Circus Bouglione 2010 (From Bob Swaney)

Belgium 2010 266, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Buckles-- I recently had the good fortune to attend an early evening performance of Circus Bouglione in Le Luviere, Belgium. Linda Bouglione, wife of director Alexandre and mother of Nicolas (cats and African elephant), told me the show was a special edition geared for smaller towns. A fall show in a bigger tent opens for three months in mid-September at the Atomium in Brussels. This to be followed by a three week Christmas circus in Wavre, Belgium, southeast of Brussels. Production values were impressive--immaculately groomed and costumed performers, quality lights and sound, well maintained tent and equipment. Even more impressive were the performers--in spite of a thin house that evening, each performed as if there were 10,000 "paid" in the seats. No let down. Most all circus skills were on the program. Maud (Gruss) Flores' high school horse presentation and low wire artistry were especially noteworthy for their grace and elegance. Also, liberty long horn steers presented by clown Rony were a hoot. This is an outstanding show produced by a friendly family with deep circus roots. Definitely worth the time for anyone visiting Belgium in the next few months (www.bouglione.be). Bob Swaney