Royal Canadian Family Circus on tap for two Calgary stops
The Royal Canadian Family Circus comes to town for its first performance on Friday, continuing a 50-year tradition of entertainment. Here are five things to know about the circus, writes Peter Glenn
1. THE CALGARY SHOWS
This year’s tour, called Spectac!, takes the Royal Canadian Family Circus across Western Canada, from Surrey and Abbotsford, through Calgary, Friday to Sunday at Spruce Meadows, then to Medicine Hat and back to Calgary at CrossIron Mills from June 1 to 6. The circus then heads to Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and on to Saskatchewan finishing in Etobicoke, Ont.
2 THE CIRCUS LEGACY
The Royal Canadian Family Circus is led by ringmaster Joseph Dominic Bauer of Switzerland. Bauer comes from nine generations of circus performers and was once a performing daredevil. He’s been featured on U.S. network TV, and has headlined Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus and Circus Gatti. Speaking on the demise of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus, Bauer said the appeal of circuses is still strong in Canada.
“Just because the mighty have fallen, it doesn’t diminish the public’s appetite for circus. Nor does it diminish the fervour with which we pursue our craft,” he said. “While circus may evolve, as it has done over hundreds of years, the family circus legacy will continue, especially the European Big Top show.”
3 THE PERFORMERS
Performers can vary from show to show, but this year’s highlighted acts include: Piolita, a fifth-generation Argentine clown; Guerrero Duo High Wire, featuring Aura and Werner Cardinali; The Dominguez Dogs Act featuring poodles, Danes and miniatures; Andrea and Alejandro Gonzales Aerial Strap featuring aerial manoeuvres showcasing the pair’s gymnastic ability, beauty and strength. Other acts include Martin Espana, The American Cyclone (a chopper motorcycle on a narrow circular rail while two aerialists dangle off on an attached swing); The Magnificent Erika Zerbini and Liberty Horses and the Tarzan Zerbini Dancers and Aerialists.
4 THE CHARITABLE PARTNERS
The circus partners with sponsors to raise money for charities in cities where it performs. The 2017 Calgary sponsor and beneficiary is the Calgary South Asian Lions Club, offering a range of activities and programs that include services for children and families in need.
5 THE SHOW
General admission seating is first come first serve, with areas set aside for VIP and Ringside ticket purchasers. Shows usually open for seating 30 minutes before show time. For more information, go to www.royalcanadiancircus.ca