Monte Carlo circus kicks off in Monaco

Jan 20, 2012
Paris - Contortionists, clowns, tight-rope walkers and elephant tamers held the tiny principality of Monaco in thrall on Thursday evening as the 36th International Monte Carlo Circus Festival kicked off with a spectacular line-up of stunts.
A record 220 performers from 22 countries are taking part in this year's edition of one of the world's largest circuses, according to the festival directors.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, his South African wife of six months, attended the opening night, along with Princess Stephanie and two of her daughters. The princely group posed for photographs with a group of clowns.
The Monte Carlo circus was inaugurated by Albert's father, the late Prince Rainier III, in 1974.

Princess Stéphanie opens Circus Festival with daughters.

The Princely Family of Monaco opens the Circus Festival Credit: PLS Pool/Getty Images Europe

by Megan Knight -Royal News Examiner.

January 19, 2012

HSH Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, in her role as President of the 36th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, opened the festival today at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille. The Princess was joined by her two daughters Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb along with her brother and sister-in-law, HSH Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. The competition will feature circus performers putting their talents against each other for “Golden Clown” awards. The Princely family’s love of the circus runs deep, but especially in Princess Stéphanie is it almost a safe haven. Before the festival she spoke to Nice Matin about her memories with the circus:

TSH The Prince and Princess of Monaco arrive at the Festival Credit: Getty Images

#3HSH Princess Stephanie applauded as the President of the Circus Festival Credit: PLS Pool/Getty Images Europe

#4 HSH Princess Charlene goofs off with two children from the young jury Credit: PLS Pool/Getty Images Europe .

Grems out as fairgrounds boss

Dutchess County Fairgrounds General Manager Bob Grems speaks during the Dutchess County Fair a press conference Thursday, August, 6, 2009, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck. / Karl Rabe/Poughkeepsie Journal

Written bySarah Bradshaw/ Poughkeepsie Journal

Jan. 20, 2012

RHINEBECK — With about eight months until the next county fair, and its general manager position unfilled, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds is in flux.The Dutchess County Agricultural Society, which owns the 170-acre fairgrounds, announced in a press release Thursday that Bob Grems is “no longer affiliated as the general manager” of the fairgrounds and an executive committee will supervise operations until a replacement is named.Grems confirmed the announcement Thursday, calling it an “official termination,” but declined to immediately comment, adding he had to speak with his lawyer due to “legal considerations.”Stating the vacancy was effective Thursday and declining to give a reason, the board wished Grems “well in future endeavors” and expressed appreciation for his contribution to the society and the fair during his tenure.The board’s Long Range Planning Committee will be in charge of appointing a new manager. Grems’ 2010 base salary was $100,331.The fairgrounds, a nonprofit, generates about $45 million in economic impact, creates 688 local jobs and contributes about $34 million in direct and indirect spending locally, according to a speech Grems gave in July at a Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast.The fairgrounds’ net assets were about $6.3 million at the beginning of 2011, nonprofit financial documents show. That’s slightly up from $6.2 million at the start of 2010, but down from $6.95 million at the beginning of 2008.In August, Tropical Storm Irene forced the cancellation of the last two days of the county’s 166th fair, typically the best-attended days: Saturday and Sunday. Grems estimated then the shutdown had a costly economic impact of “tens of millions of dollars,” he said in a previous Journal article.Last year’s total fair attendance was 198,658, said Deborah Aschmann, a fairgrounds spokeswoman. The weather and sudden closure greatly affected attendance compared to figures of 360,992 in 2009 and 400,560 in 2008, according to the Journal’s archive.read more at:http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20120120/NEWS01/301200028/Grems-out-fairgrounds-boss

The Ringling Circus Museum, Sarasota, Florida

Cirque du Soleil eclipsing traditional Russia circus
By Nastassia Astrasheuskaya

Fri Jan 20, 2012

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Once as highly regarded as cosmonauts, ballerinas and nuclear scientists, Russian circus stars have wowed generations.
But the lure of high-wire acts, slapstick clowns, lion tamers, dancing elephants and exotic beasts for modern audiences is being eclipsed by the trend-setting innovations of the Cirque du Soleil.
Behind the scenes at Moscow's Nikulin Circus, spinning acrobats and a juggler on a unicycle practice amid a cacophony of music and raised voices. A big grey elephant calmly awaits a turn in the ring. The stench of the menagerie is overpowering.
"It's getting harder to impress people," complained Yulia Silantyeva, a big cat trainer, who comes from a large family of big top performers. "It (the Russian circus) is losing its strong standing."
Under the Soviet Union, Russian circuses held a stature on a par with its globally renowned opera and ballet, touring internationally and boasting of visits from the Russian elite, including Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, whose daughter ran off with a circus acrobat at 22.
"Brezhnev was the country's last leader to visit the circus... This is not the attitude the circus deserves," said circus manager Maxim Nikulin, who followed in the footsteps of his father, Yuri, a beloved and world-renowned clown and actor whose portrait graces a Russian stamp.
As prestige has faded and state support dried up, the best performers have moved abroad, in a run on talent akin to the so-called brain-drain of scientists and engineers who have also deserted mother Russia.
Many performers have defected to the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil -- the new gold standard in acrobatic arts.
Russians now make up about 35 percent of the Cirque du Soleil's 1,200-person crew of artists. Talent from other post-Soviet states also make up much of its troupe.read more at:http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/20/us-russia-circus-idUSTRE80J0RH20120120

Circuses at the double for Wolverhampton

The Chinese State Circus comes to Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Tuesday

by Andy Richardson

Friday 20th January 2012
Every type of talent will be on show in Wolverhampton this week as two circus acts roll in.
Two of the most exciting circuses in the world will bring thrills and spills to the Black Country with performances planned at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall.
The Circus of Horrors will present The Ventriloquist – the show that rocked Britain’s Got Talent – tonight.
The incomparable Chinese State Circus will then visit on Tuesday and Wednesday to present the UK premiere of Yin Yang. The shows are part of a 37-date theatre tour that will take them the length and breadth of the UK.
Chinese State Circus spokeswoman Becki Wiper said the highly-anticipated return of China’s greatest circus to the UK would feature a performance from the formidable Shaolin Warrior, known only as The One.
She said: “This unique extravaganza showcases only the best in entertainment. Fans can witness acrobats defying gravity in an array of elaborate, explosive and highly choreographed presentations of power, poise and agility.
“Yin Yang will not only keep the audience on the edge of their seats but show the more delicate and beautiful side of Chinese tradition with the silk aerial act, parasol juggling, eye catching Lion Dance and the amazing ‘Bicycle Act’, in which 10 talented artistes manoeuvre onto a single bicycle.
“Audiences can witness the unpredictable and exhilarating twists of foot juggling with drums, the famous Chinese poles, the sensational contortionist and the dynamic hoop divers with their amazing somersaults, leaps and jumps which all go towards completing this action packed programme.”
Ms Wiper added that there would also be an all-girl group of live musicians.
The circus have won rave reviews from regional newspapers around the UK with the London Evening Standard describing it as: “The most exhilarating circus it has ever been my privilege to see”.


Weird and wonderful – Circus of Horrors
Manchester Evening News, meanwhile, wrote: “Never has such excitement been generated in a theatre . . . the whole audience hangs breathless!”
Tickets are available on 0870 320 7000 and there will be performances at 8pm on Tuesday and at 5pm and 8pm on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, The Circus of Horrors will present the show that made them nationwide sensations on Britain’s Got Talent.
The production will take the audience on a whirlwind journey thorugh 1921 Berlin, three years after the First World War.
A spokesman for the Circus of Horrors said: “This was the roaring twenties, a decedent decade and the birth of the cabaret.
“One particular venue was struggling to make ends meet, new blood was needed and it was found when Dr Haze rolled into town with his Vampire Vaudeville show, featuring hair hanging beauties, twisted contortionists, flying aerialists, demon dwarfs, gyrating jugglers, voodoo warriors, pickled people, sword swallowers and its latest and greatest new-found star, The Ventriloquist.”Tickets are available at www.wolvescivic.co.ukRead more: http://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/theatre/2012/01/20/circuses-at-the-double-for-wolverhampton/#ixzz1k7xbAjSf

Piccadilly Circus Opens in Naples

from http://www.gonaples.com/

January 20, 2012

Photo by LEXEY SWALL Lexey Swall/Staff

Tiffany Garden gives a kiss on the nose to one of the six camels at Piccadilly Circus on Thursday as her father, Dick Garden, second from left in the background, tends to business as they prepare to open at the Collier County Fairgrounds on Immokalee Road in Naples. The Piccadilly Circus is run by the Garden family, a third-generation circus family who have two shows that play in different locations throughout the Unites States. The circus starts Friday night with a show at 4:30 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. Shows continue with three shows Saturday at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., then again on Sunday at 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Gates open an hour before showtime when there will be shetland pony rides, photo opportunities with a monkey and a petting zoo.

Lexey Swall/Staff

Dick Garden helps set up the grounds to the piccadilly Circus on Thursday at the Collier County Fairgrounds on Immokalee Road in Naples. The piccadilly Circus is run by the Garden family, a third-generation circus family who have two shows that play in different locations throughout the Unites States. The circus starts in Collier County Friday night with a show at 4:30 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. Shows continue with three shows Saturday at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., then again on Sunday at 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Gates open an hour before showtime when there will be shetland pony rides, photo opportunities with a monkey and a petting zoo.

Lexey Swall/Staff Alex White climbs down from the top of the big top as he and others prepare for the opening of the piccadilly Circus on Thursday at the Collier County Fairgrounds on Immokalee Road in Naples.

Lexey Swall/Staff

Sultan Kumisbayev, right, originally of Kazakhstan, washes down Zarik, his 7-year-old quarter horse as he and others prepare for the opening of the piccadilly Circus on Thursday at the Collier County Fairgrounds on Immokalee Road in Naples


Lexey Swall/Staff Gracelyn Garden, 4, strikes a pose as her family prepares the groudns for the piccadilly Circus on Thursday at the Collier County Fairgrounds on Immokalee Road in Naples. The piccadilly Circus is run by the Garden family, a third-generation circus family who have two shows that play in different locations throughout the Unites States. The circus starts Friday night with a show at 4:30 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. Shows continue with three shows Saturday at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., then again on Sunday at 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Gates open an hour before showtime when there will be shetland pony rides, photo opportunities with a monkey and a petting zoo.

The Shrine Circus Arrives at the Lansing Center
By FOX 47 News

CIRCUS LUNCH BUNCH---From Mike Naughton

Jan 19, 2012

Our monthly SRQ Lunch Bunch will meet this next Friday and you may arrive as early as 1 p.m. Announcements will be made at 2 p.m.

Now that Lockwood Diner is open daily till 9 p.m. we may stay as long as we desire so there is no rush. Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch or Dinner.

Bring items you want to pass out such as fliers of future activities, give aways, etc.

You do NOT have to be a circus employee or part of an organized circus group. ALL ARE WELCOME and you pay for what you decide to eat and drink.

Lockwood Diner

17th Street at Lockwood Ridge Road

If you need directions, call Pete at 941-378-9596.

You do NOT need a reservation.

JUST SIMPLY COME AND RELAX AND TALK CIRCUS.

Circus concession worker hits $5 million Mega Money Multiplier jackpot

Mid-Hudson News Network

Wednesday, January 18, 2012
FISHKILL – A 59-year-old circus concession worker from Walden is the second person in the state to win $5 million from the Lottery’s Mega Money Multiplier scratch-off game.
Donnie Hayes bought the $20 ticket in New York City on New Year’s Eve when he stopped in a smoke shop to buy a pack of cigarettes. He claimed the pride at the Lottery’s Fishkill customer service center on January 3. He will take home a lump sum of $3.3 million after taxes.
Hayes plans on retiring from his job at the Big Apple Circus and moving to Georgia to be closer to his sister.

Shrine Circus at Lansing Center through Sunday



The Flying Pages and other acrobats set up their safety net for Shrine Circus at the Lansing Center.

Paul HendersonLSJ.com

from: lansingstatejournal.com
Written by Laura Misjak
Jan. 19, 2012
The clowns, animals and contortionists who perform in the Shrine Circus are in town
They are ready for 10 more shows after their Wednesday debut of the 2012 season at the Lansing Center.
Several new acts are planned for this year's performances, including a chimpanzee and monkey act that will accompany the elephants and felines typically at the circus, along with a new clown skit and a "breathtaking" motocross grand finale, said Nick Singeles, chief of staff for the Elf Khurafeh Shriners, who present the circus.
About 22,000 people attended last year's circus, Singeles said.
The Lansing Center's circus capacity is about 3,200 for each of the shows.
Tickets are $12 for children age 12 and under and $14 for adults. Go to www.lansingcircustickets.com or stop by the Lansing Center 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing.
Proceeds go to the Elf Khurafeh Shriners.
The circus will run through this weekend.

LANSING, MICHIGAN SHRINE CIRCUS

SET-UP PICTURES

FROM THE LANSING JOURNAL

Trapeze artist April Brown, of the "The Flying Pages," practices flying Wednesday afternoon, January 18, 2011, before opening night of the Shrine Circus in the Lansing Center. The purpose of the run through allowed each trapeze artist to fine tune each cable and bar in their trapeze set. The circus runs Wednesday through Sunday, January 22, 2011.

MATTHEW DAE SMITH for the Lansing State JournalTony Slater, left, and nephew Justin, make cotton candy Wednesday morning, January 18, 2011, in the Lansing Center, in preparation for the Lansing Shrine Circus.

MATTHEW DAE SMMATTHEW DAE SMITH for the Lansing Joe Gonyer, 18, of Flint, inflates an army of Spider Men, Wednesday afternoon, January 18, 2011, that he'll sell to circus-goers during the Shrine Circus in the Lansing Center.

MATTHEW DAE SMITH for the Lansing State JournalPhil and Lynette Slater, of Flint, inflate souvenirs they'll sell to circus-goers.

MORE FROM LANSING---

MATTHEW DAE SMITH for the Lansing State JournalWorkers set up for the Shrine Circus, Wednesday morning, January 18, 2011, in the Lansing Center.

MATTHEW DAE SMITH for the Lansing State JournalTrapeze artists and crew members from "The Flying Pages" fine-tune ropes and cables on their trapeze set, Wednesday, January 18, 2011, in the Lansing Center in preparation for opening night.

MATTHEW DAE SMITH for the Lansing State Journal"The Flying Pages" Anthony Pages, 21, a fourth-generation trapeze artist, and April Brown, of Tarpon Springs, Florida, fine tune their trapeze set, Wednesday afternoon, January 18, 2011, before opening night of the Shrine Circus in the Lansing Center.

MATTHEW DAE SMITH for the Lansing State JournalFourth generation trapeze artist Anthony Pages, 21, of the "The Flying Pages," practices flying Wednesday afternoon, January 18, 2011, before opening night of the Shrine Circus in the Lansing Center.

MATTHEW DAE SMITH for the Lansing State JournalAcrobats from "The Flying Pages" fine-tune ropes and cables on their trapeze set, Wednesday, January 18, 2011, in the Lansing Center, in preparation for opening night.

MATTHEW DAE SMITH for the Lansing State JournalWilliam Pages, bottom, and April Brown, of "The Flying Pages," make careful measurements between the safety net and floor of their trapeze set.

RINGLING ELEPHANTS ARRIVE IN COLUMBIA, SC

01.18.2012

Elephants are herded off freight cars Wednesday afternoon before crossing Blossom Street on their way to the Colonial Life Arena. Andrew Askins / THE DAILY GAMECOCK

Cirque du Soleil redefines circus experience

'Dralion' hits 1stBank Center stage in Broomfield Feb. 8-12

HOOP DIVERS: Hoop Diving is one of the many performances featured in Cirque du Soleil s Dralion, which plays the 1stBank Center Feb. 8-12. Photo by Daniel Desmarais/ Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

( danieldesmarais.com )

from: broomfieldenteprise.com

By Dylan Otto Krider For the Enterprise

01/18/2012

Canadian-based Cirque du Soleil set out to re-imagine the travelling circus, but ended up supplanting it in many ways. Take "Drallion," for instance, one of the most popular and enduring Cirque shows, which runs Feb. 8-12 at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield. The show is a fusion between the circus traditions of East and West, including 52 performers from 15 countries, half of whom are Chinese acrobats. The name itself is a combination of symbolic circus animals, the dragon and lion.
Ringling Bros., long considered the standard-bearer of the circus, instead has been following in Cirque's footsteps with shows such as "Dragons!," which incidentally, features the same cast of lions, elephants and trapeze artists its had for more than a century.
Cirque was started by Guy Laliberté who dropped out of college to tour Europe as a folk singer and busker, or street performer. When he returned to Canada and found himself unemployed, he organized a summer fair with friends Daniel Gauthier and Gilles Ste-Croix that would become Cirque du Soleil in 1984.
Cirque is now a live entertainment behemoth of its own. What began as a "dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment" exploded in the '90s from one show to 19 in 271 cities. In recent years, it began converting its big top tent show for arenas such as the 1stBank Center, which seems to be going well, because the show keeps coming back.
Julie Desmarais, spokeswoman for the "Dralion" show, said the show still has moments that generate plenty of "ooohs" and "ahhs" from the audience. The secret has been that, unlike Barnum & Bailey, which hasn't changed much since it combined with the Ringling Bros. at the beginning of the 20th century, Cirque shows keep adding new elements. "We always keep the show fresh," Desmarais said.

CHAIRS IN ROTATION: The chairs act in rotation is one of the many performances featured in Cirque du Soleil s Dralion, which plays the 1stBank Center Feb. 8-12 Photo by Daniel Desmarais/ Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil ( danieldesmarais.com )
The performers are always working on new tricks, and they bring a creative team with the show to recalibrate routines, she said. "Each show has its own story line and provoking imagery," Desmarais said. The costumes still more closely resemble modern Broadway musical extravaganzas than red-nosed clowns.
"Dralion," with performers representing the four elements -- water, air, fire and earth -- debuted 11 years ago and got a complete re-staging in 2010. The show now includes 26-foot-high trampoline walls with "five performers defying gravity."
But Cirque also has stuck around because it doesn't tinker with the things that work -- the show is still 80 percent the same, and "Dralion" has endured because, of all the shows, it perhaps best represents the multicultural approach that wowed audiences when the first show launched back in 1984.

Circus Performers Help Kids Get Fit




By: Tuquyen Mach WSAV-TV
Published: January 18, 2012
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Stars of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus showed some kids from the Boys and Girls Club how exercise can be fun.