Thursday, October 19, 2006

More ladies of the steel arena #4


Lilli-Ana Kristensen

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lilly & Svend Kristensen presented an outstanding aerial cradel act for many years. They also developed a first class bareback riding act that included their son, Kim.

My one and only time being in the center ring spotlight was with that act at the Worcster Mass. Grotto Circus in the early '70s I was asked to guide the horses while they did opening pyramids. I was outfitted with a blue shop coat with the name KRISTENSENS on the back that I wore with pride. Lilly took a piece of chalk and drew a small circle in the center of the ring and told me to stay within that circle. I was handed a whip and told to slowly raise it to stop the horses at the conclusion of the pyramid routine.

OK, so they made an extra lap around the ring, it was a good act !

Anonymous said...

Jimmy, I can so relate to your performance. Wasn't it fun and over all too soon. No pictures though. The story of my life. I am so greatful to have been "THERE" in an emergency. The circus can not be beat for the "GEMS" life throws us.

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen Lily Ana since visiting at Benson's in '81, but I certainly remember her fine work with her leopards.

Anonymous said...

Lilliana and Sven were about the nicest people I've met. Their equipment was always in top shape, her animals always perfectly cared for. A class act all the way!

Anonymous said...

Lilly has been avery multitalentrd Scandinavian beauty her entire career from her bareback riding and aerial artistry with Ringling. I believe her first love would be as a ballerina on horseback and she was just as good as any of them. She and Sven spent a number of years trying to keep a quality riding act together,but unless you are a big family group its very difficult. They loved their horses and I know it was difficlt to give up. When they did get their small group of leopards and with the incentive and work ethic built it up to be just a first class presentation in every way. Ithink they have really enjoyed those years and have always been a pleasure to work with. They certainly deserve a pleasant retirement.