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ALFRED COURT
Alfred Court (1883-1977) is perhaps the most remarkable French circus personality of the first half of the twentieth century. Beginning his career as an outstanding acrobat, he became a successful, yet adventurous, circus entrepreneur, first in Mexico and later in Europe, before ending as one of the greatest wild animal trainers of all times—and as such, a major circus star in Europe and America. He was born into a wealthy family in Marseilles, France, on January 1, 1883. His father, Joseph Court-Payen, worked for the family’s soap business (Marseilles is France’s soap industry center), and his mother was the daughter of the marquis de Clapier, a rich aristocrat well introduced in political circles. Alfred was the youngest of a family of ten children... (more...)
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A Message from the Editor
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CIRCOPEDIA is a constantly evolving and expanding encyclopedia of the international circus. New videos, biographies, essays, and documents are added to the site on a weekly—and sometimes daily—basis. Keep visiting us: even if today you don't find what you're looking for, it may well be here tomorrow!
- Dominique Jando
Aerialist: Any acrobat working above the ring on an aerial equipment such as trapeze, Roman Rings, Spanish web, etc.Clown: Generic term for all clowns and augustes. '''Specific:''' In Europe, the elegant, whiteface character who plays the role of the straight man to the Auguste in a clown team.Slack Wire: A Tight Wire, or Low Wire, kept slack, and generally used for juggling or balancing tricks.Spanish Web: A vertical rope, or corde lisse, covered with fabric.Tight Wire: A tight, light metallic cable, placed between two platforms not very far from the ground, on which a wire dancer perform dance steps, and acrobatic exercises such as somersaults. (Also: Low Wire)Trick: Any specific exercise in a circus act.
