December 13, 2007
Contact:  Gayle Williams, (941) 377-6709

Florida's Famous Circus Sarasota Announces Its First Tour Engagement in Estero at the Miromar Outlets  Featuring an All Star Line-up

[Sarasota, FL-December 13, 2007] Circus Sarasota, a non- profit circus world renowned for top quality performances and a program of year-long community services that have a lasting impact on children and seniors, announces its first-time-ever tour to Estero, Florida, at the Miromar Outlets opening on March 11, 2008 with an unparalleled all-star lineup of thrilling circus acts.  There will be eight performances per week from March 11th through the 30th at the Circus Sarasota Big Top on the grounds of the Miromar Outlets, I-75 Exit 123 at Corkscrew Road midway between Naples and Fort Myers.

Circus Sarasota is known for bringing international talent and astounding artistry to our audiences; including many award-winning artists from around the world.  Yet unlike most other circuses who come into a town and leave after performances, Circus Sarasota is partnering with Voices for Kids, the volunteer support arm of Guardian ad Litem for Lee and Collier counties for their fundraising gala on March 8, 2008 under the Big Top. 

"Not only are we partnering with Voices for Kids now, but are planting the seeds to extend our Laughter Unlimited outreach programming in this region so that we have an ongoing service to provide to the community throughout the year," says Pedro Reis, Founder and CEO of Circus Sarasota. 

Proceeds from Circus Sarasota performances provide 80% of the funds necessary to support Laughter Unlimited, a goal-oriented outreach program for nursing homes that produce measurable results for those with Alzheimers and other age related dementia.  Circus Sarasota's Big Top Education which enlivens core curriculum in elementary and middle schools with the circus arts providing practical examples of physics, math and English in action.

This is the first tour outside of Sarasota for Circus Sarasota which is quickly becoming "Florida's Famous" and favorite circus.  There will be eight performances per week from March 11th through the 30th. Tickets for the Sarasota and Estero performances are now available for purchase online at   The Box office will open onsite at the Big Top located at the Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero March 1, 2008.

SUMMARY OF PERFORMERS

Joseph Bauer, Jr., Circus Sarasota Ringmaster - A star of Bauer's Circus Maximus and a 15th generation member of one of Switzerland's oldest circus families, Bauer is a Sarasota native and veteran Circus daredevil.

Yeromenko - A prize-winning, four-man acrobatic team of superbly trained athletes from Ukraine, Yeromenko, brings strength and agility to the circus stage as they vault from one point to another of the three-leveled horizontal bar.

Daniel Hochsteiner, Juggler Extraordinaire, has achieved star status the world over with fast paced, athletic juggling winning gold and silver medals at Festivals in China, Korea and France. Juggling Tennis racquets, Hochsteiner is one of the most innovative, skilled artists performing today.  His astounding technique and ability separate him from all others. 

Dick Monday - This clown's masterful hand has guided Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Clown College and created Slappy's Playhouse a family theatre in Dallas. He continues to clown with Wife, Tiffany, aka "Slappy", as the New York Goofs, a troupe of physical comedians devoted to preserving nearly forgotten performance skills. Dick's film and TV credits include Into the Night with Rick Dees, Brain Donors, My Life, Love and Greed, The Late show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Rosie O'Donnell Show and Woody Allen's Sweet and Lowdown.

Andre Markov - It's a delightfully charming show in the Elegant Russian Style, with highly trained canines performing with balletic style seemingly on their own under the knowing gaze of trainer extraordinaire, Andre Markov.

The Poemas are a traditional family in the Circus world - they juggle their kids! Watch Dad Adrian toss and tumble his daughters on his feet for a classic Risley act circus thrill.

We know you'll enjoy "Silhouette In Motion" with Ian Garden.  Born in Toronto, Ian took the reins of the family circus in 1954. In 1987, he and his wife Micheline retired and moved to Florida, where he returned to his love of training animals. Ian has trained dogs, ponies, horses, llamas, camels & zebras for major circuses throughout North America.

The Cristiani Family - Spanning over 150 years, generations of Cristianis have been performing in Europe and the United States and have been called "The Royal Family of the Circus".  Tino and Armando first began performing as the Cristiani Brothers Trampoline Act in venues in Tokyo, Stockholm, Berlin, and Las Vegas. They even performed, at special request, for the King and Queen of Sweden. Today, Tino and Mara Cristiani, along with their sons Mateo and Calen, have formed the Cristiani Family Trampoline Act, and continue to entertain and surprise audiences with their skills.

Ricardo Sosa - It's hand-balancing on an extraordinary level!  This gravity-defying Cuban gymnast blends balance, physical strength and contortion to amaze audiences all over the world. Trained at the Yuri Mandich Circus School, Sosa has toured the United States, Mexico and throughout South America. A favorite of many, Sosa had the honor of being invited as a special guest to perform at Nelson Mandela's birthday bash in South Africa.

And flying high above them all will be our Queen of the Air, the muse of Circus Sarasota, Dolly Jacobs. Her artistry in the air is a magical wonder that never ceases to hypnotize.

* Photos available upon request or by visiting the