A large-scale gala performance that took place at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow marked the end of a festival commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Russian Circus.
A large-scale gala performance that took place at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow marked the end of a festival commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Russian Circus.
Above: Circus artist before the beginning of the performance at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
Above: Circus artist before the beginning of the performance at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
On August 26, 1919 by the order of the Soviet government all circuses in Russia were declared a property of the state.
Above: Circus artists performing a horse act during the show at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
Above: Circus artists performing a horse act during the show at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
In 1927 the State University of Circus and Variety Arts, also known as the Moscow Circus School, was established.
Above: Circus artists performing an elephant act during the show at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
Above: Circus artists performing an elephant act during the show at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
Russian circus traditions include clowning, acrobatics, juggling, contortion, and animal acts.
Above: Circus artist during the performance at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
Above: Circus artist during the performance at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
When the Moscow State Circus company began doing international tours in the 1950s, its performances were praised abroad for their originality and artistic skill.
Above: Animal tamer with an elephant during a performance at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
Above: Animal tamer with an elephant during a performance at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
During the 38th International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo, which is sometimes referred to as the "Circus Oscars," all of its highest awards, the Golden Clowns, were awarded to Russian performers.
Above: Circus artist performing at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
Above: Circus artist performing at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
There are about 40 circus arenas operating in Russia today. Unlike their Western counterparts, circuses in Moscow are stationary, and perform in purpose-built circus buildings rather than touring.
Above: Circus artists performing a horse act during the show at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
Above: Circus artists performing a horse act during the show at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
Above: Circus artists during the performance at Nikulin's Circus in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian State Circus.
