The premiere of a new circus show titled “Ascending to the Sky” took place in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. This performance is crafted in a modern European style and features acts by international artists, laser effects, and dance numbers, presenting the audience with a cohesive story rather than just a collection of individual acts.

Traditionally, at the beginning of spring, the Baku State Circus introduces a new program. The show’s title highlights its main feature – the stunning performances of aerial gymnasts. The theatrical-circus performance “Ascending to the Sky” was created by the director of the Baku Circus, Sergey Bondarchuk, and his wife, Edglis Haile. The Belarusian-Cuban duo has been living in Baku for over three years and actively contributes to the local circus.

“Baku is a quiet harbor where one can wonderfully endure the storms and calamities raging in the world,” asserts S. Bondarchuk.

Sergey Bondarchuk, being a hereditary circus artist, performed on the stage of the Baku Circus as a child alongside his parents. His wife, Edglis Haile, is a soloist of the Cuban theater “Tropicana” and a certified dance educator, as well as a creator of circus programs in Europe, America, and Hong Kong.

The new show combines various circus acts and sketches, including performances by acrobats, original genre artists, clowns, animal shows, and elements of ballet with musical instruments.

Artists Under the Big Top

One of the standout aerial gymnasts is the renowned Russian artist Kristina Ermolinetskaya, who dazzled at the closing of the Winter Olympics in Sochi 12 years ago. At the age of 10, she had already captivated an audience of 3 billion viewers worldwide. After studying at the Russian State Circus and Variety Arts College named after M.N. Rumyantsev, Kristina became an artist at the Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard and continues to perform in circuses around the world.

“During our performance, we focus on the tricks, elements, and emotions we want to convey to the audience. We see their reactions during the bow after the show,” shares the artist.

Her young colleague from Budapest, Irina Mayboroda, specializes in hoop work. She began practicing circus arts at the age of five and successfully graduated from the hula-hoop and aerial straps department at the Budapest Circus College. Irina effortlessly performs complex elements under the circus tent.

“The first feeling is adrenaline, the second is the lightness of flight. We rehearse a lot, and during the performance, all that remains is excitement. I really like Baku – it is a beautiful and well-kept city, which I would compare to Milan,” says Irina.

Chapitô on the Boulevard

Budapest is not only the hometown of Irina Mayboroda but also of the specialists who created the beautiful chapitô on Baku’s boulevard. This mobile form of circus, which gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, successfully exists in many countries alongside stationary venues. In Baku, the chapitô has been operational for about a year, as the Baku Circus building is closed for scheduled repairs. The location for the chapitô was chosen on the boulevard, near the Water Sports Palace, and its construction was entrusted to Hungarian specialists.

The chapitô accommodates up to 2000 spectators and boasts modern amenities and infrastructure. According to the Baku State Circus, the chapitô will delight audiences with seasonal productions, including summer programs, despite the traditional break for the circus during this time of year.

Humor for the Little Ones

A circus show cannot be imagined without clowns, and this case is no exception. In the spring program, audiences were entertained by the famous Russian duo “Grandsons of Lieutenant Schmidt” – Sergey Kolganov and Oleg Belogorlov, laureates of the International Circus Arts Festival in Monte Carlo. Their vibrant routines elicited genuine laughter from viewers of all ages, especially children.

“We know that great clowns have visited Baku, and the artists here are very popular. We like your city, and we are happy to meet the audience during performances,” shared the clowns.

Among other acts in the program, it’s worth noting the show with mischievous dachshunds by Russian trainer Diana Vedyashkina and a romantic duet on the parallel bars by the Rokashkov couple. The circus show “Ascending to the Sky” will run until March 30, with two performances scheduled daily from March 23 to 29.