CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, Russian Bar Act: Russia & Mongolia
The Russian Bar troupe of ten has been a part of the Alegria Cirque du Soleil show for almost 15 years, so pressure is high to win. Aleksander is the head of the troupe and father of two “flyers” in the act. He invented Russian Bar in 1977 and runs an intense rehearsal schedule in order to compete against the mostly “traditional” circus acts at Monte Carlo.
The troupe was filmed in Montreal, Canada in June, 2010.
TROUPE YAKUBOV: Strap Act: Kazakhstan & China
The original Kazakhstan Strap Act accepted to the Monte-Carlo Festival has been split. The troupe has recruited new artists from China and they are frantically rehearsing in Germany before the competition. The father is the owner of the troupe, but his 21 year old daughter Guzal and her husband Ali are the true leaders.
We filmed them rehearsing in Germany December 12th, before the Monte Carlo Festival.
MARTIN LACY JR., Lion Act: England
Martin Lacey Jr. grew up with lions, tigers, elephants, llamas and camels. He considers the 14 lions in his act family members. Ten years ago he surprised many by winning in Monte Carlo, so this time when he returns to compete he has a lot to live up to and with his videos screens, disco ball, and elvis like costume, he’s ready to impress.
We filmed Martin training and performing at the winter circus in Stuttgart, Germany.
ROB TORRES, clown: United Stated
Rob brings audience members to tears, and no matter what language is spoken or what country he is in, laughter roars through the tent and can be heard far outside the venue. Competing at the Monte Carlo Festival was an 18-year dream for Rob, although he is an under dog standing alone in the ring competing against the corporation of Cirque du Soleil and Martin Lacey’s 13 lion spectacle.
We filmed Rob performing at the Roncalli Circus dinner theater in Essen, Germany.
PETRA & ROLAND DUSS, The Duss Family Sea Lion Act: Germany
Petra & Roland Duss say this is their 3rd and last time competing in Monte Carlo. They have never won the coveted Golden Clown. The Duss family includes two humans and four sea lions, who fill the roles of stubborn teenagers. The stubborn sea lions fluctuation between too eager to perform and too distracted to behave.
We visited The Duss Family during Christmas and filmed them performing in Rotterdam, Holland.
*Please note: we are aware animal treatment is a concern and an issue many places.
Please follow
THIS LINK to read about the special consideration the Monte Carlo Festival
takes and other regulations in place to ensure animal happiness and care. (read last two paragraphs)**
