When your family is a Circus

 

Isabella and her Grandfather have been performing together since before Isabella was one year old.
frrom:  alburywodonga.starcommunity.com.au
By KRYSTEN MANUEL
27 June 2013
IT’S all very well to say you’ll ‘run away with the circus,’ but where do you run to when your family is the circus – literally!
 Well, when you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
 “My parents performed in the circus,” Circus Olympia owner and performer, Aliya Ferroni said.
 “My dad, Serik Abishev, is still performing. He’s 63 now and can still carry both my daughter and I on his forehead.
 “My husband, Douglas Ferroni, is an eleventh generation circus performer from Italy. He performed the high-flying trapeze act all his life and has been performing in the circus since he was six or seven.”
 Family is the heart of Circus Olympia, which is comprised of around 25 people – even the animal act is performed under the instruction of Mr Ferroni’s nephew.
 With several generations of performers and so many tricks and talents passed down, this is a circus sure to surprise and amaze you.
 For the first time in Australia, the program includes a mixed farmyard animal review, including displays from miniature horses, donkeys, Scottish highland cattle and British Alpine goats.
 Also on the agenda are aerialists, whip-cracking cowboys, jugglers, acrobats, crazy clowns and an astounding array of circus skills performed by eight-year-old Isabella Ferroni, who must been seen to be believed.
 “She does a few different things,” Ms Ferroni said.
 “She started performing when she was just walking, at about nine months old. One day she decided to get in the ring to be with her granddad and ever since then she’s loved it. She still performs with her grandfather.”
 Ms Ferroni said her family came to work in Australia about 16 years ago, with Douglas having arrived 25 years ago. Both found themselves working in The Great Siberian Circus but decided to start a circus of their own six years ago.
 “We worked together for about 10 years and decided it was time for us to open our own show,” Ms Ferroni said.
 “We opened our show in Queensland and now we’re in Albury Wodonga for the first time.
 “Our show is very family oriented. We have something for really small children, for teenagers – something for everyone to be amazed.”
 Circus Olympia will be in Gateway Lakes, Wodonga, from Friday 28 June until 14 July. Various show times available.Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 children and $65 for families (two adults, two children).
 Bookings can be made via phone from 10am-7.30pm daily on 0427 513 030.