Presents CIRCUS REPORT & ShowbizUSA The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation Announces Finalists for the Class of 2024


 “This year the nominating committee was very thorough in their


The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation®  for the class of 2024 induction. Voting to select three (3) Circus Ring of Fame inductees closed September 2,


deliberations,” said Bill Powell, chair of the foundation. “We believe the candidates are all worthy of consideration, but only three will be the deserving inductees representing the highest of achievement in circus arts and culture”, Powell noted.


The Circus Ring of Fame top eleven nominees are:


1. VAZQUEZ FAMILY – In 1969, brothers Jose and Rafael Vazquez debuted their small family circus in Mexico as Circus Hermanos Vazquez. After parting ways in 1971, Jose continued with his family as performers and staff to grow the show becoming one of the premier circuses in Mexico and eventually expanding their reach to the USA and Latin America. Circus Vazquez has toured the USA for nearly 30 years to capacity crowds. In 2021, they rebranded the show Circus Vazquez and added the innovative Flip Circus to their family of brands. 2. PERFORMING ANIMAL PARTNERS – Historically, starting in the 18th century, the circus has almost always included animals, to the extent they become the partners of their human caretakers. This nomination honors collectively the thousands of animals who have brought joy and wonder to millions, whether in the rings, on stages or in the menagerie 3. THE CABALLERO FAMILY’s unparalleled achievements in trapeze artistry, including the completion of the Quadruple Somersault by  members, solidify their place as one of the most distinguished  became the second person in the world to complete the quadruple  performances at prestigious venues, including the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo and the Royal Carre Theater in Amsterdam. Recently, Ruben Caballero III made history by becoming the youngest trapeze artist to catch a quad. In 2023, the family achieved a world record by completing three Quadruple Somersaults in a single performance at the International Circus Festival in Girona, earning the Golden Elephant award. 4. BERNARD PAUL – Starting with a short-lived partnership in 1976, Circus Roncalli had a shaky beginning. However, in 1980 Herr Paul went on to create what has become the jewel of Germany’s touring circuses, appearing as a clown for many years in his show. He has featured the most outstanding circus artists over the years in stunning and ground-breaking theatrical productions. He is an artist in the sense that he personally crafts the unique styling of each show using state of the art theatrical technology to create unique experiences for audiences of Circus Roncalli. After decades of success in Europe Bernard Paul brought his show to the USA in a combined production with Big Apple Circus in 2023.


18 OABA ShowTime Magazine • OCTOBER 2024


5. ROLAND AND INGRID KAISER – Roland Kaiser was a German- born circus artist and show producer who left an indelible mark on the global circus industry. Born in 1933, Roland began his career at a young age, making his debut in 1946 with the Ringling Bros. circus as a teeterboard artist. Over the next several decades, he expanded  as concession manager and, eventually, show owner. In 1990, he, alongside his wife Ingrid, took the helm of Circus Vargas, leading it to new heights of success and acclaim. Ingrid Osmani Kaiser, born in the Netherlands in 1946, was a third-generation circus performer who brought a wealth of experience and talent to the family  Amsterdam, where she excelled as an acrobat and juggler. Ingrid’s  producer and owner, playing a crucial role in the success of Circus Vargas from 1990 onwards. Ingrid’s performances and productions were featured in various prestigious venues, including the Le Château Champlain in Montreal and the Flamingo Casino in Las Vegas. Together, the Kaisers’ impact on the circus arts industry was profound, not only through their performances and productions but also in their mentoring of younger generations and involvement in community service. 6. ELVIN BALE’s  contributions to the entertainment and circus industries. He headlined with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus as “The World’s Greatest Daredevil,” earning international acclaim by performing for Pope John Paul II and several U.S. Presidents. Bale’s accolades include the Gold Clown and Silver Clown from


Prince Rainier’s Monte Carlo Circus Festival. Elvin’s broad media presence includes features in Time Magazine and People Magazine, and numerous television appearances. A versatile performer, Bale starred in European circuses such as


Circus Americano and Circus Sarrasani, performing death-defying stunts. He was the featured star of Ringling Brothers Blue Unit and was known for his spectacular single trapeze artistry featuring a forward dive heel catch. Elvin also performed on the sky cycle, wheel of steel and human cannonball. His achievements earned him awards like the Circus Oscar in Madrid and recognition as a top circus daredevil in books like “The American Circus” and “Under the Big Top.” 7. SACHA AND SARA HOUCKE – Sacha Houcke, born in Paris, France,  skills in equestrianism and animal training. Growing up in a renowned circus family, with his father and uncle deeply involved in the industry, Sacha was exposed to the circus world from an early age. He honed his skills in dressage and animal training at the Knie Circus, under the mentorship of his father and Fredie Knie Sr. Despite initial resistance from his family, Sacha pursued a career in the circus, performing with a Cossack troop and later working with renowned European circuses such as Circus Knie, Circus Barum, and Ringling  training and presenting a diverse array of animals, including elephants  festivals and gala events.


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