The deceptive assault of Animal People

Only the names have been changed to protect both the innocent and guilty.
Not that I'm judging. You read it and you decide.

-----Original Message-----
On Sep 28, 2009, at 8:35 PM, Animal Trainer wrote:

My name is Animal Trainer and I am an Animal Trainer with a Circus. My Unsuspecting Friend wrote me that you were interested in performing animals?
Animal Trainer

-----Original Message-----
From: Self-absorbed deceptive human
To: Animal Trainer
Sent: Tue, Sep 29, 2009 2:04 am
Subject: Re: performing animals

I am, thank you for contacting me, Animal Trainer. And thank Unsuspecting Friend, too, for connecting us.

It's an honor to speak with you directly. I've found the best way to learn is to do it yourself or to ask an expert!

You, as my perceived expert, are probably well aware of the controversy surrounding the topic of performing circus animals world wide. Entire countries have banned performing animals, dozens of British Columbian municipalities have placed restrictions on the industry, and numerous communities in the US even, won't allow the circus to operate in their locale. I'm sure you yourself probably directly interacted with concerned people ranging from animal compassionates to frightening extremists.

I have never been to a circus myself. Not as a supporter nor as a protester. I do hear indirectly that many trainers (hopefully yourself included!) feel that these bans and concerns are unwarranted. And only you know the reality of what you and the animals you train, care for, and perform with go through every day. Only you know know their health, their enrichment, and their challenges. You, better than anyone know how budgets might affect your choice in care methods, supplies, tools or time. Only you know the character of other trainers and circus management.

Would you be open to me asking you some questions about your experience training animals and performing with them in the Circus? My focus would be to discover how it feels to be a trainer responding to the controversy, to hear the good stories and the rough stories about living with captive wildlife on the road, and to find out, in your expert opinion, where what the real risks lie for performing circus animals and what you would do to improve your industry for everyone.
Self-absorbed deceptive human

-----Original Message-----
On Sep 29, 2009, at 7:00 AM, Animal Trainer wrote:

I would be open to answering questions. I enter this skeptically as I have been interviewed before only to see my words changed with no recourse after the fact. From your opening letter I sense the angle of your story is, at this point, leaning towards the "activists". You make no mention of the numerous studies showing that performing animals live longer and have more opportunities for "enrichment "
Animal Trainer

-----Original Message-----
From: Self-absorbed deceptive human
To: Animal Trainer
Sent: Fri, Oct 2, 2009 3:10 pm
Subject: Re: performing animals

Animal Trainer, thank you for having an open mind. That is my goal too.

Yes, conflict sells, but diplomacy inspires change. It's not good journalism to present only one extreme point of view from either side, but rather to discover where even opposite views can see each other's perspective.

I wish to convey your intelligence and experience as an Animal Trainer in a way that would make an otherwise closed-minded burn-the-circus extremist consider that there is hope to work with instead of against. And conversely, I would like to convey the public animal concern perspective so well that even the most insulted and defensive trainer or employer would be inspired to work for transparent solutions. It's the middle ground that interests me most. And yes, you have to search the extremes to find that middle. Hopefully I find a middle. That will depend on my ability to communicate with everyone, I guess, and ask thought provoking questions of quality interviewees.

Thank you so much. There is no rush on this, thank goodness. Would you prefer I call, or email my conversation? I tend to be good in writing:-) Yes, I will edit everything into a piece at the end, but I will never change a quote, rest assured. Everything you say or write is a quote after we begin. My goal in speaking with you, which you are already revealing thank goodness, is the hope that you are the "open minded expert" on touring performing animals. But that always depends on you!

Self-absorbed deceptive human

-----Original Message-----
On Oct 2, 2009, at 4:27 PM, Animal Trainer wrote:

Yes, writing would suit me as well. I may have some other animal people interested in an intelligent discussion on captive and performing animals if you are interested.
Animal Trainer

-----Original Message-----
From: Self-absorbed deceptive human
To: Animal Trainer
Sent: Sat, Oct 3, 2009 3:40 pm
Subject: Re: performing animals

Thanks for suggesting other interviewees, Animal Trainer. I believe you train elephants, if I am not mistaken? What animals do your associates train? Do they work with you at a circus as well?

Self-absorbed deceptive human

-----Original Message-----
On Oct 3, 2009, at 4:12 PM, Animal Trainer wrote:

I have animal acts on a circus We have had elephants in the past, along with dogs, ponies, hippos, giraffes, zebras, big cats, camels, ostriches, goats, and primates. Most circus Animal Trainers have experience with many different species.
Animal Trainer

-----Original Message-----
From: Self-absorbed deceptive human
To: Animal Trainer
Sent: Mon, Oct 19, 2009 11:42 pm
Subject: Re: performing animals

Thank you, Animal Trainer! I've had a birthday and some out of state travel since we've spoken last. I am compiling a short list of questions now I hope you will feel inspired to expand upon and bring your intellect, passion and compassion to. Thank you so much again for offering your voice.
Self-absorbed deceptive human

-----Original Message-----
From: Animal Trainer
To: Animal Caretaker
What do you think? Do you want in? Check out her website

-----Original Message-----
From: Animal Caretaker
To: Animal Trainer

Hmmm, wary, very wary. Sad that eh?
She totally controls the outcome. Interesting she at least wants to converse.
I recently responded to several editorials. One can only take so much.

She does have an interesting viewpoint on stuff. And she's done lots of very cool stuff. Could be a great in to the 'natural' crowd, after all isn't that what animal training really is about? Speaking a natural language we've nearly lost.

Send me the list of questions when you get them. Still wary, yet curious.

Very disturbing thing happened at the little Circus. We went to the shows in little bitty home town Sunday. It's coming along nicely.
Next day this popped up on the internet. Like a stalker ~ rather disturbing to know they were out there and wonder who they are making the videos for. Other than that not a word in print or elsewhere really.

*link to youtube video of animal act on show*

Ooooh, they added the exploitative title and description since it was first posted. Dang, they must be getting paid for this. . .

Animal Caretaker

-----Original Message-----
From: Animal Caretaker
To: Animal Trainer

BINGO!!!! I DUG DEEPER.

"Support your favorite cruelty-free/non-animal circus act and watch *Self-absorbed deceptive human* this Thursday!"
HER QUOTE!!!!
Found here: *link to TV show*
Whoa! No really, I'm thinking she's reeling you in. She's very self centered if you know what I mean. This is about her agenda, not animals, and def not us.

----Original Message-----
From: Self absorbed deceptive human
To: Animal Trainer
Sent: Tue, Oct 20, 2009 6:29 pm
Subject: Questions

Animal Trainer, attached are my interview questions for you. You are welcome to answer the questions quick and short, or if you feel compelled to expand, I would encourage you. There is no deadline on this, but I'd appreciate it if you return your answers before mid-November.

Generously offering your perspective on this passionate subject certainly helps and I want to thank you again, Animal Trainer. I know you are secure, intelligent and with opinion, so feel free to let me know what it is. Again, my respect and thanks to you on this subject.

Respect ...

Self absorbed deceptive human

-----Original Message-----
From: Animal Caretaker
To: Animal Trainer

WTF?!?!?!
Where do you think this self absorbed deceptive human got these questions????
Yeah, she was outta town all right, getting briefed at Peta.
Show her some of your intelligence and let her know you're not falling for it.

Wow, they are getting more and more underhanded. . .

Wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole methinks. And you?

-----Original Message-----
From: Animal Trainer
To: Self absorbed deceptive human
Sent: Thu, Oct 22, 2009 10:30 am
Subject: Re: Questions

"Support your favorite cruelty-free/non-animal circus act and watch *Self-absorbed deceptive human* this Thursday!"
And to think I almost fell for your, "Middle-ground". So much for " diplomacy" and " transparent solutions". Obviously "your" questions were written by PETA. Guess I'll go back to my amoral animals, my four legged friends incapable of deception. No wonder trainers don't interviews.
Animal Trainer

-----Original Message-----
From: Animal Caretaker
To: Animal Trainer

You think these are the answers self-absorbed deceptive human is looking for?

1. How long have you been training performing animals? How did you get your start?
1. How long have you been complimenting and falsely representing yourself to befriend people?

2. What companies and venues have your animals performed in? Which was your favorite and why?
2. What difference does this make? The question really is, "Why do seemingly intelligent people like yourself, choose to judge those of us that work with animals, without ever having met us or even seen a circus?"

3. What company do you work with now? How long have you been with them?
3. Been brainwashed have you? Think about it. Who put those thoughts in your head? Did you make them up yourself? If not, where did they come from?

4. What animal species have you trained?
4. What human species are you?

5. What animal species has been your favorite to work with and why? Share a fond story of working with this species.
5. Seemingly genuine question so as not to arouse suspicion of your true agenda. Nope, see right through this.

6. What species has presented the most challenges and why? Is there a species you do not wish to work with in the future? Share a story of how challenging animal training can be.
6. Have to say the HUMAN species. Only it has the biggest ego and desire to put those of us that deal honestly with animals out of work.

7. Have you ever encountered concerns from animal compassionates or activists? What form do these concerns come to you in (letters, protest, violence, ect?)?
7. Have you ever picked up shit? Real, stinky animal shit? Day after day, fed, watered, and cared for someone or something, other than yourself?

8. Do all circus trainers adhere to the same training techniques? Do you agree with all other animal training methods?
8. Do you have a lifetime to learn this? That's what is takes, not some 60 second sound bite, 20 minute video or one page blog.
No, I'm not falling for your ploy and allowing my ego to judge other trainers either.

9. Do you feel the Circus Animal Care Policy on paper is specific and assures performing animals' well being? Do you go beyond what is written in the guidelines?
9. What difference does any paperwork make if there are no more animals? Better we spend the time we can in their presence. We can fill out all the paperwork we want when they're gone.

10. After years of working with many different performing animal species, in many different venues, what is your animal care policy? What care specifics have you found to be essential and unwavering?
10. If you had even a clue of what it takes to work with animals you would be embarrassed to be asking these questions.

11. *XYZ Circus* for animal abuse charges. What comments do you have regarding this case?
11. Actually that is not what the case is about. Do your research and get back to me.

12. Are the Circus animal handling techniques provided as video evidence to the court by PETA representative of industry standards? Do you feel this court case places unjustified scrutiny on your training?
12. Can you say deceptively edited video? How about huge sums of money wasted while elephants disappear before our very eyes? Again, you have nowhere near the time to begin to understand any of this. Now go exercise and wash your dreads.

13. Do assistants or performers come into physical contact with your animals in your current venue? What type of training do assistants and human performers go through before contact? Have you encountered safety issues and how could they be prevented next time, if so?
13. Done exercising and self promoting yet?

14. Does the public come into physical contact with your animals? Has there been any issues and how could they be prevented next time, if so?
14. Hopefully you will never come in contact with my animals. Nope, don't think you deserve to enjoy the bliss of true animal communion and communication. Maybe in your next life.

15. Have you worked with any endangered species? How does the Endangered Species Act allow for circuses to work with endangered species?
15. Like I said, maybe in your next life. That is of course, unless you have your way and elephants no longer exist then. Fewer, is fewer, period.

16. There is conflict between animal compassionates/activists and circus producers/animal trainers. How can they communicate with you better?
16. Conflict? More like harassment and deception as you have well proved. Pick up shit for 10 years, then maybe we can talk.

17. Has there ever been a concern, well presented, that you too agreed with and initiated an improvement on?
17. Done exercising yet? Oops isn’t it time to espouse your personal hygiene methods and blog about them again?

18. How can circuses and your present employer communicate better with animal compassionates/activists? Does transparency in animal handling and care improve public relations?
18. Yes, the brainwashing has been very successful. Every self absorbed deceptive human I meet has an opinion based on useless facts, TV shows and knows it all. Soon they'll have everyone brainwashed and there will no longer be elephants in the circus, or anywhere else.

19. As an expert in your field, what is your advice to each side?
19. Side? I thought you said middle. Nope, not falling for it. You have proven yourself to be deceptive and ego centric. Go back to undress, throw some knives and exercise some more. We'll still be caring for animals in the real world, on their terms, 24/7 until we're no longer allowed to.

It's not the Great Pumpkin, it's BIG APPLE CIRCUS!

Although it's still hot and steamy in FL,

fall is here and that means some of my favorite circus days are ahead.

The Big Apple Circus opens in NYC soon!

Don't wait until the last minute to get tickets

~ ~ I've got a great deal for you! ~ ~

Scroll down for more info.

The awesomely beautiful Christine Zerbini and equine friend.

"Bello is Back" is the title of this year's show.

Opening Thursday, October 22 for its Lincoln Center run until January 18, 2010.

The Big Apple Circus is Broadway meets European style one-ring show.

So close the dirt flies up from the hooves of the horses into your laps and the aerialists put a kink in your neck, the show sets the standard for circus in a way only New York can.

Not to worry, Grandma will be there too!

Ok, so I'm partial, Barry is one of my favorite clowns, EVER!

Here's info on a promo code that can save you $$$$$$.

To purchase your discounted tickets to the Big Apple Circus:

Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/pop.aspx and submit the code POP10 in the Promotional Codes box

By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP10

In Person: Big Top Box Office 10AM–6PM daily. No service fee.

Bring a copy of this blog post

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Must present this blog post to receive discount at the box office. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

Tickets for performances at upcoming venues are currently on sale to Big Apple Circus members only. In addition to knowing your membership helps kids in need; benefits include discounted tickets, VIP seats, invitations to exclusive member-only events, and more! For full details, check out:

http://bigapplecircus.org/support/membership.aspx

And here's a glimpse of Bello doing his death defying skywalking thing.

Don't know about you, but just watching this video made my palms sweat.

Pink Takes Flight

Or should it?

I suppose it depends on the body wearing it.

In this case, Pink, is looking pretty buff from her aerial workouts and deservedly wears it well. Here's some pics and video of her cradle act as performed on the MTV awards.

She does a very nice job, pointed toes, catches and all while singing.

I guess it's not enough nowadays to simply sing. In order to hold people's attention you have to risk life and limb, or at least appear to, as well. Seems to be a trend going on here. I suppose it comes with being a type "T" as in Thrills personality. Better the thrill of an aerial workout than drugs and alcohol.

You go girl!

Welcome to the tribe of Circus Girls.

Here's a link to some great rehearsal photos.

I don't wanna be the girl who laughs the loudest
Or the girl who never wants to be alone
I don't wanna be that call at four o'clock in the morning
'Cause I'm the only one you know in the world that won't be home

Aahh, the sun is blinding
I stayed up again
Oohh, I am finding
That's not the way I want my story to end

I'm safe
Up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain
Inside
You're my protection
But how do I feel this good sober?

I don't wanna be the girl who has to fill the silence...
The quiet scares me 'cause it screams the truth
Please don't tell me that we had that conversation
When I won't remember, save your breath, 'cause what's the use?

Aahh, the night is calling
And it whispers to me softly, "come and play"
Aahh, I am falling
And if I let myself go, I'm the only one to blame

I'm safe
Up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain
Inside
You're like perfection
But how do I feel this good sober?

I'm comin' down
Comin' down
Comin' down
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Looking for myself.. Sober

Comin' down
Comin' down
Comin' down
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Spinnin' round
Looking for myself.. Sober

When it's good, then it's good, it's so good, 'till it goes bad
Till you're trying to find the you that you once had
I have heard myself cry
Never again
Broken down in agony
And just trying to find a friend

I'm safe
Up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain
Inside
You're like perfection
But how do I feel this good sober?

I'm safe
Up high
Nothing can touch me
But why do I feel this party's over?
No pain
Inside
You're like perfection
But how do I feel this good sober?

How do I feel this good sober?

The Brittany Spears Circus Tour

The Universe works in mysterious ways. Things fell into place, on my birthday no less, and I had the great fortune to get the VIP treatment at the Brittany Spears concert in Orlando, Sept. 1st. Arriving early we were cordially greeted and escorted up to a catered area decorated with gorgeous circus costumes and huge Big Apple Circus posters. ʻMighty Mikeʼ DJʼd the affair and other dancers and circus performers mingled and posed for pics. Everyone was very kind and accommodating creating a welcoming feel and offering a glimpse into their world. From there we were shuttled down in the elevator for a backstage tour into a maze of hallways filled to the brim with boxes and props, neatly organized and labeled. The logistics are a masterpiece in themselves. As we were led past catering, through a dressing room, makeup room and my favorite, the wardrobe area, it had the feel of a side show as the curtains were pulled aside and we stared into their world. The performers and tech people we came across were all calm and friendly as we invaded their space. The unsung heros of the show, the riggers in their harnesses, sheepishly grinned and laughed with us at jokes made by our genial tour guide, Mike, getting their own 15 seconds of fame and taking us gawking bystanders in stride.

From there we were led onto the arena floor and got a peek under the stage at the tightly organized quick change area. The stage itself is a star, and a mechanical and engineering marvel innovatively designed so that every seat in the house gets a front-on view at moments throughout the show. A large ramp leads up to the first of three elevated rings. One large center ring with two smaller end rings on either side. A center elevator in each end ring and 7, count them 7, elevator trap doors in the center ring itself. Throughout the show performers pop up and descend making entrances and exits very clean and simple. They must be running around like moles under there.

Above the center ring is an aerialistsʼ dream circular rigging containing all manner of winches, cables and tracks so that descents and various props and aerial apparatuses can be moved up, down, spin, and circle around. These were used to their fullest effect throughout the show with drops, lyras, silks, cord, and the center descent of Brittany herself.

An LED drape encircled the rigging and it, too, could raise and lower while acting as a projection screen throughout making time for set changes behind it. Music video clips were seamlessly played driving the show along with close-up live camera shots so that even when the action was facing away from you, you had a view from the front. It was all very cleanly edited and didnʼt overwhelm but rather enhanced the experience and carried out each songsʼ theme to the hilt.

The show starts with a performance by Big Apple Circus performers doing trampoline, juggling cube, German gym wheel, hula hoops and clown bits from one end to the other, top caliber circus acts picking up the energy until the reveal of Brittany herself. Stunning without being overly dramatic, Brittany is a consummate performer, her skill levels on par with every other type of performer onstage. She led the dancers in tight choreography, teasingly and suggestively presented without being vulgar. She appeared and disappeared in magic props and was frighteningly lifted in aerial juxtapositions. This girl has got nerve and the strength to pull it off. All done gracefully with a smile on her face.

I was most impressed with her ability to walk, a pleasing combination of a stroll and a strut. As simple as it sounds, I know from experience how difficult it is, she moved from ring to ring, up and down stairs, the toughest to pull off, with perfect aplomb while singing and keeping the audience in her gaze. Again the logistics and complicated choreography and staging was pulled off seamlessly without a hitch. I was impressed with how easy it all felt.

Although from my close view I did notice a hole in her fishnets, clue to the fact that at some point she did get caught up. From my own circus experience I know how this can happen and the moment of sheer terror when it does, until the tights give way, not easily at that. Welcome, Brittany, to the tribe of Circus Girls!

The costuming was flattering and shiny, sexy yet functional, and contributed greatly to the appeal. The performers were multi-talented and spot on, each having an individual personality at times and lock step group movements as well. It takes a generous and confident performer to share the stage with others so talented and tons of hard work to make it look so smooth and real.

This show had the feel of a Las Vegas extravaganza on wheels. I applaud all the talent and vision, cooperation and precision, it took to pull it off.

Knowing bits of her backstory and personal challenges I was moved by the fact that she has managed to clean up her act and strict policies exist to ward off the evils of substance use by every single member of the crew. Hopefully this is a sign of the times and the glorification of rock ʻn roll substance excess, and its tragic consequences on talented performers, will fade into the past. As I looked into the huge mixed crowd of young girls with their moms, couples and gay men, I could only hope, that lives will be saved and enhanced by the disciplined beauty and strength of this awesome show.

Big props and thanks go out to Mighty Mike and Wini @ LA Circus for the hospitality.

On a scale of Lynn, I give it a 10.

El Circo - Photos by Mary Ellen Mark.

Striking photographic imagery. Click here for more.

The Circus that is Britney Spears

"I know why the caged bird sings." Maya Angelou

"Like a Stepford pop Princess, she gave a perfect show." Michele Knight
Britney Blog Article

This take on Britney pretty much confirms my own. As I've said here before, "May you have a safe and sane tour." I feel for her, I really do.

Visionaerialist Blog/Video on Britney

Read it, don't weep! Spectacle Magazine

I've subscribed from the beginning and have enjoyed seeing the evolution and reading the intelligent discussion of circus as an art form. Not to mention the inspiring photos and reviews that keep me abreast of circus worldwide. Thank you Earnest Albrecht for your discerning observations and dedication in keeping this magazine going.

I highly suggest a Sponsor subscription and you'll be looking forward to each and every issue in your mailbox, tearing off the envelope and sitting down to read, being transported around the world, in front and behind every circus out there without leaving your easy chair. All that's missing is the smells.

http://www.spectaclemagazine.com

Summertime Means Circus

Bindlestiffs are one of my favorites. Catch them this summer when you can.
Click here for article.

Russian Circus Photo Portfolio

Russian? Circus? Rather a posed surreal combination of the two. Interesting. Where is the bored, dingy, circus, sideshow angst headed? Or for that matter, where does it come from?

The concept and images should be credited to Ms. Michèle Malka, Creative Director.

Here is a a link to Ms. Malka's Behance Profile, where this work is included, among others: http://www.behance.net/MicheleMalka.

Webster Hall Circus Saturdays

Webster Hall has always been friendly to circus folks. Over the years circus acts have been hired and flown in. Nice to see they are continuing the tradition, although nowadays there's probably plenty of acts to hire locally. As one NYC buddy told me, "You can't swing a cat by the tail without hitting an aerialist nowadays." Fly safe, y'all!

Moscow Cat Theatre

Sideshow Psychology

Katz World of Wonders Photos

Mind's Eye: Running Away With the Circus
Why some prefer the hardships of showbiz on the road to normal life.

By: Carlin Flora

As they lived among sword-swallowers and fire-eaters from the only remaining traveling circus sideshow in the U.S., photographers Jimmy and Dena Katz wondered: Why would a young person sign up for a dying profession, one that brings in little money and lots of grime?

"There is this old-fashioned appeal of running away with the circus," says Dena. "But it was so tough day-to-day. Living in a trailer, charging $2 or $3 per show. There was nothing romantic or glamorous about it."

A powerful escape fantasy may be more difficult to shake than the grit of life on the road. "Carnivals and circuses attract that element in the psyche that craves symbolic and dreamlike experiences," says Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul. "When work, facts, and literal issues are our main focus, we have a desperate need for liberation. Why else do we sit and watch television for hours?"

But isn't living out an escape fantasy, rather than occasionally thinking about it, generally a bad choice? "Just as people with little money will purchase a fancy television set, so a person drawn to the carnival will undergo hardship to attain their goal," says Moore. "It's largely an unconscious goal, which makes it difficult to weave into ordinary life. Because it is a rejection of normal limits, it has a certain mad quality."

Maybe madness simply trumps reason for restless types who are stifled by conventional jobs. "Some of them told me that when they were away from the circus and suddenly smelled diesel fumes or burnt tires, they would desperately miss it and want to join up again," Dena says. Jimmy recalls that he told one performer that life in the troupe seemed hard. "The guy replied, 'All life is hard.' " Might as well put on a show.

Psychology Today Magazine, Mar/Apr 2009
Last Reviewed 14 May 2009
Article ID: 4802

Oh, yeah, the smell of diesel fumes liberates me every time. Beats watching television.

Fern St. Circus

Famiglia del Circo tickets here

May 15th to the 24th

Fern Street Circus presents "Famiglia del Circo" in Balboa park. "Famiglia del Circo," or "The Circus Family," is a one ring theatrical circus performance where an average family gets drawn into a the show because of their deaf daughter's dreams of being in the circus. Acts include Aerial Hoop, Chiffon, Clowning, Juggling, Trampoline, and much, much more.

Stand up 8

Meet the new American circus.

A whip-cracker, an escape artist, a fire-eater, a clown, a juggler, a musician, a trampoline champ, a hand balancer, and a contortionist who fits in a K-Mart duffel bag.

Stand Up Eight stands out from other theatrical circuses with its groundbreaking and intertwined use of script, story, and skill. Audiences will meet the girl who can escape from a marriage and a straitjacket in less than 90 seconds. The whip-cracker who bites with both words and whip. The fire eater with nothing left to burn. The aerialist who practices in a bicycle helmet and a parka.

And of course, Sam.

Escape artist Zay Weaver explains, "We'll be focusing on personality and the man behind the curtain. We want to create a show where the audience walks out feeling like they've gotten in on a secret."

The collaborators of Stand Up Eight appeared on Canada's reality television show Dragon's Den last October, winning a quarter of a million dollars to stage their dream circus. "Every performer in Stand Up Eight is already a successful entertainer in their own right", says Allison Williams, director of the project and founder of Aerial Angels, a circus arts company based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Each of us has stories to tell about why and how we do what we do, and we're all ready to create something big and beautiful."

Stand Up Eight premieres in Dekalb, Illinois in order to work with Tracy Nunnally, leader of Halls Flying FX and a giant in the stunt flying world. Nunnally is working closely with the show's creators to develop a flight act never before seen in a circus or theatre production. Right now, it's still top secret "but you've never seen anything like this. Personally, it's a tremendous challenge and a lot of fun to create something this different", says Nunnally.

Dead Girl Circus

The Gravest Show on Earth

Kyle pointed these girls out to me.
Great concept, a dead girl circus. And the best is that Mom's get in free!

If you're in Dallas, TX check them out and get back to me.
@visionaerialist
on twitter
:)

cIRQUE bERZERK 'Beneath'

CIRQUE BERZERK, a wild, sexy, decadent and demented alternative circus, that isn’t exactly for kids, features jaw-dropping acrobatics, stunning male and female aerialists, sexy, fiery burlesque dancers, gothic stilt walkers, punk rock clowns, and psychedelic vaudevillian tomfoolery.

'BENEATH' debuts June 18, 2009, and runs through 4th of July weekend (at least). The event of the summer will take place at the Los Angeles State Historic Park 1245 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012. All ages are welcome. Tickets range in price from $25 to $80.
For tickets please click HERE.

Mother's Day

Motherhood ~ The toughest job I've ever loved. <3 Mom

Yesterday a new circus was born. Circus Vera ~ The birth of a circus for all to see ~ can be found living here in the virtual world and having performances in the real one. Interesting to see the bridge take place between the two. Best of luck for a successful season!

BBQ Delish!

What do you get when you combine 3 clowns, utensils and ingredients?

Some pretty tasty funny, stuff.

And straight from the clown's mouth a little insight into the "process".

BBQ from Todd Feren on Vimeo.

The original show was a two-person show starring the Owner of the company Todd Zimmerman. We took a look at the tape and basically kept the structure of the show but re-wrote the entire thing bit by bit. It was "written" by the three of us. "Written" meaning we talked through bits then worked through them. Nothing was ever put down on paper.

The three of us are Todd Zimmerman, Terrance Yip, and Myself.

The Longshoremen perform out at Seaworld 7 days a week doing 5 shows a day. The Longshoremen have 8 to 9 shows in our repertoire but we usually stick to 3 different shows during our five show days. I think they are a lot of fun. I've grown up watching and loving the 3 Stooges, so it's a thrill to be able to write bits that remind me of them.

Thanks for taking an interest.
Todd Feren

Thank you Todd for levening our day, or would that be leavening? You know adding a little levity, that's it! Anyway, thanks for the laughs! HAHAHAHAHaHAHAHAHAHaHaHaHa!

Antoinette, today's your day.

While teaching us web on Ringling I was hanging by my ankle when she asked,
"How's it feel?"

"It's on fire!"
I said through gritted teeth as the pinched nerves were sending searing, hot pains shooting up my leg. (well, down rather as I was strung up like a side of beef)

"It's fine? OK, now let's spin."

God I loved her!
She taught many a showgirl how to smile and style 30 feet in the air.
Thank you Antoinette!

Calendar by www.taschen.com

Buenos días amigos Feliz Cinco de hold the Mayo

It's the fat-free version.

Probably the the most unsettling act I've come across lately. The "Regurgitator"

Thanks to @birdalert for the heads up. She creates gorgeous woodcuts based on historical research. Her sideshow series is artfully delicious. See them here.



Followed by this POV flying vid from Richie and I can nearly guarantee you're gonna toss your cookies!


Bulimic weight loss anyone?