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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...)

New Biographies

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• Armand Grüss, Equestrian, Acrobat, Clown
• Nikolai Chelnokov, Acrobat, Aerialist, Director
• Alfred Court, Circus Owner and Animal Trainer

New Videos

• Dewert, Cloud Swing Contortionist (1976)
• Zhang Ting, Hand Balancer (1996)
• Simeon Krachinov, Juggler (c.2005)
• Yasmine Smart, Elephant Act (c.1975)
• Daniel Suskov, Lion Trainer (1976)

Featured Oral Histories

• 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