Kiev Circus: the history of such a wonderful entertainment in the Ukrainian capital

In the world there are very few people who do not like to go to the circus. This kind of entertainment is pleasing to many, and especially to children. Well, how can one not admire the enchanting performances of aerial gymnasts, the breathtaking views of jugglers or the mystical tricks of illusionists? And the clowns? These are generally the most favorite artists of children. Circus performances are a great way to have fun. Stationary Kiev circus is known not only in Ukraine, but also in many foreign countries. This is a wonderful place where not only residents of the country aspire to get, but also tourists. The history of the institution is rich and interesting, as well as the performances that are going on in it.

The general history of the appearance of the circus in Kiev

Before you tell us about the emergence of the Kiev Circus, which today bears the title of national and is located at: Pobedy Square, 2, it is necessary to mention how the entertainment in general appeared in the Ukrainian capital. It all began in 1797, when the well-known Contract Fair was brought to Kiev from Dubno. Since ancient times, no one fair or market square has been dispensed with the performances arranged by theatrical vagrant troupes.

That is why in Kiev, on the Kontraktova Square, in addition to trade stalls appeared circus tents. They were erected from planks: several rows of shops were set up around the arena. They were intended for a wealthy audience. The poor audience was located in the so-called pens - standing places behind the benches. In the center of the arena was a pillar that supported a tarpaulin or a coarse calico.

In these booths acted and local artists, and troupes from abroad.

Circus in Kiev in the XIX century

The stationary Kiev Circus, one that is known to the viewer today, appeared only in the 60s of the last century. And until the middle of the XIX century in the capital of Ukraine there was no permanent circus. For regularly held performances artists used wood decorations, which differed mobility. From time to time, a temporary circus was set up, covered with a tarpaulin. About stationary circus in Kiev, you can talk since 1868. At this time the Frenchman Auguste Bergonier bought a plot of land, the area of which reached 1059 soot ² . The site was at the crossroads of the modern streets of Pushkin and B. Khmelnitsky. Today the National Academic Theater of Russian Drama is located here.

December 28, 1875 opens the Kiev Circus Auguste Bergonier, which was called "Alcazar." Prince V. Obolensky became the director of the newly established institution. Among the guests and residents of Kiev circus performances had an extraordinary success. There worked 60 leading artists, constantly touring actors from the theater of San Carlos and popular English clowns. In addition, there were 35 musicians in the staff of this circus, as well as a stable designed for 40 animals.

National Circus of Ukraine in Kiev

The Kiev Circus, whose address is indicated above, dates back to the 1960s. The building can accommodate 2100 people at the same time. The building is a monumental three-story building with a colonnade near the entrance. A semicircular wide staircase leads to the building. The dome-shaped covering is completed by a small tower and spire. An architectural project of such a pompous structure was developed by the Kiev resident V. Zhukov.

The outer lining is made in light shades: the columns are treated with Inkerman stone, the walls with ceramic tiles, and the socles with pink granite. In order to build a dome cover, the masters used innovative technology. The surface layer of the dome is five cone-like belts, each of which was assembled from 32 identical reinforced concrete panels.

In 1998, the Kyiv State Circus was given the status of a national one, which ensured to it from the legal point of view the right to be called the main circus of Ukraine.

How the circus works

The Kiev circus, whose photo can be considered in our article, is active for ten months a year. The rest of the time the troupe is touring the world. Now the institution employs artists of various circus genres. There is also a ballet troupe and a wonderful musical ensemble. And not so long ago the technical base of the institution became much better. Thanks to her artistic perception of representations has become several times better.

The glorious tradition of the National Kiev Circus is the creation of programs at the highest world level.

Who will say what?

Reviews of the Kiev Circus are always only positive. The audience claims that they are coming here to cheer themselves up, and to teach their children to the world of art and illusion. According to the public, in the circus there are real professionals who are able to seize the attention of the audience with only one wave of the hand. People say that some rooms can be viewed many times and they will not seem boring. All Kiev residents and residents of other cities of Ukraine are incredibly fond of this circus and try to get into it at the first opportunity.