Circus Vargas returns with aerialists, stunt mototcyclists and more
Circus Vargas, an animal-free circus that features amazing human acts, opens at the Rio Dec. 25.
By Sonya Padgett
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Posted: Dec. 22, 2011
At 17, Katya Arata Quiroga ran away to join the circus.
She left behind the stable home life her grandmother had provided since she was a baby in favor of the erratic life of a nomad.
She couldn't help it. Quiroga has seven generations of circus blood running through her veins. Not even a "normal" upbringing could filter that out.
"The circus is a very strong family tradition," says Quiroga's husband, Nelson. He is a fourth-generation performer. "It's very hard to stay away. For us, we just have it in our blood. Even now, we know we're staying in one place for a couple of weeks and then we're off again. It's all about the moving, the traveling, meeting different people and experiencing different cultures. Circus life gives you so much."
She left behind the stable home life her grandmother had provided since she was a baby in favor of the erratic life of a nomad.
She couldn't help it. Quiroga has seven generations of circus blood running through her veins. Not even a "normal" upbringing could filter that out.
"The circus is a very strong family tradition," says Quiroga's husband, Nelson. He is a fourth-generation performer. "It's very hard to stay away. For us, we just have it in our blood. Even now, we know we're staying in one place for a couple of weeks and then we're off again. It's all about the moving, the traveling, meeting different people and experiencing different cultures. Circus life gives you so much."
Among the performers featured in Circus Vargas are aerialists, clowns, hula hoop artists, stunt motorcyclists and other unusual talents. The Quirogas, who live in Las Vegas, will be in town for more than two weeks; the couple has to open their traveling circus troupe, Circus Vargas, at the Rio on Christmas Day. It runs through Jan. 1 and then shifts to the Galleria at Sunset mall in Henderson for a six-day run on Jan. 4.After that, who knows? They may take a short break before heading out again.
This is the second year Circus Vargas will appear in Las Vegas with its animal-free show. More than 20 acts will be featured under the big top, including aerialists, trapeze artists, clowns and stunt motorcyclists.
"It's a unique spin on a traditional circus," Katya Quiroga says.
A story is weaved throughout the show to keep audience members feeling connected. Children and adults from the audience will be brought into some acts, too. Those who arrive 30 minutes before the show will get to learn circus skills.
Nelson and Katya Quiroga bought Circus Vargas in 2006 under their trapeze act name, Tabares. He manages the show, but she still performs. Courtesy Photo"We really want people to feel part of it," she adds.
That idea, to keep the audience not only engaged but incorporate it into the show, was inspired by the couple's three daughters. Nelson Quiroga says he knows, from personal experience, that you have to give kids an enriched experience in order for them to enjoy something.
"The circus has changed a lot in the past 50 years. It's still changing," Nelson Quiroga says. "And we have to change with times, as well."
Nelson Quiroga, 44, and his wife bought Circus Vargas in 2006 under their trapeze act name, Tabares. Nelson retired from flying last year and now manages most of the show. Owning his own circus is like the American dream, he says.READ MORE ATlhttp://www.lvrj.com/neon/circus-vargas-returns-with-aerialists-stunt-mototcyclists-and-more-136055578.html?ref=578
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