comedian who combines verbal humour with incredibly funny, visual gags and magic effects. Those visual features abound and it is therefore possible to enjoy the show even without knowing French.

GUSTAVE PARKING started his artistic career when very young as a street-performer, I saw him on the open space in front of the George Pompidou museum BEAUBORG, where he addressed his audience in a funny way and juggled leeks ....hilarious!

If one can be successful performing in the street, it is possible to get the same success on stage or in the circus ring, but the other way around doesn't really work. GUSTAVE PARKING possesses an extraordinary vitality on stage as well as a seldom witnessed close contact with his audience - a must to obtain success and sympathy in front of same.

Among the visual effects I particularly liked was the soap-bubble sequence, with bubbles in all shapes, small and even giant - and with smoke inside, furthermore juggling with fluorescent balls while there was a black-out on stage and several clown-gags like the hair-dryer blowing papers, balls and balloons high up in the air - a surefire laugh-getter !

GUSTAVE PARKING is a natural comic talent - he is well worth seeing!!

Venue: Theatre Trevise, 14 rue de Trevise, 75009 Paris. Metro: Grands Boulevards.

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

1 July 2011

Dennie Enoch of Circus Dannebrog and his fiancée Gitte was this afternoon married in the church in Hals in the northern part of Jutland. The wedding party took place in the circus tent which was put up at Skansepladsen in Hals where Circus Dannebrog has performances 2nd and 3^rd July. Congratulations to the newlyweds.

 A photo of the newlyweds will follow soon.

1 July 2011

On 7 July Dina Theodora Mosgaard Steckel-Schmidt can celebrate her 85 years birthday. She is the widow of the clown Frederik "Gugele" Schmidt and was for many years her husband's partner in his clown entrées. The couple were married in 1950, when Frederick Schmidt was 50 years old and Dina was 23. At that time Frederick Schmidt together with his brother Arnold owned Circus Brdr. Schmidt (Circus Schmidt Bros.). Circus Brdr. Schmidt stopped after season 1955, but already in 1953 Frederik and Dina had “gone solo” and started a career as a clowns with appearances in a number of circuses in Denmark and abroad, including Danish Circus Benneweis, Circus Arena and Circus Vivi. Also the couple's 4 kids Randi, Freddi, Jacki and Heidi became artists. The son Freddi is still active as an artist with his excellent knockabout table act Steckel's. The Danish Circus magazine No. 5 from March this year contains an interesting interview with Dina Steckel under the headline "Dina’s circus life". Dina is fortunately still going strong and and enjoy having her close family around her at Villa Lindely in Hedehusene, where she has lived ever since she married Frederik Schmidt.

Dina photographed in 1951 with Charlie (left) and Frederik Gugele Schmidt (right). Charlie (Carl Anton Steckel) was a younger brother of Frederik's mother.

Dina Steckel-Schmidt photographed in 2010 together with her sons Jackie and Freddi

1 July 2011

Open House at Circus Benneweis. It was a great success when Circus Benneweis on 14 May invited everyone to open house in Odense. The event will be repeated in Aarhus on 9 July: “Come and learn something about circus live. Meet the performers and the animals in the ring. Free ice lolly from FRISKO for the first 300 guests, "says the advance publicity.  Probably also the open house in Aarhus will be a huge success.

Circus Benneweis will stay in Aarhus until 21 July. Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark.

27 June 2011

Monte Carlo 2012. In 2010, the clowns José Michel & co. was among the audience’s faouvorites Circus Dannebrog. This year the talented clown excites the audience in the Swedish Circus Brazil Jack. Rumours from reliable sources tells that you in January 2012 can meet the Michel clowns at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, where you also will be able to meet the excellent handstand acrobats Azzario Sisters, who are daughters of José Michel and his wife Giulia Michel Azzario. Gulia is the white-faced clown in Michel-clown troupe. Their two daughters Katie (22 old) and Quincy (17 years old) appeared last year in Circus Knie in Switzerland and tours this year with Circus Roncalli in Germany. Click here to see a video clip with Azzario Sisters.

Also the clown Tito Medina, who this year delights audiences Circus Benneweis, is invited to attend the Monte Carlo Circus Festival in January 2012.

José Michel’s and Tito Medina - both on their way to the prestigious Monte Carlo Festival

Danish TV channel TV2 news tells that also 14-year-old Rene Casselly JR, known from Circus Arena, will participate in the Monte Carlo Circus Festival, where he according to TV2 has been nominated for a silver clown. However, you are "only" invited to attend the festival and not pre-nominated for a special prize. But the talented Rene Casselly JR hope probably to repeat his parents Alexia and René Casselly success in Monte Carlo:  they were in 2008 awarded a well deserved silver clown for their elephant act. Monte Carlo has earlier rewarded a young talented elephant trainer for an act with elephants, which mainly was trained by his father: that was the case for Elvis Errani (well-known for Danes from) in 2009 where he was awarded a bronze clown.

Monte Carlo will as something new in 2012 not just host the big International Festival Cirque de Monte Carlo but also a new festival for young artists. It will be named "New Generation" 1ère Competition the Cirque pour Jeunes Artistes and they will take place 4 and 5 February 2012. Advance publicity for this festival says:

Clowns, equilibrists, acrobats, magicians and animals will be competing in front of an International Jury for the ”Gold Junior”, ”Silver Junior” or “Bronze Junior”.

H.S.H. Prince Rainier III of Monaco created the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo in 1974 in order to support Circus arts and Circus families.

In this spirit the Organization committee decided to create a new International Festival for Young Artists under the Presidency of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco and in collaboration with her Daughter Pauline as President of the Jury.

The Festival “NEW GENERATION” will be the one and only competition for Young Circus Artists which will be held in an original Circus ring.

The festival thus becomes a competitor to the European Youth Circus Festival, held in Wiesbaden in Germany in October in even years. The first Wiesbaden festival took place in 1987. One major difference is that at the New Generation Festival in Monte Carlo you can meet animal acts, while Wiesbadeb has been "all human."

27 June 2011

Italian, German and U.S. Businesses and Christian Forum Partner with the Federation to Support Circus. Press release from Federation Mondiale du Cirque:

Three business organizations and a Christian organisation for circus people join the Federation this month as Associated Members, bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to support the future of Circus.

Italiana Produzioni Srl, owned and operated by Roberto Fazzini, is a world leader for the creation and production of advertising material for circuses, amusement parks and large-scale shows, providing publicity and other printed material in 29 countries over the past 20 years. Customers know that Italiana Produzioni provides a single, high quality source to meet all of their printing needs. With its unique expertise and extensive capabilities, the goal of Italiana Produzioni is to provide its customers with products that optimize the image of Circus. Joining the ranks of the Federation’s Associated Members, Italiana Produzioni will design and produce the European version of the Federation’s annual calendar.

Spotlight Graphics, Inc. is a full service printing company based in Sarasota, Florida, U.S.A. and specializing in printing and merchandizing for the circus and carnival communities. A Benefactor of the Federation since 2010, Spotlight Graphics has met the printing needs of the Federation in connection with its annual silent auction and photo contest exhibit in Monaco. Now an Associated Member, Spotlight Graphics will design and produce the North American version of the Federation’s annual calendar.

German publisher Circus Verlag is the well-known producer of Circus Zeitung, produced in German and recognized as one of the preeminent journals on Circus arts and culture, and the English language quarterly journal Planet Circus which reflects a more international focus. Covering Circus events, trends and stories for more than 20 years, Circus Verlag brings the Federation a wealth of knowledge about the sector, its history and latest news. Working closely with the Federation, Circus Verlag helps to increase significantly the dissemination of information about important developments and activities carried out by the Federation. As an Associated Member of the Federation, Circus Verlag will dedicate its second quarter volume to publishing the best of each year’s World Circus Day celebrations.

The Forum of Christian Organisations for the Pastoral and Social Care of Circus and Carnival Workers brings together the Vatican Pontifical Council and national organisations of the Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches in Europe and the United States who minister to travelling persons. As an Associated Member, the Forum will provide a direct link to thousands of individuals in the Circus community and will promote Federation events such as World Circus Day through its network.

The four organizations join Associated Members Telmondis, the Paris-based television production company renowned for its cultural programming, and To the Moon Productions, a U.S. documentary film company. Associated Members invited to join the Federation provide financial support and/or services to the Federation on an annual basis and undertake special projects agreed with the Federation to advance its aims.

26 June 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---  THE THEATRE LES FEUX DE LA RAMPE proudly presents BURLESQUE BABYLONE -- a visual show combining music, humour and a tongue-in-cheek look at the burlesque genre - widely popular in the 1920s in the USA.

Further history: ALAIN BERNARDIN, the creator of THE CRAZY HORSE in Paris, became captivated by this burlesque entertainment, he studied this kind of vaudeville and variety and -- brought the ideas  to Paris where he created an innovated form of  burlesque cabaret,  featuring original and well choreographed tableaux and he included a top-class specialty act in between every third tableau. The film LA TOURNÉE gives us a very clear picture of the phenomenon, called BURLESQUE.

Now we can see BURLESQUE BABYLONE  at THE THEATRE LES FEUX DE LA RAMPE, a show full of music, joy, irony and female performers who accept their rather round shape, exploiting this and thus featuring hilarious parodies of strip-tease.

It shall be known that this show is totally decent and it is greatly appreciated by the female

audience - when I attended, there was a big hen-party, celebrating one of their friends

forth-coming wedding !

A wonderful visual show, full of fantasy, laughter and surprises --  BRAVO to the performers CLAIRE AMOUROUX, JULIE COYNE and CLEMENCE VERNIAU !!

Venue: THEATRE LES FEUX DE LA RAMPE, 2 rue Saulnier, 75009 Paris.

Metro: Grands Bloulevards.

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

24 June 2011

24 hours in the circus. Recently Martin Arli of Danish Circus Arli has put some photos and short texts about 24 hours in the circus at Circus Arli's facebook page. So now there is an extra good reason to visit the page. Also Circus Baldoni, Circus Benneweis, Circus Dannebrog and Circus Mascot have a Facebook page where you frequently can see pictures and read news. Thus, if you are on facebook, there is good reason to be facebook friend with the 5 circuses. The last two Danish circuses, Circus Arena and Circus Krone, do only use facebook to a very limited extent.

23 June 2011

New Swedish book with circus photos. Sebastian Sardi writes: Sebastian is my name and I am professional photographer. Since 2007 I have photographed all the traveling circuses in Sweden (Maximum, Olympia, Wictoria, Brazil Jack and Madigan). Now I have received a scholarship to do a photo book, this book will be ready in winter. See some of my photos at www.sebastiansardi.com. I have taken photos of the circus life, not photos from performances. The book will have about 100 circus pictures and some text.

19 June 2011

Then it's fun to be a circus owner! Diana Benneweis sent me the above photo of the queue outside Circus Benneweis’ tent in Aalborg, where they had lots of happy visitors.

19 June 2011

Fumagalli to Circus Scott. The Swedish Circus Scott tells that the clown Fumagalli is among the performers at the performances in Stockholm in August. Fugmagalli and his brother Darix also appeared with Circus Scott in 2002. In 2003 and 2006, they toured Denmark with Circus Benneweis

18 June 2011

The historical corner. The recent sale of the Circus Building in Copenhagen to Wallman Entertainment has caused me to remember the front cover shown above from Circus Schumann’s printed program from 1949.

It was designed by Oscar Knudsen (1898-1971), who also made the covers for Schumann's programs in the years 1931 to 1957 and in 1960. Oscar Knudsen is also known as the man behind a series of now classic Danish circus posters.

The cover shows the Circus Building at a time when it was used for its purpose: circus, with lots of horses, an elephant, a monkey, acrobats and clowns. Today it is used for Wallman's song and dance shows and other events which have nothing to do with the circus.

Click here if you want to see some more of Oscar Knudsen's beautiful covers for Schumann programs.

18 June 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  presently THE THEATRE DU ROND PONT proudly presents a guest-performance by the Tcheque theater/puppet and new-circus company OBLUDARIUM, managed and conducted by the twin brothers PETR and MATEJ FORMAN, sons of film creator MILOS FORMAN.

The show is based on a version of performances as they were produced by fun-fair and open-air performers within the framework of rural as well as urban markets and fairs, and the brothers FORMAN are inspired of theater, puppet-shows and circus stunts, and consequently much of this is included as part of the show OBLUDARIUM.

The show takes place in a rather small, circular top, thus not a BIG TOP ... seating 120 persons on two levels. The SMALL TOP ... is located just outside THE THEATRE DU ROND POINT, they perform in the evenings only, this is not a kids' show.

International tours are regularly organized, AUG, SEPT in Prague, NOV at the SILKEBORG FESTVAL OF WONDER, Denmark.

An original show - thus well worth seeing.

Venue: At the THEATRE DU ROND POINT, 2 BIS, Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, 75008 Paris.

Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt or Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau.

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

Photo from Obludarium. By courtesy of Theatre of Forman Brothers. Photo: Irena Vodakov

15 June 2011

PRESS RELEASE from ECA - The European Circus Association

Circus Krone Challenges Performing Animal Ban in Austria

The European Circus Association (ECA) today announced the filing of a legal action against Austria to challenge its ban on animals in the circus. ECA President Urs Pilz said. “The right to present well-cared for animals under good welfare conditions in the classical circus in Europe must be established once and for all.”

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

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

The ECA strongly supports appropriate and strictly enforced regulations for circus animals. It also supports the creation of a European framework law on animal welfare accompanied by science-based indicators to promote harmonized regulation of all animals under human care.

16 June 2011

Circus Kæphøj. In several cities in Denmark there are youth circuses, where children and youngsters can train circus disciplines such as juggling, acrobatics, tightrope walking, one-wheel bicycle, clowning and trapeze. Often it's quite impressive what the young artists can accomplish.

Circus Kæphøj from Holbaek was established in 1985 and has long time ago proven their viability. Every year in June they have gala performances in their hometown Holbaek.

The circus photographer Per "Mr. Sputnik” Krogh Petersen visited Circus Kæphøj on 15 June. Per writes: "It was incredible to see what the kids could do. It was a really nice show. It is with great pleasure that I now can show you the Pictures & Movies I took.”

Photo: Per Krogh Petersen

14 June 2011

Circus Astoria back in Denmark. The tiny German family circus Astoria, which’s entire staff consists of father Ricardo Köllner, mother, three children and a few aides, is once again returning to Denmark. On 19th June they can be seen in Augustenhof on Nordals. 30 June and 1 July will find them at Krusaa Camping. On 3 July, they will be at Skarrev Camping and on 11th and 12^th July at Gammelbro Camping. The latter point is on 2 and 3 July visited by Danish Circus Krone with a performance that certainly is a level above what Circus Astoria can offer.

Since 2008 Circus Astoria has every year spent part of their season in Denmark. They visit mainly campsites and very small towns. The quality performance is not on par with what you see in the Danish circus and the number of visitors seems to be rather limited. And of cause they must comply with the rather bureaucratic rules in Denmark regarding hold of circus animals (including pre-filing of tour routes), public permissions, fireguard etc. Non-knowledge of the rules or the Danish language will not be accepted as an excuse by the Danish police or the criminal courts!

14 June 2011

Circus Zalmov. Tiny Circus Zalmov can from 3 July to 26 August be seen at Houstrup at the western coast of Jutland. The tent can seat 150 persons and equipment looks like the equipment circuses used in the 1950'ties. The show is a music/comedy show with very few spoken words. The owner Venzel Zalmov is Danish and his Christian name is Per Mikkelsen. He was born in 1946 at Danish Circus Miehe where his father was bandmaster. Circus Miehe stopped touring in 1958. Performances every day at 19, however Sundays at 15. And no performances on Saturdays.

Circus Zalmov

12  June 2011

Don Bertino passed away. The Swedish equestrian Bertil Andersson, aka Don Bertino, died late May following a heart attack. Don Bertino was born in Lund in 1935, but grew up in Kävlinge, where his father was a carpenter. Even as a child he was interested circus and dreamed of a career as a rider in a circus. He, however, became an apprentice chef - a far safer occupation than a circus career. In parallel, he took riding lessons. In 1955 he made his circus debut in the Swedish Circus Möller, where he rode High School and presented liberty ponies. Later he worked with a number of other circuses: Circus Arnardo in Norway, Circus Berny in Norway, Circus Sariola in Finland and Swedish Circus Scala. In 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984 and 1985 he rode High School in Circus Arena in Denmark and in 1990 in Circus Maximum in Sweden. In 1994 he rode High School at the circus performances in the Danish amusement part Bonbonland.

Don Bertino

12 June 2011

No elephants this year in Circus Maximum. The Swedish Circus Maximum use to have an elephant act in their program. In 2009 and 2010 it was 3 elephants, they had rented from Danish Circus Arena. This year, they would present a new act and had a contract in place. Unfortunately, there appeared to be problems with the papers, the elephant should have and Circus Maximum had therefore with short notice to skip the act. At that time it was impossible to find another good elephant act, and circus owner Bengt Källquist chose to go through the 2011 season without an elephant in the performance. "But next year it is planned again to present elephants,” Circus Maximum says.

In recent years, Circus Maximum has been the only touring circus in Sweden, where you could see elephants. In Denmark you can see elephants in Circus Arena, Circus Benneweis and Circus Dannebrog and in Norway in Circus Arnado and Circus Merano. Eventually, it will in some years be difficult for circuses to get elephant acts, as no circus can buy new, young elephants when an old elephants die. Thus, the number of circus elephants is reduced every year.

The audience loves to see the magnificent animals. But of course you can also create attractive circus without elephants.

11 June 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  -- summerly entertainment for the whole family, produced by and with magic entertainer GIORGIO, previously mentioned in these columns.

THEATRE THE MARSOULIN proudly presents LA GRENOUILLE ET LE MAGICIEN /The Frog and the Magician/ -- a musical comedy featuring dancing, music, lots of funny interludes - and lots and lots of magic effects.

GIORGIO performs a very convincing and funny MISER'S DREAM /plucking coins out of the thin air.../, lots of interaction with several kids and some adults on stage, an incredible illusion where he is tied up against a metal grill - and changes place instantaneously with his partner LUCILE. Also a quick presentation of THE SUBSTITUTION TRUNK, where both of them exchange places in a rather small trunk, a classic effect that always amazes the audience.

Dynamic performance, beautiful props, speed and rhythm - the audience was enthusiastic-

Length of show: 45 minutes.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!

Venue: Theatre Marsoulan, 20 rue Marsoulan, 75012 Paris.  Metro: Nation.

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

Poster for the performance The Frog and the Magician

10 June 2011

Linda Himsel’s best circus photos on display at the Circus Museum in Rold. From 16 April to 1 May, visitors at the Circus Museum in Hvidovre could see an exhibition of some of the award-winning Swedish photographer Linda Himsel’s best circus shots. I told Jörn Rasmussen from the Circus House Museum Society, which is supporting association for Circus Museum in Rold, about the exhibition which Jörn was very interested in also being able to put on display in Rold.

With kind permission from Linda Himsel the photos are now exhibited at the Museum in Rold. "It's that good pictures that it is a joy for the eyes to see such good photos," Jörn Rasmussen says.

The exhibition is yet another good reason to visit the excellent Museum in Rold. The Circus Museum in Rold is located in northern Jutland, approx. 15 km. north of Hobro. It was established in 1982 in connection with the riding house, which Circus Miehe built in 1912. Besides the riding house and a couple of old circus wagons, the museum has a good but not very large exhibition. In front of the museum can be seen the famous Circus Moreno-fence, which was created by artist Oscar Knudsen. Click here to see some photos from the museum.

Some of Linda Himsel's circus photos on display at the Circus Museum in Rold. Photo: Jörn Rasmussen

8 June 2011

Circus Scott 2011. Swedish Circus Scott has now released the names of some more of the performers at the shows in Stockholm in August:

MIKE SONGS AND HIS DOG COMEDY ACT. The act could last year be seen in Denmark at Benny Schumann's clown festival at Bakken. Mike and the dogs was also featured in Benny Schumann's winter circus in Elsinore in February.

THE RASTELLI CLOWNS who are the grandsons of the famous clown Alfredo Rastelli.

Earlier, Circus Scott has announced that the show also will present Frankello's elephants and sea lions.

7 June 2011

The Saabel family and Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys. The Italian Saabel family present this year in Benneweis the best school riding (dressage riding) act we have seen in Denmark for many years. They have just had a joyful reunion with one of their old friends: the "old" horse man and trick rider Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys. Bjoern tells:

27 years ago I worked with Bernard Saabel in Circo Nando Orfei in Italy. Back then Bernard and his brother Walter presented an act with bears.

In 1984 we worked together in Circo di Berlino (owner Mario Vulcanelli). Besides my job with my comedy horse act / jockey act I took over Walter's position in the bear act because Walter decided to go for his own career. Walter is today an award winning actor in Italy.

Tiziana Saabel is daughter of circus director Mario Vulcanelli. Shortly after my season with Circo di Berlino Tiziana married Bernard. Today they form a happy family with their daughters Alexandra and Kelly Saabel. Alexandra impress this year the Danish audience with her handstand act. The younger daughter will probably be just as good!

So it's been a super nice experience to meet all of them in Benneweis! The Circus world is large, our paths have unfortunately not crossed in all these years, but for Tiziana, Bernard and me it has been just as though we have not taken note of the past time ... There was talk about common experiences until late at night in their stable with the magnificent horses and in their cosy caravan.

A visit from them in our house here on the moors, with stables visit to our animals was exciting for the Saabel family

Bernard is 57 years young! His grandfather was Adolf Fischer, whose son Herbert Fischer has appeared some seasons in Denmark with elephants Jenny Piccolo and Baby.

Although I am an old "rat" in the circus world, I and my wife was greatly impressed by the Saabel family’s acts in Benneweis! Bernhardt and his brother and his mother (daughter of Adolph Fischer) have previously performed with the school riding and as "Honvéd Hussars" they participated at the very first Circus Festival in Monte Carlo! Later they went on to perform with a bear act.

We are looking forward to meet the Saabel family again later in the season. We can talk for hours about good old times! And my old circus heart beats!

Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys together with his old friends Tiziana and Bernard Saabel

6 June 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN  PARIS -- again and again -- also now in summertime when the real season for shows is finished  --  the very tiny theatre LA PETITE LOGE /25 seats/ proudly presents mentalist and magic entertainer MATHIEU CHESNEAU who during a good hour entertains his audience with magical effects.

Dressed in a black suit and a black T-shirt - fashion launched by David Copperfield - MATHIEU CHESNEAU excels using amazing effects: predictions in various forms, a so called "book-test" where he finds a word on a page in a book previously chosen from several books by a spectator, a couple of card tricks /the venue is very small ! /  - the stunt with the four plates, one  of which carries a sharp point directed upwards, a spectator covers all the plates with plastic mugs, and shoves them around, all the same MATHIEU CHESNEAU crushes all the mugs, except the one covering the sharp point --- this effect performed with a spectator on stage was, to my mind, the most impressing one.

Furthermore four small bags were distributed among the audience, they were asked to put in a personal belonging, the bags were mixed up and - MATHIEU CHESNEAU found the persons who had put in their belongings.

MATHIEU CHESNEAU is a young man, he had added a few songs to his program, original and sympathetic, he has a good contact with his audience and this audience appreciated his program greatly.

LA PETITE LOGE has a good light-and sound installation, the venue is nicely decorated in red and black.

POINTS OF INTEREST:  performing in these kinds of theatre, young artists can gain their first experience of performing in front of a paying audience - and thus become better and better --- and at the same time the audience gets a good time out --- important !!!

These possibilities hardly exist elsewhere in Europe  --  IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!

Venue: LA PETITE LOGE, 2 rue de La Bruyère, 75009 Paris.  Metro: Saint Georges.

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

Mathieu Chesneau

3 June 2011

Circus Mascot 2011. With Jess Deleuran presenting ponies and his wife Marianne presenting dogs Circus Mascot is what the English call a dog and pony show.

The Deleuran’s circus career began in 1991 when they got jobs in the small Circus Scandinavia, which was owned by the aerial acrobat Conny Hende and her spouse Jorgen Hansen. Jess took care of advertisement (mainly setting up posters!) and Marianne helped in the kitchen. Furthermore the couple did two acts in the ring, including an entrance as mind readers. The season for Circus Scandinavia was not good, but Jess and Marianne learned something about how to run circus and how not to operate a circus!

Among other things, on the basis of these experiences, they established in 1994 their own Circus Mascot, which since then has been on the road every season. For several years you could in the month of July meet them at the amusement park Summerland Zealand at Nykøbing Zealand where they drew full houses. In this context, they decided to visit some cities on Zealand and Lolland-Falster on the way to and from Sommerland Zealand. When  Summerland Zealand in 2007 decided to skip circus, Marianne and Jess Deleuran decided to keep the tradition for visiting some towns east of the Great Belt.

This is the reason why you on Wednesday 1 June could find the small circus in the centrally located lot Bløden in Frederikssund. There was almost full house and you could clearly feel that the audience was pleased with this year's show which the Deleuran family has called for Today's adventure. An adventure that does not begin with "Once upon a time” but rather "There is today".

From 2003 to 2010 the recurring character in Circus Mascot the talented clown Gulio who also appeared as a juggler and whose spouse Tatyana did various aerial acts and whose son Husik performed with hula hoop. The audience loved Gulio, but after 8 seasons Gulio and Jess and Marianne Deleuran agreed that time had come to introduce the audience to new clowns.

The choice fell on the Russian clowns Lulu & Alex, who last year had great success in the Swedish Circus Wictoria. It was a good choice. During the show they present a number of fine run-ins. And run-ins, which they themselves have created. Not just copies of run-ins done by other clowns.

Their first entrée came just after family Deleuran had welcomed the audience. They call the entrée pep in the luggage. Plenty of baggage was brought into the ring, and Lulu pulls around with Alex as was he a pack ass. It is just about to go wrong ... but see for yourself, it would be a shame to disclose the end of the entrée.

Alex as a human pack ass

After the clowns Marianne Deleuran, assisted by her and Jess' youngest son Andreas presenter her charming act with happy poodles. It is a classic act in Circus Mascot which the audience certainly don’t want to miss.

After a short run in with Alex Miss Olga presented a beautiful and poetic act where a rendezvous with a hat stand was combined with quick change.

Miss Olga

Then followed Lulu & Alex's opera entrée where Lulu in big robe tried her luck as an opera diva.

It's is many years since I first time saw Marianne and Jess Deleuran oldest son Daniel on slack wire. The wire is now put up somewhat higher, and Daniel, who is already as lad was showed talent on slack wire, now shows his true star talent.

Last year Marianne and Andreas Deleuran introduced the audience to an act with goats. During the winter, they have trained further with the goats and in a cowboy-inspired entrée they presented goats and a dog and a donkey. Children and adults cheered!

The first act after the break was a reunion with Miss Olga, this time in nice entrée in aerial ring. She was followed Andreas Deleuran with diabolo. Nice to see this act again and see that it gets better and better every year. Well done, Andreas!

Normally Marianne’s dogs are the only dogs in a Mascot-performance. But clowns Lulu & Alex have two Chihuahua dogs that took part in a very good entrée where the dogs among other things used Lulu & Alex as climbing frames.

The clowns were replaced by Daniel Deleuran in a nice act with aerial straps, a discipline that you rarely see in the circus. Daniel performs it with great elegance and agility.

Next time has come to Jess Deleuran’s presentation of Circus Mascot’s 4 small ponies. To conclude the act Daniel Deleuran presented the beautiful Knabstrupper Paco, which is trained by none other than Katja Schumann.

The horses were replaced by clown troupe The Mascots with Marianne Deleuran as the white faced clown who wants to play a beautiful solo on saxophone. Something which the other members of the troupe (Andreas and Lulu & Alex) obviously not will allow...

The performance's last act was Oleg Sebesevych who assisted by his spouse Olga presented an impressive handstand act where she smoothly twisted herself around him while he balanced. Great!

As mentioned, there was no doubt that the audience in Frederikssund enjoyed this year's show at the tiny Circus Mascot. The recurring comment as they left the tent was, "we want to see them next year again." And it's probably the best recommendation a circus can get.

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

27 May 2011

No Name Circus 2011. Luffe Boegh’s No Name Circus is a resident circus domiciled in the Team LA Park Solbjerg north of Hadsund in Jutland. In 2006 I visited No Name Circus and had a positive experience seeing a performance where you met Luffe Boegh and few professional artists (Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys and Sharon Folco) and several young people from the socio-educational institution No Name.

A local circus friend Hans Vedel has since then kept me updated on what has happened in No Name Circus. Hans told me a month ago that this year's show was the best yet in No Name Circus’ history. Along with a number of other circus friends I therefore visited No Name Circus Saturday 21 May. And I was impressed!

Not only has No Name Circus now their very own permanent circus building. They also present a performance of a quality that makes a visit to No Name to a wonderful circus experience. So if you are in the Eastern or Northern part of Jutland, I highly recommend a visit to No Name Circus in Solbjerg. You will definitely not be ruined: Entrance to the park and circus is only 100 DKK (13.50 Euro) for each person. Children under 12 years have free access!

In 2006, the backbone of performance was young kids from the No Name institution. The concept has now changed: the young kids are still with the show and helping with the practical, but apart from Luffe Boegh most of the performers are professional artists

After Luffe Boegh has welcomed the audience the performance begin in a ​​poetic way with well-known entrée with a clown (at No Name this year Gulio) who is making his clown makeup in the ring. No Name has given entrée their own twist by letting Zdenek Ruml playing saxophone during the makeup. Besides being an accomplished juggler Zdenek is both a good musician and a good singer. Both things are fully utilized during the performance.

Then No Name presented a number of animals: a llama, a pony and a donkey and a couple of dogs before three young members of families Ruml and Gulyamov had  a nice little juggling entrée. Then you meet Zdenek JR with excellent rola bola act.

Zdenek JR with rola bola

After a short Slinky act with Gulio inside the figure one of the young girls from No Name had a nice entrée in aerial ring. She was followed by Gulio's son Husik who did a most  charming hula-hoop act  which was followed by papa Gulio's experiments with hula hoop, assisted by a couple of audiences.

Trained pigs are not what one usually meets in a circus performance. But Luffe Boegh presented to pigs with a curly tails. They are trained by Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys who formerly worked for No Name Circus.

Next came the act which I had looked most forward to: liberty horses presented by Katja Schumann. Critical people may argue that Katja only presented two horses: her own American Saddlebred and one of Luffe Boegh's horses. But it's not always quantity that makes it. Small is beautiful, at least when it's an act with the grace and charm that not many other than the Schumann family can present. I was certainly not the only one in the audience who dreamed me back to the Schumann-year’s in the Copenhagen Circus Building...

Katja Schumann

Katja told me after the show that she not is the only member of Schumann dynasty, who still presents horses in a circus. Her daughter Katherine Rose Schumann Binder is working for the American Circus Flora in St. Louis.

After a short clown run-in with Gulio Luffe Boegh presented assisted by Katja and others 3 x Beef, i.e. three bulls. Something you very rarely see in a circus. After another Gulio-run-in (the one with the money, which falls into a bowl) Zdenek presented his superb juggling act, first with balls and then with five cigar boxes. He was followed by Tatyana (Gulio’s spouse and Husik's mother) in a poetic tissue act. Gulio then presented his karate entrée before Luffe Boegh presented camels which No Name Circus for the season has hired from Bernhard Kaselowsky. After the camels time had come for grand finale, lead by a singing Zdenek, and the audience could say thank you after almost two hours of delightful entertainment.

In the famous restaurant guide Michelin Guide three stars means that a restaurant is "worth the trip." Two stars means the restaurant is "worth a detour". One star means that it is a "very good restaurant in its category." Judging from this principle No Name Circus has deserved two stars - the performance in No Name Circus is definitely worth a detour!

Click here to see some photos from the show.

27 May 2011

Frankello’s sea lions. On 18 May, I wrote that Sonny Frankello in August will present elephants and sea lions in Circus Scott in Stockholm. It was new for me that he had sea lions and not just elephants. Brian Behrendt has told me that it is Frankello's son or daughter who presents the sea lions, which the Frankello family bought a few years ago and presents at gala shows and in their park. German TV channel NDR broadcasted 26th May in the evening 30-minute TV documentary Typisch! Elephant Alarm in Platschow where they visited Sonny Frankello's elephant farm in Platschow. There he lives with 10 elephants, sea lions and camels, and Mrs. Lillian (one of the two Kröplin Sisters) and their two children. The documentary can be seen again at NDR Tuesday 31 May at 1 p.m.

25 May 2011

Bjoern Schult-Bjoernlys who years ago performed as trick rider in e.g. Circus Benneweis, Circus Dannebrog and Circus Dania and in the later years has worked for No Name Circus and Christianshede Zoo Circus, continues to train animals, which he plans to rent out for show, movies, commercials etc. You can read more on http://www.bjoernlysshowdyr.dk/

24 May 2011

Back then it was fun to be a circus owner! The photo above shows a large queue outside Jack Joyce's American Circus somewhere in Denmark, probably in 1913. The photo comes from Ole Emil Riisager’s collection and originally from the Danish newspaper Aftenbladet’s archives. Aftenbladet (“the Evening Magazine”) was in 1913 one of Copenhagen's largest newspapers. Jack Joyce (1875-1934) was an American cowboy, who from 1913 to 1923 toured his own circus in Denmark and Sweden. Some years ago I wrote (in Danish) the story about Jack Joyce - a cowboy in Denmark. I am considering a translation to English the story also might be interesting for non-Danes. You can find the Danish version with a number of illustrations at http://cirkus-dk.dk/htm/dk/jack.htm

23 May 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  every year from beginning of April to beginning of June, we can visit LA FOIRE DU TRONE, a big carnival/funfair located on the big circus lot PELOUSE DE REUILLY /pelouse = lawn/ we find here a big sampling of merry-go-rounds, roundabouts and game tents as well as eateries of all kinds.

This yearly event dates back to the end of 900-something, thus considerably older than for example DYREHAVSBAKKEN, near Copenhagen, from 1500 or so and TIVOLI COPENHAGEN from the 19th century.

The start of LA FOIRE DU TRONE was a simple outlet selling cakes and pastry, --- up to just a few years ago, there were lots of shows, featuring artists and also some small pitches where a single illusion was exhibited, often THE LADY WITHOUT A HEAD.

This has now disappeared,  maybe as the audience wants more and more - just an illusion is not enough, we can compare with restaurants which nowadays have to offer something more than just the food and beverages: an original setting,  beautiful decorations and music.

The trend that artistic features are disappearing from the funfairs seems to be fairly international, we have seen it in Denmark, although some enterprises try to revive this good tradition. The visitors to LA FOIRE DU TRONE seem happy with all that still is offered, particularly immigrants from Africa and the Middle East are numerous to be seen.

If you like a festive atmosphere, you will be delighted to take a tour to LA FOIRE DU TRONE. The venue is safe, there is plenty of police and the public is filtered at the entrance.

Venue: PELOUSE DE REUILLY, Metro: Porte Dorée.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!

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

19 May 2011

More about the Copenhagen Circus Building. Benny Schumann has talked with the building's new owners, Wallman. Wallman is open for suggestions about what the building can be used for in addition to their own dinner shows.

So maybe we can someday again see circus or acrobats in the beautiful Circus Building. Initially one can hope for e.g. a new wave circus performance which can be presented without the need to remove the device with plateaus, which Wallman has made ​​in the building. If contemporary circus in the Circus Building becomes a success, you may later get an opportunity for traditional circus performances at times when Wallman does not use the building for their own shows.

Perhaps a contact should be made between Wallman and KIT (Copenhagen International Theatre) which every year since 1987 has presented new wave circus-performances in Copenhagen in August and in even-numbered years (2010-12-14) a New Wave Circus Festival. It will be exciting if one of the performances in August 2012 could be presented in the Circus Building.

18 May 2011

Sonny Frankello to Circus Scott. At the Swedish Circus Scott's facebook page you can read (my translation): The artists for this year's Jubilee show will be presented in early June. But we promise that there it will be a very good and exciting programs! ... Frankello's elephants and sea lions ready for Scott in Stockholm! ... Bronett / Scott 75 years’ jubilee will be part of the show!

Sonny Frankello started his career at the age of 8 as a clown with a pony. He is the 6th generation from a German artist family working in the circus-business and the 4th generation performing with elephants. At the age of 14 he performed for the first time with an Indian elephant of his father's together with a little pony. A few years later, as the elephant grew bigger, Sonny presented the act called "Tarzan and Sahib". In 1985 Sonny bought his first elephant Timba from a zoo. He worked for several seasons in Denmark. First in Circus Dannebrog (1981, 1985, 1986, 1993), then in Circus Benneweis (the Copenhagen Circus Building 1988, tent 1996-1998) and finally in Circus Arena (2002-2004). In 1999 he presented his act in Copenhagen’s Tivoli gardens and the year after in Swedish Circus Maximum. Sonny Frankello is known and loved for his charming act with happy and dancing elephants. He was awarded a bronze clown at circus festival in Monte Carlo in 2010. It is new for me that Sonny Frankello also should have a sea lion act.

Circus Scott has a total of 9 performances in Stockholm from 5th to 21 August. Circus Scott does this year not tour elsewhere.

Sonny Frankello and his elephants. Photo from 2004

18 May 2011

Freddi and the girls. The Danish knockabout acrobat Freddi Steckel is used to perform with several different partners. In recent years I have thus seen him together with Lene Vittrup, Zora Nikodemova, Isabella Enoch and Thessa Moenster. Currently he tours with the Swedish Circus Skratt. And just as when Freddi in 2003 toured with Swedish Circus Maximum he is switching his partner a few times during the season. As Freddi's partner the audience will this year meet Susanne Vittarp, Zora Nikodemova or Line Vittrup. "But but fun it is, as always," Freddi Steckel says.

The Danish audience can seen Steckel's Comedy Cascadeurs at the open air stage at the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen during the period 6 August to 14 August, when Benny Schumann has engaged the duo for this year’s International Clown Festival Show. Among the other performers in the clown show is apart from Benny himself Toto Chabri & Co.

Freddi Steckel with Zora Nikodemova. Photo from 2003

15 May 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- now: THEATRE COMEDIE SAINT MICHEL proudly presents French mentalist GIORGIO who features a most entertaining program, ---  certainly it is difficult to make a mentalist/prediction/transmission of thoughts-program really ENTERTAINING, and to present it all in a way that makes it possible for people to FOLLOW the actions.

When I saw him, GIORGIO had an adult audience, mainly women twenty-something.

During the program of about one hour, GIORGIO succeeded in holding their attention, awakening and keeping their interest and getting them to laugh and applaud.

This is an exhibition of showmanship, well worth admiring. GIORGIO has a relaxed and sympathetic attitude towards his audience and they award him positive feedback and reactions.

The most spectacular item in the program is when GIORGIO displays a number of small plates, ONE of which has a sharp point directed upwards. A volunteer from the audience covers all these plates, inclusive the one with sharp point, by means of cups made of thin plastic, the plates are shuffled around so nobody can know where the plate with the sharp point is located. All the same GIORGIO hits the plates, one by one, using his open hand, to flatten all the cups - except the one over the plate with the sharp point. The action is dramatically presented, with a female volunteer from the audience on stage - the suspense is great - viz. if GIORGIO will succeed - or not!

The success is due to the basically literary principle which tells us that all thrilling literature is about A MAN IN A HOLE - AND HOW HE GOT OUT - OR DIDN'T. An interesting and sympathetic show, but excepted the above-mentioned effect - it is necessary to understand French.

Venue: Comédie Saint-Michel, 95 Boulevard St Michel, 75005, Paris, Métro: Cluny.

GIORGIO features his show, also his family show, at other theatres, Check out L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES and PARISCOPE.

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

14 May 2011

Press release from ECA: The United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) revealed yesterday its plans to establish regulations for animals in the circus, rejecting a ban. This decision confirms the right of circuses to include performing animals in their programs.

The question regarding the government’s position on “wild” animals in circuses was raised in the House of Commons on 12 May. DEFRA Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Jim Paice, MP, responded that there would be no ban on animals in circuses in the UK but, instead, the government would impose strict regulations. Minister Paice pointed out to the House that Austria had imposed a ban on non-domesticated animals in the circus that appeared to be unlawful and the same problem would arise in the UK. Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman confirmed in a written statement issued today that “any circuses in England that wish to have wild animals such as tigers, lions and elephants performing in them will need to demonstrate that they meet high animal welfare standards for each animal before they can be granted a licence to keep those animals.”

“This is a great day for the classical circus, which originated in London in 1768 with the first public presentation of horses, acrobats and clowns in a ring,” said Urs Pilz, President of the European Circus Association (ECA). “We agree that a ban in the UK would violate European law. However, the government’s decision also is consistent with the findings of the independent panel constituted by DEFRA that concluded in 2007 that scientific evidence does not justify a ban on circus animals and the European Parliament’s 2005 resolution recognizing the circus, including the presentation of animals, as part of Europe’s cultural heritage.”

“The European Circus Association has been calling for governmental regulation of circus animals in the United Kingdom for years,” according to ECA Director Arie Oudenes. “We have offered a model regulation to governments across Europe and encouraged them to regulate, not ban.”

Responsible authorities in Scotland and the Netherlands already have announced their intent to regulate, rather than ban. Recently, France enacted a new law concerning non-domestic animals species in the mobile establishments such as circuses. The 18 March 2011 decree continues the previously existing trainer licensing system in which trainers are granted permits to work with animals on a species-by-species basis. The new law provides a positive list of species traditionally used without particular difficulties in travelling shows, including lions, tigers, elephants and zebras. For a few more sensitive species such as bears, hippos, and giraffes, trainers must demonstrate the value of the inclusion of the animals in the proposed performance and comply with detailed keeping requirements.

DEFRA’s decision also will have implications for the many local bans established in England. In March of this year, the Court of Appeals confirmed that the City of Luxembourg lacks authority to ban activities that are allowed by national law. Courts in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy also have annulled local bans on the same grounds and cities in England, Northern Ireland, Spain, and the Republic of Ireland have refused to impose bans due to concerns about their legality.

The ECA strongly supports appropriate and strictly enforced regulations for circus animals. It also supports the creation of a European framework law on animal welfare accompanied by science-based indicators to promote harmonized regulation of all animals under human care.

12 May 2011

News from Circus Benneweis. OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 14 May between 11 and 12 Benneweis invite to Open House at the Agricultural Fair Square (“Dyrskuepladsen”) in Odense. "Come and learn something about circus live. Meet the performers and the animals in the ring. Free ice lolly from FRISKO for the first 300 guests, "says the advance publicity. The event will be repeated when Benneweis later in the season are visiting Aarhus and Copenhagen.

VISIT ON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: On 11 May a small group of artists from Benneweis headed by ringmistress Judy Glosted visited the Hans Christian Andersen's children's hospital in Odense. Jessyka Jaster presented her foot juggling act. She is daughter of the knife throwers Giacomo and Elena Jaster. Tito Medina had taken his "elephant" with him to the hospital. Coperlin presented his juggling act and did comedy. Miss Alexandra showed her incredible handstand entrée.

VIDEO CLIPS: Circus Benneweis has made a video with short clips from this year's show. Click here to see this video.

VISIT BY LEADING TV CHANNEL FOR CHILDREN: On 5 and 6 May the TV channel DR Ramasjang visited Circus Benneweis in Kalundborg and Høng and broadcasted both days ½ hours directly from the circus lot. Click here to view the broadcast from Kalundborg. Click here to see the broadcast from Høng.

CIRCUS BENNEWEIS 2012. "My great-grandfather Gottfried Benneweis was permitted to perform as an acrobat on 13 July 1887. It was the beginning of Circus Benneweis. Thus, Circus Benneweis can in 2012 celebrate its 125 year anniversary, "Diana Benneweis says. She is busy planning the anniversary show, but do not yet want to disclose which acts she will present to her audience in 2012. "But I promise it will be a top performance, living up to our motto of being the best circus in Denmark, "Diana says.

Diana is happy about the fact that the 2011 season looks better than season 2010. "It is no secret that we like Circus Arena and Circus Dannebrog came out with a deficit in 2010. Our cost was simply greater than the revenue. 124 years of experience in circus business tell us that this happens in some seasons. Fortunately it is going better this year. I think also that this is what we deserve with the splendid performance we present to our audience," Diana Benneweis says.

Diana Benneweis is busy planning the program for 2012 when Circus Benneweis can celebrate their 125 year anniversary.

11 May 2011

Fibonacci (The Show). From 21 May - 18 June you can see the new wave circus production Fibonacci (The Show) at Theatre Republique in Copenhagen. Laughter muscles and brain cells alike enjoy a rigorous workout. It’s a co-production in collaboration with Les 7 Doigts de la Main.

8 May 2011

The Copenhagen Circus Building sold to Wallman. A press release from Wallman reads (my translation):

The City of Copenhagen has decided to accept the Wallman group’s bid for the Circus Building.

The City Council decided on Thursday the 5th May to accept the Wallman group's bid for the purchase of the Circus Building in Copenhagen. This allows the entertainment group which is part of the 2E Group AB to continue to deliver acclaimed entertainment and quality cuisine in unique setting for the more than 80,000 visitors who annually experience Wallman at the Copenhagen Circus Building. The building will be taken over by Wallman as of 1. June 2011.

A terrific new era

It was a very happy and relieved Eva Persson, who received the message that she and all employees can continue to operate in the Circus Building, which since 2003 has been hired by Wallman.

Eva Persson says:

"The Circus Building offers Wallman the optimal framework that makes it possible to handle the hundreds of kick-offs, events and total shows, held annually for residential and commercial clients as DBU, TDC, Maersk and Novo Nordisk. I am pleased that we now are allowed to take care of this unique preserved building, and can continue to develop our business."

The sale means that the dream of once in a while to use the building for circuses has to be put "on hold" indefinitely. Wallman says that they will provide entertainment and quality cuisine in the unique building. But circus or performances by artists on par with what you other places in the world can see in music halls and variety theatres will not take place. Wallman’s is too focused on keeping costs to the cast down to bid for excellence. When this is said, Wallman provides a nice song and dance show. The food is also OK, although not high cuisine.  A good part of the guests come from Sweden. The same goes for the performers.

The Copenhagen City Council’s decision on sale to Wallman was taken at a meeting on 5 May under item 20: Sale of property - Confidential. It means that the detailed terms of trade are not known. TV2 Lorry says that the price has been 45.2 million DKK (6 million Euro). The public assessment (valuation) is 124 million DKK (16.7 million Euro). The municipality has itself been responsible for the sale and thus avoided real estate agent's commission, but thus also written off the possibility of obtaining the premium which an accomplished professional real estate agent might have achieved.

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

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

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

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

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

In 1988 the building was listed with its current appearance.

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

You can now insert ”fhv.” (former) before the word Circus at the entrance party tom the Copenhagen Circus Building

7 May 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  CREDO MUSIC PRODUCTION, manager LULLY, proudly presents at the THEATRE TREVISE a nicely composed program featuring a number of visual artists, thus interesting for visiting tourists who are not familiar with the French language.

This time I was particularly attracted by a dancing act, elegant, beautiful and of great esthetic value, featured by MARIANGELES, who combines oriental  belly-dancing with hula-hoop swinging. Carefully selected music, flexibility of the body and female beauty convey an impression of a professional dancer who has gone beyond the ordinary dancing skills.

Elegant and appealing to all  - well worth seeing !!!

MARIANGELES also features an acrobatic act on the vertical rope - provided the height of the ceiling permits it ..

Venue: Theatre Trevise, 14 rue de Trevise, 75009 Paris.  Metro: Grands Boulevards.

Check out L'Officiel des Spectacles for further info, in all news stalls, O.35 Euro.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!

Mariangeles (aka Maria Cerceaux)

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  but also in the city of AVIGNON, Southern France - where a THEATRE FESTIVAL takes place  every year in JULY and this started many years ago.

CREDO MUSIC, MANAGER LULLY proudly presents VISUAL ARTISTS - in a context where otherwise only theatre plays and stand-up-comedians are seen.

All these artists have been mentioned earlier in www.circus-dk.dk

They are all - well worth seeing and being applauded !!!

"VIRTUOSES DE L’ETRANGE " - Un grand spectacle d'artistes visuels

8 au 31 juillet 2011avec 5 à 8 artistes par représentation : 

VIKTOR VINCENT, mentaliste surdoué du calcul mental ( a été remarqué dans 10 émissions « ça va s’Cauet » TF1 )

MARIANGELES, danseuse réalisant un mélange original de foulard, cerceaux et danse orientale

DOM-DOM, mime-jongleur dans un numéro virtuose autour de balles et raquettes de tennis

DJOE, humoriste visuel plein d’espièglerie

JULIE, jolie et mystérieuse jongleuse de chapeaux

MISTER F, sacré personnage virtuose du diabolo

MIKAQUARTZ, danseur et jongleur de contact, vainqueur du Festival « Les Feux de la Rampe »

LIU XIN, contorsionniste finaliste d’« incroyable talent »

PIERRE XAMIN, numéro de masques magiques

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

3 May 2011

The Swedish Circus Madigan was established in 1989 under the name Circus Starlight by Horst and Jana Jackson and their sons Peer and Micke, known from Jacksons cowboy act. After some years they changed the name to Circus Madigan. The circus is today owned by Peer Jackson and his spouse Manuela Scholl. Until15 May the small circus will be in Malmö, Sweden, at the lot at Mobilia / the children’s hospital. Circus Madigan use to have very family friendly programmes. The tent can seat 350 persons. This year’s clown is the owner Peer Jackson. His and Manuella’s 18 year old daughter Nadin does magic, hula hoop and tight wire. The family present their ponies. From Italy comes Salvatore who does diabolo juggling. - Manuela Scholl and her husband both come from old circus families in Germany. The met 33 years ago – of cause in a circus! - ”My mom is also with us on the tour. She was formerly a circus performer and did tight wire walking for 30 years. But now she takes care of cooking and is helping to sell tickets," Manual Scholl tells a local newspaper. “Unfortunately, the economy is a big concern for everyone in our industry. A few years ago there were 15 circuses. Today, only five or six left in the whole of Sweden,” Manuela Scholl says.

Circus Madigan’s tent in Malmö. Photo from 2009

2 May 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  CIRQUE ANDRE-JOSEPH BOUGLIONE proudly presents a marvellous program, where ALEXANDRE BOUGLIONE, son of Sandrine and André-Joseph, feeatures a magic show which is both interesting and funny.

On the photo you see him present the illusion where a lady from the audience, thus not a stooge, gets her neck pierced by a sharp sword.

To the joy and satisfaction of all, and particularly to the joy of the lady ... -- the whole sequence gets a Happy Ending!!! This is a very spectacular illusion and can be performed with an adult from the audience only, as a child would be scared of the situation.

All in all, a program well worth seeing and ALEXANDRE BOUGLIONE has the guts and the talent to further develop his skills within the magic domain.

CIRQUE ANDRE-JOSEPH BOUGLIONE plays all the year around nearby Paris, different venues in different areas.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!

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

Alexandre Bouglione with a lady from the audience. Photo by courtesy of Sandrine Bouglione.

28 April 2011

Circus Scott to be re-established. For many years the large Swedish Circus Scott was one of Scandinavia's leading circuses. After some poor seasons it ceased operations after season 2003. However, one of the owners, Robert Bronett has never abandoned the dream of restarting the family circus. In 2009 Circus Scott reappeared a few days when they presented a show at a football stadium in Östersund. A plan to visit the Swedish capital Stockholm after Östersund was cancelled.

But this year it is planned that Circus Scott will play a total of 9 performances in Stockholm from 5th to 21 August with performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Robert Bronett writes:

After having produced everything from Big TV festivals in Italy, Horse Shows in Germany, Holland and Scandinavia, the Circus Princess Festivals in Stockholm and Gothenburg and several other shows around the world, it's finally time to present

 "A performance, on top of what is possible"

As I myself have two small children, a three-year-old Hannah and 10-month-old Carl I felt it was time to create a real Circus Scott performance again. A circus full of humour, warmth and great performers and animals. A performance that builds on the now 75-year old tradition and experience as a trade mark and includes a journey that takes the kids on a thrilling hunt for the seven keys needed to open James McScott's Gift Box and the looming reward that awaits all when we succeed...

In addition to the circus there will be a circus park where kids can try juggling, tightrope walking, trapeze, acrobatics, pony rides, face painting etc.

The circus park opens 2 hours before the performance. The performance will lasts approx. 2 hours including 20 minute interval. The names of the performers are not yet disclosed, but the show will feature elephants, horses, sea lions, ponies, dogs, clowns, flying trapeze, high wire and quite a few surprises. You can read more at www.cirkusscott.net

27 April 2011

No Name Circus. No Name Circus is located in the Team LA Park in Solbjerg north of Hadsund in Jutland. No Name Circus has everything from trained chickens, llamas, a high jumping bull and zebras to exotic horse breeds such as American Saddle Bred. The performers are both talented young people from the socio-educational institution No Name, and professional artists. Katja Schumann is artistic director. In addition to her you will meet the Czech artist family Zdenek Ruml and Ulmas Gulyamov with his spouse Tatyana and their son Husik who all come from Ukraine. The two artist families have previously toured with the Danish dog and pony show Circus Mascot where Ulmas was known and beloved as a the clown Gulio.

The season starts 1st May and there are performances from Tuesday to Sunday at 14:30 until 1 October.

Hans Vedel from Hadsund attended the first dress rehearsal which took place 26th April. Apart from Hans it was attended by well 325 kindergarten children and their adult educators. "An hour's experiences and 6 great artistic feature - from Ukraine and Czech Republic with the families Ulmas and Ruml. Circus Owner Luffe Bøgh presented dogs, playful pigs and a stubborn pony. In 2011 the program you will also meet Katja Schumann with her beautiful horses, 3 bulls and camels rented from Circus Dannebrog. It will be the best performances ever in No Name, "Hans Vedel writes. 

The performance take part in No Name Circus own circus building which was build in 2009.

From the building

Circus owner Luffe Bøgh with some of the camels. All photos shot by Hans Vedel

25 April 2011

Circus Dannebrog 2011. It is a tradition for Circus Dannebrog first to invite the press to review the performance when Circus Dannebrog on Maundy Thursday is in Odense, i.e. this year 3 weeks after the start of the season. One reason for the tradition for the late press premiere is that it gives Circus Dannebrog the possibility to correct those smaller problems you often will experience in the beginning of the season.

There are several innovations in this year’s performance in Circus  Dannebrog. One you will meet outside the tent where bandmaster Tino Aeby and his orchestra played while Eddy Carello juggled. Circus Dannebrog has Denmark's largest circus orchestra: 7 pieces. In Benneweis there are 6 musicians and in Arena only 4 man in the orchestra. Tino Aebys orchestra has a little more modern and contemporary sound than their old band. Tino Aeby has previously been bandmaster in Circus Nock in Switzerland

Tino Aeby and his band played in front of the tent before the performance.

The performance began with the artists arriving and asking General Manager and Ring Mistress Agnete Louise Enoch for a job. She rejected all of them, also the clown Totti Alexis. Eventually, however, all artists managed to enter the ring, where the show started with an act in Russian swing, performed the Richter Troupe. Then this year's clown Totti Alexis has his first run in where he played the trumpet. Not least the kids in the audience cheered over this and Tottis following entrées. The clown was replaced by juggler Eddy Carello, who did devil stick juggling with a guitar and played drums with his balls. A joyful reunion with one of top acts from Circus Dannebrog 2006-show. Next Russian Julie Tchakinova had an entrée with a poodle. She was replaced by one of the Haddy Enoch family’s traditions: a bicycle act, this year performed by Jimmy Enoch with charm and in superior elegant style.

Jimmy was replaced by Totti in an entrée where he was in combat with a music stand and a sheet of music.  At last, a number of spectators were allowed to hold the sheet. Duo Serjo then presented an acrobat / handstand act before Josephine and Bernard Kaselowski filled the ring with lots of animals: horses, camels, zebras and an elephant. The last number before the interval was with Totti Alexis who was setting up a table from which dishes (apples, bananas, etc.) were stolen by the elephant Rambo without Totti seeing who the thief was. Eventually, he tried to eat a rose, but also this he had to hand to the hungry elephant.

This year’s clown at Circus Dannebrog is Totti Alexis. In 2002 the Danes could meet him in Circus Benneweis together with his father Toni Alexi

After the interval Eddy Carello came back in the ring, this time in a more traditional act where he juggled with footballs.

After a clown run in where Totti Alexis was in combat with a microphone Julie Tchakinova presented her main act: a fine entrée with llamas and Afghan greyhounds.

In the recent years we have seen many wheel of death-acts. Most of them are not too exciting, and the pace is far from what one experiences with top stars as Allegria Brothers and Crazy Wilson. Duo Sifolini was a pleasant surprise. As Rud Kofoed wrote in Ekstra Bladet (a leading Danish tabloid): Those two are the new kings of the wheel of death. Duo Sifolinis aka Nikolay and Dido started to train in Circus Filc Flac in Germany around the end of 2002. After two years working in Flic Flac they decided to make their dreams come true and carried out their first independent season in Amar circus.

The last act in the performance was trick riders from the Richter Troupe of acrobats on horseback. The troupe, at that time headed by Florian Richter, was awarded a golden clown in Monte Carlo a few years ago. They mastered somersaults from horseback to horseback. Including a somersault which I have not seen since the famous Caroli Family: Jumping while taking off from horse number one, passing over the horse number two and landing on horse number three. Impressive!  

Like previous years, the performance is staged by Isabella Enoch in her usual elegant show style with dancers, etc.

22 April 2011

Circus Dannebrog 2011. It is a tradition for Circus Dannebrog to visit Denmark’s third largest city Odense during the Easter Holidays and to invite the press to see (and write reviews based on) the performance Maundy Thursday. A review of the very nice performance will follow next week.

Duo Sifolini present the best wheel of dead act we have seen in a Danish circus since Allegria Brothers was with Benneweis in 1990 and 1992 and in the Tivoli Gardens in 1996. Click here to see more photos from the performance. (The slide show will not be complete updated until 23 April late afternoon).

18 April 2011

As the last of the Danish circuses tiny Circus Krone had its season opening in Tørring north of Vejle on 17 April. The opening was celebrated in a brand new tent, which is slightly larger and higher than the old tent. On the opening day it was 60 years since circus owner Irene Thierry first time entered  a circus ring. She was 4 years old when her father first let her perform with a dance act.

Circus Krone's brand new tent at the circus lot in Tørring

The performance began very poetic with the clown Alando (aka Irene Thierry’s spouse Jan Allan) sweeping the ring and juggling with plastic bags. Then Irene Thierry welcomed the audience. As by tradition in the small circus everyone in the audience had so say hello to the one sitting on their right side and one on their left side. Then Irene did her 60 year old debut act: a cute little dance entrée and a short step act.

First foreign artist was Eric Munõz with a good juggling act. Then followed a fine and poetic entrée with Alando and two of his ponies which teased the clown. Years back Schmarlowskis appeared with a comical illusion in large circuses all over the world. Many fans can remember the trick with his wife’s fur coat which suddenly becomes alive. Now, the couple has dropped that act and has instead trained small parrots. Their entrée with the cute and talented small birds would not fit in the performance in a large circus but is perfect in a small circus such as Circus Krone. Great that Irene Thierry gives the Danes the opportunity to see such act.

The small birds were replaced by a comic dance act with Duo Latino whose male partner also is Circus Krone’s new boss canvas man.

After the interval we met Jose Munõz with a nice act on tight wire. In the beginning of the entrée he was assisted by his father José Luis, who was dressed as a clown and using a ladder tried to get on up the line. José Luis was once an excellent tight wire acrobat and it him who has taught his son how to dance on a tightrope.

A beloved part of a performance in Circus Krone is when Irene tells a little about the circus and circus history and her grandfather's pole. And do not worry: her grandfather's pole is also in use in the new tent. Otherwise, Irene would refuse to go into the ring!

Then followed a great act where Miss Kathy (the female partner in Duo Latino) juggled with cubes and bola.

There are many traditions in Circus Krone. One of them is a clown entrée with Alando and a dangerous animal. This year, a panda bear with Irene Thierry inside. Children loves the entrée where the naive Alando is afraid of the bear, which he first can’t see ant then want to shoot.

Schmarlowski then came back with an act with two large parrots. The performance's last number was a glorious knockabout table act with the Munõz Brothers.

Irene Thierry and Jan Allan have good reason to be satisfied with this year’s very nice performance. Let’s hope that many children and adults will find their way to Circus Krones beautiful new tent in order to enjoy a couple of hours in good company.

Circus Krone does mainly tours in Jutland and on Funen, visiting a number of smaller villages and campsites.

Schmarlovski and his small parrots are a main attraction in this year's performance in Circus Krone. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

17 April 2011

Swedish Circus Skratt had its opening day in Grästorp on16 April. The owner Bo Rönnberg calls his circus Sweden's largest because it has room for 1,300 spectators. The main character in the show is this year the Finnish run in clown professor Bluffo (aka Pekka Kärkkäinen), who has previously appeared in Circus Finlandia (Finland), Circus Wictoria (Sweden) and Circus Agora (Norway). The 2011 performance begins as usual in Circus Skratt with playing Thore Skogman’s Circus Song. The Swedish singer and actor Thore Skogmann (1931-2007) appeared in Bo Rönnberg’s circus in 1984 and 1985, when they even used the name Circus Skogman. After the overture with the circus band led by Gienek Kawalek, comes following acts:

Professor Bluffo

Charmaine and Stephanie Berdino with ponies

Professor Bluffo

Triberties with a Hercules act

Professor Bluffo

Preben Palsgaard with his ventriloquist act with a speaking shoe

Oliver, Charmaine and Stephanie Berdino - combined juggling and hula hoop act

Professor Bluffo

INTERVAL

Overture with the circus band led by Gienek Kawalek

Professor Bluffo

Stephanie & Charmaine Berdino with dogs

Preben Palsgaard

Professor Bluffo with his polar bear entrée

Kawalec and his orchestra play Circus Skratt March

Tribertis with a roller skate act

Berdinos with high school riding

Steckel’s with their knockabout table act

F I N A L E

As in previous years, the show produced is by Benny Berdino of Danish Circus Arena. Most performances in Circus Skratt are sold performances.

16 April 2011

Succesfull World Circus Day. It was a great success when the Circus Museum in Hvidovre in cooperation with Danish Circus Friends celebrated World Circus Day on 16 April. 50 people attended an interesting and humorous talk show, where the former artist and theatre director Charley Kaye told about his life. Almost 250 children and adults enjoyed Benny Schumann’s show Hey Clown, and many visited the circus museum and saw the permanent exhibition and the new exhibition with circus photos taken by Linda Himsel. At 3 p.m. there was performance in Circus Baldoni, which had put up their tent just behind the museum. There was almost full house and the audience loved the performance. So also circus owners Thessa and René Moenster enjoyed the day.

Charley Kaye (right) was very entertaining at the talkshow with John Lington (left) as host. Between John and Charley you can see Belita Kaye. Photo: Per Krogh Petersen

A lot of children and adults enjoyed Benny Schumann’s show

Danish Circus Friends and their partner the Circus Museum in Hvidovre was very happy for the good visit and have already decided that they also in 2012 will celebrate the World Circus Day.

Also at the international level the day was success. The organization behind the day Fédération Mondiale you Cirque, writes in a press release:

Congratulations on making today a wonderful celebration of Circus!   In 39

countries around the world, more than 125 World Circus Day events involving more than 160 partners are taking place, involving tens of thousands of visitors who participated in the activities as a result of your good work and enthusiasm.

Your efforts will help promote and preserve the Circus, smile after smile, for future generations. On behalf of the World Circus Federation, I warmly thank you again for your participation.

In Sweden World Circus Day was celebrated in Växsjö with open house and gala performances the Circus Olympia. Click here to read more.

16 April 2011

Circus Wictoria and Circus Olympia. Martin Lasson Berglund has seen the performances in the two Swedish circuses and writes:

On 1 April, Circus Wictoria has its season opening in Heby outside Uppsala. This is also the circus' winter quarters, but because the owners Lars Åke and Karin Jonsson live in Värmland, they are looking for a winter quarter closer to their home in Sysslebäck. This year's program is really great and contains many fine acts. Trio Sebastian which previously appeared at the prestigious Blackpool Tower Circus in England is one of this year's rising stars. They do a teeterboard act with three persons and a clown entrée with acrobatic elements. Jessica Bengtsson was last year awarded the honorary award The Charlie by the Swedish Circus Academy. This year, she presents six ponies, Siberian camels and a beautiful horse named Aramis on which she ride high school. Three fine animal numbers with a trainer who really does a great job in the ring. From Argentina / Hungary comes Edit & Raul Arrjeta who offers tempo and excitement. In their first act they present Argentinean drumming and in their second entrée crossbow shooting. Two really exiting acts with two artists that have style and class. Valeriy & Ruslana present a perch act that offers strength and agility and which makes you happy. Ruslana has also

a beautiful act in aerial straps. Clown Sebastian from Finland has for many years worked at Circus Finlandia. This year he is with Circus Wictoria and it's really wonderful to see and experience a nice and gentle clown. He has several run ins during the show. Halyna does a brilliant act in solo trapeze. This year bandmaster Leszek Kosiol has two new musicians in his orchestra and I can assure you than the band has never sounded better than this year. The four-piece band simply played great! This year's show is both refreshing, pleasant and definitely worth seeing. A good family show with everything you could wish for!

Circus Wictoria travels during the month of May in the Stockholm area, and therefore there is a good chance for everyone who wants to see the circus to visit the Swedish capital and make a circus visit.

The Finnish clown Sebastian has great success at Circus Wictoria. Photo: Martin Lasson Berglund. The photo must not be used elsewhere without permission from the photographer

On Saturday 2 April Circus Olympia opened season 2011 in Oskarström outside Halmstad. This year, they put together a truly international program. What do I mean by that? Well, first of all, the star artist Claudia Bremlov from Czech Republic who is doing a very good foot juggling act. She has previously appeared in circuses as Danish Circus Arena and German Circus Univerzal Renz where I saw her last time. She and her partner returns as Duo Lagroni in aerial straps where he holds her in his teeth - brilliant! Juggler and clown Rossi, the son of the famous Rossyann clowns, makes his debut as a solo performer. He has inherited the charm and is surely a rising star. Moreover, he is extremely good at playing musical instruments. Frank Bogino from the United States is a clown / comedian / entertainer of high class. Really great to see such a performer at a Swedish circus. I hope he stays in the Nordic countries next year. Circus Olympia’s dog group has been expanded with some cute little dogs and the act is very entertaining. Natascha presents alpacas and goats and her spouse Niklas presents a new act with exoxtens and Arabian liberty horses. For me, animals are a highlight at Olympia, and so it is again this year. It is professional and well made. In the air, we meet Duo Hlavatskiy showing the strength of man and woman. Trio Pasieka in perch does as the troupe in Circus Wictoria a good and different act and even if you've seen perch acts many times before this act feels different, which is positive. Last but not least, Circus Olympia has a superb big band led by faithful Valentin Smirnov, eight-pieces! They play good music and are an important part of the performance when they can master various musical styles brilliantly.

Henrika Bengtsson with her dogs. Photo by courtesy of Circus Olympia. Photographer: Linda Himsel.

13 April 2011

Weather causes problems for circuses. "Unfortunately we have to cancel the performance 13 April in Espergærde as the lot is soft as pudding after the massive rain,” Circus Arli writes. Storm in Jutland forced Circus Dannebrog to cancel their show in Vejen on 12 April. They simply couldn’t get up the tent. This meant that Circus Dannebrog cancelled the performance 13th April in Hedensted and stayed in Vejen as there was sold a lot of tickets for the cancelled performance on 12 April. Instead Circus Dannebrog will visit Hedensted 14th April. This day they should have been in Juelsminde where they have cancelled the performance. Last week it was Circus Baldoni which due to strong winds on 8 April had to cancel a show in Gadstrup.

12 April 2011

Trolle Rhodin’s memories. One of the Scandinavian circus people, who became best known abroad, was Swedish Trolle Rhodin (1917-1997). He was son of the legendary Brazil Jack. With his own Zoo Circus he toured not only Sweden but also the Orient and the Eastern Bloc countries. For a period he ran two circuses: Zoo Circus and Circus Caravan. In 1964 he became artistic director of the world's largest circus, the American Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In 1982 he was involved when his children established the present Swedish Circus Brazil Jack.

Trolle Rhodin wrote his memoirs. They are now published posthumous by Kira Publishers in Malmö, Sweden.

It is a splendid and very interesting book. Large format (22.5 x 22.5 cm), 433 pages and lots of photos and pictures, including several in colour. The text is in Swedish. Danes, Finns and Norwegians can read Swedish without major problems. But circus fans from other countries might have a problem! However due to the many photos and pictures the book might be of interest even for a fan who e.g. has English, French or German as their native tongue.

You can order the book from the publisher at www.kira.se. The price including postage is 565 SEK (approximately 63 Euro). The price at the online bookshop www.bokus.com seems to be somewhat lower.  

11 April 2011

Kenny Quinn steals from police officers. It is not a good idea to steal. And certainly not from a police officer. Nevertheless, police officers are frequent "victims" of the Danish gentleman thief Kenny Quinn, who this season together with Mrs Joan tours with the German circus Charles Knie. Kenny is good to get publicity for the circus, etc. in which he appears in. And visits to police stations gives always good press coverage. In addition, the police officers love to see when Kenny steals purse, belt, watch, glasses, etc from a superintendent.  At the same time Kenny teaches the officers how the criminal pickpockets are working. Here is a few links to recent coverage in the German newspapers of the Danish master thief visits the police.

http://www.wormser-zeitung.de/region/worms/meldungen/10402862.htm

http://www.nibelungen-kurier.de/?t=news&s=Lokalnachricht&ID=35825

Newspaper photo of Kenny in action. The victim is Oberkommissar Arno Bettine. The newspaper has given Kenny permission to use the picture elsewhere

10 April 2011

Circus photography by Linda Himsel. On World Circus Day 16 April the Circus Museum in Hvidovre, Copenhagen, opens an exhibition of some of the Swedish photographer Linda Himsel best circus shots. Sunday 10 April Linda was in Copenhagen preparing the photo exhibition. Linda Himsel is certified by Gamleby School of Photography (Gamleby Fotoskola), in industrial and commercial photography. She did practical training and assisting in Paris, Monaco and Prague. She is a member in SFF (Svenska fotografers förbund) and authorised in digital retouching. She has had several exhibitions the past years, for instance in Vetlanda, Bankeryd (Sweden), Paris and Monte Carlo. Linda was one of the winners of The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque’s Circus Photo Contest in 2009.  You can read more about Linda Himsel on www.himselphotography.se

Linda Himsel preparing for the exhibition in Copenhagen

8 April 2011

In Denmark World Circus Day is called Store Cirkusdag. This year it will take place on Saturday 16 April. As in 2010 it will be celebrated by the Danish Circus Friends Association in co-operation with the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen. This year also the Circus Museum at Rold, Jutland, and Circus Baldoni will participate in the celebration of the event.

At the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, you can see a clown performance with Benny Schumann (Charlie Rivel's grandson), talk-show with the former artist Charley Kaye who will tell about his life, exhibitions of circus photos shot by Linda Himsel and open at the museum which has the largest circus collection in the Nordic Countries. In the afternoon circus performance in Circus Baldoni with special low entry prices. The museum is on World Circus Day open from 11 to 15. The talk show will take place at 11. From 11 to 13 René Moenster of Circus Baldoni will visit the museum together with Leo the Lion (a ventriloquist’s doll).Benny Schumann's show will start at 13. Circus Baldoni’s performance is at 15 at a lot less than 1 kilometre from the museum.

From 11 to 13 René Moenster and Leo the Lion will visit the Circus Museum. At 13 Benny Schumann will present his show Hey Clown with some of his best and most beloved entrées. Free admittance to both events

For many years Charley Kaye and his wife Belita (née Fossett) did a knockabout table act. Then they established a theatre in Copenhagen. On world circus day Charley Kaye will tell about his life in a talkshow with John Lington as host

At the Circus Museum at Rold, Jutland, there will from 13 to 16 be free entrance, guided tours, circus films etc. The Circle of friends of the Circus Museum at Rold is in charge of this event.

Also in Sweden the World Circus Day will be celebrated. At the City Museum of Mölndal, there will be opening of "Full Circus: an exhibition about the art of being human" in collaboration with The Circus Academy of Sweden, Cirkus Cirkör and brain scientists at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. The exhibition will remain on display until March 2012.

In Vaxsjö, Sweden, the program looks like this (German text): 15 April Abendvorstellung von Cirkus Olympia; 16 April Offene Türe bei Cirkus Olympia. Dressurproben, Artistenträning. Cirkusparade durch Växjö. Zwei Vorstellungen von Cirkus Olympia. Cirkusfotoutställng in det Stadtsbliotek von Växjö von Roy und Linda Himsel. Kulurminister von Växjö verrichtet die Einweihung. Jahresversammlung der Schwedischen Crkusakademie in Galaxen. Der grosse Cirkusdag der seit 23 Jahren in Stockholm gefeiert wird ist nach Växjö verlegt.Vortrag über Cirkus von heute von Roy Himsel.

In Växjö you can see an exhibition of some of Roy and Linda Himsel’s best circus photos. Father and daughter are amongst the very best circus photographers in Europe.

7 April 2011

The smallest of the circuses in Norway, Circus Zorba, calling themselves The world’s largest small circus has the following program for season 2011:

Ronja Gujord welcomes the audience. Ronja has taken over the position as circus manager from her father Thor Gujord

The clown Gena

Troupe Zemanof with acrobatics

Swing trapeze presented by 22 year old Nemeth Boglarka from Hungary

Cesar and Goliath – Zorba’s own Shetland ponies trained and presented by Thor Gujord.

Clown Duet

Chinese pole with Peter Bors

The clown Gena

Tomovs trained dogs - large St Bernard dogs in Zorba’s tiny ring

~INTERVAL~

Tight wire - Stiliana Tomova

Clown Duet

Ronja Gujord with her Russian orlov trotter Kapral

The clown Gena

Trained goats, presented by Thor Gujord

17 year old Katja Gujord with hula hoop

Comical dog entrée

Foot juggling

The living balloon with the clown Gena

Troupe Zemanof with teeterboard (3 male and 1 female)

Grand finale

6 April 2011

Circus Arli. Circus Arli, which had its opening day in Fløng on 3 April, offers once again an incredibly beautiful and charming performance which both children and adults will enjoy. That the small circus once again got five stars in Ekstra Bladet (a leading Danish tabloid) is extremely well deserved and would have pleased the late circus owner Soren Arli, who passed away in January this year.

Alexander Arli, who must be the dream of every mother in law, opened the show with a clap competition between right and left side of the tent (we were best at the right side!) - A competition that ended up in Queens hit We Will Rock You. Then all the artists came into the ring (which in Circus Arli is a stage), led by ringmistress Bettina Arli. However, Martin Arli was missing as he had overslept! At last even Martin entered the ring and he and his wife Bettina could jointly welcome the audience.

First act was Miss Natalie with a nice entrée in vertical rope. Then Alexander Arli presented pole acrobatics. I had been in doubt about what that would be. Martin had promised me that it would be something completely new in a Danish circus. Of course, he kept his promise: Super-talented and charming Alexander Arli entered the ring with an umbrella to the tune Singin 'in the Rain, and made impressive acrobatics around a pole which was disguised as a lamppost. I remember only once before having seen such an act: in Monte Carlo in 2009, when Dominic Lacasse did it with a prop, which almost could be described as a vertical bar on a gigantic triangular foot. An act which to great surprise for me and my son Lars did not earn him a clown of silver or bronze. Perhaps because the prop was a bit ungraceful. The same could certainly not be said about the lamppost in Circus Arli. Very nice entrée Alexander! After the show Alexander told me that he due to a pulled muscle a few day before season opening have had to change the act and was using another hand than when he rehearsed the act.

Alexander Arli. Photo: Rud Kofoed

A humorous magician entrée has to be part in an Arli performance. This year is was presented by Martin Arli in an entrée where he conjured up pigeons, put his hand through a glass plate and ended up by presenting the cabinet of spirits, assisted by Miss Evgeniya and a member from the audience.

The magician act was followed by Obertaevs and their happy dogs. The act has for three seasons appeared in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' Gold Unit.

The last act before intermission were the Wolf brothers who dressed in Scottish kilts presented a very good comical knockabout table act. I sat next to an expert: Charley Kaye, who for many years together with his wife Belita did such act. “They're really good!" Charley said about the two Czech brothers.

After the break we met Stanislav Obertaev as a juggler at a pool table. A charming and elegant entrée - and a novelty to use a pool table in act.

Evgeniyas act with rings was a welcome new circus-like renewal of the inevitable hula-hoop acts.

Most Danish circus has today run-in clowns instead of classic musical clowns. But not Arli, who has talents in house: Martino & co. aka Martin and Alexander Arli, assisted by Bettina. This year’s act was a combination of two classic clown entrées: "Do not play here" and "Busy bee”. The act ended with music on trombone and trumpet. Martino & co. held the audience in the hollow of their hands! That’s how a real clown entrée shall function.

Bettina Arli together with Martino

The last act in the performance was beautifully done handstand acrobatics with David Wolf.

Last year Martin began the show by doing his makeup as a clown. This year he ended the show by taking off the clown makeup while singing a goodbye song before the grand finale, where all the performers entered the ring and got very well deserved standing ovations.

David Wolf with elegant handstand. Click here to see more photos from the performance.

4 April 2011

News from the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen.

World Circus Day. Saturday 16 April is World Circus Day which is celebrated at the Circus Museum from 11-15. There will be plenty of good circus experiences for both children and adults. Meet the lion Leonardo from Circus Baldoni walking around the museum's exhibitions and experience the breathtaking show with Benny Schumann at the Fencing Hall at 13. The day also offers lectures by former artists and theatre director from the Red Inn Theatre Charley Kaye, who will talk about his life at 11 in the Auditorium. On the second floor of the museum you can see a new exhibition with some of the Swedish photographer Linda Himsel’s beautiful circus photographs. The exhibition can be seen through the 1st May. There is free admission to the whole event. World Circus Day is in Denmark organized in collaboration with the Association of Danish Circus Friends

In connection with World Circus Day there will be an exhibition of photos shot by the Swedish photographer Linda Himsel.

Haddy Enoch’s bike. Circus Museum is very pleased now to be able to show the late acrobat and circus owner Haddy Enoch’s bike in the exhibition. The bike was donated to the museum by the Enoch family and it helps to tell the story of bicycle artist and Circus Dannebrog. Haddy and his family toured all over the world with the bike act the Haddies before he in 1977 re-established Circus Dannebrog which at that time hadn’t toured since 1928.

Circus is life. The Circus Museum is proud to present the new book 'Circus is life'. The book is an interview book with the late Ølund Barly, himself an accomplished juggler and a passionate collector. Ølund Barly had one of Europe's largest circus collections, which today forms the basis of the Circus Museum. In the book Ølund Barly tells about various circus performers such as jugglers and clowns and tell some good circus stories. The book is written by Erik Mertz, who is active member in the Association of Danish Circus Friends. It can be purchased at the Circus Museum's store for 30 DKK (equivalent to 4 Euro). 35 pages and a lot of photos. Language: Danish.

1 April 2011

Best Brazil Jack performance in several years. The Swedish Circus Brazil Jack owned by Carmen and Trolle Rhodin JR and with their son Trolle III as daily manager opened the season on 31 March in Malmö in the southern part of Sweden and due to the bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö only 20 minutes by car from Denmark. It was a very strong performance being the best Brazil Jack performance for many years.

The performance runs for approximately two hours. Music was live: a nice 6 piece band. The performance began with a charivary where all the performers entered the ring and did a few trick. After Carmen Rhodin’s welcoming speech Elena did an act aerial ring. Later in the performance we met her as member of the Fedorovi troupe.

Following Elena Rosi Hochegger presented 6 happy dogs in an act which was well structured to demonstrate canine talent and ability, happiness abounding throughout. As John Cooper wrote in the March issue of King Pole: anyone who believes that cruelty is necessary in the training of animals should be forced to see this act, and to note the wagging tails!

Then José Michel entered the ring and began cleaning with a mop. A microphone stand was brought into the ring and José mimed to the old Renée and Renato hit Save your love my darling, save your love. When the female voice took over José solved the problem by donning the mop head every time the female voice was heard. A true show-stopper!

After the clown four members of the Fedorovi troupe presented a comical trampoline act. Nice for once to see a comical trampoline entrée not being a copy of Larry Griswold’s famous Diving Fool entrée.

Following Fedorovi’s the Michel clowns again entered the ring, this time with the knife thrower gag using a volunteer from the audience as target.

Last act before the interval was Rosi Hochegger presenting her horse Scout in an entrée which probably was created by her father Toni Hochegger. As John Cooper writes: it’s a comedy number in which it’s not always clear who’s directing whom, and everything negative is aimed at the humane partner.

Rosi Hochegger with Scout

First act after the interval was the Federovi troupe with a nice act in horizontal bar. Then the Michel clowns had their main entrée: their splendid version of the water funnel entrée. As usual the entrée began and ended with music on saxophones. Rumours have told that the white-faced clown Julie Mitchell, who is married to José, would be replaced by another white clown, as Julie in 2011 would travel with hers and José's two daughters Azzario Sisters (Katie and Quincy), who with their excellent handstand number is engaged to German Circus Roncalli. But at least at the opening night it was Julie we met as the white clown. Maybe she and José has realised that their talented daughters can take care of themselves.

José Michels

After the clown we met Vladislav Olander with his excellent act with house cats, also seen in Sweden in 2008 in Circus Maximum and in 2009 in Danish Circus Benneweis.

Last act in the performance was the human volcano Anatoli Jukov. Impressive! He was also with Brazil Jack in 2003 and has later been with Circus Barum and Circus Flic-Flac, both in Germany.

The human volcano Anatoli Jukov. Click here to see more photos from the performance (Some photos will not be ready until 2 April in the evening)

30 March 2011

The Danish magician Kim Kenneth was ringmaster at Circus Benneweis in 2009 and 2010. During this winter, Kim and his girlfriend and partner Jessica appeared in Le Cirque Educatif in Reims and Sin-le-Noble. Currently, the couple are in Northern Ireland where they appear in John and Stephen Courtney’s Circus Vegas. Kenneth Kim is as in Benneweis ringmaster and presents as at Circus Benneweis in 2009 some of his magnificent illusions which have earned him the name the Dane in the fast lane. In addition to being partner in these acts Jessica present a sword balancing entrée. "The business is running well, and around Easter we go to England, where the tour probably continues for the rest of the season, which ends in early November," Kim writes.

Kenneth Kim is running through the cage in which Jessica is chained. Photo from Circus Benneweis 2009

29 March 2011

If you visited Denmark last year you could meet a show called Zirkus Nemo. It is owned by a popular Danish actor and comedian Soren Ostergaard and is a combination of a comedy show (spoken language Danish) and artist performance. Most Danes loves Soren Ostergaard but foreigners will hardly be able to understand him or his typically Danish jokes. However, there was also some real circus artist in the performance. Zirkus Nemo did good business in 2010 and will tour again in 2011 with the same concept as last year. For 2011 the professional circus artist are the CURATULA BROTHERS with hand voltage, GLEN NICOLODI with his handstand entrée in which he is assisted by a tiny dog and THE SORELLAS who for their trapeze act was awarded a bronze clown in Monte Carlo in 2009.

Zirkus Nemo will tour from 11 May to 10 September 2011.

Curatola Brothers. Photo from Circus Dannebrog 2007

The Sorellas in Monte Carlo 2009 where they were awarded a bronze clown

24 March 2011

Circus Baldoni 2011 had their opening night at the circus lot at Firskovvej in Lyngby on Wednesday 23 March. The premiere took place in a brand new tent. It was a two pole tent in contrast to earlier tents, which have had 4 poles. However, the number of king poles say today nothing about the size of a circus. And the fewer masts, the less there is to restrict the view. So it's positive that Circus Baldoni has retained its tent size, but halved the number of poles.

2011 is Circus Baldoni’s season no. 10. It is nice to see the positive developments for the circus during those 10 years. It started as a small show in a small and very worn tent with only a few artists. And it is now a medium-sized circus with a good program.

The 10 years anniversary performance began with one of the Baldoni clowns Danilo climbing up on the stage (Circus Baldoni use a stage instead of a traditional circus ring) to play the flute. The entrée ended with Danilo and circus owner Baldoni (René Moenster) singing Circus Baldoni’s well known welcome song. Exactly the way a Baldoni performance has to begin.

Then the audience met Andrei Veronin who wearing a top hat and tails ran on one-wheel bicycles, while he juggled. Baldoni told his audience that Andrei actually first the same morning had arrived at the circus and due to this had not been able to take part in the dress rehearsal in the foregoing days. That was not noticeable in the elegantly executed act.

After a nice little clown run in with Danila (Thessa Moenster) as orchestra conductor Baldoni and his ventriloquist's dull Leonardo the lion presented Fatime and Peytchev Plamen with a nice act with house cats. First time they performed with house cats was in 2009 in Swedish Circus Olympia. At that time is was a nice act. Now it's not only nice, but great!

Following the house cats Leonardo insisted to sing the song "The Stripper". Despite

Baldoni’s furious protests. Meanwhile Peytchev Plamen swept at the stage and put up a curtain behind which a beautiful girl was in the process of stripping. It was obviously a clown gag which led into a knockabout entrée presented by Duo Jongeis, aka Jonas Beck and Sergei Scerbina.  

Following that Danila decided to learn Danilo how to dance. This led to the classic mirror entrée presented with both charm and humour.

Danila and Danilo performing the mirror entrée

The performance's first part ended with a fast-paced gaucho number, performed by Andrei Veronin and Svitlana Svystun.

The first act after the interval was a wonderful reunion with one of the artists from Circus Baldoni's 2005-show, Mr. Jumping (Peytchev Plamen) with his trampoline. In 2005 he presented the act in the drunken man version. This year it was presented as a helpful circus groom trying to work in the absence of the true star.

Mr. Jumping

Then Baldoni and Leonardo introduced Andrei Veronin and Svitlana Svystun presenting a spectacular act in German Wheel. Impressive that they could present such act on the stage despite the lack of dress rehearsals.

Then it was time for another classical classic clown entrée where Danilo assisted by Baldoni smashed a lot of dishes. Kids love this entrée. After the entre with the dishes Leonardo and Baldoni presented Miss Martina in a beautiful handstand number.

Miss Martina

René Moenster began his career as artist by performing as a magician. For the past few seasons he has dropped his magical entrées. This year however, he and Mrs.Thessa has using the name The Baldonis decided to present a magician entrée. In a Bonny and Clyde style they presented a very nice act which among others featured the substitution trunk trick both in a horizontal as in a vertical version.

The performance's last act before the goodbye song and the grand finale was the musical entertainer Freddy Anthony with his car with hunk horns. Freddy Anthony’s act looked exactly as I remember it from Circus M Schumann 1978-1980, Circus Arli 2000, Circus Dannebrog 2003 and Danish Circus Krone in 2010. However, the charming Freddy will probably forgive me for writing that he was a bit slimmer when I saw him first time! The audience loves his act which was a show stopper on opening night, just as it undoubtedly will be in all Baldoni performances in season 2011.

With this year's show Thessa and René Moenster has once again proved that Circus Baldoni manages to produce well-composed and family-friendly performances. As in previous years, the actor Niels Vandrefalk has been dramaturgical consultant.

Click here to see some photos which that Mr. Sputnik aka circus photographer Per Krogh Petersen took on the opening night   

23 March 2011

Circus Krone who call themselves Denmark's smallest circus, has for the upcoming season engaged the Munõz brothers who toured with the tiny circus in the last half of the 2010 season and was one of the audience's favourite acts. Jose Munõz will present his excellent tight wire act and his brother Eric his juggling entrée. Together, the brothers show a knockabout table act.

José Munõz

From Russia Circus Krone has engaged Duo Shmarlovski (Alona & Evgini Schmarlovski - the name is sometimes spelled Chmarlowski). They will present the act with small parrots which you last year could see in the amusement part Hansapark at Lübeck, Germany. It's great act with fine costumes and props and of course beautiful birds. It is not the couple's first appearance in Denmark. Many remember Evgini as the comic magician with animals ending the act by giving his partner a coat, which suddenly turns out to consist of live animals. That act could e.g. be seen in Circus Benneweis in 1997 and 2004. After it in several European countries have become difficult to travel around with the animals they used in their old act the couple decided to skip the old act and start presenting a parrot show.

Furthermore Circus Krone presents a wonderfully comic dance number Duo Latino from Hungary. The female partner Miss Kathy also has her own act with cube juggling. For special children's performances you can also meet Hungarian Mr. Golfy with a comical dog act. In addition the audience will of course meet the children's favourite the clown Allando, who also present his ponies. Ringmistress is circus owner Irene Thierry who undoubtedly also will be Allando’s partner in one or more of the clown entrées

The lovable clown Allando

And then there is more news for Circus Krone in 2011: they've got a brand tent in blue and champagne white colours.

23 March 2011

Circus Krone Wins Case against City of Luxembourg - Local Authority’s Circus Animal Ban Invalidated. Press release from ECA (The Eurpoean Circus Association)

The Court of Appeals of Luxembourg affirmed this month a lower court ruling that the City of Luxembourg lacks authority to ban circuses with animals.  This decision invalidates the mayor’s denial of a permit to Europe’s largest circus and opens the door for the people of Luxembourg to again enjoy the classical circus, including up-close experiences with animals.

The ban was created by the City of Luxembourg in 2009 when it denied Germany’s Circus Krone a permit to play in the city “based on animal welfare considerations.”  Circus Krone challenged this decision in court, arguing that it was illegal under Luxembourg law and violated the European Community’s guarantees of freedom of movement and provision of services.

The Administrative Court ruled on 29 September 2010 that local authorities have no power to regulate matters governed by national law.  Under Luxembourg law, travelling circuses authorised by their state of origin are free to present performances in Luxembourg.  The Court also ruled that the City could not base the denial on its police powers.  Such powers may be invoked only “under extraordinary circumstances” to provide for public order.  The court stated that there was no evidence that the circus would cause disorder and that the denial could not be based on this ground.

Affirming the Administrative Court’s decision, the Court of Appeals’ decision of 10 March 2011 emphasized that even disturbances to public order that might be created by animal rights extremists or protestors would not justify a ban on animals in the circus.  The Appeals Court also ordered the City to pay the majority of the costs for the case.

“This case confirms that circus people, like all other travelling workers, have the right to live and work throughout the European Union.  Luxembourg’s law explicitly allows circuses to perform in Luxembourg based on authorizations by other Member States,” said Laura van der Meer, Brussels Representative for the European Circus Association (ECA).  She noted that the ruling “also is consistent with the European Parliament’s 2005 resolution recognizing the circus, including the presentation of animals, as part of Europe’s cultural heritage.” 

This victory for classical circus follows a string of similar successes.  Courts across Europe have clarified that local authorities do not have the power to ban activities that are allowed by national law.  Courts in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy have annulled local bans and other cities in these countries have lifted bans following the court decisions.  In addition, local authorities in England, Northern Ireland, Spain, and the Republic of Ireland have refused to impose bans due to concerns about their lack of legal authority.

The ECA strongly supports appropriate and strictly enforced regulations for circus animals.  It also supports the creation of a European framework law on animal welfare accompanied by science-based indicators to promote harmonized regulation of all animals under human care.

22 March 2011

Circus Mascot 2011. Circus Mascot has just given their website a facelift. See for yourself at www.cirkus-mascot.dk Text is in Danish. But there are a lot of photos.

The program for the upcoming season looks like:

Oleg & Olga Sebesevych present a handstand entrée. They began their circus career in the Soviet State Circus in Moscow 1990. Subsequently, they have appeared throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The toured with Danish Circus Arli in 2006

Oleg & Olga Sebesevych

Mascot’s horses are presented by Jess and Daniel Deleuran. Four Shetland ponies and the Knabstrupper Paco.

Marianne Deleuran have trained and presented dogs since Mascots start in 1994. Back then, only with 2 poodles. Today she presents 11 trained doggies.

Andreas Deleuran shows what he can master with his diabolo. He has trained all winter and is ready to present wilder and more complex combinations than earlier years.

Lulu & Alex are called clowns in a class of their own. Circus Mascot writes: Once the two clowns Alex and Lulu lived in a big yellow suitcase. "Lived" is actually a bit rubbish ... For they still live in a yellow suitcase! Now we have invited them to come to this country and bring their yellow suitcase. It is full of wonders and miracles, laughter and joy, fun and magic and lots of other surprises. Just wait and see! - The two clowns had last year great success in the Swedish Circus Wictoria.

Miss Sebesevych has a charming and original entrance, where she combined a rendezvous with a hat stand with quick change. She toured Denmark with Circus Arli in 2006.

Miss Sebesevych

Chihuahua Show with Lulu & Alex. For the first time Circus Mascot has another dog act on their program. Now with two beautiful Chihuahuas.

Daniel Deleuran on slack wire in Kung Fu style. Daniel started at the age of only 11 years to work as a balancing artist. Today, the now 21-year-old Daniel is the only professional Danish performer on the slack wire.

You can meet Miss Olga in aerial ring high up under the tent.

Cowboy Act with Marianne & Andreas. The two small goat kids, who last season was named in a competition on Radio ABC, has of course grown up. After a winter in the training ring in Mascots winter quarters they have also become quite skilful. Andreas and Marianne swinging cowboy hats present the goats in funny dressage in western style.

Aerial Straps with Daniel Deleuran. Straps are a Chinese specialty. The straps are made of woven cotton. Daniel has made it a discipline of his own and performs it with great elegance and agility.

Daniel Deleuran in aerial straps

The Mascot Clowns: Clowns have it as you know best in the limelight. The white faced clown wants to play music, but with 3 other clowns in the circus there will be problems. Andreascino, Lulu and Alex believe that they are talented musicians. They will do anything to impress the white faced clown, and take part in her concert.

The music of Circus Mascot is every year especially composed for the show. For this year's show, called "Modern Fairytales", Circus Mascot has as something new engaged the musical multi-talent Zbignew Zietek from Poland to take care of the music during the performance. He previously worked in a number of other circuses in Denmark and abroad.

21 March 2011

Circus Benneweis 2011. Circus Benneweis had their opening night in Hillerød (40 kilometres north of Copenhagen) on 18 March in the evening. Once again Diana Benneweis and her team, including Jan Hertz who had staged the performance and equestrian director Marek Benneweis, had created an excellent performance.

Judy Glosted was after two years break back as ringmistress. And what a reunion! She entered the ring fresh and nice and singing like a real circus queen and led us through the performance as she had been apprenticed to the late Nelly Jane.

Judy Glosted

Judy is a good singer as her larger sister, the Danish actor and musical star Betty Glosted. Luckily enough the Jan Hertz has used this feature. The show started in a sweeping manner with Judy singing a welcoming song to the tune That's entertainment.

First act in the performance was the Alexandru Cheban troupe from Moldova in a fast paced entrée with bouncing wheels. Like all the other artists in the performance it was their first season in Denmark.

After that this year’s clown Tito Medina had his first reprice. It was wonderful to meet a clown, who himself is funny and not have to drag innocent people from the audience into the ring to arouse amusement. In his first run in he came with a doll and stand on his head on the doll’s head while he played trumpet!

Tito Medina

Then we met Alexandra Saabel in a fabulous and beautiful handstand act which also showed her talent as a contortionist. Besides being an artist Alexandra is also a costume designer, and costume and lighting was perfectly matched.

Miss Alexandra

Next act was the comedic juggler Coperlin. His real name is Dustin Nicolodi, and he is the son of the famed ventriloquist Willer Nicolodi. Coperlin is a formidable entertainer, who has brought new dimensions to the art of juggling. And he has introduced a new way in which to eat apples!

After Coperlin we met the Italian Saabel Family with 8 glorious and happy Siberian husky dogs, presented in elegant scenery and with the 4 members of Saabel family in elegant robes.

Tito Medina had then a nice little run in with a dog puppet. After him the sympathetic animal trainer Lars Hölscher and his wife entered the ring with their 3 elephants: Vana Mana and Deli, both Asian elephants and Sonja, an African elephant. The entrée had a proper mix of tricks made by the elephants and acrobatics performed on the elephants. You could clearly see a close relationship between the elephants and their young trainers.

The last act before interval was a run in with Tito Medina and an inflatable elephant. Some circus fans might remember it from Circus Krone in Munich.

Also the second part of the performance began with song and a good message to the audience: Try a little smile. Then followed Tito Medina's main entrée: a comical act in aerial cradle performed together with his partner Du. Dressed as old-fashioned artist the duo presented a wonderful comic act which also demonstrated that they actually are skilled trapeze acrobats. My guess is that it i.e. with this entrée you will be able to meet them at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in January 2012.

"This act you must have," said last year’s ringmaster Kim Kenneth to Diana Benneweis and showed her a video with The Jaster. I was allowed to peek. After watching the video, I totally agree with Kim. Giacomo Sterza and his beautiful partner Elena Busnelli present the most impressive act with knife throwing and crossbow I ever have seen! And luckily enough Diana Benneweis managed to get a contract in place with the two artists.

It's absolutely fascinating when Giacomo throw sharp knives a target which is covered with paper - with Elena behind the paper! And when he safely put his knifes on a target which rotates at breakneck speed - with Elena bolted onto the disc! And when he, as another William Tell with his crossbow is shooting an apple from the head of Elena.

The Jasters

There are some who for the last few years has wanted to see more horses in a Benneweis performance. This year’s performance should not disappoint any horse lovers. The Saabel family present with 4 white Arabs and 2 black Friesian horses the finest high school riding act I've seen for many years. And as in the families other entrées the three family members was dressed in elegant robes and the act was presented with true Italian charm and elegance. Alexandra even does flamenco dancing as part of act.

 After the horse act we saw Tito Medina's very own version of the "you must not play here" entrée.

 Last act in the performance was impressive leaps from the Russian swing, performed by Cheban troupe.

The show ended as it began: with a song. Again to the tune That's entertainment (my translation)

 Oh have a wonderful summer and remember

 Once it again gets dark and we come to December

 Let it snow in January and be perishing and cold

 We must meet in Benneweis 2012!

Besides the artists, the ringmistress, and the instructor, there is reason to mention Benneweis’ long-time band manager Bogdan, whose 6-piece circus band never played better than they do this year.

 20 March 2011

Summer holidays with Circus Mascot. Circus Mascot writes:

Come along on the road and discover the real circus life. Follow us from early morning to late night, feel the sawdust right into your soul. How nice it can be when it's sunny, summer and circuses, or how hard it can be if it is raining and rubber boots are the appropriate footwear. J

Rent our holiday caravan: Model Tabbert Comtesse 600 (5 persons) non-smoker. In the caravan there is fridge, 3 gas jets, cassette toilet, stoke, bunk beds, seating for 2 people (can during night be changed ​​into a bed) and lounge seating for 6 persons (can during night be changed to a double bed). Service for 6. Bed clothes for 5 people but please bring your own sheets.  Power Cable and 1 gas cylinder for refilling.

High season week 25 to 34. From Saturday at 14.00 to Saturday at 11.00. Price per week: DKK 5,000, - (approximately 675 Euro) incl. power (5 amps.) and water and transport from place to place and free access to the circus.

Low season from week 20-24 and week 35-37, from Saturday. 14.00 to Saturday. 11.00. Price per. week DKK 3,500, - (approximately 675 Euro) incl. power and water and transport from place to place and free access to the circus.

Interested in a week with Circus Mascot? Send an e-mail to deleuran@cirkus-mascot.dk

Photos from the caravan which you can rent from Circus Mascot

19 March 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS -- circus all the year around -- I saw CIRQUE ANDRE-JOSEPH BOUGLIONE playing permanently at different venues in and around Paris: an outstanding program, performed by the big and well-known BOUGLIONE family -- a traditional circus program, giving the family audience exactly what they expect -- lots of laughter, variety, thrills, comedy and beauty - all displayed by splendid artists and beautiful and well-kept animals.

THE BIG TOP seats about one thousand spectators, the seating is comfortable and the props in good shape.

SANDRINE BOUGLIONE opens the show featuring elegance and beauty on tight wire, she takes part in a juggling entrée and   she presents -----  trained cows!!! -- all four of them join in a waltz -- an act seldom seen today, I remember having seen Lucien Grüss at Cirque Arlette Grüss with a similar act. Sandrine features a sympathetic presentation of the act, stylishly dressed and the sequence is original, surprising and hilariously funny!!

Sandrine also presents an aerial ring act - elegantly and gracefully.

ANDRE BOUGLIONE, her husband, presents a group of tigers, with great mastership, we all felt the mutual understanding and respect between the performer and the animals, a must to obtain a smooth-running act.

Exotic animals like camels and lamas, as well as horses in liberty and HAUTE ECOLE-riding made the audience happy...

The younger members of the BOUGLIONE FAMILY performed rola-bola, clowning, magic, juggling, diabolo and acrobatics, I particularly liked a clown-entrée in a modern style where the comic invited four persons from the audience into the ring - and obtained great comedy including an unexpected finale, original and hilarious, impossible to explain, it has to be seen!!

All in all, an excellent program, geared to a family audience in the best of traditional circus style. Madame BOUGLIONE, André's mother, supervises the traditional values - we owe her a BIG THANK YOU!!!

Venue: various venues in and outside Paris, check out L'OFFICIEL DES SPECTACLES and Internet.

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

Sandrine Bouglione with her trained cows. Photo by courtesy of Sandrine and Andre Bouglione

17 March2011

Circus Arena 2011. Jorgen Lorenzen writes:

Circus owner Benny Berdino has his vision and role models. One of the role models is Willy Moreno, he said in his welcome speech to this year's performance. The occasion was that Circus Arena once again presents the act for which Moreno was famous: Circus under water.

And Berdino have his visions. One of them is that he every year want to create a classic circus performance in line with other top performances across Europe. And he has the idea that every year he will present an act which has its roots in the old fair entertainments. For several years it has been Diorios globe of death. This year it is a bike wall of death.

And finally, he has the idea that music must  be live. In Arena you do never experience the band sitting idle in the dark while the music booms from the speakers. There must be real music by real musicians - all the way through.

The show is again this year put up as a big performance and golden and red colors are repeated in several of the act stimulated by Arenas red-yellow outfit.

The water Section of the performance is - surprisingly - given the performance's first part. The reason was probably technical problems with the equipment. But actually it is a good idea - giving plenty of space to the large animal acts in the last section. Perhaps it should be like this all season?

The performance's highlights: already mentioned is the bike wall of death. Jefferson Weber's ride up in the air is new and surprising - and probably never before seen in a Danish circus?

Jefferson Weber in his wall of death high above the ring

And then there's Trio Laruss - an explosion of beauty, strength, balance and elegance. The three golden athletes shows adagio, acrobatics, where masculine strength and feminine grace unite in a perfect demonstration of the body's beauty and countless forms of expression - almost like a dance and a ballet in slow motion. And almost as if the laws of nature have been dissolved.

The Laruss Trio was one of the performance's highlights

And then there is the Casselly family. Daughter Merrylu has long ago jumped out as thoroughbred artist who masters many disciplines at a high level. This year she is working with Jackie Berdino’s son Patrick - in a roller skate act and in the opening number, which probably can be called a mélange entrée. And she is a powerful part in colorful high school riding where she rides together with her mother Alexia and two members of the Berdino family: Laura and Anastazja. But this year it is her smaller brother who attracts the greatest attention. Disguised as Mowgli he performs backward somersault from elephant to elephant, he climbs - like in a trick rider act - under and around the elephant's belly and he goes in splits as he stands with one leg on each elephant. And finally he makes a backward somersault from a teeter boards to an elephant - where another elephant stamps at the teeter board. This trick is extremely difficult as the elephant cannot - as a human being – stamp with a specific pressure. It is impressive that the Casselly family every year creates completely new entrées with their elephants. With other trainers (e.g. the Errani family) it is the same elephant tricks year after year. But not here. Everything is new - and difficult. You remember Sonny and Kim Benneweis. They had the same skill with their elephants and horses.

The elephant boy Mowgli aka René Casselly JR. Press photo from Circus Arena © Christian Warrer

And there's much more in the comprehensive performance. An act which always surprises you is the quick change act, in this performance presented by Duo Geronic. There is a double wheel of death, presented by Diorio’s Brazilian devils; there are the clown Jimmy Folco and finally, the Shandong troupe with foot juggling with elements from Risley acts.

One was told that the huge set-up and the many large and heavy props caused inconvenience at the opening night. But you hardly saw it apart from the facts that the two parts of the performance were reversed. And actually it was a good idea to do it that way. It will be interesting to see the show again in some weeks after it has found its final version.

16 March 2011

Circus Brazil Jack 2011. Swedish Circus Brazil Jack writes (my translation):

Circus Brazil Jack has as usually its season opening at the circus lot at Jägersro Malmö on Thursday 31 March at 19:00. A classic, family-friendly circus show that will be appreciated by children and adults of all ages. Circus Brazil Jack always ensures high quality in the selection of performers and animals. This can be seen from the reviews in the press.

 "This year's set of Brazil Jack is one of the best in many, many years," wrote Harald BROSTRÖM, GOTLAND RIGHT NOW, Visby July 9, 2010

 'Delightfully styled. This year Brazil is Jack's is both warmer and has more atmosphere than for many years, "wrote LASSE AREA, GT, Gothenburg, April 15, 2010

 Rating: + + + + + "Sweden's national circus continues to increase the level. Is may look as big words may seem, but a circus can hardly be better than this wrote ANDERS MORVERN, Dagbladet, Sundsvall, May 30, 2009

In 2011 we welcome amongst others Rosi Hochegger and her horse Scout back after two seasons in Denmark. Welcome to Circus Brazil Jack - Established in 1899!

Until 9 April Circus Brazil Jack will be in Scania area within driving distance from Copenhagen as there is a bridge from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Malmö, Sweden. Cities to be visited in Scania 31 March to 3 April Malmö. 5 April: Landskrona. 6 to 7 April: Lund. 8 to 9 April: Helsingborg

Rosi Hochegger with her horse Scout. The Danes could meet Rosi and her horse in Circus Benneweis 2009 in 2010. Photo by courtesy of Circus Brazil Jack.

16 March 2011

World Circus Day. Press release from The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque.

The Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, today announced that one month in advance of the second World Circus Day (WCDII) more than 50 individual events involving more than 70 partners in 14 countries already have been submitted for registration on the Federation website. WCDII, which will take place on 16 April 2011, also marks the kickoff of the Federation’s 3rd Annual Circus Photo Contest: “Children and the Circus.”

“World Circus Day is designed to set aside one day to recognize the contributions of Circus as a vital part of our shared culture,” said Laura van der Meer, Executive Director of the Federation. “After last year’s success, we expect to see a significant increase in the scope and number of events in 2011. In fact, we received registrations for events in five countries in the first 24 hours following our announcement of this year’s date.” Ms. van der Meer said.

Circuses, friends associations, historical societies, youth organizations, school groups, professional associations, museums, libraries, civic groups, and anyone else interested in participating in WCDII are encouraged to register their events at the Federation’s website. Last year more than 75 events took place in 36 countries in North, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania 

Among the celebrations in 2010 were parades, open air shows, fund-raisers for local charities, gala events, open houses, exhibitions, competitions, raffles, give-a-ways, and free admission to circus shows under tents, in halls and on stages. In Nairobi, for example, the United Nations hosted a special performance by Kenyan acrobats for its staff and their families. More than 2,000 underprivileged children were invited to circus shows in Brazil; South Africans, including some in circus costumes, participated in a 5K fun run/walk; and a celebration in the United States generated funds to benefit rural families in Mongolia.

Registration forms and event details for WCDII may be found at www.circusfederation.org. Rules and entry forms for the photo contest will be posted on 16 April 2011.

In Denmark the World Circus Day will be celebrated at the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, and at the Circus Museum at Rold, Jutland. In Hvidovre, Copenhagen there will be clown performance with Benny Schumann (Charlie Rivel's grandson), talk-show with an old artist telling about his life, exhibitions of circus photos shot by Linda Himsel and open at the museum which has the largest circus collection in the Nordic Countries. In the afternoon there will be circus performance in Circus Baldoni with special entry prices. Arrangers: Danish Circus Friends Association, The Circus Museum at Hvidovre and Circus Baldoni. In Rold, Jutland, there will be free entrance at the museum, guided tours, circus films etc. Arrangers: Circle of friends of the Circus Museum at Rold, Jutland.

14 mars 2011

When I become an adult (in Danish: Når jeg bliver stor) is an electronic book for kids about the life in Danish Circus Arena with text and photos by Elisa Hauerbach. You can probably not understand the text which as mentioned is in Danish. But you can enjoy the photos. Click at http://nordvestnyt.livebook.dk/elisabog

The book tells the story about the author’s son Jonas who dream about being a circus star and being married to the circus princes Merrylu Casselly.

13 March2011

Muddy circus lots. Until a few days ago it still was frosty weather. Due to this the Danish circus lots are this spring extremely muddy. Click here to see some photos from the circus lot at Hillerod where Circus Benneweis put up their big top 13 March in the afternoon, preparing for season opening on 18 March.

12 March 2011

Photo contest. “Children and the Circus” will be the theme of the 2011 Photography Contest announced today by the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque, under the patronage of H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco. The contest will begin on the Second World Circus Day, Saturday, 16 April 2011, and end on 15 June 2011.

The idea to focus on children for the 2011 contest came from Nico Wiertz, member of the Board of Directors of the Dutch Circus Friends Organisation. “The circus appeals to children everywhere, and to the child in all of us,” said Mr. Wiertz, “When children go to the circus, they become so fascinated that they forget to eat their popcorn. The future of the circus is assured by children who grow up to appreciate circus as part of our culture and as a performing art,” he added.

The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers, circus friends and hobbyists. Twelve winning photos will be selected by a panel of circus historians. The overall winner will be selected personally by H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco. Winning photographs will be published in a 2012 wall calendar available for purchase in September 2011.

All participants will be informed of the results of the contest by the end of July, and each winner will receive a calendar signed by H.S.H. Princess Stephanie. The overall winner will be offered a two-night complimentary stay for two persons at the Riviera Marriott Hotel 19-21 January 2012 and two tickets to Competition Shows A and B of the 36th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo.

Photographs must be in color and submitted to PhotoContest@circusfederation.org before 15 June. Contest Entry forms and specifications will be available at www.circusfederation.org from 16 April 2011.

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

12 March 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  again and again --  funny, merry, interesting shows featured at the small theatre/cabarets of which Paris has plenty  -- NOW:  THE THEATRE CLAVEL proudly presents  LA FABRIQUE DES ARTS ... D' A COTE /name of company/ - a really original show created and featured by Sylvain Blanchard, Melanie Depuiset, Celine Romand, scenography, costumes and puppets by Juliette Prillard.

The show is based on THE BLACK ART PRINCIPLE, i.e. that completely black against completely black is invisible, and on shadowgraphy/Chinese shadows, by means of these techniques we are told a little tale of love with some references to cubism.

POINTS OF INTEREST:  technically, the performer is standing in front of a completely black backdrop, in front of him there is a kind of table or shelf, on which he appears to be standing on his feet - those feet are really his hands, with socks and shoes put on!

Only the upper part of his body is seen, dressed in a checked sweater. Behind him, another artist is standing, completely dressed in black, thus she cannot be seen by the audience, her hands not wearing gloves, are positioned so as to look as the first-mentioned artist's hands!!

This technique, called the DWARF, is seldom seen today, although I happened to see it recently performed by the French comedian couple SHIRLEY AND DINO at the THEATRE LE MONFORT. The description of this technique was sold in the sixties-eighties by the English Supreme Magic, Devon, UK. The impact on the audience is excellent and there is a potential for great entertainment value.

This show is entirely visual, having a good sound-track, which makes it possible for visiting tourists to enjoy it, without knowing French. Showtime: 45 minutes.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS!!!

Venue: THEATRE CLAVEL, 3 rue Clavel, 75019 Paris.  Metro: Pyrenées.

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

The Dwarf. Photo by courtesy of Theatre Clavel

8 March 2011

Circus Arli 2011. Martin Arli tells that Circus Arli in the coming season will present the following artists:

Miss Natali – aerial rope 

Alexander - pole acrobatics (first time such act is presented in Denmark)

Martin Arli - magic

Obertaevs Dog Revue (3 years with Ringling)

Wolf Brothers – knockabout table acrobats

Stanislav - billiard Juggling

Evgeniya - rings (sensation)

Martino & Co. - clowns

David Wolf - handstand

Obertaevs have never before appeared in a Danish circus. Besides the dogs act with which they as mentioned has worked for three years at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey  the male partner Obertaev Stas present an impressive act, where his juggling with billiard balls. Click here to see a sneak preview, which I've found on YouTube.

Obertaevs with their dogs. Photo by courtesy of Circus Arli

Wolf Brothers could last year be seen in the large Norwegian Circus Merano with their knockabout entrée and David Wolf's nice handstand act. Before that the Danes could during the winter holiday see them in Circus Landino in the Ballerup Shopping Centre. Miss Natali is as far as I know married to one of the Wolf brothers. Last year she had a newborn baby and appeared only occasionally and not with her main acts which the Danes can look forward as the first in Scandinavia to see in Circus Arli.

Circus Arli open their season on 3 April in Fløng April with dress rehearsal the day before.

Wolf Brothers. Photo courtesy of Circus Arli

7 March 2011

Circus Arnado 2011. In the press release from Norwegian Circus Arnardo is written (my translation):

New stars on Arnardo’s circus sky. Spring's main adventure is here. With innovative artists and ground breaking acrobatics in the program the future for the circus is already in place, circus owner Arild Arnardo says before the season opening in Arendal on 19 and 20 March.

Circus Arnardo being Norway’s oldest cultural institution has toured every year since 1949. The new show is distinguished by speed, perfection, acrobatics of finest brand, but also by intelligent humour, charm and romance.

In 2012 it is 100 years since the founder of Circus Arnardo was born. New generations of the Arnardo family manages and renews the family's precious history that make up the nation's collective circus DNA. For in Norway the synonym to the circus is a name of seven letters!

Circus Arnardo offers in season 2011 two hours with world class artists. No less than 92 persons (including tent workers etc.) tours with the large, blue Italian-made tent with a diameter of 36 meters to 140 locations around Norway during the season.

When 1.500 enthusiastic spectators have taken their seats the French clown Mathieu is the first they meet. He is a smiling and playful artist who through small subtle stories finds the key to our hearts. As a self-styled Hollywood director, he tries as another Clint Eastwood to record a spaghetti western in a comic version. And as inventive conductor he conducts a form of musical soap opera which even Mozart couldn’t compose.

With high "WOW!" factor and difficult tricks Duo Boldia makes circus history with hand-to-hand acrobatics where the impossible becomes possible. In a tasty adagio of powerful elegance melted into new positions, human sculptures, we never before have seen.

Duo Boldia. Photo by courtesy of Circus Arnardo

The delicate tones of Michael's saxophone seeking up to Dea to her natural elegance in aerial straps also led us into this romantic tableau with impressive agility and grace and graceful strength to answer the musical invitational. Their finale trick gives goosy all over: With only a thin, thin neck strap, she is with arms like a butterfly spinning round and round, high, high up there.

Dea and Michael. Photo by courtesy of Circus Arnardo

Another highlight is the performance of the famous Spanish tight wire dancer Nicol Nicole performing a fantastic journey along a stretched wire of steel. Masterfully he keeps the balance and lands perfectly after spectacular leaps that include a backward somersault. Before he in deep concentration is preparing for the most dangerous trick you can do on a tight rope, the risky forward somersault.

25 year old Diana, the female half of the Duo Boiachin is living a dangerous life in this year's edition of Circus Arnardo. High above the ring Mikhail and Diana's entrée in aerial ring is adding a new, spectacular content more daring than ever, with extreme elements presented higher, longer, faster.

Arnardo’s Ark has set the direction. The famous German animal trainer Edi Laforte shows what our pets are capable of. Dogs, goats, cats and ducks all have their place in this cheerful animal kingdom and over-bid each other in the presentation of their tricks showing great enthusiasm in the ring for what they have learned.

Edi Laforte. Photo by courtesy of Circus Arnardo

UNESCO horses and elephants: Along with Skinny, her Dutch Friesen horse and companion through twelve years the German rider in dressage (high school rider) Yvonne Lübben presents tricks of greatest difficulty. With four centuries of tradition of equestrian of the noblest kind compressed under the saddle talented Yvonne rides straight into the UNESCO list of international intangible heritage. For High School riding is highly acclaimed classical horsemanship with an impressive ride patterns and unique harmony between horse and rider.

American miniature horses with big hearts also enter the ring, as well as Christian and Alex with their Indian elephants.

Alex and Christian Gärtner. Photo by courtesy of Circus Arnardo

The juggler Michael Olivares does not try to hide the fact that there floats Spanish blood in his veins. Especially fascinating is his combination of juggling with balls in his hands and table tennis balls with his mouth. Talk about job satisfaction! And then: Three clubs thrown simultaneously into the air in a quick movement from below the instep. That is worthy of flamenco footwork. Olé!

So whether you're big or small family or single, teenage or twenty-ninth, grandmother or grandfather, the future of circus is here now, and it has much to offer: Visitors who come into the tent can dive into another world where it smells popcorn and sawdust, with rapid exchanges of amazing acrobatics to comedy, from wit to large doses of heart-pounding excitement.

Circus Arnardo is loaded with joy and happiness. A performance by the artists in the ring, harmoniously combined with lighting effects, live music and dramatic direction. Clown, livestock, showmanship, magic and illusion, comedy and acrobatics, part powerful, partly soft and sensitive, everything is there, Arild Arnardo proudly says, adding:

-The show is varied. With top performers. I expect a lot of visitors in the tent, yes. There will be full houses! concludes circus owner Arnardo. Fully understandable.

Nicol Nicole and his brother Michael Olivares toured with Danish Circus Dannebrog in 2007. Edi Lafortes nice act with goats, dogs and ducks could be seen in Danish Circus Arli in 2009. Yvonne Lübben toured in 2010 with Swedish Circus Brazil Jack. The Gärtner Brothers presented their elephant in Circus Benneweis in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

As far as I know none of the other artists has previously toured with a circus in the Nordic countries.

6 March 2011

Zirkus Charles Knie 2011 with the thievish entertainers Joan & Kenny Quinn.

Kenny & Joan, who until the 13th February worked in the German dinner-show "Palazzo Variety" in Mannheim with their elegant pickpocket entrée, had only a few days break before they begun their next engagement on 20 February 2011. This year the elegant gentleman thief couple are one of the main attractions at the new German Zirkus Charles Knie which opened their season on 24 February.

This year's summer season and tour is Zirkus Charles Knie's young owner Sascha Melnjak’s fifth season, which this year began in Frankfurt, where Zirkus Charles Knie will stay until 20 March 2011. The year's first performance was well received by the 1,440 spectators, the premier guests and reporters who Zirkus Charles Knie's tent at the circus site Festpladz am Ratsweg could seat.

The newspapers wrote after the opening So, wie man sich Zirkus vorstellt –”Circus Knie” mit prellem Programm (in English that how you imagine a circus - „Circus Knie“with a impressive program). About Kenny and Joan the newspapers wrote: Der gewitzte Entertainer Kenny Quinn bewies flinkes Mundwerk, aber vor allem noch flinkere Finger. Als Gentleman der Taschendieb gelang es ihm, drei Herren aus dem Zuschauerraum vor den Augen des Publikum trotz Vorwarnung Armbanduhren, Brillen, und Krawatten ab zu knöpfen – natürlich nur für die Show, die Opfer  bekamen alles wieder zurück. (in English:

The shrewd entertainer Kenny Quinn has a nimble tongue, but above all nimble fingers. As a gentleman, the pickpocket, he managed to button up three men from the audience before the eyes of the audience despite the warning, stealing watches, glasses, and ties - but only for fun, the victims got everything back again.

Apart from Joan and Kenny Quinn with their well-known pickpocket entre you can in Zirkus Charles Knies’s 2011 performance see: Pas de deux - Stipka/Hula Hoop act + sea lion act - Mona/chair pyramid René / Exoten-Tableau - Marek Jama/horses and school riding – Dany & Denisa / Flying trapeze –The Flying Mendonca/ Clown  André/ Tigers & lions – big cats presented by Alex Lacey/Rola-bola Paolo Kaiser/Tissue act Tarzan & Jane/ventriloquist Kenneth Huesca /  roller skate act Skating Nistorov/ 6 pieces ballet and a 8 piece live band. 

Zirkus Charles Knie is as mentioned today managed and owned by the 35 years old Sascha Melnjak who since 2007 has had great success with his circus. Sascha Melnjak is for the last 12 years also known in the circus world as the Director of Heilbronn Weihnachtscircus in Heilbronn / Germany and as co-producer of Karlsruhe Weihnachtscircus.

This year, Zirkus Charles Knie will mainly tour in the southern part of Germany where the largest portion of the roughly 50 cities they will visit during the season is located in Bavaria, Algae and Baden-Wurttemberg. In 2011, Zirkus Charles Knie can also for a short while be seen in the north-western part of Germany where the season ends in Oldenburg (west of Bremen) on Sunday 6th November.

 On www.zirkus-charles-knie.de you can see tour plan and find much more information about the German circus.

4 March 2011

Circus Dannebrog 2011. In the press release about this year's show is written (my translation)

Circus Dannebrog is coming soon. The many circus wagons run every morning from town to town, and the big circus tent is put up at one circus lot after another. Often it is reunion when the circus comes to town as Circus Dannebrog also was here the last year and previous years - and has been in the Danish summer land every year since 1977. Indeed, since 1880, and this year with Dannebrog 131 year anniversary show. It was the Enoch family, who many years ago started the circus Dannebrog and is still the Enoch family which owns the circus. There have been pauses along the way, specifically from 1922 - 1977, but the present Circus Dannebrog has toured the country since 1977 and can this year celebrate 35 years anniversary. The Haddy Enoch family was a recognized artist family who toured all around the world as bike acrobats until they in 1977 got the happy idea to restart the old circus Dannebrog.

The new generation has taken over after Haddy Enoch, who died in 2009. Solveig and Haddy Enoch’s 4 children Agnete, Dennis, Isabella and Katja Enoch have the current management together with the younger generation. And Solveig Enoch follows proudly everything that happens in the circus - and enjoys watching that Haddy’s and hers life work is carried forward.

Many perceive the circus as an adventure - and rightly so. The life at the circus lot has something alluring, fairytale like about it. The story of the Enoch family can be described as a fairytale as can the very centre of circus life. The fairytales adults tell children and grandchildren become « live » right in front of the audience. For what is it they see? You feel that animals behave as if they had human sense. One sees that people fulfil the ancient dream of flying like a bird - freely through the air, as if natural law was lifted. There are princesses and noble, brave men. All this is described in the adventure. The circus really does it!

And this year, Isabella Enoch who has staged the show and created the choreography, has had this in mind. The viewer must enter the fairy-tale universe and bee drawn into the magical, mythical universe, which is the fairytale's core and characteristics.

This year the emphasis has been to present many different species of animals. For what is circus without animals? It is with pride that the management can present the Hungarian rider squad Florian Richter. The troupe won a golden clown at Monte Carlo in the festival in 2008. That is the highest recognition one can get in the circus world. The Richter troupe present jockey riding, i.e. acrobatics on horseback and daring leap from horse to horse. And furthermore the troupe presents one of the noblest kind of circus arts, namely high school riding.

Julie Tchakinova fills the ring with a potpourri of llamas and Afghan greyhounds. And Bernhard Kaselowsky assisted by his daughter Josephine presents a festive entrée with camels, horses, zebras and the elephant Rambo. Together, they will show what Rambo has learned during the winter. It is not small things!

It is called the wheel of death, but the artists are so well trained and professional that they never play with death. That goes for all entertainers, and hence Duo Sifolini. The two brothers would like to elicit thrills and excitement when they whirl around the ring inside and outside on their large, rotating wheels, which is called wheel of death. For a good circus show shall present beauty, laughter and drama.

Not only excitement but also laughter belongs to a real circus. Circus Dannebrog has a long tradition of genuine clown art, and 2011 is no exception. Totti Alexis is both clown, comedian and entertainer, and he will make sure that the show is peppered with humour, comedy and poetry.

In 2006 the Dannebrog audience met the musical tempo juggler Eddy Carello. Many wanted him back, and now he's here - and again with his musical juggling act, where he hurls balls at the drums in his drum kit and finally grabs and throws the balls with his mouth while the one rhythm after the another grows out of his juggling. For how can he hit that accurately?

Eddy Carello. Photos from his entrées in 2006.

This year Circus Dannebrog has chosen a modern circus orchestra, consisting of 7 musicians and is led by conductor Tino Aeby. The orchestra will create a modern and contemporary sound that has its origin in the classic circus music.

And a person should not be forgotten. Jimmy Enoch, son of Dennis Enoch. It is he who is the in charge of the technical and logistical side of the daily operation of Circus Dannebrog. And also in the show, he pops up - and shows Enoch family's hallmark, which is cycling at a high level.

Jimmi Enoch. Behind him his aunt Agnete Louise Enoch who acts as ringmistress

Agnete Louise Enoch is - for the 35th year consecutive year- hostess and ringmaster and will with accurate and knowledgeable comments and presentations lead the audiences through the program. The entire management look forward to bid the audiences welcome in the circus. This applies to both the old, faithful circus-goers, who have followed the Dannebrog for many years. And to those who will have their very first circus experience. The management has not spared any effort to give everyone, young or old, men and women, an authentic, artistic circus experience where thrill, excitement, laughter, joy and beauty are paramount and where the fairy tale world is played out and experienced.

Welcome to the circus Dannebrog, Denmark's National Circus.

Circus Dannebrog will start the season on 31 March at Vojens.

2 March 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  one of the smaller theatres, addressing both an adult audience and children: LA COMEDIE DE LA PASSERELLE now proudly presents THE ZIGOR AND GUS SHOW -two young artists having got inspiration both from street performance and traditional circus --  the result is a lively, dynamic and funny show featuring juggling, hand-stands-acrobatics, magical effects and clowning.

This show is grosso mode a visual one - and thus gets the attention and interest also from the smaller fry who readily can follow visual effects but would have difficulties with spoken sequences - as the children's attention span is short.

POINTS OF INTEREST: Paris is number one in attracting tourists, and this worldwide - but the vast majority doesn't master French so as to be able to appreciate a theatre play.

It is thus important for them to find visual shows, as is the case of ZIGOR AND GUS SHOW.

An enjoyable and joyous show --- to be recommended !!!

Length of show: one hour.

Paris has a long theatrical tradition - we go to the theatre - yes, let's go !!

Venue: COMEDIE DE LA PASSERELLE, 102 rue Orfila, Paris.  Metro: Gambetta.

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  !!!

See more: www.zigoretgus.fr

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

Zigo and Gus. Photo by courtesy of Comédie de la Passerelle

22 February 2011

Circus Olympia. Swedish Circus Olympia has their opening day on 2 April in Oscarström. Here are the performers for season 2011:

8-piece circus orchestra under the direction of VALENTIN SMIRNOV

VICTOR ROSSI - tempo juggler from France

LI LING & LI RUITANG – Contortionists from China. Toured in 2010 in Denmark with Circus Baldoni

Clowns FRANKIE BOGINO & VICTOR ROSSI - Circus Olympia's funny clowns from Italy and France

HENRIKA BENGTSSON with Circus Olympia charming poodles and miniature lace

DUO LAGRONI - Czech aerialists in aerial straps

NIKLAS BENGTSSON – presenting Circus Olympia’s Siberian camels

3 PASIEKA – Perch acrobats from Ukraine

KLAUDIA BREMLOW – Foot juggler from the Czech Republic. Toured in 2004 with Danish Circus Arena.

DUO HLAVATSKIY – Aerial acrobats from Ukraine

NATASCHA JARZ - dressage with goats, alpacas and ducks

FRANKIE BOGINO & VICTOR ROSSI - our funny clowns will be back!

NIKLAS BENGTSSON – liberty horses.

BUNGEE JUMPING - Chinese acrobats Li Ling, Li Ruitang, Li Hong Liang and Zhu Dongwei in fast-paced aerial act. Toured in 2010 in Denmark with Circus Baldoni

Li Ling & Li Ruitang are amongst the performers in Circus in Olympia in 2011. Photo from performance in Circus Baldoni 2010

In the press release re this year’s Olympia performance is written (my translation):

For the 27th consecutive year, Circus Olympia, which has its winter quarters in Halland Drängsered, will start a six-month tour through Sweden. 171 cities is to be visited from Skillinge in the south to Norrköping in the north. 185 performances are scheduled.

Herbert and Henrika Bengtsson have built up Circus Olympia from nothing to a large modern entertainment company. Each year they present a brand new international circus programme in their blue and yellow circus tent, which can accommodate 600 spectators. This year they have engaged exciting performing groups which never before have performed in Scandinavia. Furthermore, they present their own animal groups which have been engaged by and visited some of Europe's most prestigious circuses.

We have put together a top class international program, with talented artists and well trained animals:

For the first time in Circus Olympia's history artists from China are involved. Li Ling, Li Ruitang, Li Hong Liang and Zhu Dongwei are public trained world class acrobats and their performance includes an aerial act inspired by bungee jumping.

Victor Rossi from France is a leading young tempo juggler, but also funny clown!

From Italy comes the shows other clown, the experienced veteran Frankie Bogino.

Klaudia Bremlow from the Czech Republic is a skilled antipodist, i.e. foot juggler.

From Ukraine come the perch acrobats 3 Pasieka and aerial acrobats Duo Hlavatskiy.

Aerialists Duo Lagroni from the Czech Republic is working in aerial straps.

Circus Olympia is characterized by the tradition of family entertainment, combined with beautiful music and contemporary theatre techniques. This year's program which runs for 2 hours will be accompanied by an eight piece big band.

It is their own animal groups that are Circus Olympia's special trademark and this year's performance is characterized especially by this. Herbert Bengtsson is regarded as one of Europe's most skilled animal trainers and his animal groups are hired by Europe's largest circuses. This year’s animals from Circus Olympia’s stables can be seen in Circus Wictoria in Sweden and Circus Harlequin Switzerland.

In their own ring Circus Olympia will this year present a group of six giant Tinker Horses and six noble Arab horses presented by Niklas Bengtsson. He has furthermore during the winter developed the new animal act with white Siberian camels and white Highland cattle. Natascha Jarz presents a fine animal acts with goats, alpacas and ducks. In addition you will meet Henrika Bengtsson with her mischievous, but well trained poodles and miniature tips.

Niklas Bengtsson with the Tinker horses. Press photo from Circus Olympia. Photographer:  Linda Himsel

21 February 2011

Circus Mascot in Herning. Elly and Kurt Stær writes: Just some photos from Circus Mascot in the Herning Centre (shopping mall) during the winter holiday in week 7. As you can see from the photos the performance was well attended. Wonderful that the interest is so great for the circus in Denmark!

 Clowns Alex and Lulu in the ring

 Daniel Deleuran with rola bola

Marianne Deleuran with her doggies. Photos: Elly and Kurt Stær

20 February 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  THEATRE CLAVEL proudly presents  THE RENZOS, featuring a magnificent program, swiftly carried on, full of humour and tongue-in-cheek comedy, very entertaining  --  and there is something for the pleasure of everybody - both the small children and the adults enjoy !

We saw: juggling, both single and double, magic effects such as the Wandering Bottle and Glass with multiplication of the bottle ... , acrobatics, both hand-to-hand and on slack wire, music on the cornet, vibraphone and on "honky-horns" ...trained budgies performing amazing stunts --- and what supports the whole show is personality, artistry and an obvious joy of performing and to make an audience happy !

Elegant costumes, often changed, nice looking props and a professional sound-track - they can't bring a live band...

These artists, THE RENZOS, have kept the best within CIRCUS ART - BRAVO !!!

Indeed a very pleasant, elegant, sympathetic and ENTERTAiNING SHOW  and --- IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!

Venue: THEATRE CLAVEL, 3 rue Clavel, 75018 Paris ,  Metro: Pyrenees. 

See more: http://www.wat.tv/video/production-renzo-25btd_2gcxp_.html

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

The Renzos. Photo by courtesy of Théâtre Clavel

18 February 2011

Circus Benneweis 2010. Circus Benneweis has now published the names of the performers in their 2011-show. It is a number of international top artists which never before have been in Denmark. Only the charming ringmistress Judy Glosted has earlier been seen in a Danish circus ring.

After some years with only a few horses in the performances the Benneweis audience can look forward to meet three beautiful Friesian horses and three magnificent Arabian horses in an incredibly beautiful and elegant high-school riding (dressage riding) act. They are presented by the Saabel Family. Those who have seen the act tells me that it is much better than the dressage riding entrée which gold clown winner Flavio Togni presented this year in Monte Carlo! Besides the horses the audience will meet the Saabel family in the ring in an elegantly choreographed act with husky dogs. Finally their daughter Alexandra Saabel, who also is a costume designer, presents a beautiful hand stand act.

This year’s clown is as previously mentioned on this website Tito Medina. He comes from Spain. He won the city of Massy honorary award at the Circus Festival in Massy in 2010. In Benneweis you can see him and his buddy Du in a comical act in aerial cradle with which act he in the past few months have had much success in the Circus building in Budapest. Beyond this entrée he has a number of run ins.

Another top act is The Jaster with knifes and crossbow. Their act is the hottest of its kind on the market. Their motto is "When Risk Becomes elegance ...".

The Danish circus audience loves elephants. This year Benneweis present three elephants in the ring: an African elephant and two Indian elephants. With them, they have their trainer Lars Hölscher. He presented the elephants in Germany in his parents' circus Fliegenpilz which was famous for their beautiful animal acts. As Bodo and Beatrix Holscher closed their circus, Lars took over elephants, which he has since has presented in numerous circuses.

There are many jugglers. Many talented. But nobody as Coperlin which Benneweis this year presents to the Danish audience. Coperlin, whose real name is Dustin Nicolodi, is not only a skilled juggler, but also a great comedian who has brought a whole new dimension to the art of juggling. At the Circus Festival in Budapest in 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Pierrot. Last year he appeared in Finland's leading circus, Circus Finlandia.

Finally, the audience will meet The Alexandru Cheban troupe from Moldavia twice. First time in a nice act with Russian swing. Second time in an entrée with bounching wheels. A act of this type has never before been presented in a Danish circus ring.

Circus Benneweis has their opening night in Hillerød on Friday 18 March.

Coperlin are among the performers in this year’s Benneweis performance

18 February 2011

Circus Baldoni 2011. It is Baldoni’s season no 10.

"We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary with a bang of a performance where we have engaged some of the amazing and funny performers from the past years and of course, we do also present some new exciting acts," Thessa Daniella Mønster, co-owner of Circus Baldoni says.

In the performance you will meet charming house cats, an elegant juggler on unicycle, impressive hand stand acrobatics and an amusing knockabout table act. A speedy Argentinean gaucho act, a glorious trampoline act and a car with so many hunk horns that any man becomes jealous. Of course there are also wonderful crazy clowns and Leonardo, the indispensable lion (a ventriloquist doll).

The house cats are presented by Fatime (Fatime Horvath). In 2006 the audience in Circus Baldoni met her with a very strong hula hoop act in which she was assisted by her partner Peytchev Plamen. Since then she chose to replace the physically demanding hula hoop entrée with a cat act. Also in this act she is assisted by her partner Peytchev Plamen. I saw the cat act in Swedish Circus Olympia in 2009. It is a great act!

Plamen has also his own unique act: a comical trampoline entrée where he performs under the name Mr. Jumping. The act could also been seen at Circus Baldoni in 2006. In 2009  Plamen and Fatime toured with Swedish Circus Olympia. In 2010 they toured with Circus Zorba in Norway. This year you can meet the two talented artists in Circus Baldoni.

The act with the car with honk horns is Freddy Anthony. I saw his act first time in Circus M Schumann in 1978-1980 and later in Circus Arli (2000), Circus Dannebrog (2003) and Circus Krone (2010). The audience loves him! His young spouse Miss Martina can be seen with a nice hand stand act.

In Baldoni’s 2004-performance the audience met Andrey Voronin in nice entrées as juggler and mono cyclist. He is back in the 2011-show, where he also present an act in German wheel. Furthermore, he and his partner Svitlana Svystun present a Gaucho act.

No circus without clowns! The Baldoni clowns Danila and Danilo offers new crazy entrées. The act involves both plates and mirrors and lots of laughs.

Circus Baldoni has opening night in Lyngby on Wednesday 23 March.

Mr. Jumping. Photo by courtesy of Circus Baldoni

16 Febryar2011

Circus during the winter holidays. As mentioned earlier, you can at several shopping centres see circus performances during week 7 and 8.

 Mr. Sputnik aka circus photographer Per Krogh Petersen has seen the show with Pierrot in Frederiksberg Centre. Click here to see photos and video clips from the show.

 Mr. Sputnik has also been in Elsinore City Centre, where he has seen Benny Schumann and Mike Freeman Sanger. Click here to see photos from the show.

I have myself visited the Ballerup Centre, where Circus Landino featured the Czech Navratil family and the young Danish magician Sebastian. Amongst other acts Jan Navratil presented the famous foot juggling act with which he has toured worldwide and which the Danes could see in Circus Benneweis in 2009.

Jan Navratil can also juggle with cigar boxes. Click here to see more photos from the performance at Circus Landino.

12 February 2011

JAN MADD LE THEATRE DE MAGIE DE PARIS METAMORPHOSIS, management and artistic counselling CHANTAL SAINT JEAN, celebrates their 20-years jubilee!

When JAN MADD, 45, and after an international career of about 25 years: variety, night clubs, cabaret, circus and opening act to a bouquet of big, star-studded shows in many countries, found that he had had enough of the life of a travelling magic entertainer --  then a question popped up: "What do I do now ?"

The answer was to open a magic theatre in Paris, inspired by ROBERT HOUDIN /1805-1871/ and his SALON FANTASTIQUE where the fashionable audience of Paris came to enjoy all kinds of wonders.

So - next question: "Will this kind of entertainment still have success and draw crowds today?”

Time made it clear that it could. This was a risky business, full of pits and obstacles, and success was not in the cards for a start.

An old barge which had transported goods on the river Seine for so many years - was bought and transformed into a restaurant including a modern kitchen and the very theatre was installed in the cargo-space.

Everything was tastefully decorated in a classical style, sound-and lighting were installed and several programs running for 90 minutes were created. As time went by, the location of this barge-showboat gradually grew better, from a more remote spot,  Metamorphosis now has its firm location facing the Notre Dame Church - with a panoramic view second to none, of great importance to the potential guests when they are to choose the theatre - or not ...

Little by little this THEATRE DE MAGIE DE PARIS METAMORPHOSIS got more and more successful, working together with the tour operators and putting in lots of communication and sales-work, conducted and supervised by CHANTAL SAINT JEAN.

METAMORPHOSIS plays every night, all year around, except Mondays which is the day of rest for all the Parisian theatres. Many enterprises and organizations choose to throw their socializing parties here and on Sundays there is a family show, where children's birthdays are celebrated. It became obvious that METAMORPHOSIS caters for a real need for good and healthy entertainment!!

A big bravo and wishes for MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!!!

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

Jan Madd

11 February 2011

Paulina Schumann 90 years. One of the circus world’s living legends Paulina Schumann can celebrate her 90 years birthday on 17 February 2011. The daughter of the famous clown Charlie Rivel and his wife Carmen Busto was born in Barcelona, Spain. Her Christian name was Paulina Luisa Andreu Busto. Paulina got as her three younger brothers an all-round artist training. Only 5 years old she got her breakthrough in 1926, where she thrilled audiences at Empire Circus Theatre in Paris with a parody of Josephine Baker.

Paulina Schumann as Josephine Baker

In the following year she appeared with the family in circuses and music halls throughout Europe. She was already a well-known artist when she and her family came to Circus Schumann. Albert Schumann fell in love with the beautiful Spanish girl, and in November 1946 the couple was married in the Oscar Church in Stockholm. In the Schumann family, Paulina learned to perform with horses, and in 1949 she got her ring debut in the Circus Building in Copenhagen with dressage riding. Paulina soon proved to be a super talent in the presentation of horses and especially dressage riding. In addition she introduced an uncommon sophistication in lighting, costume design, musical arrangements, and thematic presentations and thereby added an extra flair to the Schumann family's technically brilliant horse acts. Up to and including 1968 season an enthusiastic audience saw the beautiful Paulina in splendid robes and with dressage riding and liberty horse acts of a quality that you saw nowhere else.

Paulina Schumann as many remember her

Together with her husband Albert and his brother Max, and later the sons Benny and Jacques and the niece Katja Paulina developed what the family called Schumannship to a concept of the finest horse acts you could see anywhere. Besides in the Circus Building in Copenhagen the audience met Paulina, the family and their horses in the circus buildings in Gothenburg and Stockholm, in Bertram Mills Winter Circus in London and several other places.

Season 1968 was Paulina and Albert Schumann's last at the Circus Building. The couple had also drifted away from each other and were later divorced. They settled both in the Barcelona area and kept in touch until Albert's death in 2001. Despite many offers from the circus world, neither Paulina nor Albert returned to the work with horses. Paulina took a different role: she became an assistant to her father Charlie Rivel and assisted him from 1972 until he shortly before his death in 1983 stopped his career. Also in the role of her father's assistant Paulina showed a clear talent.

As mentioned, Paulina now lives in Spain, where she lives in Cubelles at Barcelona. Cubelles is the town where her father was born. Although retired as an artist she is far from forgotten. In 2008, she was awarded the Medalla de Oro de las Bellas Artes from the hands of H.M. Juan Carlos, King of Spain.

Paulina with her father Charlie Rivel and Danish comedians Volmer Sorensen and Grethe Sonck. All photos are from Benny Schumann’s private collection. Click here to see some more photos from Benny Schumann’s collection.

11 February 2010

Norwegian Circus Merano will at usual be the first circus in the Nordic Countries to begin season 2011. Season opening takes place in Fredrikstad on 11 March. As usual circus owner Knut Dahl presents an exciting program with international top class artists, several of which have never appeared in the Nordic countries.

Performing artiste in 2011 are

AMEDEO FOLCO JR. with ponies. He is only 11 years old, but can lead his circus ancestors many generations back. His great grandfather was the legendary Frantz Althoff and his grandfather the well-known elephant trainer Amedeo Folco. His mother Adriana is also a well-known elephant trainer.

DUO VESLOV with a cowboy entrée. The duo could last year be seen in Denmark in Circus Dannebrog. Unlike in many other cowboy entrées also the female partner does a number of tricks.

BOBYLEV – the famous Russian run-in clowns with their original entrées.

DUO COSTACHE in perch. The duo comes from Romania, and it is their first season in a Nordic circus.

FAMILY IGEN’s dog revue. Their charming act has in earlier years been with Circus Merano as well as with Danish Circus Dannebrog.

BOBYLEV

TRIO VESLOVSKI with their roller skate entrée. The family toured with Circus Dannebrog in Denmark in 2010

BOBYLEV

EMIL FALTYNEK spectacular cube and ladder balancing. The act has not previously been shown in a Scandinavian circus.

JOSEFINE AND DANIEL IGEN with their trained goats

DAVID HAMMARBERG in swinging trapeze. The talented young Swede has previously toured with Circus Wictoria in Sweden.

BOBYLEV

FAMILY FALTYNY bike acrobats. A great act seen in Circus Dannebrog in Denmark in 2005

BOBYLEV

DEVIDER ROBERTS with at rola-bola entrée. He has never before toured with at Scandinavian circus.

ADRIANA FOLCO WITH THE ELEPHANT "BABA". One of the very best single elephant acts. Adriana has several times before toured with Circus Merano and with Benneweis in Denmark.

The talented roller skate artists Trio Veslovski are among the performers at this year's Merano-performance. Photo from Circus Dannebrog 2010

7 February 2011

Copenhagen casting-agent Jörgen Börsch informs from Latvia that booked for the current show at the capitals Riga Circus-building is Spanish José Muñoz family (comical/serious tight-wire duo, tumbling duo and tempo-juggling) which in late march continues to Denmark for the circus-season. As is Evgeny Shmarlovsky with his new 12 parakeets act, and an additional free-flying Ara-parrots act.

Also booked for the show by Mr. Börsch are three African beauties: Timba, Mala and Kenya along with Sonni & Erwin Jnr. Frankello.  After the run they return to the sanctuary "Elefantenhof" in northern Germany.

First, however, all the mentioned and other selected acts go for a gala in Tallin, capital of Estonia.

The brothers José and Eric Muñoz spend last season with Danish Circus Krone. Eugeny Shmarlovsky presented his parakeets at the amusement park Hansapark north of Lübeck. In earlier years he presented a comical magic entrée in leading circuses over most of Europe. His surname is sometime spelt Chmarlowski. Not easy to translate Russian names to western letters!

4 February 2011

Circus during the winter holidays. School children in Denmark have their winter holidays either in week 7 or in week 8. Like previous years you can several places during the winter holidays see circus performances in shopping malls, etc.

Danish Circus Krone visits at usual Gellerupscenen in Aarhus. This year there are performances from 12 to 17 February.

Circus Landino is produced by Benny Berdino (Circus Arena). It can be seen from 15 to 19 February in Ballerup Shopping Centre. Ballerup is a Copenhagen suburb. Ringmaster is the actor and entertainer FINN BENDIXEN. In the performance you will meet the NAVRATIL FAMILY from Czech Republic. They offer an entrée with cowboy acts and knife throwing and a humorous plate spinning act. Furthermore you can see Jan Navratil’s well-known act with foot juggling and a ball up in the basket, seen e.g. in Circus Benneweis 2009. Finally Circus Landino introduces a new young magician: SEBASTIAN SCHOOR. He has won several competitions among new young magicians including a talent competition for young magicians at Circus Land.

Left: Jan Navratil. Right: The young magician Sebastian Schoor. Photos by courtesy of Finn Bendixen /Circus Arena

Circus Mascot will from 14 to 19 February be in the Herning Shopping Centre and from 21 to 26 February at the Aalborg Shopping Mall. The show features the clown family ALEX AND LULU (Duo Matvees) from Russia. The two wags had last year great success in the Swedish Circus Wictoria. In addition to the clowns you can meet MARIANNE DELEURAN and her happy dogs, DANIEL DELEURAN with rola bola and ANDREAS DELEURAN with diabolo. There might be changes in the program as for the Deleuran family’s own acts.

Daniels Deleuran with his cube rola bola entrée. Photo by courtesy of Circus Mascot.

Benny Schumann is producer of no less than 3 winter performances, all in the period 14 to 19 February:

At the Frederiksberg Shopping Centre in Copenhagen you can meet Kurt Flemming aka PIERROT FROM BAKKEN, who does magic, fun and games with both children and adults.

In the Elsinore City Centre you can see a festive and funny circus show with the clown and circus artist BENNY SCHUMANN and meet SANGERS CIRCUS DOGS (Mike Freeman Sanger).

In the West Zealand Shopping Centre in Slagelse you can meet the world class clowns TOTO CHABRI & CO. and JOHN BURKE with his sea lions.

Benny Schumann is producer of 3 of the winter circus performances

On Funen the winter holidays are in week 8.  As previous years Odense Congress Centre is for this week changed to an indoor amusement park Slaraffenland (Eldorado). Among the attractions is a circus with shows produced by Isabella Enoch. Among the performers are DUO LAGRONI from Czech Republic with a knockabout table act, IRENA LAGRONI with foot juggling, clown run-ins with RENATO SPINDLER and BERNHARD KASELOWSKY with elephant, camels and zebras. In addition ISABELLA ENOCH will present the barber shop gag with the elephant Ramboline. The last 3 days, you can furthermore meet Isabella's youngest son David with his juggling act.

Isabella's barber shop

Finally the Circus Land at Circus Arena’s winter quarter in Aarslev close to Slagelse is open throughout the period 12 to 27 February.

The program of shows is as follows:

10.30: Horse Training in training ring

11.00: Sea Lion Show

11.30: Elephants and exotens in the training ring

12.00: Sune’s Buster Show in Playland

12.30: Pony riding in the pony ring

13.00: Pierrot and Sune at Playland

13.30: Pony riding in the pony ring

14.00: Circus Theatre in Playland

14.30: Horse Training in the training ring.

15.00: Sea Lion Show

15.30: Elephants and exotens in the training ring

As the circus season not yet started, there is plenty of animals at home in the winter quarter, including not less than seven elephants: Arena's own three elephants and René Casselly's four elephants.

You can find details about time and place of all these winter performances in What's On.

4 February 2011

Josette Dubsky 80 years. Friday 11 February Josette Dubsky can celebrate her 80th year birthday. Josette Carmen Dubsky was born in Boulogne-sur-Mer 11 Febauray 1931 as daughter of Charlie Rivel’s brother Polo.  In 1953 she married Danish Joseph Dubsky. For many years Josette and Joseph toured as the Dubsky Rivel clowns, in the later years assisted by their son Janos as white-faced clown. Their last full season with at circus was in 2000 when they toured with Danish Circus Dannebrog.

A picture of the Dubsky Rivel Family could be seen at Circus Dannebrog's entrance in 2000. From the left Janos, Joseph and Josette. Copied from Jorgen Lorenzen's documentary ”Mellem gråd og latter” (a documentary about the circus clown).

31 January 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  --  CIRQUE DIANA MORENO BORMANN performs in Paris all the year around -  it is a family-circus, rich in traditions, where the entire family performs in the ring and takes part in all the practical work  necessary for the show.

DIANA herself welcomes and greets the audience, and we see:

ERIC BORMANN proudly presents his eight Bengal tigers, which all do their tricks quickly and swiftly, jumping, balancing, rolling over and walking on their hind legs - things that come natural to them - which make the interaction between the animals and their master - very appealing. Beautiful animals and a display of confidence between man and beast !

REGINA MORENO features a very family-friendly show: dogs, doves and a goat - an excellent act for particularly the smaller children who, on top of it all, are allowed to feed the goat - a tremendous success with the kids - and subsequently with their parent, being happy when their offspring is happy !!

KATIA shows an elegant and beautiful act on tight-wire - very accurate and appealing.

The program also offers an aerial act in a trapeze-rope-ring, clowning with acrobatic stunts and plate spinning, exotic animals/ lamas, camels, dromedaries and beautiful horseacts.

ALEXANDRA PAUWELS-BORMANN is a master-juggler, featuring nine rings high up in the air - standing on a big globe - amazing !!!

Grande finale with the entire ensemble, thus ending a very appealing and sympathetic family show, presented in a nicely decorated Big Top, well heated on chilly days.

POINT OF INTEREST: CIRQUE DIANA MORENO BORMANN can be seen all the year around, it is possible to hire the whole circus for special events, complete with catering service, according to previous agreement. There are only few locations for a circus to remain in Paris on a yearly basis, the venue is located at 112, rue de la Haie Coq, 75019, Paris. Nearest Metro: Porte de la Chapelle, then you take Bus 65, get off at stop HAIE OOQ.

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

Eric Bormann with his tigers. Photo by courtesy of Cirque Diana Moreno Bormann

28 January 2011

The Jaster to Benneweis. Last year’s ringmaster in Circus Benneweis Kim Kenneth suggested Diana Benneweis to engage the knife throwing act The Jaster aka Giacomo Sterza and his beautiful partner Elena Busnelli for this year’s performance. I was allowed to see a video with the couple and agreed fully with Kim. The Jaster present the most impressive act with knife throwing and crossbow I ever have seen! Luckily enough Diana Benneweis managed to get a contract with the two Italians. 

They both come from old circus families and began with more traditional circus disciplines such as acrobatics, trapeze and lasso. Then they met and created their act with knife throwing and crossbow shooting and are now the most requested artists in this discipline. They have appeared in leading circuses and music halls all over the world. Including the renowned Swiss Circus Knie, the large German Circus Krone (Europe's largest!) and Italians' legendary Circus Moria Orfei. TV-viewers across Europe have met them in the French television program Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde, where the studio audience rewarded their act with standing ovations.

Now it is the Danish audience's turn to be introduced to the amazing The Jaster. Their motto is "When Risk Becomes elegance ..." Click here if you want to see a video with The Jaster fabulous entrée.

27 January 2011

On 20 January 2011 I told about the 2011-program for Circus Maximum which is the leading circus in Sweden. However for some artist I didn’t tell what they were doing. Due to this I repeat then presentation of the programme as I assisted by Tino Rivero now has inserted the missing information.

Gerry Temajo is a singer and comes from the Philippines. 

Circus Maximum’s Frisian horses

Gerasimenko are knockabout acrobats. They come from Ukraine.

The run-in clown Don Christian from Austria.

Roberto Carlos is juggler, coming from Mexico.

Wolfgang Lauenburger and his happy dogs

Costas in flying trapeze

Circus Maximum’s exoten and elephant

Troupe Atlantis (acrobat troupe, was for several seasons with German Circus Krone)

Diorio with their globe of death

Several of the performers have never before been in a Scandinavian country: Gerry Temajo, Gerasimenko, Roberto Carlos and the Atlantis troupe.

The Atlantis troupe. Photo from Circus Krone 2006

27. January 2011

Danish Executive Order on the keeping and presentation of animals in circuses etc.

In December 2009 the Danish Ministry of Justice issued Executive Order on the keeping and presentation of animals in circuses etc. Most of the rules did not enter into force until 1 October 2010. This will mean that season 2011 will be the first season where circuses touring in Denmark must comply with the new rules.

Also foreign circuses visiting Denmark must comply with the rules. Non-knowledge of the rules or the Danish language will not be accepted as an excuse by the Danish police or the criminal courts!

You can read the rather detailed rules at www.retsinformation.dk/_GETDOC_/ACCN/B20090136505-regl The rules are in Danish.

It follows from the rules that a circus presenting animals in the performance shall submit a notification to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration not later than 4 weeks before season opening.

The notification under must contain the following elements:

 1) Danish or scientific names of the species of animals on display

 2) The number of animals presented

 3) Where the animals will perform, including copies of the tour schedule (list of towns to be visited with date for each town and address of the circus lot to be used). The tour list will be used for spot control of compliance with the rules in the Executive Order.

The rules are rather detailed and in some part stricter than rules in e.g. Germany. As an example I quote the rules for elephants (my translation):

Elephants

Article 28. Ceiling height in the stables, where elephants are housed must be at least 5 meters.

Subarticle 2. If an elephant is stalled in an individual box, the floor area must be at least 80 square meters, and the shortest side of the box must be at least 8 meter.

Subarticle 3. For group stalling the floor area must be at least 60 square meters per elephant.

Article 29. Elephants must during the tour be kept in their transport wagons at night.

Subsection 2. Ceiling height in the transport wagon must be at least 3.20 meters and the floor area must be at least 20 square meters.

Subsection 3. If several elephants are stalled in the same transport wagon the floor area must be large enough to permit all elephants to lie down at the same time.

Article 30. Elephants must have access to a pen.

Subarticle 2. Pens used by elephants during tours, must have a minimum area of 100 sq meters, of which the shortest side must be at least 10 meters. If the pen is used by more than two elephants at the same time the space requirements increase by 50 square meters per animals.

Article 31. Elephants must have at least 2 hours daily exercise or be provided free movement in the pen.

Subsection 2. The provision of subsection 1 may be waived if veterinary or weather conditions are decisive for this.

Subsection 3. If it due to weather conditions is impossible to give elephants access to a pen during the tour a heated stable tent is required where elephants can be stalled during the day.

Article 32. Pens used by elephants during tours, must be fenced by an electric fence and an additional fence, which establish a safety distance of at least 2 m between the elephant pen and the area to which the public has access.

Subarticle 2. While staying in pen as mentioned in subarticle 1, each elephant must at anytime be supervised by a person having control over the elephant.

§ 33 Elephants must be kept in socially harmonious groups.

Subarticle 2. Male elephant are to be kept individually during the period when they are in musth.

Subarticle 3. The Ministry of Justice may, in exceptional cases grant exemptions from subarticle 1.

The Executive Order does also set specific rules for sea lions, horses, zebras, camels, dromedaries, llamas, dogs and birds. There is a ban from presenting certain animals in circuses in Denmark, e.g. lions, tigers, big cats, reptiles, monkeys, penguins etc.

26 January 2011

Swedish Circus Wictoria which mainly tours in the Stoclholm area has released their 2011 programme. The season will begin 1 April in Heby.

This year's program will offer

Los Gauchos from Argentine

Halyna in solo trapeze

An exciting perch act from Ukraine

Ruslana in a beautiful aerial strap entrée

Jessica Bengtsson from Sweden / Circus Olympia with ponies, camels and dressage riding. Jessica was in 2010 awarded the Swedish Circus Academy’s honour award The Charlie together with her brother Niklas

A teeterboard act with Trio Sebastian

Clown Sebastian from Finland

Crossbow shooting with Edit & Arrjeta

Acrobatic clown trio

A life band from Poland / Ukraine

Lars Ake and Karin Jonsson welcome everyone to a new circus season!

Trio Sebastian. Photo by courtesy of Circus Wictoria

26 January 2011

Monte Carlo 2011. Several of the Danish visitors to this year’s Circus Festival in Monte Carlo have kindly provided me with photos of some of the winners.

The winner of the golden clown Flavio Togni was only 16 years old when he in 1976 presented the family’s elephants in Monte Carlo and was awarded a silver clown. This time he changed it to a clown of gold. Photo: Rud Kofoed

This time Flavio Togni presented horses, camels, elephants and as here his tigers. The Jury didn’t have any doubts: he was worth a golden clown. Photo: Rud Kofoed

Flavio Togni with liberty horses. Photo: Rikke Threms

Bello Nock is a fabulous clown – now awarded with a golden clown. Photo: Rud Kofoed

Bello. A hair-raising clown. This the otherwise always stylish Prince Albert II had to realize when the hair raised on his otherwise bald head. He surrendered himself completely to Bello. Photo: Rud Kofoed

Bello is worth his weight in gold in a circus. Photo: Rud Kofoed

The Chinese bike acrobats from the Dalian troupe can go home with a silver clown in their luggage. Photo: Rud Kofoed

The Jiangxi troupe was awarded a silver clown. Photo: Rud Kofoed

Valérie Inertie was awarded a silver clown. Photo: Sacha Kristensen

White Birds’ silver birds in flying trapeze. They got at very well deserved silver clown for their act. Photo: Rud Kofoed

Royal Brothers was amongst the audiences favourite but was ‘only’ awarded a clown of bronze. Photo: Rud Kofoed

Troupe Alma’s was also awarded a clown of bronze. Photo: Sacha Kristensen. Sacha has taken a number of other photos from the festival. Click here to see those photos.

Apart from the artists mentioned there were bronze clowns to Roman Kapersky and Troupe Khubaev (acrobat).

26 January 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  presently a circus-show on the verge of new and traditional circus. THEATRE PARIS PLAINE proudly presents LA LANTERNE MAGIQUE - a wonderfully composed show where we saw:

FRANK DESMAROUX, founder and anchor of this troupe, he performs as clown throughout the show featuring clown stunts and juggling.

SVETLANA ZINDICOVIC, an elegant choreography on vertical rope.

MELL AND DANTE DESMAROUX and LILIAN PRETAT, several entrées including a start of a hand-to-hand-act by Dante and Lilian /two boys about 12 years old. Mell, a girl about eleven, had obviously trained classical ballet, she was elegant while dancing, emotional while playing the violin and graceful while doing acrobatics and particularly contortion.

These three youngsters performed entrées featuring dance, acrobatics, juggling as well as music and - some magic !

SOPHIE AND YANN LAFORGE are original in their artistry, acrobatics, Chinese pole and - certainly original - a knife-throwing act, seldom seen today - the original input was that Yann apparently gets a lady from the audience up on stage - really his partner, with whom he then does a stunning knife-throwing act. My reserve may be that as the audience had numerous very young children- it might be questionable to show them - a knife-throwing act, but amazing and entertaining was it indeed.

So came the masterpiece: PIPO SOSMAN, circus performer, particularly as a clown, he is the seventh generation!! On stage was a replica-decor of an old circus wagon/caravan where PIPO SOSMAN was sitting putting on his clown-make-up, he then came on stage and played on a kind of lyre mounted on a pole, he also played with the tiny, accorded metal-plates which produce music when turned on a small tabouret, -- traditional, captivating and beautiful. PIPO SOSMAN has had a long international career, also with the Danish Circus BENNEWEIS in 1990, Denmark and Sweden.

The troupe LA LANTERNE MAGIQUE travels internationally, they frequently perform in Germany and I saw - an impressive press-kit !!

A show well worth seeing at the THEATRE PARIS PLAINE in Paris !!!

See more: http://www.la-lanterne-magique.fr

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS !!!

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

Mell and Dante Desmaroux with Lilian Pretat. Photo by courtesy of La Lanterne Magique

24 January 2011

Swedish Diana Rhodin, who toured in Denmark with Circus Dannebrog in 2000 and Circus Benneweis in 2002, has in the past two years had great success with her circus at Halmstad Äventyrsland (an amusement park) in Sweden. She returns this year to the park with a brand new program. The park is open from early June to end August. – Diana is daughter of the late Trolle Rhodin.

20 January2011

Press release from Circus Arena re the upcoming season. (My translation).

Arena - Circus under Water. As usual Circus Arena presents in 2011 a unique family show. In a show which is targeted to all Danish children and adults and is taking the audience on a fantastic tour of the circus - the universe that ends with a spectacular water and laser show.

Water and fire has always fascinated people, and in the circus world you could back in 1886 for the very first time see a circus ring filled with water. With the water and the traditional circus, basically, Arena has created a show that with the latest laser and computer technology will create a new dimension to an artist's display. The audience can look forward to this year's circus experience with both has traditions and innovations.

Horses, elephants, clowns, aerial acrobats. Strong men and beautiful women is still a very basic part of the circus experience circus owner Benny Berdino says. Benny remembers how he as a child was admiring a circus poster for Circus under Water. The magic of water is unchanged and although we make traditional circus, we will also be innovative. I think the audience will be surprised when they realize what can be done in a circus tent.

Lots of animals. Audiences can in the show meet beautiful animals. Dressage riding on Andalusian stallions. Mowgli and his 4 African elephants. Naughty dogs are sabotaging the act ”Strictly Come Dancing” (“Dancing with the Stars") and of course you will meet sea lions in their proper element. Here is unique acrobatic mastery of the human body - full speed roller skates - giant double wheel of death under the tent dome, with 4 daredevils - equilibristic balancing act. From Italy comes the clown Jimmy Folco, who along with talented acrobats and magnificent animals takes the audience through this year's show. The audience gets a 2 hours and 20 minutes long journey through the circus universe that ends with the Grand Final - of cause in the water.

Look forward - Arena is coming to town.

Among the performers in this year's show is the clown Jimmy Folco, the Casselly family with their elephants, Taian Acrobatic Troupe with foot juggling and Risley and Brazil 4 with their wheel of death. MerryLou and Alexia Casselly will along with Laura Berdino present school riding and Trio Laruss is performing as living statues covered with gold. Click here to see a video with the Trio Laruss.

Brazil 4 in their wheel of death. Photo Circus Arena©Christian Warrer

20 January 2011

The Swedish Circus Maximum has named their 2011-show VIVA MAXIMUM! Circus owner Bengt Källquist looks forward to present the following artist to the audience:

 Gerry Temajo

 Maximums Friesian horses

 Gerasimenko

The run-in clown Don Christian (also seen at Circus Massimo 2003, at Circus Maximum 2009 and in Circus Benneweis 2010)

 Roberto Carlos

 Wolfgang Lauenburger and his dog (also seen in Circus Maximum 2009 and Circus Arena in 2010)

 Costas Flying Trapeze (also seen in Circus Dannebrog 2007)

 Maximum's exoten and elephant

 Troupe Atlantis

 Diorio with their motorcycle globe (known from several seasons in Denmark with Circus Arena)

20 January 2011

Exhibition in honour of Paulina Schumann. On 17 February Paulina Schumann can celebrate her 90^th years birthday. On the occasion of the birthday with a round figure Arts Santa Mònica at Cubelles (close to Barcelona) will on 25 January open a special exhibition called A century of circus – Paulina Andreu Rivel Schumann

Art Santa Mònica writes:

Paulina Andreu — Paulina Schumann — is one of the living legends of the golden age of great 20th-century circus. The daughter of Josep Andreu — Charlie Rivel — and trained in the family, Paulina Schumann embodies that rare phenomenon, the emergence of female stars in the circus microcosm. She had already made a name for herself in big tops and on stages across Europe and America as an acrobat, juggler, dancer, singer and musician when, in 1946, she joined the famous Cirkus Schumann, where she was initiated in the equestrian arts. She was soon launched on a meteoric career combining both ‘liberty’ and Haute École horse acts that made her the undisputed number one among European equestrian divas. With her personal glamour and her exquisite and highly creative equestrian routines she was tremendously popular, appearing in films and on magazine covers, and making her a coveted society guest at the parties of Europe’s rich and royal.

During her active career Paulina Schumann never performed in Spain, but her love for her native Barcelona prompted her to put on an exhibition of Haute École equestrianism with Circ Raluy during the 1998 Christmas season. Ten years later the Catalan government paid tribute to her international art with the National Circus Award.

The show is a tour documentary and iconographic throughout the career of this great lady of the circus of the twentieth century.

Paulina Schumann as the audience remembers her. Photo from Benny Schumann’s collection

18 January 2011

Jörgen Börsch 70 years old. On 18 January Jörgen Börsch could celebrate his 70 years birthday. He is son of a well-known gentlemen’s outfitter in Hillerod north of Copenhagen (Jörgen's elder brother took over the business after their father's death). But Jörgen found it more interesting to work with other thing than gentlemen’s outfitting and has worked as a promoter and artist's agent. In the latter capacity, he has booked artist for Irene Thierry’s Circus Krone and René and Thessa Moenster’s Circus Baldoni. In 1993 he was producer and manager of Circus Fantastico which only toured that year. He has also for many years assisted Bossle Monster Truck Show with their tour operating in Denmark. For many years he has been a regular guest at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, where he probably also celebrated his birthday.

Jörgen Borsch photographed at the Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, together with English circuses reporter Don Stacey and Martin Burton, owner of the English Zippos Circus. Photo from 2007

17 January 2011

Soren Arli’s funeral. Circus owner Soren Arli's funeral took place from the Bispebjerg Cemetery Southern Chapel on Monday 17 January at. 12. Soren had wanted the funeral to take place in silence, ie. only with the family and a limited circle of its long-time friends attending.

 Many, including other circuses, however, had been given information enabling them to send sprays and wreaths. The volume of flowers was quite overwhelming when you consider that the time and place had not been published. It shows how much Soren Arli meant for many persons. The Arli family is also deeply overwhelmed by the number of condolences and expressions of sympathy they have received after the Soren’s sudden death from a heart attack.

Photos taken before and after the ceremony in the chapel

Flowers at the urn grave at Søndermark Cemetry

16 January 2011

Trolle Rhodin’s memories. One of the Scandinavian circus people, who became best known abroad, was Swedish Trolle Rhodin (1917-1997). He was son of the legendary Brazil Jack. With his own Zoo Circus he toured not only Sweden but also the Orient and the Eastern Bloc countries. For a period he ran two circuses: Zoo Circus and Circus Caravan. In 1964 he became artistic director of the world's largest circus, the American Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In 1982 he was involved when his children established the present Swedish Circus Brazil Jack.

Trolle Rhodin wrote his memoirs. They are now published posthumous by Kira Publishers in Malmö, Sweden. It is the intention to release the book simultaneously with Circus Brazil Jack's season opening late March.

 In the book's foreword, written by Trolle wife Ingeborg Rhodin, is stated (my translation):

This book should really have been in the book stores at the beginning of 1998.

A large Swedish publisher wanted to have it as the "Book of the year” and preparations was taken for Trolle to travel around all over Sweden, giving lectures and talking and talk about the book.

But fate would have it otherwise.

In September 1997 Trolle died, the same autumn that he would have passed 80 years. The family mourned and the script was forgotten. Until now.

Here it is finally - Trolle Rhodin wonderful circus world - a book that describes Trolle's life as a Swedish and international circus king.

Here are his stories, from the simple market life with his dad Brazil Jack until he as the first artistic director ever took over artists from the Eastern countries to the United States.

We will travel together with Trolle all over the world and meet giants, hunger artists and bearded ladies. We will also read about ice shows, Lipizzaner stallions and the search for attractions. The book focuses both on the years with Zoo Circus the time with Ringling bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, the world's largest show. About circus as the elixir of life.

Trolle Rhodins’ wonderful circus world contains of course circus history, breakneck and juicy anecdotes, but is also an important cultural and historical document.

What a fantastic circus he lived, Trolle!

Jeanette Rosengreen from the publisher tells that the book contains all Trolle's stories which he wrote down before his death in 1997, combined with magnificent pictures from his life with the circus.

15 January 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS --  CRISTALINE - a show featuring magic, juggling and poetry - is re-booked at  the THEATRE NESLE, 8 rue de Nesle, 75006 Paris, Metro: Odeon - and this is due to the success of last year. At the theatre you can also frequently see "LE SOUFFLE MAGIQUE" with the magician Paul Maz – a talented and original artist.

------------------------------ ZARRO ZARRO

14 January 2010

The Saabel family to Benneweis. Diana Benneweis tells that she has engaged the Italian Saabel family (Tiziana, Bernard and their daughter Alexandra) to present horses and dogs in Circus Benneweis’ 2011-performance. The Saabel family has never before been in Denmark. During the performance you can meet them twice: First time with beautiful horses in a school riding (dressage riding) entrée and the second time with their happy Siberian husky dogs. In both acts the three family members are wearing incredibly elegant robes, and the acts are presented with true Italian charm and elegance. See more about the Saabel’s on http://www.thesaabelfamily.com/

14 January 2010

Two birthdays with a round figure in the coming week.

Bernhard Kaselowsky turns 50 on 19 January. On Wednesday 19 January the elephant and camel trainer Bernhard Kaselowsky can celebrate his 50 years birthday. He was born in Germany, where his family owned their own circus, Circus Kaselowsky. Like other circus children, he was trained with all sorts of circus artistry. The only thing he did not work with was animals! When Bernard was 20, his family started collaboration with another circus, Circus Hercules. Here Bernhard began to work with animals. In 1983 he bought the elephant Rambo, which he still owns. Rambo was barely 2 years old when it came to Bernhard. Later he acquired horses, oxen and camels. With his animals, he appeared in the following years in a number of circuses: Arlette Gruss and Christiane Bouglione in France, Circus Agora in Norway (several seasons), Circus Americano in Ireland (several seasons), just as he appeared at numerous gala. The Danes met him first time in 2001 at Circus Dannebrog, where he presented horses and elephants. He worked for Circus Dannebrog until 2006. In 2009 he toured with Circus Benneweis. In 2010 he was back with Circus Dannebrog, where Danes also can meet him in the upcoming season.

Bernhard has for some years been dating Isabella Enoch. Birthday celebrations will take place in their home in Mølby in the southern part of Jutland.

Bernhard Kaselowsky with his elephant

Judy Glosted can celebrate her 50 years birthday on 21 January. When you see the elegant Judy Glosted, you will hardly believe it! But her birth certificate shows that Judy was born in 1961. Judy Glosted became nationally known in Denmark in 2006 when she became ringmistress at Circus Benneweis. She had that duty until 2008 when she wanted to get a couple years break as she missed both her husband and their two daughters, Sofia and Lucy. But now, Sofia is 19 and Lucy has left home. So this year Judy will resume her task as ringmistress with Benneweis. Judy’s mom was a circus performer and appeared as an acrobat and dancer, until she had children. Judy’s father was a musician. Her sister is the Danish actress Betty Glosted. The parents never lost their interest in circus, and both Judy and Betty were dragged along when Circus Benneweis visited in Funen. Judy took a business degree and had her first job as a host at a local TV channel TV Aarhus. Later she came to TV-Funen. After that she became marketing manager of Kolding Shopping Centre. As an artist Judy is autodidact. Besides the above jobs she travelled in around in Denmark and entertained with singing and music and cabaret. In 2003, Judy decided to put the uncertainty of nomad life on the shelf and said yes to a job as manager of Schur Conference Centre in Glud at Horsens. But when you have the fascination of the circus in your blood, you don’t say no to an offer from Diana Benneweis - and Judy said yes in 2006. Fortunately for the Danish circus audience, 18 March this year they can again meet the charming and good-looking Judy Glosted when Benneweis starts their national tour.

Judy Glosted. Photo by courtesy of Circus Benneweis

12 January 2011

Soren Arli passed away. From Martin Arli I have received the sad message that his father Soren Arli died Wednesday 12 January, at 2 p.m. in his home in Copenhagen following a heart attack. Soren Arli was 75 years old. He established Danish Circus Arli in 1971.

Soren Arli was not out of a circus family. As a young man he was apprenticed to a house painter. However he found the life as a performing artist more interesting and on 30 April 1953 he had his debut as an artist at the variety theatre Alhambra at the amusement park Bakken north of Copenhagen. A couple of years later Soren together with his wife Lotte (the couple was married in 1960 and celebrated their golden anniversary last year) created a comical juggling act called Lott and Arli. Furthermore Soren performed as whiteface clown and Lotte did thought reading. With acts like those Soren and Lotte toured with circuses among those the Danish circuses Moreno and Arena.

As many artists Soren Arli had a dream about establishing his own circus. Not the largest circus in the world but a small show with good atmosphere and close contact to the audience. In 1971 his dream came through when Soren and Lotte opened Circus Arli in a tiny 1-pool big top they had made themselves. The staff consisted of Soren, Lotte and their son Martin. The first two seasons was spent in Jutland Mini Zoo in Haustrup. Since 1973 Soren Arli and his circus has toured Zealand with a two pole tent with a seating capacity of 220 people. Until 2003 Soren acted himself as ringmaster. In 2004 he left this position to his daughter in law Bettina. However Soren still welcomed the audience at the beginning of the performance and stood just outside the tent after the performance and said goodbye to his audience. 

Soren Arli. Photo shot just before season opening in 2010

10 January 2011

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS ---   ---   an extraordinary event - at least if you love VARIETY  AND MUSIC HALL ---   THEATRE LE MONTFORT proudly presents ACHILLE TONIC, show animated by the super-comedians SHIRLEY AND DINO who  immediately catch the audience's attention - they are well-known in France, having worked for more than 20 years together, putting up various shows, their out-of-stage names are CORINNE AND GILLES BENIZIO. Their success is certainly based on their genuine and truthful characters and expressions, everything is palpable and nothing is artificial - and all is laughable and funny.

THEATRE LE MONTFORT is a kind of cultural center, managed by the Paris administration, manager is LAURENCE DEMAGALHAES.

The big idea is to revive traditional VARIETY AND MUSIC HALL - and to prove that the audience still is enthusiastic when given the opportunity to see this kind of entertainment - the evening I was there the house was full !!

SHIRLEY AND DINO have many talents: music, singing, comedy, juggling, magic and ... you name it .... they have it !! In this show they play the hand-bells, in the best of the clown traditions, also they have a SURPRISE, - hiding behind a screen, showing only their faces, they make small puppets dance on a kind of shelf in front of them - so we see the facial expressions and the puppets which move by a smart but simple technical system - hilarious !!!

They perform a little sketch in-between each specialty act, to introduce:

GILLES CHARLES-MESSANCE on Washington trapeze - brilliantly performed,

RENAUD BAUER, juggler with diabolo in an original setting and to the music from the opera Figaro - excellent and it is clear that he has been training classical dance.

DIANE DUGARD - an hilarious act: the young girl does acrobatics and at the same time she exhibits her three performing hens - incredible - never did I see this before !!

ARNO, a magic entertainer with doves, budgies and ara-parrots - such a beautiful act is seldom seen today -- BRAVO !!!

After the intermission we saw:

RAYMOND RAYMONDSON, a comedian-magician who missed everything, but without revealing any of the magicians' secrets - very funny and well presented.

SHIRLEY AND DINO with their bells and the puppet-show, as mentioned above.

PICH, juggling  shining sticks, kind of contact juggling - very original

Then the space in front of the stage was cleared, the people had to move somewhat  in order to make enough space for a Chinese mast to be erected - and JULOT performed Hula Hoop both on the stage and high up /about 8 meters/ on the mast - I never saw this since THE GREAT FATTINI from Germany performed a similar act, some time ago ....

The succes of this show is due to the fact that everything is real, genuine and honestly hilarious -

I find it a relief to see this show, in a time when some people are world-wide known for having accomplished --  nothing !

So - we are happy to have this show in Paris - it is excellent, interesting and very funny !!!

IT ALL HAPPENS IN PARIS  !!!!

See more: www.lemonfort.fr

                www.Shirleyetdino.fr

                www.achilletonic.com

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

Shirley and Dino. The couple is also known from French TV5’s TV series Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. Photo by courtesy of Theatre Monfort

7 January 2011

Circus Benneweis 2011. By tradition the oldest circus in Denmark, Circus Benneweis, has not wanted to release the list of performing artist until shortly before opening day. As the late Nelly Jane Benneweis once said to me: ’If you have disclosed the names of the performers long time before season opening there is not much to tell the medias about up to the opening day!’

However, this year Circus Benneweis will as something new at their website and their facebook page from now on and until season opening tell a little about this year’s performance and the performers. Although Benneweis as the only Danish circus has part of their website in an English version the news sections is only in Danish. However, you are welcome to take a look at www.benneweis.dk.  

For the time being you can see that this year’s clown will be Tito Medina. It will be Tito’s first season in Denmark. Tito Medina is Spanish. He trained in Barcelona, São Paulo and Moscow. He is a clown, acrobat, trapeze artist, tight-rope walker, musician, juggler, interlude comedian, stuntman, designer and manufacturer of crazy mechanical props.....  He built up his experience in street performances, drama, opera and circus. Together with his troupe Tito & the Good Company he was awarded the award of the City of Massy at the “Festival International du Cirque de Massy” 2010 for a comic (little distance) trapeze act, with characters out of the 1900s performing at the rhythm of the 2000s. The act was created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the invention of the trapeze by Jules Léotard.

For the time being Tito and his troupe is at the Hungarian Circus Budapest with his act Tito & Du (comic cradle act) and other run-ins. He is invited to participate to the 36th “Festival du Cirque de Monte Carlo” in 2012. You can read more about Tito Medina at www.titomedina.eu

After two years absence Judy Glosted will be back as ringmistress for season 2011. As in 2009 and 2010 Diana Benneweis has persuaded the actor and director Jan Hertz to stage the performance.

Season opening for Circus Benneweis is 18 March at Hilleroed, 40 kilometres north of Copenhagen.

Judy Glosted is back as ringmistress

6 January 2011

Circus Dannebrog 2011. In November 2010 I mentioned on this page that one of top attractions at Circus Dannebrog in 2011 would be the Richter troupe with their bareback riding act. The troupe which is headed by Hungarian Florian Richter was awarded a golden clown in Monte Carlo in 2008. Florian and Edith Richter had in 2004 won a silver clown for their act with dressage riding and Hungarian post (the Courier). Florian and Edith Richter are for season 2011 engaged with those entrées by German Circus Roncalli. The rest of the Richter troupe including their jockey horses can be seen in Circus Dannebrog.

I also mentioned that you would meet the charming juggler Eddy Carello, who appeared in Circus Dannebrog in 2006 and that year's clown would be Totti Alexis, son of the famous Toni Alexi. Circus Dannebrog will thus break the long tradition for having a classic musical clown troupe. But Totti is a great comedian and entertainer, and also an accomplished musician. Click here to see samples of some of Totti’s entrées.

Apart from these acts you will in the season 2011 meet Duo Sifolinis with their wheel of death. The two Bulgarian artists toured with Norwegian Circus Merano in 2006 and 2009. They started their career in 2003 in German Circus Flic Flac. In 2005 they won the audience award at the Circus Festival Enschede in Holland and the jury’s second price. Click here to read more about the two daredevils and watch a video.

Just as in 2010 Bernhard Kaselowsky will present his elephant and his camels, this year assisted by his daughters Josephine and Melanie. I would not be surprised if you also meet Josephine in a trapeze act. She has had an excellent mentor in Isabella Enoch.

Julie Tchakanova presented a single act with a poodle in Danish Circus Arena in 2004. This year she is back in Denmark, this time at Circus Dannebrog, where she presents llamas and Afghan greyhounds. The Finns could enjoy her act the last year in Circus Finlandia. Click here for YouTube clips from this act.

Season opening for Circus Dannebrog will be 24 March at Vojens in the southern par5 of Jutland.

Bernhard Kaselowsky with his elephant, holding Bernhard’s daughter Melanie in its trunk

6 January 2011

Suzanne Berdino to Stockholm. Last year in May the Danish horse trainer Suzanne Berdino participated in a performance in Stockholm called 6 mimara 6 levande hästar (6 mine artist and 6 live horses). Both the audience and the newspapers were very happy with the show and additional performances took place in September. This year there will be a sequel, but this time with 6 white Arabs instead of the 6 black Friesians, who were involved in the first performance. Just as in 2010 Lars Rudolfsson will stage the performance.

Suzanne tells me that they actually had considered a show with 12 horses: 6 whites and 6 blacks. For various reasons these plans was postponed to 2012. 

The advance publicity of the new show says (my translation):

6 MIME ARTISTS - 6 WHITE HORSES

 "A beautiful and remarkable meeting between horse and human."

 Anna Ångström, SVD (Swedish Newspaper)

 "In his uncompromising loyalty to the horse's idea the show tell a lot about ourselves, and it is a privilege to have been part of it"

 Ingrid Waaranperä, DN (Swedish Newspaper)

The praise goes for "6 MIME ARTOSTS - 6 LIVE HORSES" which was presented at the Orion Theatre for full houses in spring and autumn 2010.

The unusual idea was based on the meeting between man and animal; between six talented artists and six black Friesian horses … The surprise and joy that hit the audience at the sight of these hilarious combinations of bestial ingenuity resulted in block-long queues outside the Orion Theatre box office. Many had to turn back empty-handed.

 Now comes the follow-up of the Orion Theatre equine success.

The game goes on. Man and horse in the weightless state. Escape over the plain, hovering shadows, impetuous gallop. In the work with animals, there is no performance similar to the others, the mix of arrangements and sudden improvisation giving each moment in the ring a sense of total presence, everything happening before our eyes. 

The white stallions’ elegance and explosive temperament becomes the starting point for a new breath-taking session at the Orion Theatre, a world populated by mimes, dancers, flyers and jumpers.

The performance is a remembrance of our forever-long involvement with the animals and the conditions that we once shared.

6 Mimar - 6 VITA HÄSTAR can be seen from 18 March to 15th May

Suzanne spent December in Rotterdam in Holland, where she presented 15 ponies in Kerst Circus Ahoy. "Kerst"is the Dutch word for Christmas. Suzanne was joined by her triplets. The girls participated in entrée with the ponies. Oliver juggled in a ring at the entrance to the show. Charmaine and Stephanie did ball balancing and hula hoop in the same ring.

Suzanne Berdino with the white Arabic horses. Photo shot in Circus Arena in 2004. Photo: Kenneth Severinsen/Circus Scandinavia

3 January 2011

Bonbon and Tiina to Circus Finlandia. The Danish / Finnish clown couple who for several seasons toured with Circus Arena in Denmark and which was awarded in Monte Carlo in 2007 had in 2010 great success at the Finnish Circus Finlandia. So successful that circus owner Carl-Gustaf Jernström has asked them also to be with Finlandia for the upcoming season. Circus Finlandia starts the season 9^th April in Karjaa and end the season late October or early November in Helsinki.

Lasse "Bonbon" Nørager tells that they performed at Bouglione’s new Circus on Ice in Paris in December. It was an amazing show. He writes:

Circus on Ice was one of the 4 shows under Joseph Bouglione auspices. At a joint celebration for the 4 shows we were 350 performers and staff invited to dinner at Circus d’Hiver!

Circus on Ice was situated in a beautiful park in the suburb of Nanterre (within walking distance of the Arch of Triumph). Brand new equipment and new tent seating 3,300 persons, but with the same warmth and style as Cirque D'Hivers circus building. A skilled ice ballet on real ice - ring. Good circus, with a performance not allowed to become too long and an 11 piece orchestra, which was one of the best orchestras I so far has worked with. It was all in a tight framework, so even though it was a massive program the show lasted only 2 hours and 15 minutes with 20 minute break.

Bonbon training his famous entrée with the turtle. Photo courtesy of Bonbon

Interior of a tent. Photo courtesy of Bonbon