Teen Talk

Discover Danguir Troupe circus’ magic

The stunts performed on the tightrope are one of the most admired circus’ acts. The dangerous moves done at about 40 feet high capture the audience’s attention like no other. With the arrival of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey newest season, we had the opportunity to talk with Mostafa Danguir, leader of the Danguir Troupe. In this interview you get a feel of the magic of being part of a circus and perhaps even get inspired to have a themed Quince party.

Unlike many performers who have learned their tricks from their ancestors through secrets kept generation after generation, Mostafa Danguir was not born in a circus family. However, this Moroccan native knew from an early age his passion was the circus and his objective was to become a funambulist.

¿What is a funambulist?

A funambulist is an acrobat who performs on a tightrope or wire, those who defy gravity. The thrill of danger motivated Mostafa into joining the most recognized circus school in Spain when he was only 14 years old. He began studying trapezius exercises but was soon inclined to bigger stirs and due to his amazing abilities he became part of a troop of acrobats from 1996 to 1998.

Once he felt it was time to be independent, he trained his brother Abdelhak and his friend Acharf, with whom he created a completely original acrobatic show. Later, Elena Escaleras, then girlfriend now Addelhak’s wife, joined the group. A little bit after, Anna Lebedeva, a Russian and 10th generation acrobat, married Mostafa. Their powerhouse team was complete and now the Danguir Troupe, as they called themselves, is in Los Angeles with the 141 edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® and their new show: “Fully Charged”.

To become a circus performer

“Most people who perform at circuses, learn from their parents, grandparents and other family members. As for me, it was my passion for the circus what drove me to join a circus school, wanting to become a professional.” Says Mostafa. “I dreamt of joining a real circus since I was a kid. I am Moroccan and I moved to Spain in order to train myself to be part of the circus and after learning I taught my brother and friends, even my girlfriend. I have been part of this world because I love it, and not because I had to do it. It is what I chose in life, and to this moment I have done everything there is to be done at a circus and have even reached several records.”

An act that gives goosebumps

Mostafa Danguir has broken several world records on the tightrope, including crossing the football stadium Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain. He crossed a distance of a mile at about 540 feet high with his motorcycle on the tightrope from the top of the Gran Hotel Bali to the top of the church of San Jaime in the Spanish spa of Benidorm. He also crossed a distance of 1,150 feet between 2 mountains in New York and crossed Germany’s famous plaza, Alexanderplatz.

Concentration is what is most important for an acrobat, learning how to properly land and think of standing on a wire instinctively. After being part of some of the biggest circus in Europe, Danguir Troupe is part of the Ringling Bros, which to performers is worth “what Hollywood is to actors”, affirms Mostafa. “It is the biggest act in the world, the biggest opportunity to showcase your work in major cities within the United States and be part of the long history of the Ringling Bros”.

A circus inspired Quinceañera

If you are into the circus’ magic, this can be an excellent opportunity to get inspiration for your Quince party. Antique posters, banners and circus illustrations can be of great use as invitations, decorative accessories and party favors.

You can wear a circus costume or perform a magic trick instead of doing a surprised choreographed dance. Add fun to your party by having a carousel for your guests to ride, a photo booth to snap circus themed pictures, or even having a gypsy to read everyone’s fortune.

Lighting is extremely important, especially for a circus themed party, you can go beyond by choosing a venue with a bit of circus inspiration such as a carnival lot which will set the right mood without having to go out of your budget in decoration or fun.

Meanwhile, don’t miss the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey dates in Los Angeles, Orange County and Inland Empire performing their newest show “Fully Charged”, from July the 20th until August the 14th