“Clear the ring” is the motto for the 15th time in Friedrichsau, where the Ulm Christmas Circus traditionally performs. The program between December 19th and January 6th this year is as varied as usual – and spectacular. At the beginning of the year, an artist performed on the casting show “Das Supertalent” in front of RTL juror Dieter Bohlen and proved how durable her hair is.
Talent already proven before Dieter Bohlen
Braid hang is the name of the aerial acrobatics exercise in which artist Morgan Barbour holds her own body weight or that of her partner Freya at unexpected heights. Just with her hair. “It’s really spectacular,” says circus manager Matthias Bergstaedt, looking forward to the duo.
A few days ago in Las Vegas, Morgan held 175 kilograms using only her teeth – a world record.
Matthias Bergstaedt
But it’s not just her hair that seems to be able to withstand unexpected forces. Morgan Barbour also seems to have an “Iron Jaw”. One bite into the mouthpiece, which is attached to a rope, and it goes up into the air. Barbour’s bit can withstand a lot more weight. “A few days ago in Las Vegas, Morgan held 175 kilograms using just her teeth – a world record,” said Bergstaedt.
The ringmaster is proud to have won her and her partner Freya for this year’s Christmas circus. “We made contact at a circus festival on Lake Maggiore,” he reports.
Colorful program again this year
“We are known for such extraordinary performances,” emphasizes the circus manager. The performance of the Chinese National Circus should be similarly spectacular. The artists will already be showing a small foretaste at the press conference for this year’s program, where they will skillfully juggle the well-known throwing game Diabolo or present traditional costumes.
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In addition, the “Steam Acrobatic Group” shows spectacular performances on the trampoline. The “Fery Rivelino Clowns” from Spain, among others, provide laughs. The family of circus director Veno Mendes is also back in the ring this year.
The boss himself will present his horse dressage performance there. His daughter Alexia also has animal support. She presents her “pony rascals” and a “goat revue”.
Juggling, balancing, astonishing: The artists of the Chinese National Circus are taking part in the Ulm Christmas Circus this year. (Photo: Ulm Christmas Circus)
Circus community is like a big family
It’s still a while away from the big premiere on December 19th. Afterwards there are two circus performances every day. Except on New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve: December 24th is an open day for anyone interested. It begins with a communal service before the audience can take a look behind the scenes of the circus and take part in the rehearsals between 1 and 4 p.m.
Here at the circus we are all like one big family.
Matthias Bergstaedt
And how do the artists spend Christmas Eve? “We get together afterwards and celebrate all together,” says Bergstaedt, who knows how much this gives the artists who are far away from their families at Christmas. “Here at the circus we are all like one big family.”
Advance tickets are available here
There are already nine performances scheduled in the 1,200-seat circus tent in Friedrichsau. “Advance sales are ongoing,” says Bergstaedt, pleased – also that the prices for the tickets did not have to be increased compared to last year. This is important to Bergstaedt to emphasize.
“We all know: money is tight,” he says. “But we want to make it possible for everyone – especially families with children – to visit the Christmas circus.” Even if the cost calculation turned out to be “very competitive” this year, as he says.
Tickets are already available for pre-sale online and at the sales van near the tram stop in front of the Ulm Trade Fair. When the circus construction starts on December 1st, the car will travel over to the circus grounds on the Volksfestplatz. This year too, the cheapest tickets on the floor cost 20 euros (reduced 17 euros).
All information about the program and the individual artists can be found on the Ulm Christmas Circus website.
