Cirque d’ Hiver or Winter Circus 
has thrilled thousands of Parisians , young and old, for over 170 years! I had always marvelled at the building in passing, but had never penetrated inside until a recent cold winter’s night.
It has been years since I even entertained the thought of going to see a circus, but since it was my daughter’s birthday, I opted to surprise her with something spectacularly fun and playful.
Paris has at any given time, several circuses playing all over town. Although I wanted to see Cirque du Soleil, which is here too, it was this historical edifice resemblant of a decorated wedding cake that made my decision.
The exterior of the building is opulent enough, but upon entering the interior, I was taken back by the rich and sumptuous baroque decor that was truly a feast for my eyes! The inside is shaped like a miniature coliseum, that seemed to big to fit inside of the building.
Cirque d’Hiver was inaugurated in 1852 by Emperor Napoleon III and was originally named Cirque Napoleon. It was later bought in 1934 by the Bouglione family, who had a long tradition of staging circuses throughout France.
Fortunately it has remained in their family throughout the years, except for a brief time during Nazi occupied Paris. Originally said to seat over 5 thousand people, it now provides seating for 2,900, which is still hard to believe given the intimate feel of the place.
The steeply layered seating was wonderfully designed to give every seat in the house a great and unobstructive view! The only drawback was that the seats were obviously designed for the French over a century ago, who were much smaller in stature than they are now, as all were tiny with hardly little leg room!
I loved the gorgeous suspended chandeliers, that at one time were gas lit! Unfortunately my photographs were unable to capture detail, due to the reflections from the spotlights, but give you an impression of the warm hues and ambiance.
While still admiring in awe the interior, the lights suddenly dimmed into total darkness. With that, colourful spotlights started revolving all around until the baritone voice of the circus leader thundered out “Mesdames et Messieurs, Bienvenue!”
Right on key, the wonderful live orchestra begin belting out very upbeat circus music and the central floor gave way to a rising platform of elegantly dressed dancing girls who strutted about with much precision.
After the grand parade of the performers had retreated, the center circle filled with tigers and lions. Though I am not a big fan of animal acts, out of concern for the animals, the trainer was affectionate with them and they all performed amazing feats.
Soon after the lions finished, the cage like walls were quickly removed and in came prancing high-stepping ponies with bouncing plumes parading around adorably. I was disappointed that the miniature dachshund show, I had hoped to see, had gone back to Saint Petersburg.
The acrobatic artists were all excellent, giving rise to me holding my breath out of fear of them falling, as some did not have safety nets. I can’t comprehend that , as the risk of falling could prove fatal, as it did in Las Vegas last year with a performer of the Cirque du Soleil.
Seeing these extremely talented artists flying around using unbelievable muscular strength to suspend each other in perpendicular poses seemed practically impossible. For me, it is a testimony to the amazing bodies we all posses, and that these performers take many years of training to reach that level of expertise.
Even though all the clown acts were really dumb, the children all loved them, literally screaming with abandoned glee and delight at each of their moves. Just listening to them made me feel like a child myself, long forgotten I must say.
Before long I found myself joining along, waving my arms and shouting like a ten year old! Really shocking myself, as I find myself too serious anyway and not given to such displays.
I didn’t even care if the other adults saw me! I was going to have my circus time too, thank you! Sometimes, you just have to let yourself go, however silly it may be!
After two and half hours of thrills and fun-filled delights, I felt literally invigorated by it all. It made me think that this would be good medicine for those who are depressed, as you would practically have to be in a coma, not to feel some joy!
Antidepressant effect aside, the whole performance was classy and first-rate. Having it performed in such a magnificent place was worth the ticket price alone, and made for cherries and whipped cream on top of the cake.
I could have kicked myself for not having gone before and made a pledge to go again for the new season starting in the fall. Certainly Paris offers a treasure trove of things to see and do, and God forbid any of us could see it all, but if you want to experience something unique between October and March, by all means go!
With upper level seating, which is less expensive, you feel close to the flying performers whirling around in front of your eyes, which you don’t get in large tents. For once you can experience the true essence of European circus as it was meant to be in a fabulous intimate setting.
Walking out into the cold night air, I felt exhilarated and smiling like I had been born anew! Kiddies jumping up in their seats with glee, was happily infectious indeed, and a perfect reminder that sometimes you just gotta be a kid again, even if it’s just for a few hours!
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Congratulations on your “letting go” and just “enjoying the moment” at the circus. People our age tend to become a little too staid or overly reserved; and they can lose the enjoyment of just experiencing life. Children and grandchildren can be way to regain some of those uninhibited enjoyments of the lighter sides of life. The Cirgue du Soliel occasionally comes to south Florida; but we have to settle for shows at the arenas rather than quaint rich cultural stadiums from the past. South Florida is more like the nouveau riche without the cultural trappings of the Europeans.
After the recent cool spells, we decided to go to the Hollywood beach on Sunday. The weather had warmed up to the mid 70s; and it had been a month or so since we had last gone to the beach.
The Holliwood beach is on an “island’/peninsula and is only about two –three blocks wide and about three miles long. It is a composite of old 1900s to the mid century buildings, and there have been a recent new constructions and improvements. There has always been a two lane black top road with a bicycle trail adjacent to the beach, which is their equivalent to being a “board walk”. During the last decade they have improved the area by topping the road and adjoining side walk with pavers (to sort of emulate cobble stones), added nice post lighting fixtures, a low two foot wall along the beach (to mitigate the movement of beach sand), and they have recently added a lot of new tall palm trees. On the west side of the “beach walkway” there are all sorts of sidewalk beach type eateries and restaurants, tourist shops, and all sorts of older single and two story apartment complexes. The new Margarita Resort is finally “coming out of the ground” with construction; there is one major hotel and a fairly new, extremely nice highrise condo towards the north end, adjacent to the public park. Little by little, the old places are being replaced and the café restaurants, and sotres have been renovating their facades to keep pace with the new zoning requirements. (I did notice that Nick’s “world famous bar” is in dire need of renovation though . . . Ha!
The Hollywood beach is somewhat the unofficial winter capital for the French Canadians . . . for several years there was a sub office of the French consulate on the beach walkway. At this time of the year probably 80% or more of the tourists in that area are the French Canandians; and they do know how to have a good time. At the small, open air amphitheater in the middle of the beach walk the City pays to have local entertainers perform. Of course this weekend they were all French Canadians; and French was the predominate language being spoken. June’s native/birth language was French; but as the years have passed she says that she is losing it more and more.
When we decided ot go to the beach, we didn’t realize that it was a big French Canadian day at the beach. There was something like 60 to maybe 80 or more of those 10’ x 10’gazabos set up along the beach walk for a mile or so; and there was a horrific crowd of a few thousand or so French Canadians. They are a big part of Hollywood’s tourism during this time of the year.
Over time, we have found a place n the south end of the beach where there is usually parking in a somewhat secluded parking area and where the beach is usually not too congested. We took some beach chairs, books to read, and some drinks. It was warm in the sun but became a little chilly when clouds would block the sun. There was probably less than a tenth of the people on the beach for normal warm days; but most of the women were wearing bikini swim suits; however when the clouds would block the sun they would quickly cover up against the light chill of the wind. There were the ever present sea gulls and other beach muchers. It was nice on the beach; then we walked the length of the beach, making our way through the crowds of French Canadians; and we ate at one of the old beach open restaurants. We’ve been going to the Hollywood beach for over thirty years, and always notice all of the changes . . . but the French Canadians are a constant in the winter time. And there is a rather diverse crowd of people for “people watching”. The beaches always have their “resident characters” too.
South Florida is an enjoyable place to live. There is such a difference between South Beach in Miami versus Ft Lauderdale beach, Hollywood beach or the option of places like small towns like Delray beach, Pompano or even West Palm beach. We’ve considered buying a condo on the beach for weekend getaways; but it seems more practical to just rent a place for an occasional getaway; and then one has an option of going to different beaches.
So,whether it is going to the circus or to the beaches, it is all there for one to take advantage of and to enjoy. It just takes the effort to get out and to do it. At our ages and time in life, while we are able to get out and enjoy all of this at our leisure. Life is mostly what we make of it, huh?
Thank you David for your detailed comment, which you write with acute observatory skill, in so much as it impacts your own community. One could certainly say that life is a beach or circus! I heartedly agree! Regardless of where we live, there are opportunities to be a kid again!
South Florida sounds like an ideal environment, not only for the wonderful climate, but the entertainment venues that are there for all who care to see the fun side of living!
I wish I could have gone to the circus with you and Amee’. I will go to the very next one near us just to be a child again. What fun. Thank you for that great idea.
We are expecting SNOW in Destin tonight. Can you believe that?
Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter.
Hugs, KK
Gosh KK . . . snow in Destin tonight? . . . I just returned from running a few errands and it is 86 degrees in Miami right now. Big differences in weather in north and south Florida. (So, where do the circuses “winter”?)
David
Thank you KK! You would have been a lot of fun to take to the cirque d’hiver. You already have a very upbeat and expressive personality that is perfect to bringing out the best in others!
Snow in Destin, just does not register as even probable. If there are any snowflakes, please try to capture the scene, as I would love to see the sand dunes and sand oats dusted in snow! Heavens, it is warmer here in Paris than Destin! Keep us updated. Hugs