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Circus of Tomorrow Festival

Cirque du Soleil may be world famous for its stunts and acrobatics, but little did you know that much of the talent has their roots at the Circus of Tomorrow Festival. Locally known as the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, otherwise knwon as the Worldwide Festival of the Circus of Tomorrow, the festivities are also considered prime recruiting grounds for promising youngsters.

Held in January each year, the circus draws big crowds and even bigger stunts. The audience is treated to a variety of traditional circus arts, such as clowns, jugglers, trapeze artists, tightrope walkers, acrobats, and more.

History

Cirque de Demain began in 1977 by Isabelle and Dominique Mauclair as part of La Piste, a non-profit organization specializing in raising funds for retired or injured circus artists. The circus was designed to welcome new and upcoming performers, giving them the opportunity to share their talent on an internationally recognized stage.

The first Cirque de Demain was held as a companion to the 19^th Gala de la Piste at the Cirque d’Hiver-Bouglione. It was then named in honor of Louis Merlin, one of the driving forces behind the event before his death in 1976. The second circus was held in November 1977, this time under the Cirque de Demain moniker. It wasn’t until the third festival in the spring of 1979 that the event was moved to a famous Parisian circus school, Cirque à l’ancienne, run by Alexis Gruss.

Cirque à l’ancienne was only home for a few years. By 1988, Cirque de Demain had moved back to Cirque d’Hiver-Bouglione, where it remained until 2006, when its founder, Dominique Mauclair, decided to retire.

By 1982, Cirque de Demain had broken off from the Gala de la Piste, and was performing under the name “Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain” as part of a new non-profit organization run by Dominique until 2003. These days, the ring leader of the event is Alain Pacherie, a well regarded circus producer. Finally, in 2007, Cirque de Demain moved to its current location, Cirque Phénix, owned by Pacherie.

Each year, the circus crowns a winning performer and two runners up with gold, silver, and bronze medalists, many of whom go on to become famous stars in their own right.

Famous Acts and Artists

Cirque de Demain invites artists from all over the world to perform. Most recently, acts from France, Russia, Portugal, Ukraine, Italy, China, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Belarus, Egypt, Ghana, Paraguay, Kazakhstan, Austria, Vietnam, Argentina, Mongolia, Lithuania, and Cuba have graced the stage of the Circus of Tomorrow.

The talented artists showcased in Cirque de Demain have gone on to become some of the most internationally recognized circus superstars, performing in elite shows like Cirque du Soleil. Notable artists include Miss Enhtsetseg, a Mongolian contortionist; Elena Panova, Russian aerialist; and American clown David Shiner.

Getting There

The event is held yearly at Cirque Phénix, owned by Alain Pacherie, current president of Cirque de Demain. Cirque Phénix is in an open area called Pelouse de Reuilly within Bois de Vincennes, one of Paris’ major parks. Driving is one option, although public transit is your best bet. There are a few metro stops you can choose from: Line 8 to Liberté, Porte de Charanton, and Port Dorée. Bus line PC 87 to Porte de Reuilly will get you there as well.

Nearby Attractions

Go for a stroll at the zoo, in the Parc Zoologique de Paris, or visit aquatic life at the tropical aquarium Palais de la Porte-Dorée a few blocks down. Lake Daumesnil is just next door if you want to go for a boat ride. Stop by the Cinema Museum or the quaint Bercy Village and Parc de Bercy. A little further out is the French National Library, for those feeling a little historical, and the beautiful Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.

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Circus of Tomorrow Festival