January 14 saw the opening of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo. Russian acrobats directed by Vyacheslav Chernievsky are expected to participate in this picturesque event, RIA Novosti reports.
This year the festival has gathered 26 circus troupes from all over the world.
The festival jury includes Maxim Nikulin (director of Nikulin Circus founded by his father) and Nikolai Kobzov (president of a Ukrainian organization Kobzov’s Circus Union). H.S.H. Princess Stephanie is presiding over the panel. On January 19 she will hand coveted Gold and Silver Clown awards to winners. The event will run till January 24.
Last year the Silver Clown was granted to Russian tightrope walkers directed by Igor Chizhov. In 2000 another Russian troupe entitled Russkie Zabavy directed by Vyacheslav Chernievsky received the Gold Clown.
The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival was created by H.S.H. Prince Rainier in 1974 to showcase the world’s greatest Big Top performers. Each year two best performances are crowned with the coveted Gold and Silver Clown awards. Held every year in mid-January, the event features spectacular animal acts, uproarious comedic performances, and masterfully choreographed acrobatic feats. Presiding over the panel, H.S.H. Prince Albert II and His Sister, H.S.H. Princess Stephanie (who serves as Vice President), traditionally open the star-studded festivities.
