Crawley Circus Festival 2001
Crawley Circus Festival 2001
“…I am writing to thank you for
allowing Vova and Olga to come over to be with us…
…In addition they drew a crowd wherever they went, and were always pleased to
give advice or help when it was asked for, or when they thought it might be
needed. Their behaviour has been excellent the whole time.
How they managed to cope with being in a strange country, so far from home,
speaking a foreign language, at their age amazes me. I don't believe any of my
children could have done it.
As for their performances, in my opinion they were the best juggling act in the
Renegade show and in the Informal show, and probably in the Public show as well,
although Bibi and Bichu (two Ethiopian jugglers) were excellent also.
I cannot say enough about the wonderful impression they made on everyone at the
convention. I think it would be best explained if I tell you something that
happened. At the end of the informal show, we gave them some clubs, to thank
them for all they had done. They were called up on stage to receive them, and
the whole audience stood up to give them a standing ovation. This has never
happened to anyone before in the eight years that the convention has been held.
Some children would have been very big-headed about something like that - but
not Vova and Olga. They seemed a little embarrassed and surprised that it should
be happening to them. They are so modest!
I believe they are staying on a bit longer in this country. I hope they have a
great time - they certainly deserve it!
Thank you again,
Yours sincerely,
Brian Pemberton BSc.”
From the letter for our parents
“…The acts I enjoyed most were the opening act, a stunning break dancing
contortionist (sorry, another name forgotten); Mimbre who were superb as ever;
Vova and Olga the Russian children; and Bibi and Bichu…”
John Kennett, the main organizer of the BJC 2003 (14 August 01)
“…The patience of Olga and Vova and pushing us to do more than we thought we
could was a highlight along with seeing their routine. Joe, my son who is Vova's
age is now determined to get five balls and have us passing seven clubs....Thanks
to everyone involved in organising and running the whole convention...I hope you
managed to switch O & V's tickets so they could stay a bit longer.”
Tim and Joe Murray (14 August 01)
“…Vova and Olga were amazing throughout the weekend, and really nice kids as
well…”
Danny Colyer (14 August 01)
“Hi All
Some more info regarding the Russians
Vova is one of the group of four who were at Cardiff, Olga as stated is his
sister.
Having been responsible for bringing them to Crawley this year I can assure
anyone who is considering bringing them over for there convention that they will
not regret it...
At Crawley they arrived on the Wednesday where I collected them from Heathrow
and took them to the theatre where Carolyn was running a circus school for 8 -
16 year olds, having just finished an eighteen hour journey the first thing they
wanted to do was help Carolyn out with the school, which they then did for the
next two days until the week long school climaxed with a show for the parents on
the Friday afternoon.
During the weekend of the convention they ran a workshop on the Saturday then
later appeared in the main show and delighted everyone who saw them, however as
there was a few drops in the show they were very disappointed with themselves (it
must be said that they were the only ones to be disappointed) when they heard
about the renegade show later that night they were desperate to be allowed to
appear in it ! to make amends for there "poor performance in the public show"
On Sunday afternoon we have an informal show which runs pretty much like
renegade only slightly more organised (we have a running order) and sober,
normally we have to run around beforehand and beg bribe etc people to appear in
this and yes you've guessed it Vova and Olga wanted to appear in this as well.
Outside
of the convention they were always well behaved and everyone who helped us look
after them said they would be only too pleased to look after them again, in fact
Carolyn was so pleased with them that she took a weeks holiday immediately
afterwards so that she could extend there stay, they were due to fly
back on Sunday eve, and "do
some touristy bits with them" I went with them to
Brighton one day and we had a great time.
When they finally left on the following Sunday we were all sorry to see them go.
For those that don't know Carolyn is head of Community Arts at Crawley and is
the main organiser of the last 3 ? years conventions.
And yes it is our intention to get them back over at Crawley next year.
If anyone is thinking of getting them over and wants any other feedback feel
free to email me on Dave@mlaw.freeserve.co.uk”
Dave (25 September 01, another message on the site for Juggling Conventions
Organizers)
“...As for those Russian kids - quite superb!...”
Mike (http://www.circuswurx.co.uk/conv_reviews.html)