Ivan’s Editorial
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the creator of thecircusblog.com.
I would like to talk to you about the Circus and the people that make their living in it. For several hundred years the circus in one form or other has brought joy, thrills, laughter and excitement but more than that it offers clean family entertainment and has done so the world over. The performers of the American circus have done more to help their country than most. One American president said, “They give away the only thing they have to sell.” Circus people have always been ready and willing to come the aid of people in need–performing for charitable organizations, hospitals, USO shows, and benefit shows too numerous to mention. We’ve existed for almost 3,000 years and have never been censored or ridiculed, until now.
Now I’d like to get to my point. For the past several years, I have found it extremely annoying that the media in general along with our political leaders find it amusing and to their advantage to use the word ‘circus’ in a derogatory manner. I am sure you’ve heard this negative expression as well.
In recent years the term, ‘circus’ but particularly ‘three-ring-circus’ has, I believe inaccurately, been identified with chaos, confusion, frivolity and excess. But if you have ever had the privilege to work on or with a circus, you would know that the show is entirely about organization, skill and absolute precision. There is nothing confusing about the show itself, only the lack of focus by the patron who wants to see all the action in all the rings at once, rather than focusing on the individual accomplishments in each.
Why do you think the U.S. military would watch the coordination of train and truck shows for valuable insight into the speed and coordination of loading, unloading and set-up of gear, animals, equipment and performers? And it is not just our military. Before and during WWII, the German army watched and learned the precision timing that Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey used during their European tours.
Historically, the circus has been a melting pot of color, creed and nationality. A true representation of what America is all about. The difference is, in the circus we do not politicize our differences. Presently many of our elected officials have become proficient at exploiting just about everyone for political gain. And sadly, our media outlets, which were once the beacon of truth and information for our citizens, now have the dubious distinction of not only being complicit but of over-sensationalizing for political and monetary gain.
In recent years, there has been an underlying, subliminal attack on the character of circus performers as uneducated, footloose and fancy-free and generally irresponsible. On the contrary, it is a decent society of people who care about each other, the audience and the world around them. My father used to say, “The show must always go on,” however it meant more than that. It meant being responsible because each circus worker, from performer to prop hand has a specific function that is integral to the coordination and timing of each show as well as the overall success of your community. There is no reward in failure. He was trying to impart the philosophy that it is important to live every aspect of your life with integrity and a purpose, and with the understanding that you are here for a reason. Never forget God the Creator.
In certain segments of modern entertainment, instead of progressing we have regressed. We are supposed be morally and intellectually progressive, but as a society we, and our entertainment outlets in particular have lost our morality and the educational benefits to our youth. Rather than patronize the circus, which was once the cutting edge of entertainment and is still the last bastion true artistry in every genre from aerial ballet to comedic timing, and the breathtaking feats of balance that only circus performers would dare to attempt. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring talents of circus trainers that are so adept at utilizing the intellect and dexterity of of their animal charges, ranging from dogs to sea lions to horses and elephants–all of the wonderful and beloved creatures of the circus. We now rely on the smoke and mirrors of digital technology to satiate our thrill-seeking natures. We want our TV, movies and video games to be the bloodiest, raunchiest–but what is the value in this type of entertainment? The circus provides the honest thrill of watching the magic of human dexterity and perfection that comes from practice and dedication.
I am amazed at the ignorance of the people that ridicule and demean the circus profession. My goal is to educate the ignorant and perhaps invite them to see an American tradition, the circus. Go into the backyard of the circus and meet and talk with those performers. And just maybe you’ll run away with the circus and if you do, you’ll be a better human being for it.
I totally agree with this… my parents & i read this together & we agree 100%.. my parents are now retired performers but they are in managment..
Well said Ivan. Having only worked in the biz for 3 years back in the 70″s I learned so much about organizational skills, timing and people skills working with the public. I’ve also noted over the past 35 years that when this great country is in economic turmoil the circus and carnival business is a great escape and financially feasible entertainment for a family. Last year I took my adult son to a Red Sox game, the tickets were over $200 EACH, not counting the 4 beers 4 hot dogs and the program. I figured it cost me about $500+ for a friggen ball game. That’s a lot of money for 4 hours and the Sox LOST. Keep up the good work I love thecircusblog. Cappi
Ivan, I talked to Gary yesterday and they had just moved him out of the ICU to room 516. He sounded a lot better i talkked to him for about 15 min. He was scared because he was having a hard time breathing and thought he may have a heart problem. He really appericated you calling. If you get a chance check in with him agin. Going to see Joann and Pee Wee tomoorow they are stoping over on thier to Denver. Casey
Good job on the comments Ivan. I have had a great time running thtrough the Siebrand part. You sure have put a LOT of work intio this site: Being a part of this show bussiness world made a big difference in my live and the things I learned on the show have stayed with me and helped me very much . Your right. It was a priveledge to be there . Thanks Sandy (Danny & Trina’s Daughter )
Ivan, Presently the Circus Fans Association of America is working on a media press release that would make the news industry aware of how offensive their mis-use of the word circus is. Please contact me at circus4youth@earthlink.net so I can put you in touch with the right people.
Jim Cole
Ivan,
I work with you son Bob Wallace. I am a big fan of the days in Phx of Legend City. If you have any of the old Legend City artwork - posters, logos etc, photos, I would be interested in working to commission some art for my offices with it as the source of inspiration.
Get well soon - I look forward to meeting you.
John Fees
Thank You for telling it how it is.
Good luck with your surgery.
I know my father and brother Chester and Dave (HIHO the clown) Slusser were big Circus fans and enjoyed your work.
Thank You for helping to preserve this history.
Hi! I see that you posted the pics that I enlarged for you at Officemax the other day. They look good!! I think your blog is pretty cool. Best of luck on educating the public about the wonderful things the circus has to offer. I enjoyed going to see circuses very much as a child and would like to go to one again someday. I plan to go to see the Circ De Sole in Vegas when I have the $. Take care.
Dear Mr. Henry:
It is a pleasure to write to you. Congratulations on the work you have been doing on your blog. My name is Jamie MacVicar and I am the published author of a newly released book, The Advance Man: A Journey Into the World of the Circus. The book is a multi-dimensional narrative about my time as an advance man for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Not only does it provide first hand insight into the world of the Circus, but it provides readers with unique marketing strategies. Please click on the Amazon link below for a full description, along with customer reviews.
The book was recently spotlighted by Feld Entertainment for its unique contribution to marketing at the National Sports Forum in Baltimore, attended by executives involved in marketing for the NFL, NBA, etc. And Joe Lewi on his Event and Entertainment Marketing blog recently wrote, “The book is addictive. The people and stories shape how we market today.”
I would be grateful if you would put forth your own comments, or do a review of the book on your blog site. If you are willing, please give me a mailing address and I’d be delighted to send you a complementary copy. With much thanks, Jamie MacVicar 703-310-4365
hi mr henery
my cousin in melbourne australia they had 2 elephants but just before xmas one died
now the animal fanatics are giving them hell wanting them to put the 1 elephant in a zoo
if any one would like to sighn the petition the web site above will give all details
and how can i get a copy about the great article you wrote for the circus.
my email is robert.perry3@bigpond.com
Regards Robert Perry
Australia
Ivan,
It was the circus and later the movies that taught most of us kids how to act like men and the lessons have lasted a lifetime. Where would we be without Tom Mix, Bert Lancaster and his pal Nick and the hundreds of other athletic stars who filled our imaginations with wonder and the thrill of the adventures that awaited when we grew up.
Your blog is terrific and meeting you in person even better
I look forward to our lunch meeting
Joe Brett
Scottsdale
Hey Ivan this is Danny’s & Trina’s daughter:boy do I have something for you. I need a mailing address to send to:: DVD of old 35mil.film Mom took while on several shows. Lots with Seibrand. See if you can find Billy Pollenberg(Bear Act)
Hey why don’t you call me with that info. I’m going to the PO soon
918-906-8779
I found your site through research engine several moment ago, and luckily, that is the only facts I was searching for the last hours