Press releases

15 Feb 2013

Sensational guest show to kick off at Belarus Circus 15 February

MINSK, 15 February (BelTA) – The most sensational show in the history of Belarus Circus titled as A guest show for Monte Carlo festival will kick off in Minsk on 15 February, BelTA has learnt.

The program of the winners of the International Circus Festival in Monaco will run at the Belarusian circus until 1 May. Minsk audience will see the world best circus artists: highwire masters Aura Cardinali and Werner Guerrero (the U.S.), juggling legend Kris Kremo (Switzerland), trapeze contortion star Aurelia Cats (France). The performance of such megastars in Minsk is a real sensation for both the audience and organizers. “Moreover, it is a free master-class for young Belarusian artists,” Belarus Circus Art Director, Belarus’ People’s Artist Tatiana Bondarchuk told a press conference.

One of the highlights will be a breathtaking and dangerous show, Alone with the Lions, by the world’s youngest animal tamer from Ukraine, 2012 Monte Carlo Silver Clown winner Vlad Goncharov. He is Europe’s only animal tamer working with lions.

The mind-boggling show is unmatched at the world level. Belarusians will have an opportunity to see the head inside a lion’s mouth stunt for the first time. However, according to Vlad Gonrachov, this trick is not the most difficult for him. “I believe a stunt where the lion jumps over me while I am sitting to be the most difficult for me. I need to push him to approach me. I have open neck and face. It is quite dangerous,” Vlad Goncharov said.

The animal trainer has brought 12 lions to the Belarusian capital. Good housing conditions (spacious cages) and balanced nutrition (meat, milk and eggs) helped animals acclimatize very quickly. “The Belarusian circus offers very comfortable conditions. I can say that today the Minsk circus has the world’s best infrastructure,” Vlad Goncharov added.

The program will include Mat Tumblers show led by Vepkho Khubaev (Russia), Gymnasts on Horizontal Bar under the guidance of Sergei Rokashkov (Russia), strong man duo Nikolay Shcherbak and Sergey Popov from Ukraine, the 2013 Monte Carlo Clown d’Or winners. The audience will also see the show Trained Ponies by Stefan Plesoianu, a program Belarus will present at the next circus contest in Monaco.

A Guest Show for Monte Carlo Festival has already gathered many guests, including publicity agents. A great amount of tickets has been sold abroad. Belarus Circus got a blessing for conducting the show from the organizing committee of the festival led by Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

The International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo is a very prestigious circus art forum. Belarus Circus Director Tatiana Bondarchuk was invited to the panel of judges of the 2012 contest. Belarus Circus ballet dancers took part in the Monte Carlo circus festival this year. The show of Belarus Circus Chief Stage Manager Serge Bondarchuk and his ballet received a special prize of Princess Stephanie of Monaco. The artists were awarded special diplomas and a statuette.