The Federation operates under the control and leadership of the Board of Directors.
The members of the Board are elected for a two years term with the exception of the President and the Executive Director whose mandate has no limit.
Membership
Board of Directors
Mr. Urs Pilz is the Artistic Director and the Vice-President of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo. For many years, he has been a part of the organisational committee of the Festival and in this position a consultant for the late Prince Rainer III of Monaco and subsequently for H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, who took over the presidency of the Festival in 2006.
Mr. Pilz’s work serves to preserve and promote Prince Rainer III’s vision for the Festival, created in 1974, to demonstrate that circus arts, including the presentation of animals, are an important part of European – and the world’s – cultural heritage; to offer the circus a prestigious platform for its presentation; and to celebrate the creativity and innovation of all its performers.
Mr. Pilz serves as the current President of both the European Circus Association and the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque.
Mr. Wayne McCary’s storied career has included fairs, circuses, carnivals, amusement parks and arenas. He is currently president and CEO of Eastern States Exposition (The Big E). Well known as a visionary in the outdoor and indoor amusement industry, he is a respected leader and innovator, and has brought creative ideas to The Big E and the industry. Mr. McCary has been booking circus talent for more than 40 years and founded The Big E Super Circus in 1970. He continues to personally produce The Big E Super Circus under the Big Top, which is seen by more than 80,000 people each year. He served as president of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions in 1997 and received its Hall of Fame honor in 2001. He recently received the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Hall of Fame award. Mr. McCary serves as Chairman of the Board of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association.
Zsuzsanna Mata is the Executive Director of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque (FMC) and former director, today general adviser, of the European Circus Association (ECA). From 2003 she represented the Hungarian State Circus (MACIVA) in the Board of Directors of ECA, from 2009 worked as advisor in the board of directors of FMC. Economist and diplomat by profession she started working for the Hungarian State Circus (MACIVA) in 1988. For 6 years she was Head of the International Department and from 1992 also acted as Head of the Artistic Department of the company. Mrs. Mata is one of the founders of the Budapest International Circus Festival and, since its first edition in 1996, has been member of the Organizing Committee of the Festival. She passionately loves circus and has vast experience in the circus world, being determined to dedicate her knowledge and energy to the mission of the FMC and the fulfilment of its goals. Mrs. Mata’s contribution to circus art was recognized by the state award “The Silver Merit Cross of the Republic of Hungary” in 2005. She is author of several books and articles on circus issues.
Mr. Mocellin is a lawyer before the Supreme Court in Italy with independent office. He is involved in circus affairs too. As a confirmed expert by the Ministry of Culture, works in the National Commission for Circus and Travelling Shows too.
He is Member of the Italian Circus Friends Club (C.A.de.C.-Club Amici del Circo) since 1982, Board Member since 1996, and became its President in 2001.
He has a lifetime passion for circus arts. Collaborates as a freelance writer with different Italian circus related papers, like the official Circus Review magazine “Circo” since 1988, and with local, national and international newspapers and magazines since 1990: “Il Giornale dello Spettacolo”, also with the main theatrical magazine in Italy “SIPARIO” since 2011.
Co-author of the two volumes “Quaderno di studi sulle arti circensi” published by University of Milano, professor Alessandro Serena, 2010-2011. He is Board Member of the European Circus Association (ECA) since its foundation and in January 2020 he was elected Board Member of the Federation as a delegate of the ECA.
Mr. Dale Su, Vice President of Chimelong Group, is one of the core members of the Board of Directors of the company. As a family member of the owner and General Manager of Entertainment, he has a high sense of mission and responsibility to build up the brand of “China’s Chimelong”, especially on area of the Entertainment and Circus which he is in charge.
Chimelong Group has built and been operating three circus theaters in the two resorts of Guangzhou and Zhuhai, China since 2000, with a total of 16,000 seats. More than 600 artists from 30 countries perform at the stages every day. The Circus Shows have attracted 43 million audiences since last 20 years. Meanwhile, Chimelong Group has organized China International Circus Festival in Zhuhai since 2013.
Dale is sincerely cooperating with the senior management team to keep developing the business, and he emphasizes that there are still a lot to work together to improve the Circus Arts worldwide, especially with the partnership between Chimelong Group and Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo. Under the Belt and Road initiative, he hopes the value of cultural from Chimelong Group would play a bigger role in the integration of China and Western cultural.
– Jury Member for the 44th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo
– Jury Member for the 6th China International Circus Festival
– Jury Member for the 5th China International Circus Festival
Jasmine is the founding director of the Australian Circus Festival, an international competition for Classical and Contemporary Circus arts based in Sydney, Australia.
She is the director of J.S. Creations a boutique act creation and artist management company.
Jasmine sits on the advisory committee of the Circus Center, Addis Ababa and works on various social circus programs with indigenous communities. She is passionate about circus history and culture and represents the Australian Circus industry for Parliamentary Inquiries She is currently working on a project to ensure that Circus is recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Australia.
Helmut Grosscurth interest and love for circus arts started in his young age. He was the editor of Circus Zeitung, the German Circus Fans’ monthly magazine, in 1981-83.
He went on tour with Circus Roncalli in 1984 as public relation manager.
Helmut Grosscurth and Dirk Kuik founded together the Circus Verlag publishing company and they publish Circus Zeitung since 1993. They published also the quarterly Planet Circus magazine during 20 years (1997-2017).
Helmut is the President of the German Circus Fans Association and Managing Director of the European Circus Association.
Members
Membership is reserved for national or regional associations, organizations or other entities that bring together circus owners, directors, artists, animal trainers and/or festivals. Only the members have the right to vote.
Created in 1974 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo has become the most important and most prestigious platform for circus arts in the world. Its Golden Clown is considered as the highest possible distinction for artists in this discipline. The Festival is organised by its president, H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco.
The European Circus Association (ECA) is a non-profit organisation established for the purpose of promoting and preserving circus arts and culture. Its members include circus owners and directors, festivals, animal trainers/presenters and artists as well as national associations representing the same interests. ECA has members resident in approximately twenty European countries, including 17 Member States and Monaco. Its work focuses on increasing the recognition of circus as part of European culture; reducing barriers to free movement and the realisation of artistic creations as a result of visa and work permit requirements; assisting in the development of harmonised technical standards for circuses; promoting improved quality of education available to circus children and to aspiring artists; and contributing to animal welfare through advocacy for appropriate governmental regulation and enforcement.
The Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), formed in 1964, as a non-profit trade organisation, to represent the interests of those businesses involved in the mobile amusement industry who travel to fairs, festivals, community events and other facilities. Today the OABA has over 4,000 members in the United States and Canada from a variety of amusement sectors including those involved with the circus industry. Its mission is to encourage the growth and preservation of the outdoor amusement businesses through leadership, legislation, education and membership services. OABA’s Circus representation was re-established in 1998 to represent the interests of this sector of the amusement industry, including circus producers, performing animal exhibitors, circus performers and associate members.
Founded in 1989, the Guangzhou Chimelong Group Co., Ltd is a conglomerate that owns and operates theme parks and leisure entertainment business among others. It has the world biggest permanent circus building/stadium, especially designed to host China’s International Circus Festival. It boasts the world’s first real-live circus arena, that can accommodate nearly 8,000 spectators. The International Circus continuously explores more space and possibility for circus performing arts which became growth industry for culture and tourism at the same time. It started with a world circus show in 2000 and in 18 years it offered a platform for thousands of circus artists.The International Circus City is strategically located in the middle of the Henhgqin Chimelong International Ocean Resort.
China Acrobats Association (CAA), founded in 1981, is a nationwide professional organization with 30 group members and more than 2600 individual members all over the country. CAA’s function is to serve as a liaison and coordinator, to provide guidance to its members, and guard the legal rights and interests of Chinese acrobatics and acrobats. CAA’s activities include the organisation and sponsorship of acrobatic and magic competitions and festivals and the specification of awards and judging procedures for acrobatics. It also organizes non-profit and benefit shows and performances, supports folk acrobatics, and reinforces acrobatics and magic performance through research and education. CAA publishes Chinese Acrobatics and Magic, the only national acrobatics and magic magazine in China. CAA is a corporate member of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles.
The Federation was founded with the participation of 8 countries – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru,- during the second congress of South -American Circuses, held in Brazil in December 2019.
Its main objective is to join forces to overcome the barriers and adversities that circus culture is still faces, all for the good of circus arts focusing on its preservation and promotion at the same time.
The Japanese Circus & Entertainment Association brings together traditional Japanese companies including Kinoshita Circus, Pop Circus and Dream Circus as well as foreign shows touring in Japan and others in the Japanese entertainment sector. Its aim is to improve and promote innovation in circus and other performance activities and to provide a venue to resolve mutual challenges through cooperation. The Association was established in 1950. Mr. Tadashi Kinoshita, also president of Kinoshita Circus, serves as president of the Association, which has .41 members and 85 supporting members.
The Mobile Mini Circus for Children (MMCC International) is the umbrella Social Circus organization with branches in Denmark, Japan, USA (under progress) and Afghanistan, dedicated to empowering young people through circus arts. MMCC was established in 2002 and has grown into a countrywide education program focusing on teaching children to lead in Afghanistan.
The company manages many young Ethiopian circus artists from all over Ethiopia, helping showcase their talent in order to secure international work. The company builds on the success of Gamo Circus School of Ethiopia, which teaches young people enrolled in government schools, free of charge.
he school's objective is to educate world class circus artists and present them to the world. The circus school, based in Addis Ababa, provides intensive training for talented young Ethiopians to fulfil their dreams, to develop sustainable careers, and to extend their life-skills.
During the last two years we have been building the first African permanent circus venue and training facility at Entoto Natural Park in Addis Ababa . This facility will host local artists and allow Ethiopia to become an international destination for circus arts.
Our goal is to develop African circus art, and market our future African international circus festival which will mainly feature African artists to shine and be seen in Africa. Our other major interest are the indigenous cultures that we believe originated in Africa. We aim to present research papers that allow the acrobatics culture of Ethiopia to be recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture to develop the circus sector in research, development and circus education. We believe that being a member of the Federation will allow us to express the interest of African circuses and help the development of the circus sector in Africa. Membership will also highlight known facts regarding indigenous cultures that combine circus and acrobatics and contribute the development of world circus history.
he school's objective is to educate world class circus artists and present them to the world. The circus school, based in Addis Ababa, provides intensive training for talented young Ethiopians to fulfil their dreams, to develop sustainable careers, and to extend their life-skills.
During the last two years we have been building the first African permanent circus venue and training facility at Entoto Natural Park in Addis Ababa . This facility will host local artists and allow Ethiopia to become an international destination for circus arts.
Our goal is to develop African circus art, and market our future African international circus festival which will mainly feature African artists to shine and be seen in Africa. Our other major interest are the indigenous cultures that we believe originated in Africa. We aim to present research papers that allow the acrobatics culture of Ethiopia to be recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture to develop the circus sector in research, development and circus education. We believe that being a member of the Federation will allow us to express the interest of African circuses and help the development of the circus sector in Africa. Membership will also highlight known facts regarding indigenous cultures that combine circus and acrobatics and contribute the development of world circus history.
Associated Members
Associated Members are also organizations and institutions. They tightly work with the Federation to identify projects of mutual interest and they support and contribute to the Federation’s activities.
German publisher Circus Verlag is the well-known producer of CircusZeitung, produced in German and recognized as one of the preeminent journals on Circus arts and culture, and the English language quarterly journal Planet Circus which reflects a more international focus. Covering Circus events, trends and stories for more than 20 years, Circus Verlag brings the Federation a wealth of knowledge about the sector, its history and latest news. Working closely with the Federation, Circus Verlag helps to increase significantly the dissemination of information about important developments and activities carried out by the Federation. As an Associated Member of the Federation, Circus Verlag will dedicate its second quarter volume to publishing the best of each year’s World Circus Day celebrations.
The International Pastoral Council for Circus and Carnival Workers brings together the Vatican Pontifical Council and national organisations of the Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches in Europe and the United States who minister to travelling persons. As an Associated Member, the Forum will provide a direct link to thousands of individuals in the Circus community and will promote Federation events such as World Circus Day through its network.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art of Sarasota, Florida was built by Circus Showman John Ringling to house his personal collection of masterpieces, opening to the public in 1931. The Circus Museum, established in 1948, was the first in the United States to document and celebrate the rich history of the circus and focuses on its unique relationship to Sarasota. The Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center displays the world’s largest miniature circus, a replica of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1919 – 1938. It was created over a period of more than 50-years by master model builder and philanthropist Howard Tibbals. A 2011 addition to the Tibbals Learning Center includes a state-of-the-art digitization facility and exhibitions that celebrate circus performers.
Italiana Produzioni Srl, owned and operated by Roberto Fazzini, is a world leader for the creation and production of advertising material for circuses, amusement parks and large-scale shows, providing publicity and other printed material in 29 countries over the past 20 years. Customers know that Italiana Produzioni provides a single, high quality source to meet all of their printing needs. With its unique expertise and extensive capabilities, the goal of Italiana Produzioni is to provide its customers with products that optimize the image of Circus. Joining the ranks of the Federation’s Associated Members, Italiana Produzioni will design and produce the European version of the Federation’s annual calendar.
MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation to advance circus arts and culture by recognizing excellence in performance and significant contribution to the industry over the span of a career. We will do so with integrity, passion, teamwork and collaboration.
VISION STATEMENT
It is the vision of the The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation:
• To Recognize the importance of circus arts in popular culture
• To build a bridge to the future by bringing positive messages about the circus arts into the
public domain
• To provide historical relevance, purpose and context of the circus arts
• To develop ways to make the honoree plaques come alive and tell the story of the circus arts
and its important role in global culture
• To honor the past, preserve the present and advocate for the future of circus arts.
It is the mission of The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation to advance circus arts and culture by recognizing excellence in performance and significant contribution to the industry over the span of a career. We will do so with integrity, passion, teamwork and collaboration.
VISION STATEMENT
It is the vision of the The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation:
• To Recognize the importance of circus arts in popular culture
• To build a bridge to the future by bringing positive messages about the circus arts into the
public domain
• To provide historical relevance, purpose and context of the circus arts
• To develop ways to make the honoree plaques come alive and tell the story of the circus arts
and its important role in global culture
• To honor the past, preserve the present and advocate for the future of circus arts.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, also known as the Ringling Bros. Circus, Ringling Bros., the Barnum & Bailey Circus, Barnum & Bailey, or simply Ringling, is an American traveling circus company billed as The Greatest Show on Earth.
Circus Raluy Legacy is a centenary legacy with more than 40 original, restored caravans and trucks from the beginning of the century which have endured over time thanks to the passion and tireless work of the Raluy family, where, for six generations, what has been passed down from parents to children, is the love for the art of circus of the golden age.
Without a doubt, Circo Raluy Legacy is more than a circus - it is an experience, a journey in time and a live circus museum, unique in the world and with its own personal label (identity?), which continues to flourish under the successful direction of the Raluy family.
Without a doubt, Circo Raluy Legacy is more than a circus - it is an experience, a journey in time and a live circus museum, unique in the world and with its own personal label (identity?), which continues to flourish under the successful direction of the Raluy family.
The Circus Historical Society is a US-based tax exempt not for profit educational organization founded in 1939 for the purpose of preserving the rich history of circus. The Society’s membership includes a diverse selection of scholars, researchers, educators, archivists, curators, librarians, circus professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world united with the common goal of documenting circus history and disseminating circus information.
Bandwagon, the Society’s quarterly journal, is mailed to all fully paid members as well as to subscribing research institutions worldwide. Online resources include an hour-long monthly Zoom program called Circus History Live, a fact filled website, periodic Advance Car newsletters, Circus History Spotlight interviews of circus people, our Facebook Page and Group, and a YouTube channel that consists of the recordings of Circus History Live and Circus History Spotlights sessions. Once each year, the Society meets in convention, where presentations on circus history highlight current research and members have the opportunity for face-to-face discussions.
The Society welcomes anyone with an interest in circus history. Annual dues and subscriptions are $60 USD plus additional fees for US First Class and international postage. Further details are available on the Society’s website at https://circushistory.org/ and on the Society’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2N8ccbC2mb4ETIk1mhHNmA.
The Association of Circus Proprietors of Great Britain is the leading-edge trade association providing leadership and professional support for the circus industry in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Established in 1932, it has, for over ninety years, promoted the interests of its members and the circus industry at large. It is recognised by the UK Government as the consultative body on proposed legislation or other matters which could affect that industry. Its membership is comprehensive, ranging from the major touring and resident circuses to medium-sized and small circuses, both Classic and Contemporary. Our mission is to promote, through our members, the highest ideals in British circus and raise the profile of the circus industry, while at the same time emphasising the importance of circus as an art form through the development of cultural policy.
Rambo Circus was established by Mr. P.T. Dilip on 26 January, 1991. Earlier Mr. P. T. Dilip owned Erina Circus in 1989, then the Great Oriental Circus and Victoria Circus. After combining three circuses he created one big Rambo Circus. It tours all over India & abroad too.
From the very beginning Rambo Circus has always applied innovative ideas and has shown how a circus can keep pace with the ever changing world of entertainment. Even in this time of adversity, the 2nd Generation of Circus Co-Owner (Mr. Sujit Dilip son of Mr. P. T. Dilip) are trying something new each and every time.
The results of such progressing thoughts are pleasantly visible at the Circus in the form of custom made fire and waterproof Italian Tent, international artists, 1st ever indoor circus performance, celebration of International Circus Festival, Free Shows for Orphan Children, etc. In fact, Rambo Circus big-top (tent) is the “Biggest Movable Tent” with a diameter of 235 feet which is custom made. As owners, they always encourage their artists to take part in various television shows and films. In addition to this, they send deserving artists abroad to work with international circuses.
From the very beginning Rambo Circus has always applied innovative ideas and has shown how a circus can keep pace with the ever changing world of entertainment. Even in this time of adversity, the 2nd Generation of Circus Co-Owner (Mr. Sujit Dilip son of Mr. P. T. Dilip) are trying something new each and every time.
The results of such progressing thoughts are pleasantly visible at the Circus in the form of custom made fire and waterproof Italian Tent, international artists, 1st ever indoor circus performance, celebration of International Circus Festival, Free Shows for Orphan Children, etc. In fact, Rambo Circus big-top (tent) is the “Biggest Movable Tent” with a diameter of 235 feet which is custom made. As owners, they always encourage their artists to take part in various television shows and films. In addition to this, they send deserving artists abroad to work with international circuses.
Capital European Affairs (CEA) is a Brussels-based NGO specializing in EU public affairs, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. With a strong presence in European policymaking, CEA works closely with institutions, industry leaders, and civil society organizations to drive impactful policy discussions and advance strategic initiatives across multiple sectors. The organization provides high-level consultancy, advocacy, and coordination services to partners seeking to navigate the complexities of the EU regulatory landscape.
CEA was founded and is currently led by István Ujhelyi, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and a highly respected figure in European politics. With decades of experience in EU affairs, tourism policy, and sustainability initiatives, Ujhelyi has positioned CEA as a key platform for fostering dialogue between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society actors. Under his leadership, CEA has actively contributed to major EU legislative and advocacy efforts, particularly in the fields of tourism, sustainability, and cultural policy.
A flagship initiative coordinated and operated by CEA under Ujhelyi’s leadership is the BigTopLabel program. This initiative, launched in 2016, serves as an independent quality certification system for European circuses, inspired by the Michelin Star ranking in the gastronomy world. The program, which officially took off in 2018, provides rigorous evaluation and accreditation for circuses based on their commitment to high artistic standards, ethical treatment of animals, and cultural preservation.
The BigTopLabel certification is awarded annually to up to three European circus companies, following an independent assessment conducted by experts in circus arts, legal frameworks, and animal welfare. Since its inception, fifteen European circuses have been recognized under this program, with award ceremonies taking place in the European Parliament. By mentoring, coordinating, and managing the BigTopLabel program, CEA and István Ujhelyi continue to champion cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and sustainable development within the European performing arts sector.
CEA was founded and is currently led by István Ujhelyi, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and a highly respected figure in European politics. With decades of experience in EU affairs, tourism policy, and sustainability initiatives, Ujhelyi has positioned CEA as a key platform for fostering dialogue between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society actors. Under his leadership, CEA has actively contributed to major EU legislative and advocacy efforts, particularly in the fields of tourism, sustainability, and cultural policy.
A flagship initiative coordinated and operated by CEA under Ujhelyi’s leadership is the BigTopLabel program. This initiative, launched in 2016, serves as an independent quality certification system for European circuses, inspired by the Michelin Star ranking in the gastronomy world. The program, which officially took off in 2018, provides rigorous evaluation and accreditation for circuses based on their commitment to high artistic standards, ethical treatment of animals, and cultural preservation.
The BigTopLabel certification is awarded annually to up to three European circus companies, following an independent assessment conducted by experts in circus arts, legal frameworks, and animal welfare. Since its inception, fifteen European circuses have been recognized under this program, with award ceremonies taking place in the European Parliament. By mentoring, coordinating, and managing the BigTopLabel program, CEA and István Ujhelyi continue to champion cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and sustainable development within the European performing arts sector.
The Oceania Circus Guild is dedicated to advocating for the recognition of circus arts in Oceania by fostering connections among circus community stakeholders, supporting the advancement of circus as an art form, preserving its inherent values and traditions, and seeking cultural acknowledgment private sectors, and government.
Advisers
The Board of Directors’ work is assisted by a number of dedicated individuals with substantial expertise in production, communication, government and public relations, in law and policy making procedures.
Mr. Szalay is a political advisor and the head of MEP István Ujhelyi’s cabinet in the European Parliament since 2014. He used to be a political journalist for more than a decade in his former life, mostly working for daily newspapers. He has several university degrees: graduated in library science, also as election expert but he is a graduated graphologist as well and learned European public affairs too during the last years. In MEP Ujhelyi’s team Tamás Lajos Szalay is responsible – among others – for coordinating circus issues: he is the program manager and appointed circus-inspector of the BigTopLabel-project, which is the first European quality assurance system for circuses.
Mr. Rodney Huey, Ph.D., is the sole proprietor of RAH PR STRATEGIES, a strategic communications consulting service based in the Washington, DC area. With more than 25 years experience in strategic planning, corporate communication, brand management, media relations, crisis management, market research and public affairs, he is the former Vice President of Public Relations for Feld Entertainment, Inc., parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice and other live family productions. He has served as Vice President for Communications for National Public Radio where he directed its external and internal communications programs, brand management, national promotions, public and media relations, corporate communications and creative services. In 2004 he established RAH PR STRATEGIES whose clients have included The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau, Holiday on Ice – Europe, ThemeSTAR productions and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, for which he writes a circus column for OABA’s SHOWTIME magazine. Mr. Huey also serves as the North American press representative for the Federation.
Jesscia Hentoff is artistic/executive director of Circus Harmony, a social circus school she founded in 2001in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. She has been using circus arts to motivate social change since founding the St. Louis Arches youth circus troupe in 1989. In 2009, Ms Hentoff was named St. Louis Arts Innovator of the Year and Outstanding Arts Educator of the Year. She also was invited to address the World Circus Federation and European Circus Association on the subject of Social Circus. In 2012, she served on the jury of the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo and spoke on the subject of social circus at both Princess Stephanie’s Circus Luncheon and the Budapest Circus Festival’s Social Circus Conference. Jessica serves on the board of directors for the American Youth Circus Organization and on Circus Fans Association of America’s Youth Circus Committee. She has been teaching and performing circus arts for almost 40 years. A former aerailist, Jessica is the only person to accomplish (with her trapeze partner, Kathie Hoyer) the difficult heel to heel hang. Jessica was a founding member of both the Big Apple Circus in New York City and Circus Flora in St. Louis, Missouri. Her remarkable vision and use of circus arts to build character and community has brought about ground-breaking and bridge-building programs that are the embodiment of Circus Harmony’s mission to help children “defy gravity, soar with confidence and leap over social barriers, all at the same time.”
Mr. Hüchtebrock has worked for many years as the casting manager for the renowned theatre, Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin, Europe’s show palace. He also is a member of the Organizing Committee of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, contributing to the creation of the annual festival as well as the New Generation competition for youth. Mr. Hüchtebrock’s love for the circus began in his childhood. He has worked for various European circus shows and studied theatre in Berlin and Paris.
Mr. Oudenes has loved the circus since he visited at the age of five a show of the Dutch Circus Boltini with his grandfather. He became a member of the Dutch Association of Circus Friends and served as secretary of the VNCO (Association of Dutch Circus Enterprises). From 2002 to 2012, he was Director of the European Circus Association. Currently, Mr. Oudenes is chairman of the Foundation for Circus Culture in the Netherlands, working to promote circus culture in the country. To reach that goal, a partnership has been formed in which all organizations involved in the circus cooperate. In addition to professional circuses, the partnership includes youth circuse, vocational training organisations, circus friends, and museums with particular circus collections. Mr. Oudenes also is an avid collector of circus toys.
Fred Serex is the Founding Director of Spectacular TV, the streaming on-demand platform dedicated to circus and the performing arts, bringing stage entertainment on TV screens into the homes of audiences worldwide. Former professional juggler, Fred Serex has been the producer and artistic director of Swiss circus-cabaret show “Place au Spectacle!” in Geneva since 2009.
With 15+ years of experience in the Live Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry, Fred's background extends to an international career as a Global Marketing Executive, building brands and creating customer experiences around the world. Originally from Switzerland, Fred now resides in Sydney, Australia.
With 15+ years of experience in the Live Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry, Fred's background extends to an international career as a Global Marketing Executive, building brands and creating customer experiences around the world. Originally from Switzerland, Fred now resides in Sydney, Australia.
Benefactors
Benefactors are individuals, organizations or companies that share the Federation’s values and enthusiasm to preserve and promote circus arts. They donate services, products or funds in furtherance of its objectives.
Monte Carlo Festivals, operator of the world’s highest circus platform – the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo, is pleased to support the Federation through the provision of in-kind services and financial support.
Located on France’s Cote d’Azur just steps away from the Chapiteau, the Riviera Marriott La Porte de Monaco not only hosts the professional meetings of the circus community in January 2010 but offers an inviting bar and late night refreshments following the Festival competition shows.
A strategic communications consultancy service located in the Washington, DC area, RAH~PR STRATEGIES specializes in corporate communications, public affairs, brand development, message construction, media relations and crisis management for both commercial and non-profit clients. RAH~PR Strategies provides ongoing support to assist the Federation in communicating with the public and media.
Overlooking the port of Fontvieille, this family restaurant offers a variety of Italian specialities. Served to guests on a breathtaking terrace this simple and authentic cuisine is envied by some of the most famous restaurants in the world. Such culinary prowess and knowledge can be accredited to owners Giorgio, Donatella and Lucia. Not only this, but their hospitality makes customers feel like old friends. All of this is enough enchant big names in the world of entertainment. Some of the stars dining here, include: Sculptor Botero, musicians Ringo Star, Rod Stewart, Joe Cocker, Senator Giorgio Andreotti and President Francesco Cossiga, 007 actor Roger Moore, actress Ornella Muti, as well as Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène.
At Amici Miei, with the utmost respect for the traditions of Italian cuisine, restaurant chef Donatella prepares the fresh pasta that has given rise to the following dishes: lobster bigoli, fusilli, scampi and zucchini, croissants stuffed with ricotta and truffles, San Francesco knots and more. Among the fish, always very fresh, the menu contains salted sea bass, a dish known for its lightness. As for meat, Venetian liver is on offer In addition, Giorgio insists on using extra virgin olive oil from the greenest Italin groves.
Monte-Carlo SBM operates the Principality of Monaco’s most distinctive assets : palaces, hotels, casinos , conference and banqueting rooms, bars and restaurants, spas, as well as cultural and leisure venues. SBM supports the Federation through donations for the annual Silent Auction and hosting a beautiful circus-themed social event for the Federation and circus directors during the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo.
Friends of the Federation
Friends of the Federation are individuals and organizations. Friends actively support the Federation’s activities and share its values.
It was was founded in 1967. Every year late June and beginning of July the Festival brings together hundreds of tradition bearers from around the world on the National Mall of the United States in Washington to share their culture. The Festival became an international model for presenting the vitality of the cultural heritage in our society. Through the voices of the communities themselves, the Festival shows that cultural traditions are living, dynamic part of contemporary life.
Founded in 1949, the Club du Cirque Français brings together amateurs of the most diverse tastes and coming from the most different socio-professional and geographic backgrounds, circus professionals, circus schools and their students. Its vocation is to defend the circus in all its appearances, in particular the traditional circus, but without refusing its new forms. The Club’s task is to serve and promote the circus on every occasion, to maintain and enlarge its impact, to create friendship among circus fans and to foster the relations between circus fans and professionals. The Club du Cirque publishes the magazine « Le Cirque dans l’Univers », a reference magazine in French about circus arts.
The Club Amici del Circo was founded in 1969 on the initiative of Egidio Palmiri, long-standing president of Ente Nazionale Circhi, the organisation that brings together the Italian circus directors. Since its founding, the Club has been very close to circus professionals in Italy. The Club is the only official open association in Italy that brings together circus lovers with the main goals of promoting the circus culture and supporting the daily work of the enterprises in the sector. Through the constant collaboration and dedication of circus friends, the Club publishes the magazine “CIRCO” eleven times per year.
The Gesellschaft der Circusfreunde e.V. (Circusfans Association) was founded in 1955 in Berlin, Germany, in order to unite people that love the circus, keep them informed about the circus and provide support for the circus. With almost 2.000 members in Germany and neighboring countries Gesellschaft der Circusfreunde e.V. is Europe’s biggest organization of this kind. Its monthly magazine “CircusZeitung” reports in full color about circus programs and looks behind the scenes. Regular meetings bring together circusfans in 20 regional clubs in Germany and Austria.
The Club van Circusvrienden Nederland (Dutch Circus Friends Association) was founded in 1949.
Founded in 2006 by Fanny Kerwich, an 8th generation circus performer, Lone Star Circus Art Center’s mission is to perform and educate through Circus Arts a celebration of diversity, humanity and circus heritage. We are dedicated to inspiring future generations of circus performers and engaging people by uplifting all communities and supporting culturally diverse experiences, performers and educational opportunities.
Holland Circus Publishers is a specialized publishing company that arose from a circus hobby. So far, four books about circus transport have been published, as well as two DVDs about the organization of the circus companies Circus Belly Wien and the National Dutch Circus Herman Renz. A book about Geschwister Althoff has also been published. The aim of Holland Circus is to promote the circus in all its aspects.
VNCO, the Dutch Circus Proprietors Association, represents Dutch circuses to national and local authorities and politicians on subjects regarding the circus industry such as the quality of circus grounds, means of publicity and advertisement at the local level, and harmonisation and facilitation of visa and working permits. In 2007, VNCO published regulations for the keeping and performing of animals in the circus entitled “Welfare of Circus Animals.” On an annual basis, VNCO awards a special prize, known as the “Gouden Chapiteau sleutel,” to a person or organisation for outstanding contributions to the circus industry in the Netherlands. VNCO has 13 members.
Circus Ambassadors
In recognition of the outstanding contribution to the preservation, development and promotion of circus arts, the Federation each January offers this prestigious designation to the selected candidate.
In 2014, H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco was named “Extraordinary Ambassador” for her unending commitment to circus and work in rescuing former circus elephants Baby and Nepal from euthanasia.
Europa-Park owner Roland Mack was born on 12 October 1949 in Freiburg and grew up in Waldkirch. From 1969 until 1974, he studied at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and graduated as an engineer. He started gaining initial experience in the family’s own manufacturing company MACK Rides in Waldkirch. The workshops of Waldkirch were already famous in the eighteenth century for their skills in cart building. In 1870 the jump was made to circus car and carrousel building. By 1915 the company MACK Rides was already ‘purveyor to the court’ of Circus Krone; in 1921 it created the first rollercoaster. From 1930 onwards the family business specialised in circus trucks, carousels, ghost trains and rollercoasters. For Roland Mack, the circus is a living cultural heritage that has captivated, connected, and inspired people for centuries. For him, it is far more than entertainment – it is a reflection of creativity, discipline and teamwork. From a young age, he was deeply fascinated by the world of the circus. This tradition and appreciation are carried forward today in Europa-Park, which he founded together with his father Franz Mack in 1975. Europa-Park shares the core values of the circus: passion, cultural diversity, immersion in magic and the pursuit of excellence. Roland Mack plays a key role in the development and innovative expansion of the park. In addition to his position as managing partner of Europa-Park, which is meanwhile the biggest theme park in Germany and the most visited seasonal park in the world, Roland Mack was also one of the founding members of the VDFU, the German Association of Amusement Companys, in 1978. There, he acted as a board member until 1983. From 1984 to 1992, he was vice-president of the VDFU. Furthermore, he was active in the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, IAAPA, for many years. In October 2008, Roland Mack was named third vice chair of IAAPA. He was the first German to join the board of directors of IAAPA and automatically became its chairman three years later. It was a special honour for him to be a member of the jury at the 35th International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2011 and to award the ‘Prix Europa-Park’. At the IAAPA Expo, the world's largest trade show for the leisure industry, Roland Mack received the coveted 'TEA Thea Award' from the Themed Entertainment Association in Orlando, on 15th April 2023. The successful entrepreneur from Baden is the first theme park owner as well as the first theme park owner to receive the 'Buzz Price Award' for his life's work, his outstanding entrepreneurial achievements and his great commitment to the industry. Today, Europa-Park Resort is a popular short break destination for guests from all over the world. In addition to Europa-Park, the resort also includes the Rulantica water world and the largest hotel resort in Germany with six park-owned themed hotels. Already on 20th January 2000, Roland Mack was honoured with the special award ‘Hotelier of the Year’ for the exemplary combination of hotel business and theme park. On 28th January 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron named Europa-Park founder Roland Mack an ‘Officer de la Légion d'honneur’ at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The Legion of Honour is the highest French award.
Roland Mack has been married to Marianne Mack since 1974. He has two sons, Michael and Thomas, as well as one daughter, Ann-Kathrin.
Roland Mack has been married to Marianne Mack since 1974. He has two sons, Michael and Thomas, as well as one daughter, Ann-Kathrin.
During the traditional Circus Directors’ Luncheon, in the name of the Federation, Mr Urs Pilz President, and Mrs Zsuzsanna Mata Executive Director solemnly nominated Mrs Liana Orfei, Mr Flavio Togni and Dr Alain Frére Circus Ambassadors of 2024.
Usually the Federation nominates one personality for this important award, but due to the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, the organization wanted to pay respect to the Pioneers of the Festival. Their support and help during the first editions of the Festival were highly important and decisive.
We are grateful to our Circus Ambassadors because they are great contributors and representatives of circus arts.
Usually the Federation nominates one personality for this important award, but due to the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, the organization wanted to pay respect to the Pioneers of the Festival. Their support and help during the first editions of the Festival were highly important and decisive.
We are grateful to our Circus Ambassadors because they are great contributors and representatives of circus arts.
Henk van der Meijden is one of the most successful producers and circus directors in Europe. Together with his wife Monica Strotmann and daughter Elisa he manages his firm Stardust Circus International. Already 50 years ago he presented the Russian State circus in Rotterdam as opening of the Ahoy-hall. Also for 36 years he has presented the World Christmas Circus in the Royal Theatre Carré in Amsterdam and for 28 years the Weltweihnachtscircus in Stuttgart. According to the Circus Zeitung “The greatest and most International circus in Germany”. Van der Meijden has toured Europe already for 25 years with the Great State Circus of China and presented it in a big top for the first time. In Spain he presented the Chinese circus shows ZENsation 1 and 2, Yin Yang 1 and 2, Piratas Piratas and Asiana (a combination of North Korea, China and Mongolia). In 2008 he presented as the 1st one a European tour with “The Flying Circus North Korea” and he toured several years with the shows Asiana, Confucius, Hans Christian Andersen and Ovations also with great success throughout Europe. He was a member of the jury of the Monte Carlo Circus festival and he provided to the Festival many acts that won the Golden Clown.
Henk van der Meijden presented Cirque Stiletto, a new style circus with the Dutch star Ellen ten Damme – with dancers, circus-acts and Burlesque elements. This show was a tremendous success.
Van der Meijden wrote and produced musicals, produced classical concerts and presented international renowned ballet companies . He worked with Spanish artists like Antonio Gades, Salvador Távora and Julio Iglesias. He has presented the Mariinsky Ballet, the Bolshoi and Perm Ballet and he worked with Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn and Mikhail Baryshnikov. The Greatest and Biggest Swan Lake in the World, an original Henk van der Meijden idea, was created in association with the Tchaikovsky Perm Ballet and toured through The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany between 2003 and 2011. A new version is executed by the Shanghai Ballet and sells out theaters worldwide to this day.
In 2022 he received the Royal honor of becoming knight (in the Order of Orange-Nassau). In the same year Stardust opens in Madrid together with two Spanish partners in the emblematic Matadero building Madrid Artes Digitales, a permanent digital arts centre for immersive experiences. MAD’s very first own produced immersive show about Tutankhamon sold 200.000 tickets in 3 months and is set to tour across Europe and beyond.
Henk van der Meijden presented Cirque Stiletto, a new style circus with the Dutch star Ellen ten Damme – with dancers, circus-acts and Burlesque elements. This show was a tremendous success.
Van der Meijden wrote and produced musicals, produced classical concerts and presented international renowned ballet companies . He worked with Spanish artists like Antonio Gades, Salvador Távora and Julio Iglesias. He has presented the Mariinsky Ballet, the Bolshoi and Perm Ballet and he worked with Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn and Mikhail Baryshnikov. The Greatest and Biggest Swan Lake in the World, an original Henk van der Meijden idea, was created in association with the Tchaikovsky Perm Ballet and toured through The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany between 2003 and 2011. A new version is executed by the Shanghai Ballet and sells out theaters worldwide to this day.
In 2022 he received the Royal honor of becoming knight (in the Order of Orange-Nassau). In the same year Stardust opens in Madrid together with two Spanish partners in the emblematic Matadero building Madrid Artes Digitales, a permanent digital arts centre for immersive experiences. MAD’s very first own produced immersive show about Tutankhamon sold 200.000 tickets in 3 months and is set to tour across Europe and beyond.
Peter Fekete was born in Szombathely in 1963. He concluded studies and got degrees in theatre management, cultural organization and theatre directing at different Universities (Dániel Berzsenyi Teacher Training College, Kiev National Theatre University, University of Pannonia and Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff). In 1987 he received a diploma also in performing arts from the Zauberschule in Munich. From 1987 to 1992, he worked as a circus artist in Munich, then between 1995- 2002 he was responsible of the European Theatre Affairs and taught at the Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. In 2002 he took over the management of external relations at the National Theatre of Hungary. From 2007 during 8 years he was the director of the Békéscsaba Theatre and School.
He created and launched the Szarvas Water Theatre, built the Jókai Porond Theatre, which is the first mobile circus theatre in Central Europe. As a Ministerial Commissioner he has been promoting the planned construction of the National Centre of Circus Arts in Budapest. Mr. Fekete is a Board Member of the European Circus Association (ECA) and President of the Central European Circus Art Association (CECA). In 2018 he was nominated State Secretary for Culture, equivalent to the status of minister of culture in Hungary. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit in 2013 and the Mari Jászai Prize in 2014.
He created and launched the Szarvas Water Theatre, built the Jókai Porond Theatre, which is the first mobile circus theatre in Central Europe. As a Ministerial Commissioner he has been promoting the planned construction of the National Centre of Circus Arts in Budapest. Mr. Fekete is a Board Member of the European Circus Association (ECA) and President of the Central European Circus Art Association (CECA). In 2018 he was nominated State Secretary for Culture, equivalent to the status of minister of culture in Hungary. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit in 2013 and the Mari Jászai Prize in 2014.
The traditional circus directors ‘luncheon’ of Federation Mondiale du Cirque took place on the 20 January 2019 at Hotel Hermitage, Monaco. FMC celebrating its 10th anniversary and on that occasion 3 new Circus Ambassadors has been nominated: Mr. Alexis Gruss, Mr. Fredy Knie Jr. & Mr. Emilien Bouglione represented by Audette Bouglione.
István Újhelyi was born in 1975 in Berettyóújfalu/Hungary. As a law graduate he won a scholarship from the European Council. From 1999 to 2002, he was the president of the Hungarian Children- and Youth Committee. In 2000, he joined the presidency of MSZP (Hungarian Socialist Party) and was vice president of the party from 2004-2010 and from 2014 to 2017. Between 2010 and 2014 he served as a Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly. He was Secretary of State and the President of the National Tourist Board (2009-10). Since 2014 he is a Member of the European Parliament, the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, and the President of the Tourism Task Force. Mr. Újhelyi is a passionate circus fan and a strong supporter of circus arts. He has been at the core of a range of circus-related initiatives at European-level, including the Circus Manifesto, the Circus Survey 2018 of the European Commission and the historical quality assurance system for circuses, the Big Top Label.
Maxim Nikulin was born on 15 November,1956 in Moscow, in a family of the circus artists. He graduated from the Faculty of Journalism at the Moscow State University. Maxim Nikulin worked for the radio and newspapers, and later for the Russian TV channel ORT. Maxim started his career in the circus in 1995, next to his father, the USSR famous clown and cinema actor, director of the circus at that time.
In 1997 Maxim Nikulin took over and became the General Director of Nikulin Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard. He cares a lot, and challenges the possibilities for the development of circus arts in Russia. He protects the animals in the circus and remains true to the classical programs and the traditional circus. He is often invited as a jury member to the most prestigious international circus festivals. And he is the founder of the International Youth Circus Festival at Nikulin Circus.
Maxim Nikulin founded a TV studio in the circus, called “Tsvetnoi – 13”, which produces and records programs, dedicated to Russian and foreign circus productions. Those programs were broadcasted in the Russian TV “Culture” channel too. Maxim Nikulin is the President of the Circus and Charity fund, which helps the retired circus artists and the disabled circus artists in Russia.
Maxim Nikulin was awarded by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, with the Order of Friendship in 2006 and with the Order of Honor in 2016.
In 1997 Maxim Nikulin took over and became the General Director of Nikulin Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard. He cares a lot, and challenges the possibilities for the development of circus arts in Russia. He protects the animals in the circus and remains true to the classical programs and the traditional circus. He is often invited as a jury member to the most prestigious international circus festivals. And he is the founder of the International Youth Circus Festival at Nikulin Circus.
Maxim Nikulin founded a TV studio in the circus, called “Tsvetnoi – 13”, which produces and records programs, dedicated to Russian and foreign circus productions. Those programs were broadcasted in the Russian TV “Culture” channel too. Maxim Nikulin is the President of the Circus and Charity fund, which helps the retired circus artists and the disabled circus artists in Russia.
Maxim Nikulin was awarded by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, with the Order of Friendship in 2006 and with the Order of Honor in 2016.
Mr. Urs Pilz is the Artistic Director and the Vice-President of the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo. For many years, he has been a part of the organisational committee of the Festival and in this position a consultant for the late Prince Rainer III of Monaco and subsequently for H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, who took over the presidency of the Festival in 2006. Mr. Pilz’s work serves to preserve and promote Prince Rainer III’s vision for the Festival, created in 1974, to demonstrate that circus arts, including the presentation of animals, are an important part of European – and the world’s – cultural heritage; to offer the circus a prestigious platform for its presentation; and to celebrate the creativity and innovation of all its performers. Mr. Pilz serves as the current President of both the European Circus Association and the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque.
Mr. Zhigang Su became the second Chinese national to be named Ambassador of Circus by the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque and was honored at the annual Circus Directors’ Luncheon at the Hotel Hermitage in Monaco on 17 January 2016.
Mr. Su is the Chairman of the Guangdong Chime-Long Group, which owns and operates the Chime-Long theme parks, including the Chime-Long International Circus which is one of the star attractions in the Chime-long Empire. It is situated in a large open amphitheater with seating for 7,000, and has established itself as the world’s largest non-traveling circus.
Mr. Su is the Chairman of the Guangdong Chime-Long Group, which owns and operates the Chime-Long theme parks, including the Chime-Long International Circus which is one of the star attractions in the Chime-long Empire. It is situated in a large open amphitheater with seating for 7,000, and has established itself as the world’s largest non-traveling circus.
Mr. Tadashi Kinoshita became the 6th “Ambassadeur du Cirque” to be named by the Federation for his outstanding contribution to Circus arts and culture. Mr. Kinoshita was honored at a Federation reception held on 17 January 2015 by President Urs Pliz who complimented Mr. Kinoshita on his excellent work in continuing the circus family tradition in Japan. Kinoshita Circus was founded by Tadasuke Kinoshita in 1882. Mr. Tadashi Kinoshita joined the circus in 1974 as a flyer and became the 4th president of Kinoshita Circus Company in 1991. Mr. Kinoshita also serves as president of the Japanese Circus & Entertainment Association (JCEA), founded in 1950, which today has 41 members. The recipient of many awards and prizes, Mr. Kinoshita is known for his philanthropic initiatives and contributions. Direct financial donations and fundraising events by the circus have contributed to reconstruction efforts related to the Kobe earthquake in 1997 and the Great East Japan earthquake of 2011. In 2013, more than 40,000 children who were victims of the 2011 disaster were invited to the circus. Under Mr. Kinoshita’s leadership, funding also was provided to construct an elephant hospital at the Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre in Thailand. Mr. Kinoshita is a frequent lecturer at the invitation of community based clubs and business chambers.
Kenneth Feld is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Feld Entertainment, Inc., the world’s largest live entertainment company. Founded in 1967, family owned and operated, Feld Entertainment produces some of the best known family entertainment brands, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney On Ice, Disney Live and Feld Motor Sports. Feld Entertainment productions have appeared in 74 countries and entertain over 30 million fans a year. Kenneth and his family have long supported conservation programs to preserve the endangered Asian elephant, including the establishment of the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation in 1995. In addition to elephant conservation, Kenneth is a trustee of Boston University and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the School of Management, serves on the board of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC and through the Feld Family Foundation has been involved in numerous arts, children’s health and education organizations. Kenneth and his wife Bonnie are the proud parents of three daughters, Nicole, Alana and Juliette, who also work in the family’s business.
Mrs. Christel Sembach-Krone, granddaughter of Carl Krone, the founder of Circus Krone in 1905, has been a circus performer all her life. In 1995 she became responsible for running Circus Krone. Every five years Mrs. Sembach-Krone surprises her audiences with an all new tour production, the biggest of its kind in Europe. Each wintertime from Christmas to the end of March, she presents three different shows in Circus Krone’s permanent building in Munich, the only circus building in Germany. Christel Sembach-Krone has been a horse trainer since she was 12 years old. She was the first woman to perform a high school act with horses without any bridle or saddle. She also has a love for elephants, the trademark of the classical circus. Among her many awards, the most prestigious is the Bundesverdienstkreuz (Order of Merit) given to Mrs. Sembach-Krone by the Federal Republic of Germany for achievements in animal welfare.
Mrs. Sembach-Krone passed away in June 2017.
Mrs. Sembach-Krone passed away in June 2017.
Madame Xia Juhua is one of China’s most acclaimed contortion and balancing artists, known as the “Empress of Acrobatics.” She became the symbol of Chinese acrobatics due to her outstanding and innovative balancing routines with Pagoda bowls. The act of balancing bowls while performing a single-handed stand existed as early as the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). However, it was Madama Xia in the 1950’s who created the novel act of fluidly moving bowls between feet and head while maintaining a handstand. Since its creation, the “Bowl Balancing” act has won five top international prizes. In 1981, Madame Xia helped establish the Chinese Acrobatics Association, a national association for acrobats. Under her leadership, the CAA has played a pivotal role in advancing the art of Chinese acrobatics and gaining worldwide recognition of the highly talented Chinese acrobats. H.S.H. Princess Stephanie of Monaco bestowed the honorary title of Circus Ambassador on Madame Xia on the occasion of Monaco Day at the 2010 World’s Fair in Shanghai, China. Ambassador Xia accepted the award at a gala dinner featuring circus performances hosted by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and attended by Chinese dignitaries on 7 October 2010.
A stowaway to America at just 13 years of age, Mr. Franz Czeisler faced an uncertain future in which the world of circus must have seemed as far away as his birthplace in Tihany, Hungary. Remembering the magic acts his father performed during his early childhood, however, Mr. Czeisler worked his way from one job to another until he created his own magic act at the age of 16. Back in Europe and through the difficult times of the war years, Mr. Czeisler used his skills to entertain US troops. After the war he toured throughout Europe but always recalled his childhood dream of a grand spectacle in the Americas. He moved to Brazil where in 1954 he purchased his first circus tent, touring nearly every country in Central and South America. Through the Circus Tihany Spectacular, he proceeded for the next thirty years to “spread magic, circus and happiness to millions of people.” Known everywhere today as “Señor Tihany,” Franz Czeisler’s perseverance and belief that the show must go on provides a shining example for all who follow him. Mr. Czeisler was named Circus Ambassador of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque on the occasion of the celebration of his 93rd birthday. Many happy returns, Señor Tihany!
Mr. Franz Czeisler passed away in 2016.
Mr. Franz Czeisler passed away in 2016.
A great lover of circus, the President of Udmurtia, Mr. Alexander Alexandrovitch Volkov, combines top-level leadership and personal commitment to concretely supports circus arts. It is to his credit alone that, notwithstanding a difficult financial situation in the Republic and country, a modern new circus building was constructed in 2003 to secure the future of circus arts and culture in Udmurtia. The creation of this building, along with the implementation of other socially important projects, is helping Udmurtia to develop dynamically and its capital, Izhevsk, to be the cultural centre of Volga region. For example, again due to the initiative of Mr. Volkov, in 2008, Izehevsk welcomed the opening of a zoo, recognized by experts as the best in the Russian Federation. While construction is ongoing, thousands of people already have visited the zoo. These initiatives and the resulting growth of Izhevsk help to provide the political and economic stability necessary for arts, including circus, to thrive. Finally, following the conclusion of the Second International Festival of Circus Art in Izhevsk, Mr. Volkov has proposed that the government consider supporting and promoting the Third Festival.
Mr Volkov passed away in May 2017.
Mr Volkov passed away in May 2017.
