Arts & Entertainment
Circus Vargas Now Through May 21st in Burbank and Woodland Hills
Death-Defying Acrobats, Daredevils, Flying Trapeze Artists, Jugglers, Contortionists, Comedians, Clowns, Mermaids, Motorcycles & much more!
Circus Vargas comes to town bringing a breath of fresh air to the culturally curious. You don't have to travel far to experience international sensations. Now through Monday May 7th in Burbank at 777 N. Front St, and Thursday May 10th through Monday May 21st in Woodland Hills at the Westfield Promenade, 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd, you and your family can share a treasured memory that will last a lifetime!!
More than just a spectacular production featuring la creme de la creme of artistry, Circus Vargas invites you and your children to dream the impossible dream! It's a golden opportunity to get back to simplicity marvel awe and wonder, recognizing that the word "Impossible" actually says "I'm possible!" (credit Audrey Hepburn).
Teach your children well by sharing this mind blowing adventure, a prize to cherish forever, a gift worth more than a million bucks. Continue or begin anew a meaningful motivating ritual!
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That is the goal of producers and co-owners Nelson & Katya Quiroga, who have been married for twenty five years and met on the flying trapeze. According to Katya, "the circus brought us together as cupid would say."
Katya hopes that by attending Circus Vargas with your family, they will then pass on the custom to their kids, who in turn will pass it on to their offspring. She extols the value of tradition expressing, "You can't put a price tag on that!"
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When asked about the the key to a long term relationship, Katya reveals, "You have to agree to disagree. You're never gonna see things the same all the time. Make the best of it and move forward."
The Quiroga's three daughters are also part of the Circus Vargas team. Their sixteen year old is a contortionist; their twenty year old a flying trapeze artist; and their eleven year old works behind the scenes. They're homeschooled along with the rest of the minors. A full time teacher is employed on the road, confirming homework is complete and current.
Katya advises parents "Let kids follow their dreams but make sure they don't give up school." She recommends fledgling performers start with ballet and gymnastic classes to hone their skills. Katya indicated many fine circus/trapeze schools exist in the LA area, including on the Santa Monica Pier and in Woodland Hills.
A seventh generation performer who began as a ballerina in Holland, Katya is the artistic brains behind the show. Her forte is making certain everything looks fabulous, e.g. the costumes and sets. Nelson handles the logistic side, and with forty two weeks of traveling to thirty different locations, he's busy 24/7.
This dynamic duo does it all!! They write the story, design the sets, costumes, graphics, and hire professional choreographers and musicians. In that sense, Circus Vargas is on par with a feature film or Broadway play, yet with the added bonus of world renowned, one of a kind experts who excel in their extraordinary fields.
What's endearing and special about their productions is the narrative woven throughout, conveying a worthy lesson. In "Dreaming of Pirates," a little boy who is a circus clown dreams of becoming a pirate. In the end, he discovers he can be a pirate and a circus performer simultaneously. The moral of the story per Katya is that "everyone's dreams are valuable."
Keeping things innovative inspires the Quirogas to conjure up different themes each year. 2019 will be their fiftieth anniversary, and the couple are already diligently planning for what's guaranteed to be another magnum opus!
Twelve years ago, Katya and Nelson's desires were realized when the revered chance to buy Circus Vargas came to pass. Their goal is "to keep the art form from disappearing." It makes them "proud" to know that no matter your background, religion, age, you can enjoy the circus together with your family. They're honored "to be part of keeping it alive, generation to generation."
The Quirogas believe in the importance of helping out and giving back to your community. On that note, they encourage attendees to donate canned goods and dried food to the Salvation Army, in exchange for discounted tickets.
Michael Ferreri, who currently holds the Guinness World Record for fastest juggler of five, six, and seven balls, joins the lineup of unique wizards at Circus Vargas. Born in Spain into the fourth generation of the Ferreri family of performers, Michael is already a superstar at a mere twenty one years old. In January he won the Academy Award of Juggling, i.e. the Bronze Clown, at the 42nd Festival International du Cirque de Monte Carlo. He is only the sixth juggler in the world to win the crown.
Michael walks talk lives and breathes authentic passion for his art. It's in his cells, his DNA, his biology, as pure and natural as mother earth. Michael exudes a contagious contentment enthusiasm eagerness and excitement.
A marvelous example of the virtues of steadfast dedication, perseverance, and commitment, Michael has adhered to the maxim "do what you love and the money will follow." He's constantly improving himself and learning new skills, practicing three to four hours on a daily basis.
A force to be reckoned with, Michael is an inspiration, a phenomenon, the real deal. He may be "The Greatest Showman" in this century. Just speaking with him and you'll feel energized and revitalized to soar to unimaginable heights. Michael's ardor and zeal emanates and illuminates all those he encounters.
In order to keep up his stamina, Michael works out every morning for two hours at the gym and eats healthy, admitting, "no sodas for me." His advice for aspiring artists is "Practice practice practice and more practice!"
Michael is grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to a myriad of environments. "Even though the world is big, the circus world is very small. I have friends all around the world."
California is Michael's favorite place to perform. He describes its residents as "simple, gentle, and always there to help you out." He revels in the beaches, Hollywood, Santa Monica, locales he originally saw in films and now delights in visiting first hand.
Michael's latest aim is to surpass two records, which would entail making more than eighteen 360 degree spins in one minute and more than 5.8 catches per second. He insinuated attempting to win a second Monte Carlo award, something no one has ever achieved. Undoubtedly if Michael puts his mind to such an aspiration, it will inevitably transpire...so stay tuned!!
For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com; call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861); or visit the box office at each location.
