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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

HAS ANYONE SEEN EGGROLL???

Holiday Lights At The Fairgrounds

By WKBW News

November 23, 2011









HAMBURG, NY ( WKBW ) The "Festival Of Lights" kicks off Friday from the Hamburg Fairgrounds.
"Kandy Kane" and some holiday friends stopped by for a visit with Patrick Taney and Ginger Geoffery on "Eyewitness News This Morning" with a preview!

Activists look to ban circus from Palm Beach County

WPEC - CBS12.com

December 06, 2011






"TOTEM"


Cirque du Soleil presents “Totem,” a circus show tracing the evolutionary journey of the human species from an amphibian state to its desire to fly. [8 p.m., AT&T Park, Parking Lot A, 74 Mission Rock St., S.F.]Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/good-day/2011/12/cirque-du-soleils-totem-highlights-wednesday-events-city#ixzz1fqTG0YFu

Wild Women Jostle Buffalo Bill as Paris Exhibit Explores Freak Show Craze


A poster for "Coming Soon at the Circus Robinson: Wild Peoples -- The Greatest Show of the Century." The undated poster is on view at the Musee du Quai Branly through June 3, 2012. Source: Musee du Quai Branly via Bloomberg

from: bloomberg.com

By Jorg von Uthmann

Dec 6, 2011

A soccer star organizing a museum exhibition, now that doesn’t happen every day.
Yet that’s just what’s happening at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris: Lilian Thuram, who was a member of France’s national soccer team from 1996 to 2008, is one of the three curators of a new show, “The Invention of the Savage.”
There’s a reason for Thuram’s involvement: He was born in the overseas department of Guadeloupe, he’s black and active in anti-discrimination politics.
The 500 or so items on display -- paintings, posters, photographs, films, costumes, masks and dioramas -- illustrate how, during many centuries, men, women and children from Africa, Asia and the Americas were exhibited in the Western world like exotic animals in a zoo.
The thesis of the show is simple: The savage was invented by the West as a byproduct of colonization.


Musee du Quai Branly via BloombergGuillermo Antonio Farni with his Earthmen in the Royal Aquarium, London, in 1884. The photograph is on view at the Musee du Quai Branly through June 3, 2012..

The first section (of four) describes how the tradition started in the 16th century: European princes vied to amass the most original collection of curiosities, including dwarves and giants, Moors and Indians.
Here you find Omai, a Tahitian who arrived in London in 1774 and created a sensation when he was presented at court. Joshua Reynolds was intrigued enough to paint him.
From there we move to fairgrounds and amusement parks after the aristocratic passion morphed into a plebeian craze.

Musee du Quai Branly via Bloomberg
A poster for the "Colonial" show in Stuttgart, Germany (1928), on view at the Musee du Quai Branly through JUNE 3, 2012.
Missing Link
London became the capital of freak shows where crowds lined up to have a glimpse at the oversized buttocks of Saartje Baartman, the “Hottentot Venus,” or at Krao, the hairy girl from Laos advertised as “Darwin’s missing link” between human and ape.
In the 19th century, P.T. Barnum became the first show- business millionaire.
His “American Museum” featured Pygmies, Aborigines, the Siamese twins Chang and Eng, Mexicans presented as “The Last Aztecs” and wild animals, some wilder than others.
William (“Buffalo Bill”) Cody’s “Wild West” shows, which ignored the massacres perpetrated during the Indian wars, attracted huge crowds on both sides of the Atlantic. READ MORE AT:http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-07/wild-women-jostle-buffalo-bill-as-paris-exhibit-explores-freak-show-craze.html
Holiday Cirque de la Symphonie finale to dazzle Strathmore Circus arts mesh with holiday tunes at Music Center


Cirque de la Symphonie Jaroslaw Marciniak and Dariusz Wronski will perform their balancing act atop a piano during Cirque de la Symphonie at Strathmore.

by Cody Calamaio, Staff Writer


December 07, 2011

The “Waltz of the Flowers” from “The Nutcracker” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is already an iconic and uplifting ballet, but aerial dancers swirling above a live orchestra will take the music to new heights in the finale of Holiday Cirque de la Symphonie.
The company of aerialists, gymnasts and jugglers will pair with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra [BSO] on Thursday at the Music Center at Strathmore for a holiday show that mixes circus arts with classical masterpieces for a multi-aesthetic performance.
“People will never think of this music the same way again after seeing this ballet by two of the greatest aerialists in the world,” says Bill Allen, Cirque’s executive director.
The Atlanta-based touring company strives to create circus arts performances are that on par with the fine musical performances of the top orchestras across the country, he says. Performances are choreographed through collaborations with the orchestras to craft a deeply stirring audio-visual experience.
“It is very elegant and romantic; it sends chills down your spine,” Allen says. “We feel bad, these people are paying full price for their seats and most of the time, they’re only sitting on the edge of it.”read more at:http://www.gazette.net/article/20111207/ENTERTAINMENT/712079987/1148/holiday-cirque-de-la-symphonie-finale-to-dazzle-strathmore&template=gazette

Ringling Brothers committed to animal care


By Letters to the Editor/The News of Cumberland County, NJ

Published: Tuesday, December 06, 2011

To the Editor:(This letter is written in response to a Dec. 2 letter in The News, “Circus fine just cost of doing business.”)
For over 141 years, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has been showcasing the most amazing talent from around the world. Clowns, jugglers and tightrope walkers are all a part of The Greatest Show On Earth. Animals have also been an integral part of Ringling Bros. throughout the years and they are consistently one of the main reasons families keep coming back, year after year.
The animals in Ringling Bros. Circus act as ambassadors of their species in the wild, and millions of children have had a chance to see, learn about, and grow to love these animals, moving them to fight for their survival in the wild through conservation efforts. Imagine what ramifications taking that connection away from future generations would have on the future of elephants and tigers.
Ringling Bros. and the USDA are committed to working together to move forward in presenting Ringling Bros.’ animals to the millions of families who come to see them every year. Our agreement is in keeping with federal regulations like the Animal Welfare Act, which sets rules for the animal care in circuses. Ringling Bros. is inspected by federal authorities, as well as state and local officials in almost every single city we visit.
Our commitment remains to our animals’ welfare and to children of all ages’ enjoyment and love for these amazing animals.
Ashley SmithFeld Entertainment, Inc.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Karem Shrine Circus dazzles audiences


A Belton youth takes his turn riding one of the elephants during the 2011 Karem Shrine Circus at the Bell County Expo Center last Friday. This year’s circus featured the opportunity for the audience to meet the performers before each night’s show.

by Matthew Girard

from: beltonjournal.com

Monday, 05 December 2011

BELTON, TEXAS--Thousands flocked to the Bell County Expo Center this weekend for the 3-day spectacle that was the 2011 Shrine Circus.
Last Friday through Sunday, Bell County residents got the opportunity to see exotic animals performing tricks and circus performers performing high-flying stunts.
The circus was a fundraiser for the Karem Shriners Chapter out of Waco.Karem Shrine Potentate David Buckles said the circus is a great way to spread happiness.
"When you think of the Shriners, you think of the circus," Buckles said. "It's a fundraising effort and a way to bring some happiness to kids."
The funds raised during the weekend go toward the Shrine's operating costs.
"We represent 13 counties and this is for an operating budget for 2012," Buckles said. "It takes a lot of money to run the local temples."
The circus featured performing elephants, tigers and other animals, and also featured acrobats, daredevils and clowns.
Circus goers also had the opportunity to get the full experience as audience members were welcomed into the three rings before the show to meet the stars, ride ponies and elephants and take photographs.
"It was a hoot," Buckles said of seeing all the smiling faces in the crowd. "We had a good turnout."
The Karem Shrine is known for their colorful participation in local parades and civic service in the community.

The Piccolini Trio Takes Manhattan

Piccolini Trio Returns to Canal Park Playhouse With CIRCUS IN A TRUNK

by BWW NEWS

Monday, December 5, 2011

A trio of clowns arrive at Canal Park Playhouse ready to watch the circus that never arrives. This enterprising troupe decides to perform the show themselves, literally pulling an amazing and hilarious performance full of clever surprises out an antique trunk.
Combining contemporary and classic European style clowning, The Piccolini Trio bring to life a repertoire of routines using music, acrobatics, physical comedy, juggling, pantomime, and poetic whimsy. This must-see show, perfect for anyone aged 3 to 103, was called ”completely endearing, endlessly entertaining and charming!” by nytheatre.com.
Lisa Soverino is the lighting designer. Set design is by Elizabeth Barrett Groth. Costume design is by Joshua Shack.

Madonna to perform circus-themed halftime show at Super Bowl XLVI


AP photo Madonna poses in the press room at the MTV Video Music Awards in September

The halftime show at Super Bowl XLVI is set to be a real circus.
According to a joint statement released by the NFL and NBC, Madonna will take the stage at Super Bowl XLVI, along with the magical contortionists of the Cirque du Soleil. Madonna's long-time creative director Jamie King will "imagine" the circus artists' choreography to fit the singer's list of hits, according to MTV News.
The Feb. 5 performance at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis seems to coincide with Madonna's next project, an as-yet-untitled collaboration with producer William Orbit (who helmed her Ray of Light album). At least one of the album's new tracks features rappers M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj.
That first single is rumored to drop in February. And the singer's feature-length directorial debut, "W.E." arrives in theaters just two days before the show. Perfect timing, Madge!
Last year's Super Bowl spectacle featured The Black Eyed Peas, former Guns & Roses guitarist Slash and Usher, and was witnessed by at least 162 million captive football fans in the United States alone.
Circus hits out at calls for boycott

from: yorkshirepost.co.uk

Published on Tuesday 6 December 2011
BOSSES at a circus have hit back at critics calling for the public to boycott its Christmas pantomime being performed with live animals this month in Bradford.
The Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS) claims Circus Mondao uses zebras and camels in its performances, despite the House of Commons passing a unanimous motion to ban the use of “wild” animals in circuses in June.
But circus spokeswoman Petra Jackson said it had nothing to hide and accused animal rights organisations of wanting to ban almost all human interaction with animals including bringing a halt to guide dogs used for the blind and deaf.
She said far from the animals performing in “gruelling” schedules they had a more pleasant and relaxed life than ponies at a riding school.
Ms Jackson added: “There’s nothing gruelling about their lifestyle. Our animals do very little and have a very fulfilled and entertaining life. They get to see what’s going on all the time. People are around them all the time.”
She stressed that the RSPCA and animal welfare officers visit the animals to inspect them and their living conditions.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Tightrope walker hopes to cross Niagara Falls



Anthony Mason profiles 32-year-old Nik Wallenda, a seventh generation tightrope walker who hopes to be the first person to walk across Niagara's Horseshoe Falls.Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7390562n&tag=mncol;lst;1#ixzz1feMDsFqY

Bex's circus comes to Penobscot Marine



With hundreds of miniature circus figures, "The Bex Bros. Circus" is the centerpiece of "The Circus Comes to Town," a free off-season exhibit at Penobscot Marine Museum's Main Street Gallery in Searsport. from: www.waldo.villagesoup.comDec 4, 2011Searsport — The downtown Penobscot Marine Museum will open its doors this winter with "The Circus Comes to Town," a free exhibit for "ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages." The centerpiece of the exhibit is "The Bex Bros. Circus," a display of hundreds of miniature circus figures ranging from elephants and sideshow hawkers to trapeze artists performing under the Big Top.
Also on display will be circus memorabilia, historic photographs and circus art by Maine artists Alan Fishman, Nancy Morgan-Barnes and the late Waldo Peirce. The exhibit will be available for viewing in the museum's Main Street Gallery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 10 and 11; 17 and 18; Jan. 7 and 8; 14 and 15; 21 and 22; and 28 and 29. The display also will be open Thursday and Friday, Dec. 29 and 30.
A special children's event featuring Camden author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen is scheduled Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Van Dusen will read and sign his book "The Circus Ship," and the museum will provide refreshments and engage children with a circus-themed craft project. Children can view the circus exhibit during the free event.
"The Bex Bros. Circus," including scale models of the Big Top, a sideshow tent, a circus train, and hundreds of miniature animals, vehicles, and people, is the work of Capt. Les Bex of Camden. A lifelong circus enthusiast, Bex began building circus models at age 8 and kept at it for decades. "The Bex Bros. Circus" appeared in model shows in Camden in the 1970s but it has not been seen by the public for more than 25 years. At the request of Penobscot Marine Museum, Bex removed the circus from storage and set up the exhibit in the museum's Main Street Gallery.
Maine's first maritime museum, Penobscot Marine Museum is home to outstanding collections of marine art and artifacts, small craft, ship models and historic photography. The admission center is at 40 E. Main St./Route 1. For more information, call 548-2529 or visit PenobscotMarineMuseum.org.

New show is ‘like a million-piece puzzle’Confident Canadian convinced fans will come to this creation.


Artistic director Normand Latourelle has shared a lot of spaces with horses since launching “Cavalia” in 2003

By Howard Pousner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Saturday, December 3, 2011

After James Cameron attended a Southern California performance of “Cavalia” last year, he gave the equine and acrobatic extravaganza a review greater than the proverbial two thumbs up. The “Avatar” director told artistic director Normand Latourelle that he thought his big top show was nothing less than the future of entertainment.
A longtime admirer of Cameron’s work, Latourelle was stunned and asked why. While movies are becoming increasingly computer-reliant, he recalls the movie producer-director telling him, “What you do is for real. You can’t cheat. The horses are there, the humans are there, they have to share a space. ... And this is happening in front of your very eyes.”
A co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, Montreal native Latourelle has shared a lot of spaces with horses since launching “Cavalia” in 2003, and he believes there is a powerful connection between man and the four-legged creatures.



A still from “Odysseo,” the new “Cavalia” spectacle that will be performed under the big white top in Midtown. The show opens Wednesday.In “Odysseo,” the “Cavalia” sequel that opens Wednesday under the white big top at a site in Midtown, man and horse gallop off on a journey though beautiful projected landscapes from around the world. It opened to positive reviews in the troupe’s home city of Montreal before traveling here to launch a multiyear tour.
We asked the 56-year-old Latourelle, who speaks with a potent French accent and pauses often to find the right English words to translate what he’s thinking, to discuss the inspirations behind his ode to nature.read more: http://www.ajc.com/lifestyle/new-show-is-like-1250145.html


Behind The Scenes at Winter Quarters for Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS - Meet the Cossacks!



Uploaded by ringlingbros on Dec 3, 2011
Check out another exclusive behind the scenes video from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents DRAGONS Winter Quarters. Meet the all new Cossacks, who will perform Roman Trick Riding and Dressage stunt drills and see what America's Favorite Cowboy, Andre McClain has in store for this epic edition. Stay tuned for more video clips and photos!

Man-Powered Ferris Wheel Thrills Children in India


By Lycurgus

on 04-12-2011


Carnival rides, even the lowly Merry-Go-Round, are a fun way to spend the day, even if the prospect of mechanical error, or a drunk carny forgetting to hit a button, is very real. In India, however, what you have to worry about is the guy peddling your ferris wheel.
Since New Delhi, and indeed much of India, is prone to blackouts and other electrical failures, a group of intrepid carnival attendees have taken to powering ferris wheels themselves, without the aid of electricity.
A great number of children come to the carnival, so to prevent a bunch of sad eyes, the men (pictured above) power the ferris wheel by foot.
It’s rusty, and probably incredibly dangerous, but the kids are happy. That’s all that matters, right?
Highlights from Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade taping at Magic Kingdom




Uploaded by AttractionsMagazine on Dec 3, 2011

Clips of some of what you'll see during the 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on ABC TV. In our video you'll see Host Mario Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Scotty McCreery and many Disney characters. Many other stars will be a part of the parade broadcast including Justin Bieber and the Muppets.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

American Airlines Employees Attend Free Circus Event In Tulsa


Lacie Lowry, News On 6, Dec 03, 2011



FROM MIKE NAUGHTON

Dec 6, 2011

Hi Dick,

Thought you might be interested in these:Photos of the Ned Toth Production of this weekend's Festival at the Dog Track in Sarasota, with John Whitfield doing administrative duties in the marketing office.


Plenty of free entertainment featuring well known circus folks






Posted by Picasa

Circus school grad leaving his mark in ‘Traces’

By Terry Morris, Staff Writer


Saturday, December 3, 2011

DAYTON — Some boys grow up wanting to be play football.
Devin Henderson, 22, wanted to do circus, which was a family trait.
He’s getting his wish in a spectacular way as a performer in the atmospheric-acrobatic-“urban arts” production “Traces,” which opens in Dayton on Tuesday.
The hard-to-describe presentation set out in August from its home base in Montreal to tour just a handful of United States cities, including Dayton. Along the way, it got snared by New York, where a limited run off Broadway has been extended indefinitely.
So, another cast was assembled for places like Dayton and Costa Mesa, Calif., which is where Henderson came in.
He’ll be diving through hoops, climbing tall poles, jumping from one to another and pirouetting about the stage in a large ring for two weeks in Dayton.
Reached by phone in New York, where the cast coming to Dayton was wrapping up two precision-sharpening weeks in the show there, Henderson explained why he loves circus, which for him means a specialty in Chinese acrobatics.
“It’s so free. You have to be precise, but the thing I love is watching people do the same things in their own unique ways.”
When he was growing up in San Francisco, his brother was studying gymnastics when the family heard about a coach from China who would be training students for circus.
“My parents were drawn to that right away because it was more of an art form and less about the competition,” he said.
His older sister studied with the same coach, then he did and then his younger sister did, said Henderson, who graduated from high school and headed straight to Montreal to study at Canada’s National Circus School.

read more

Circus coming to Lake George?


from: poststar.com
December 2, 2011
The village of Lake George could host a circus next summer.
Lake George Mayor Robert Blais said he has been discussing a two-week run in Lake George for The Big Apple Circus next July.
The goal would be for the event to locate on the festival space at the former Gaslight village, though Blais said it probably won't be ready for such an event next summer.
The circus is interested in coming to the area though, and it could locate across West Brook Road at Battleground Park next year, and move to the festival space in 2013 when construction there is done, Blais said.
"I think it's a perfect fit for the festival space," Blais said. "They are a tremendous and very high class operation."
Supervisors on Warren County's Gaslight Village Ad Hoc Committee gave Blais the go-ahead to meet with them later this month to discuss the issue.
The circus has the last two weeks of July open next summer, which would work well with the tourism schedule, Blais said.


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