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In The Spotlight
LILLY YOKOI
In the 1960s and 1970s, Lilly Yokoi was considered the world's greatest acrobat on bicycle. Her act was indeed technically outstanding, and the ease with which she performed it, her grace, and her unmatched elegance have survived the test of time. Even today, her act can be regarded as the greatest solo bicycle act that ever was—and it is universally acknowledged as such by all those who were lucky enough to see her perform. Although of Japanese descent, she was born in New York City in 1929, into a family of circus performers. Her parents, Eizo and Rui Yokoi, were acrobats on unicycle and bicycle who went to work in the United States in the 1920s. They had trained their four daughters, Mary, Lilly, Olga (Akimo), and Kimiko (Kimi, 1939-1990), and their son, George, in their craft. The four girls reached a remarkable technical level in bicycle acrobatics, doing tricks rarely or never seen in their time with an uncanny facility. The children worked together with their parents in a bicycle and unicycle act billed as The Yokoi Family. Then, the act was featuring the four Yokoi Sisters.... (more...)
New Biographies
- Camilla Mayer, Funambulist
- Circus Schumann (Frankfurt), History
- Lilly Yokoi, Acrobat on Bicycle
- Jenda Smaha, Elephant Trainer
- Pompoff Thedy Family, Clowns
New Videos
- Lillian Leitzel, Roman Rings (c.1928)
- Dolly Jacobs, Roman Rings (1990)
- Circus Knie's Setup (2012)
- The Bob Gerry Troupe, High Wire (1963)
- The Stebbings, Comedy Dog Act (1967)
Featured Oral Histories
- Alberto Zoppé, Equestrian - Interview (McCutcheon & Distasio, 2003)
- Olivier Taquin, Mime - Interview (Jando, 2008)
- Barry Lubin, Clown (Grandma) - Interview (Jando, 2008)
- Fumagalli, Clown - Interview (Jando, 2008)
- Kris Kremo, Juggler - Interview (Jando, 2007)
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
