For many people in the United States of America, a circus conjures up memories of childhood. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, which formed in 1907, is marketed as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ and today remains both a source of magic and mysticism for children and nostalgia for their parents. The circus is full of acrobats, contortionists, tight rope walkers, trapeze artists, ribbon dancers, wild motorcycle riders,clowns and a spectacular array of performing animals.
The Gemini Circus aims to fulfill the same goals of inspiring awe and laughter in viewers of all ages. The circus comprised several acts which include acrobats, an African dance troop which performs with fire, ribbon dancing, balancing and juggling performers, horse and dog tricks and flying trapeze. A major difference between the two circuses is the presence of a grand ringmaster in the US. Dressed as an 18th century riding gentlemen, he facilities the start of all acts with the opening phrase, “Ladies and Gentlemen and children of all ages....” The ringmaster brings continuity and momentum to the performances, which are always sandwiched between activities of clowns that distract and entertain the audience as stage hands set up props for the next act. In the Gemini circus, the presence of helpers on the stage and between acts sometimes distracted viewers from watching the main event.
The other noticeable difference was the type and quality of animal performances. In the Gemini Circus it was the human beings that stole the show, with their amazing strength and ability to balance and rotate on one hand or climb a pole with their body outstretched
The dogs walking on two feet did not draw in the crowds the same way elephants walking on a tightrope or tigers jumping through flaming hoops can in the US. A successful show is measured by the audience and there was no shortage of children watching the Gemini Circus from the edge of their seats.