Circus of Dancers The Big Apple Circus' "Dance On!" features eclectic variety, steeped in familial tradition.
The Big Apple Circus returns for its 33rd year with an international cast at Cunningham Park in Queens. Called “Dance On!” it will run from May 21 to June 5.By Arlene McKanickThursday, May 12, 2011
Jenny Vidbel, a third-generation circus performer who brings her little white equines and goats to the show, spoke to the TimesLedger about the upcoming performance and her entertainment influences.
Vidbel’s grandfather was an exotic animal trainer, specializing in elephants, and her grandmother also trained the horses.
“I was around lions and tigers and all sorts of critters,” Vidbel says. “My grandparents taught me to respect them and they were really a part of the family. Elephants were very close and protective so it was a great feeling growing up. I just loved them so much.”
Vidbel’s performers — her “boys” — are 11 Welsh ponies and one tiny, 32-inch tall American miniature horse who brings up the rear. He’s the only one, by the way, who’s, well, whole.
They’re Kenny, George, Jodie, Ian, Tommy, Tarzan, Hank, Randy, Willie, Toby, Cash and Frankie. They’re boys because girls are too temperamental, and the boys “really show the true spirit of the horse,” Vidbel says. Moving them around could be compared to a military campaign.
Jenny Vidbel, a third-generation circus performer who brings her little white equines and goats to the show, spoke to the TimesLedger about the upcoming performance and her entertainment influences.
Vidbel’s grandfather was an exotic animal trainer, specializing in elephants, and her grandmother also trained the horses.
“I was around lions and tigers and all sorts of critters,” Vidbel says. “My grandparents taught me to respect them and they were really a part of the family. Elephants were very close and protective so it was a great feeling growing up. I just loved them so much.”
Vidbel’s performers — her “boys” — are 11 Welsh ponies and one tiny, 32-inch tall American miniature horse who brings up the rear. He’s the only one, by the way, who’s, well, whole.
They’re Kenny, George, Jodie, Ian, Tommy, Tarzan, Hank, Randy, Willie, Toby, Cash and Frankie. They’re boys because girls are too temperamental, and the boys “really show the true spirit of the horse,” Vidbel says. Moving them around could be compared to a military campaign.
read more at:
http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2011/05/12/queens_village_times/ent_news/qv_ent_news_big_apple_circus_20110512.txt
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