MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A local circus company says its business is booming, even as the industry struggles.
Cirque Italia has hired 30% more performers this year compared to last year and says one of the reasons is because small circus companies are closing.
Joselina Moine is an acrobat. She is originally from Argentina and has worked in a circus since she was six years old.
“When you perform, you know yourself. You feel the people you connect with, the people,” she said. “That’s the most important part of our job.”
But this job with Cirque Italia is fairly new to her. She was hired in February and says she was interested in the position because of the exposure that comes with a bigger circus company.
“We always try to find jobs in other countries like Europe, United States also. This is a big company. They have seven circus shows, and it is really good for an artist,” she said.
Moine is one of about 30 new hires this year for Cirque Italia.
“We’ve seen an increase in performers applying for our company because we have seven touring shows right now,” said Steve Copeland, the publicity director for Cirque Italia. “So there are a lot more shows that are touring, and you can’t really say that for other circus companies in the United States.”
He says that after adding two shows to their portfolio last year, they became the largest U.S. touring circus company.
“Lots of circuses are shutting down. Times are hard with all the prices going up and the inflation. So people are very frugal with their entertainment,” he said.
Performing in the circus is more than just an act — it takes time and practice, a job that Moine knows is worth it.
Three of Cirque Italia’s tours will be offering shows in the Bay Area over the next two months. Paranormal Cirque Specter is in Palmetto through Dec. 28, and two different Water Circus shows have performance dates in Palmetto, St. Petersburg and Brandon in January and February.
Julia Hazel
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