In The Spotlight
VIKTOR TIKHONOV
Viktor Tikhonov (1917-1991) was a major star of the Soviet Circus and an outstanding and amazingly innovative animal trainer. He displayed remarkable elegance and grace in the ring—a rather uncommon quality in his field. His son, Vitaly Tikhonov, carried on his father’s tradition and matched his accomplishments with great success. Viktor Tikhonov also mentored the Russian animal trainer Larissa Tikhonova. Viktor Petrovich Tikhonov was born on March 18, 1917 in Russia, in the midst of the so-called "February Revolution." His father, Pyotr, was a fairground entertainer who worked the
balagans(Russian) Fairground booths or theaters. (the Russian fairground booths) with a sharpshooter act. Viktor made his debut as a child performer with his father, beginning as an acrobat and developing in time his own sharpshooting skills..... (
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A Message from the Editor
- 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
- Editor/Curator