Big Apple Circus

The Big Apple Circus was the brain-child of Russian-born circus couple, Gregory Fedin and his wife, Nina Krasavina who dreamed of creating a school to teach the circus performing arts to a new generation of budding circus performers. Their dream took flight in 1977 when after operating their school from a loft in Lower Manhattan, they secured an open area of Battery Park for their debut. The small European one-ring circus featured trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, a tight-wire act and a dog act. Since these humble beginnings, the Big Apple Circus has opened more schools and attracted global attention as well as critical acclaim. While performing impeccable circus artistry, the Big Apple Circus has won innumerable awards and expanded their performance tours to include venues throughout the Eastern United States. Raising money and awareness for social and humanitarian causes, particularly those involving children, the circus continues to amaze with new performances added to their top-notch repertoire each season.

The 2011 season was offering entitled “Dance On” displays the talents of new and award-winning set and costume designers and choreographers. Performers hail from Kenya, Russia, Ethiopia and Mongolia. Contortionists, gymnasts, jugglers and acrobats perform precise tricks with lassos, jump ropes and motorcycles, many in combination. Joined by a six-piece band, plenty of comedy and a troupe of miniature horses, dogs and goats, this circus pleases both young and old.

Documentary programs chronicling the achievements of the Big Apple Circus have been created and aired by ABC TV and PBS. The single ABC program received an Emmy and was followed by the six-part PBS event in 2010. Those who witness the versatility, talent and selflessness of this incredible organization always come back for more, secure in the knowledge that their entertainment dollar is well spent.

It’s an All–New Show, where the World’s Greatest Circus artists are presented under an intimate Big Top, and no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring! Let your imagination soar and summon the most amazing acts — A juggler with a suit to fit his sweet feats of fancy handiwork! A mechanical doll who comes alive in a sinuous balancing act! Spirited horses, frolicsome dogs, and a capybara and porcupine to perk up the sawdust party! Audacious acrobats who astound with athletic grace! Comical conjurors with magical moments of grand illusion! The aerial daring of the trapeze flyers! A singing Ringmistress and the Big Apple Circus Band creating the ringing melodies of memories to last! And Grandma !! Yes, Grandma, apogee of comical aspiration and mirthful joy! Your dreams will inspire a Big Apple Circus of living thrills and marvelous delight — a celebration of the imagination — an astonishing circus world of wonder!

Renaud Doucet,who has performed as an actor, solo dancer,ballet master,and choreographer in international dance companies,joins this season’s creative team as director and choreographer.André Barbe provides the scenic imagination and exquisite costumes, drawing on his experiences in TV, theatre, opera and the musical theatre world. Multi-talented Guy Simard,with over 350 production credits in lighting, as theatre consultant or technical director, returns as lighting designer. Four-time winner of the MAC Award for Technical Direction, JP Perreaux returns to the circus as sound designer. Joining the Big Apple Circus as composer is mathias rüegg,founder of the Vienna Art Orchestra where he wrote over 350 compositions and arrangements. Music Director Rob Slowik leads the Big Apple Circus Band.

Directions:
By Car: Take the Grand Central Parkway to exit 20, Francis Lewis Boulevard, northbound. Take Francis Lewis Boulevard north and make a left at the first light onto Union Turnpike. Make your second left into the parking lot at 196th Place
By Bus: Take the Q46 bus to Union Turnpike.

By Subway: -Take the E or F train to Union Turnpike and then the eastbound Q46 bus to 195th street. -Take the Long Island Railroad to Jamaica Station and then take the Q44 bus to Union Turnpike (towards Flushing). Transfer to Main Street and Union Turnpike to the Q46 bus eastbound.

Parking is available in the side streets adjacent to the Big Top between 195th and 198th Streets and Union Turnpike or in the rear parking lot which is accessible off of Francis Lewis Blvd., going South between Union Turnpike and the Grand Central Parkway.